Tropical Plant International Expo Canceled
November 24, 2020 
Note: Photo from a previous TPIE event
The Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) announced that it is canceling the 2021 Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE), which had been scheduled to take place as a live event Jan. 20-22, 2021 in Tampa, FL.
Show organizers from FNGLA say that while they wanted to make it happen, it was no longer feasible to hold the annual industry trade show with coronavirus numbers dramatically spiking, and exhibitor and buyer participation in TPIE became increasingly questionable. It is also challenging for many international buyers and exhibitors to travel to the U.S., and many corporate buyers remain on travel restrictions.
The next TPIE will be held in Tampa on Jan. 19-21, 2022.
“We knew a level of unease would get in the way of face-to-face business meetings and in-person networking,” says Linda Adams, TPIE Show Manager and FNGLA’s Chief Operating Officer “With so many enthusiastic TPIE exhibitors and attendees, cancellation is a big disappointment, yet FNGLA appreciates everyone’s understanding of this final decision.”
FNGLA will soon send out information to exhibitors and supporters on several meaningful ways to keep the TPIE connection between buyers and exhibitors strong and active, especially at a time when interior and tropical plant demand is so high. Attendees who pre-registered for TPIE will be refunded automatically.
There is some good news: TPIE still plans to deliver the TPIE Opening Session with Max Luthy in a digital format, as well as the educational sessions that were to take place at the show. TPIE will continue to serve as a conduit between buyers and exhibitors, offering targeted information on plant availability, showcasing exhibitors and their plants and products, and more. Stay tuned for details about when and how to participate.
“Salutes go to our amazing 2021 TPIE exhibitors and sponsors for their continuing generosity and unwavering commitment to FNGLA,” says Martin Hackney, FNGLA president. “And, a special tip of FNGLA’s cap to our TPIE Committee volunteer leaders and FNGLA professional staff, all of whom once again poured their hearts and souls into building what would have been a phenomenally successful international show.”
Go to tpie.org for continued updates.
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