Hello, I’m Annie, CEO of Sweetie-Roses in China. Over the past 16 years, I’ve visited numerous preserved flower gifts exhibitions worldwide to learn about global floral trends, connect with potential partners, and refine our manufacturing and design processes.
In my experience, there’s a huge difference between searching for suppliers online and meeting them in person at a tradeshow. Sure, the internet is a convenient tool, but it’s often face-to-face conversations that yield the deepest insights—especially when you’re dealing with something as tactile, delicate, and artful as preserved flowers. You get to see, touch, and smell the products right then and there (yes, preserved flowers often have very subtle scents!), and you get a sense of a potential supplier’s craftsmanship, quality control, and reliability.
If you’re a preserved flower gift operator—perhaps sourcing manager, a buyer for an e-commerce store, or the CEO of your own brand—this article is for you. Below, I’ve compiled a list of key exhibitions around the world. Some of these focus specifically on floristry; others cater to a broader gift or home décor market. Whichever the case, these events can be gold mines for forging relationships and unearthing new business ideas.
Whenever possible, I’ve included relevant details such as typical event dates, locations, and official links (or a reference to where you can find updated information). Also, please note that exact dates can shift from year to year, so I highly recommend checking each event’s official website before you start booking flights. Let’s get started!
1. Interflora International Floristry Exhibition
Time: Annually in different months (often in late spring)
Location: Rotating venues in Europe (sometimes in the UK or other European countries)
Why It’s Suitable:
I first heard about the Interflora International Floristry Exhibition about a decade ago, and it’s held a special place in my heart ever since. While it has a strong focus on traditional floristry, there are always a few companies showcasing innovative preserved and dried floral designs.
Official Link: Interflora
2. World of Flowers (Guangzhou, China)
Time: Typically held in the second half of the year (often around August or September)
Location: Guangzhou, China
Why It’s Suitable:
China is a global leader in preserved flower production, and Guangzhou is a major hub for floristry and horticultural exhibitions. World of Flowers brings together local and international suppliers of everything from fresh-cut flowers to preserved blooms and related floral accessories. For a preserved flower gift operator seeking reliable, large-scale manufacturers, this fair is a prime opportunity to meet factories directly—often with significant cost advantages and the capability to customize.
Official Link: World of Flowers – Guangzhou
3. International Floriculture Expo
Time: Usually around June each year
Location: Various major U.S. cities (recently in Miami, Florida)
Why It’s Suitable:
If you’re aiming at the North American market, the International Floriculture Expo is one of the top floriculture trade events. While fresh flowers typically dominate the expo, but as large retailers (like supermarkets and big-box stores) recognize the value and convenience of preserved flowers, you’ll find more specialized pavilions focusing on “long-lasting blooms,” and you can connect directly with suppliers from across the globe.
Official Link: International Floriculture Expo
4. The Chelsea Flower Show (London, UK)
Time: Annually in May
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, United Kingdom
Why It’s Suitable:
Organized by the Royal Horticultural Society, The Chelsea Flower Show is the iconic flower show in the UK. Although it leans heavily toward fresh floral installations and garden landscapes, preserved flower gift operators can still glean invaluable design inspiration.
Official Link: RHS Chelsea Flower Show
5. Philadelphia Flower Show (USA)
Time: Annually, typically late winter/early spring (February–March)
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Why It’s Suitable:
The Philadelphia Flower Show, organized by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, is known for its massive indoor garden displays and is one of the oldest and largest horticultural events in the United States. While the focus is on horticulture and landscape design, you’ll occasionally find smaller exhibits or booths featuring preserved flowers, especially from local florists or craftspeople.
I personally find it useful to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show when I want to gauge consumer trends in the United States. Because it’s open to the public, you can observe visitor reactions—what do they gravitate towards? Which color schemes do they find most appealing? This kind of direct consumer insight can be priceless.
