IPM FAIR CUP 2017 BEARS THE MOTTO OF "UPCYCLING"

(BVE / FDF NRW) Turn old into new – Under the motto of "upcycling" the North Rhine-Westphalia State Trade Association of German Florists (FDF NRW) and the Federal Association of Retail Gardeners (BVE) in the Central Horticultural Association (ZVG) are appealing for candidates for the jointly organised IPM Fair Cup 2017.

The participants should revive and reconsider "old-fashioned" flowers, "outdated" plants and "obsolete" accessories. Retrocharm and modern aspects will complement each other in order to form something absolutely special. This will give them the possibility of creating a totally new look.

The IPM Fair Cup will focus on the spectrum of floristry and gardening achievements – combined with a large portion of creativity. The workpieces which implement the subject of "upcycling" best of all with free designing will be honoured in the "Bouquet", "Decorative Pot Plant" and "Tub Planting" categories. The participants in the competition will be given the chance to present themselves and their workpieces at the International Plant Fair IPM ESSEN in Essen from January 24 to 27, 2017. They will face up to the challenges of the combined competition, will measure themselves wits against each other and will get to know other participants from the green sector. Because the competition is the platform for the creative people in the sector.

No matter whether a gardener or a florist – anybody can take part in this competition and show what he/she can do. And the best thing: Involvement in the competition will be worthwhile, in particular, for up-and-coming florists and gardeners. Because the jury will also distinguish the best trainees in each category. Furthermore, the competitions will create a special appeal for all all-rounders. The multiple starter with the best score in two competitions will receive the coveted IPM Fair Cup. In addition to the attractive prize money, the combined winner will be able to utilise Messe Essen's challenge trophy to publicise himself/herself effectively in the media.

As far as the venue is concerned, the IPM Fair Cup 2017 will experience a premiere: For the first time, it will be staged in the Green City in Hall 1A! In the future, the visitors to the fair will therefore find the most important floral and gardening highlights in a summarised form in one hall and will thus save themselves long walking distances.

The IPM Fair Cup is being organised by FDF NRW and BVE and will be staged together with Messe Essen. The organisers are cordially inviting any interested people to submit their creations. The registration documents and the invitation to enter can be retrieved from www.bundesverband-einzelhandelsgaertner.de or www.floristik-nrw.de. One can contact the offices of FDF NRW by telephone: +49.(0)211.16653‑0 or of BVE by telephone: +49.(0)30.200065‑127. Registrations are being requested by January 11, 2017.