One new element for this 50th Anniversary Show is the Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone. Organisers are working across the industry with exhibitors, associations, trade bodies and professional groups to deliver a mixed content section which will celebrate the traditions that have made the Four Oaks Trade Show such a valued and unique event in the horticultural calendar.
The Four Oaks Trade Show began in 1971 as an open evening held at the nursery (see attached pic) by the Coutts brothers to share the knowledge that they had discovered, through collaboration and innovation, with other growers. The pioneering brothers developed the growing of seedlings under lights in conjunction with the University of Manchester at Jodrell Bank and Norweb, the local electricity supplier.
From the beginning, the ethos was to share knowledge to enhance the success of the industry as a whole, and the show always featured a strong conference element. When the Coutts brothers were recognised in 1987 with the Norah Strucken Award (other pic attached) Stuart Coutts was quoted as saying “The information and ideas at Four Oaks are still free”. As the show moves into its next chapter, that is still very much the case and there seemed no more fitting a theme to celebrate for the 50th anniversary.
In the Educate, Collaborate & Innovate zone, exhibitor stands and delivered content will be co-located in a dedicated section of House E. The zone will provide opportunities for visitors and exhibitors alike to connect with associations, trade bodies and professional groups that represent all sections of horticulture offering a wealth of both business and professional support.
There will be a high-quality, free-to-attend programme of practical workshops and industry discussion that will be of interest to the whole spectrum of horticultural professionals who now attend the event. This will all be in addition to the hundreds of exhibitor stands selling a diverse range of plants, supplies, machinery and solutions – many planning special 50th show deals and promotions. Look out for more details to be confirmed in the Spring.
For more information please go to www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com