Official Link: Philadelphia Flower Show
6. Singapore Garden Festival (Singapore)
Time: Biennially (every two years), usually around July or August
Location: Gardens by the Bay or other prime venues in Singapore
Why It’s Suitable:
Singapore is a melting pot of diverse cultures, and the Singapore Garden Festival reflects that in its exhibit designs and floral artistry. If you’re thinking about Southeast Asian markets, this festival is a gateway to meeting key players in the region, some of whom might be interested in distributing or co-branding your preserved flower gifts.
Official Link: Singapore Garden Festival
7. Ambiente (Frankfurt, Germany)
Time: Annually in February
Location: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
Why It’s Suitable:
Though Ambiente is predominantly a consumer goods exhibition focused on dining, living, and giving, it’s a great place to find gift packaging solutions, home décor trends, and potential distribution channels for your preserved flowers in the European market. In recent years, I’ve spotted more booths related to artificial and preserved florals.
Official Link: Ambiente
8. Maison & Objet (Paris, France)
Time: Twice a year (January and September)
Location: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris, France
Why It’s Suitable:
Maison & Objet is one of the world’s leading events for interior design, home décor, and gifts. If you’re catering to a clientele that values cutting-edge design and haute couture aesthetics, this show can be a game-changer. Even though the main focus isn’t exclusively flowers, you’ll find incredible inspiration for how preserved flowers can integrate into luxury home décor.
Official Link: Maison & Objet
9. International Home + Housewares Show (Chicago, USA)
Time: Annually in March
Location: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Why It’s Suitable:
Also referred to as The Inspired Home Show in some circles, this event is a top-tier destination for everything related to home goods. You might wonder, “Why attend a housewares show for preserved flowers?” In reality, many gift shops, big-box retailers, and e-commerce buyers attend to find cross-selling opportunities—and that often includes decorative items like preserved flower gifts.
Official Link: The Inspired Home Show
10. The Inspired Home Show (UK)
(Note: The Inspired Home Show typically is hosted in Chicago, but some spin-off events or related conferences might take place in the UK. Double-check event details.)
Time & Location: Varies; check official site for details
Why It’s Suitable:
For UK-based gift or homeware operators who can’t make it to Chicago, keep an eye on related UK events or pop-up showcases under The Inspired Home brand. You’ll likely run into international exhibitors who present innovative home décor items, sometimes including preserved floral pieces.
Official Link: The Inspired Home Show (UK) (Same main portal; look for region-specific events.)
11. Salone del Mobile (Milan, Italy)
Time: Annually in April
Location: Rho Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy
Why It’s Suitable:
Italy’s Salone del Mobile is the global stage for high-end furniture and interior design. Although flowers aren’t the main focus, you’ll see plenty of showroom setups incorporating floral décor—including preserved flowers. Interior designers often prefer maintenance-free options for staging showrooms, hotels, or offices. If you’re eyeing the premium market segment, establishing relationships here can be a key differentiator.
Official Link: Salone del Mobile
12. High Point Market (USA)
Time: Twice a year (Spring and Fall)
Location: High Point, North Carolina, USA
Why It’s Suitable:
High Point Market is famously known as the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. Many exhibitors use preserved flowers for styling showrooms—and some even sell them as part of their décor packages. If you’re aiming to partner with furniture retailers or interior design firms that want to bundle flower gifts with their home setups, this is a prime event.
Official Link: High Point Market
13. Tokyo Designers Week (Japan)
Time: Annually in the fall (dates can vary)
Location: Various venues in Tokyo, Japan
Why It’s Suitable:
Japan’s design scene is renowned for its innovative minimalism and exacting quality standards. Preserved flowers fit well into the Japanese ethos of beauty in simplicity, especially with the ongoing popularity of ikebana-inspired displays. If you want to witness cutting-edge design concepts or meet local distributors who value precision and perfection, Tokyo Designers Week is a fantastic platform.
Official Link: Tokyo Designers Week
14. American Craft Council Shows (Various Locations, USA)
Time & Location: Multiple times a year in cities like Baltimore, Atlanta, St. Paul, San Francisco
Why It’s Suitable:
If you’re aiming to connect with small retailers, boutique owners, or independent artisans who might be interested in unique preserved floral gifts, the American Craft Council Shows are ideal. While these shows are often associated with handmade crafts—think pottery, jewelry, textiles—you’ll also find artisanal floral creations.
