Best/largest orchid show to attend in the U.S.? - Orchid Board

Orchidreamer · #1 02-21-2016, 05:27 PM

I've been growing orchids since 2003 and have only been to local shows, which were nice, but I've always wanted to attend a huge show. The more orchids and exhibits, the better. I don't know if some shows got worse, or if others got better, over the years. What's the best, largest show to attend in the U.S.? I can go anywhere within the country, willing to fly out just for the show, but it'll better be worth it.

The only ones I can think of off the top of my orchid is Redland or Santa Barbara. I'm looking for a good selection of orchid displays as well as vendors to buy orchids from.

My Green Pets · #2 02-21-2016, 05:46 PM

There was a show in Miami in January, Tamiami or something? Pretty big.

Leafmite · #3 02-21-2016, 05:50 PM

To be honest, I really don't know. Members of our OS travel down to Redlands and then attend the regional Conference. I think there are international conferences, too (HUGE SHOWS) in places like Singapore, Australia and Taiwan (it rotates).

The largest show in Ohio is the West Shore Orchid Society show in Strongsville Ohio but it is pretty small compared to what some of the other states offer.

I would think that the largest shows, with the most international vendors, would be in areas where orchids can be grown outside...Hawaii, Florida and Southern California.

estación seca · #4 02-21-2016, 06:01 PM

I have read and been told that the Pacific Orchid Expo is now the largest US orchid show.

Cym Ladye · #5 10-28-2017, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have read and been told that the Pacific Orchid Expo is now the largest US orchid show.

UPDATE: POE downsized dramatically this last year with a much smaller venue, and will keep the smaller size in 2018. 10-15 years ago it rivaled SBIOS in size and number of displays and vendors. Sadly, it is now half the size.

Orchidreamer · #6 01-08-2018, 06:31 PM

Thanks for the info, everyone!

I booked my flight tickets to LA and will spend a couple days there, visiting the SB show and other nurseries in the area. I definitely need my orchid fix, especially after a long winter.

Unfortunately Andy's isn't open for visits the week before the SB show so I won't be able to visit due to my schedule, as I am leaving right after the show. Bummer (I know they are so amazing). Guess I'll have to make do with seeing them at the show.

I'll be going to Sunset Valley Orchids though! Too bad Hatfield Orchids is permanent closed. I'll be definitely going to Cal Orchid + SBOE.

Do you guys think Norman's Orchids is worth visiting? They have some cool stuff on their website but I've never ordered from them due to the mixed reviews I've read, but I wonder if I visit in person, I can choose better plants? I don't know...

And if there are any other orchid nurseries I missed, let me know!

Roberta · #7 01-15-2018, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchidreamer

And if there are any other orchid nurseries I missed, let me know!

Just checked the SB orchid show website, and Hatfield is listed as a vendor. So you won't be able to visit the nursery but looks like he'll be selling plants (he does still grow them, but only sells at Yamada Co. about once a month, and clearly, at the show.)

isurus79 · #8 02-21-2016, 06:16 PM

I think Redlands and Tamiami are your best bet. I understand the Pacific Orchid Expo is cool, but you'll want to buy more at the two previous events I mentioned.

fishmom · #9 02-21-2016, 06:34 PM

Timing might matter too. The Pacific Orchid Expo is coming up next weekend. You can go to their website and see a list of vendors. There are quite a few Asian vendors, and over 50 in all.

I always enjoy the displays by vendors and clubs, which are terrific. However I have not been to another big show, so I'm not comparing. There are many good demos and tons of plants to buy.

SFOS

AnonYMouse · #10 02-21-2016, 06:58 PM

Probably, the big name vendors are at all the big shows (Andy's, Ten Shin, Ecuagenera, OLSO) so you might consider other factors.

Santa Barbara Orchid Estate doesn't do shows except their own. I don't think any of the big names in Florida come to POE (San Francisco) nor the midwest growers (Hausermanns, Orchids Limited). But POE gets Hengduan Mountains, Peruflora, Seed Engei, SVO, Carmela, H&R to name a few.

So it depends on what you want and how you want to spend your non-show time.