Covid-19 won't get GrootGroenPlus small

Influenced by the corona pandemic, the 30th edition of GrootGroenPlus, the international trade fair for arboriculture, was held digitally. From September 30 to October 2, as many as 156 participants presented their companies and products on a digital platform. Fifty participants provided a bonus by opening their companies during the fair. This first digital experiment can be considered particularly successful.

Fifteen engaging minutes each

First of all, the classic exhibitor profiles on the website were thoroughly expanded and the fair app received additional functionalities. Forty participants also supplied material for a short promotional film. The 'corona studio' in Zundert was provided daily with living greenery, supplied by the participants.

Two bilingual livestreams per day were broadcast from the studio, featuring interesting conversations and topics. Each livestream was limited to 15 minutes, so as not to interfere with viewers' work. Four digital corporate presentations were also streamed, as well as two explanatory films about the "sensory garden" and dying trees. The livestreams were viewed worldwide and welcomed guests from most European countries. The videos can also be viewed afterwards.

Familiar formula in new digital guise

The classic parts of the normal GGP fair were resumed in digital form. For example, various prizes were awarded: the Zunderts Groen Imago prize, the Jac Lodders Prize, the Jan van Dongen Prize and the Boomfeestdag label. 

The Zundert Green Image Prize was won by Lodders Boomkwekerijen from Wernhout. This prize was created by the municipality of Zundert as an incentive prize for the company that during GrootGroenPlus clearly shows in its stand the green image that Zundert strives for.

The Jac Lodders Prize for the best green 'digital stand' went to Boomkwekerijen Zundert. The Jan van Dongen Prize for the best supplier 'digital stand' was for the Nationale Boomfeestdag. Speaking on behalf of the jury, Corné de Vooght said, "The Nationale Boomfeestdag has made an inviting presentation, completely focused on its target audience."

An initial evaluation

The evaluation of a digital fair goes a little differently than usual. Normally, the final evaluation takes place after the accommodation is dismantled. Now, however, all exhibitor profiles, commercials, livestreams remain active permanently and the digital offer bank until November 30. Only then can a final report be made. Voting on the roadshow can also continue until November 30. Only after November 30 can people register for the next edition. In any case, the viewing figures of the various videos, the clicking on the exhibitor profiles and the visitors to the website already indicate an unusually high level of interest.

What about the 2021 edition?

It is the expressed hope of the organizers to host another physical fair from October 6 to 8, 2021. This year's digital innovations and 156 participants are already being carried over to the 2021 edition.