Official Link: American Craft Council
15. Crafts Council Shows (UK)
Time & Location: Various times a year, mostly in London and other major UK cities
Why It’s Suitable:
The UK’s Crafts Council organizes shows that celebrate artistry and innovation. Preserved flower gift suppliers can find potential partners among exhibitors who produce luxury crafts—like hand-blown glass or bespoke furniture—and want to add a floral accent piece to their offerings.
Official Link: Crafts Council
16. The National Stationery Show (New York, USA)
Time: Usually in the spring (around May)
Location: Javits Center, New York City, USA
Why It’s Suitable:
You might be thinking, “Stationery show? How does that relate to preserved flowers?” Well, many stationery and gift retailers overlap heavily in their product offerings. These shops often sell greeting cards alongside small gift items—like our preserved flower gift boxes. It’s a great place to meet store owners who are open to complementary product lines.
I’ve had success offering mini preserved flower bouquets that come with matching cards—an all-in-one gift set that stationary retailers loved.
Official Link: National Stationery Show
17. Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market (Atlanta, USA)
Time: Multiple shows year-round (major events in January and July)
Location: AmericasMart Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Why It’s Suitable:
This is one of the largest gift and home décor markets in the United States, making it a top spot for meeting wholesalers, retailers, and designers. Preserved flowers often feature in the home décor sections, and you can network with major buying groups who might be looking for large-volume or chain-store deals.
Official Link: Atlanta Market
18. China International Gifts & Premium Fair (CIGP)
Time: Annually in late October
Location: Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, Shenzhen, China
Why It’s Suitable:
As the name implies, CIGP focuses on the gifts and premium sector, which naturally includes preserved flower gifts. Since China has a robust production base for preserved flowers, you’ll find numerous manufacturers offering competitive pricing and a wide range of customization options.
Official Link: China (Shenzhen) International Gifts & Home Fair
19. World Gift Exhibition (Hong Kong)
Time: Often held in April or October (timed with other Hong Kong trade fairs)
Location: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Why It’s Suitable:
Hong Kong is a global business hub, making this exhibition an ideal meeting ground for suppliers, buyers, and distributors from all over the world. The World Gift Exhibition typically covers a broad range of gift items, so you’ll see everything from tech gadgets to floral décor. But the advantage is the international traffic—meaning you can strike deals not just in Asia but also in North America, Europe, and beyond.
Official Link: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
20. Gift & Home Trade Show (Various Locations, USA)
Time & Location: Held throughout the year in major cities like Dallas, Las Vegas, New York
Why It’s Suitable:
These Gift & Home Trade Shows focus on seasonal gifts, holiday trends, and everyday décor items. For preserved flower gift operators, that means ample chances to showcase new designs that fit the latest seasonal trends. If you’re targeting big holiday seasons—Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas—these shows allow you to connect with US buyers who plan their inventory far in advance.
Official Link: Varies by city, for example:
21. Global Gift Expo (London, UK)
Time: Changes year to year, often in the fall
Location: ExCeL London or Olympia London
Why It’s Suitable:
Global Gift Expo is a newer player among gift trade shows, but it’s quickly gaining traction in Europe. With a strong emphasis on international exhibitors and new product launches, you’ll have the chance to pitch your preserved flower gifts to UK and EU retailers who want something fresh and appealing.
Official Link: Check ExCeL London’s Exhibition Calendar or Olympia London’s Events List for announcements.
22. The Wedding Expo (Various Locations, USA)
Time: Year-round in different cities (like Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Chicago)
Why It’s Suitable:
If your preserved flower gifts target weddings—such as bridal bouquets, centerpieces, or wedding favors—then wedding expos are a no-brainer. You’ll meet wedding planners, brides, boutique owners, and event designers who love the idea of flowers that last well beyond the wedding day.
