I'm just back from Tamiami 2018. It is an enormous show. There were numerous Asian and South American vendors, as well as US. People sold many hot, warm, intermediate, cool and cold-growing orchids. There were many hybrids and many species. There were tiny miniatures up to 8 foot / 2.4m Vandas.
$12 admission per day. Loads of free parking at the convention center. USDA inspectors were on hand for phytos. I don't know about CITES permits. Food and beverage were inside the building - soft drinks, 10 craft brews, a full bar. There is an ATM in the building with a very low daily limit and 10% plus fee.
Each vendor took payment for their own plants. Almost all Asian vendors took cash only. A few took cards. I think all the South American vendors were cash only. Most US vendors took cards.
Almost all the plants for sale were in excellent condition. Many plants were bare-root. Common and uncommon plants sold for typical prices you see on the Web at vendor sites. A few Florida vendors sold plants for very low prices. There were also available a lot of containers, baskets, hangers, mounting material, benches, structures, jewelry, photography, art. There were some non-orchid plants available, including from several well-known nurseries growing other kinds of plants.
Oh, there was a show, too. I saw at least 3 FCC/AOS.
I would think any plant lover would enjoy this show. I can't imagine any orchid grower jaded enough to find this boring. I attach a photo of the booth of a vendor of miniature mounted orchids.
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