Official Link: Varies by city (e.g., The Wedding Expo is a known brand; check local US events as well.)
23. Bridal Extravaganza (UK and Australia)
Time & Location: Hosted at different times; frequently in major cities in the UK and Australia
Why It’s Suitable:
Similar to the US Wedding Expos, Bridal Extravaganza events in the UK and Australia are large-scale exhibitions focusing on everything a bride (or groom) might need. Preserved flowers are ideal for couples wanting a keepsake they can cherish.
Official Link:
- UK: Bridal Extravaganza Show
- Australia: Search for local events in major cities
28. RHS Chelsea Flower Show (London, UK)
(Note: This is essentially the same as “The Chelsea Flower Show” discussed above, run by the Royal Horticultural Society.)
Time: Late May
Location: Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, UK
Why It’s Suitable:
As mentioned, this is the premier flower show in the UK, offering exquisite floral displays and cutting-edge garden design. Even though it predominantly highlights fresh florals and horticulture, you can leverage insights into the British consumer mindset—what’s trending, what’s seen as luxurious, and how sustainability is being integrated into floristry.
Official Link: RHS Chelsea Flower Show
29. Christmas Markets (Various Locations Worldwide)
Time: Typically November–December
Locations: Major cities in Europe (e.g., Germany, Austria, UK), the USA, Canada, and beyond
Why It’s Suitable:
Christmas markets may not be traditional trade fairs, but they’re excellent for understanding seasonal trends and meeting local artisans, shop owners, and holiday décor buyers. In many European Christmas markets, I’ve seen quite a few booths offering preserved flower ornaments or gift sets. This is a fantastic environment for testing holiday-specific products, gathering consumer feedback, and forging direct B2B or B2C relationships.
Official Link: Varies by city; for Germany, check Germany Christmas Markets
Conclusion
Whew, that was quite a tour, wasn’t it? Looking back, I’m reminded how each exhibition has its own flavor, audience, and takeaways. Some fairs, like the International Floriculture Expo or World of Flowers (Guangzhou), are more directly aligned with floriculture, ensuring you’ll meet specialists in the flower industry. Others, such as Maison & Objet or Ambiente, focus on a broader lifestyle and home décor market—offering a wide scope of design inspiration and potential cross-selling opportunities. And still others, like wedding expos or gift shows, allow you to target niche segments (bridal, holiday, etc.) where preserved flowers can be a star product.
Personally, I recommend creating a yearly exhibition calendar—one that outlines potential must-attend events based on your geographical focus, seasonal product launches, and corporate growth strategy. Keep in mind:
- Budget: Some shows can be expensive to attend, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
- Timing: Align your attendance with your product development and shipping cycles.
- Market Focus: If you’re big in Europe, then focusing on London, Paris, and Frankfurt shows makes sense. If the U.S. is your target, look at Chicago, Atlanta, High Point, and Las Vegas.
- Objective: Are you seeking design inspiration, raw suppliers, or wholesale buyers? Different expos offer different networking opportunities.
From my 16 years in this industry, I’ve learned that face-to-face connections open doors that might otherwise remain closed. When you meet someone in person, you can truly gauge their passion, product quality, and business ethos—helping you develop trust that’s critical for a lasting partnership. Beyond the tradeshow floors, many of my best business relationships (and friendships) have been solidified over coffee breaks, late-night dinners, and impromptu brainstorming sessions in hotel lobbies.
I hope this guide helps you navigate the world of exhibitions for preserved flower gift operators. Remember, sometimes the most unexpected places—like a housewares or craft fair—may yield the biggest breakthroughs. Keep an open mind, plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to start conversations. You never know what new ideas or partnerships might blossom (pun intended).
Thank you for reading, and I wish you the best of luck as you explore these events. If you have any questions, I’m always here to share more insights. Reach out to me at info@sweetie-roses.com or visit www.sweetie-roses.com to learn more about what we do. Let’s continue growing the preserved flower industry together, one show at a time!
—Annie, CEO of Sweetie-Roses
