first orchid show this weekend--advice??

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by AnonYMouse

OK. In perspective now. I wasn't thinking about the society but as a huge retail event.

I suspect a big chunk of the fee goes toward the cost of venue.

Absolutely correct on both points. The bigger the show, the higher the cost in venue rental and in publicity to draw the public gate. Some just get too big for their membership and pass it on to a paid entity to manage with members acting as volunteers, as SFOS has done. There is also a point where the entry/parking cost combined becomes too high for the value many people perceive they get for viewing the show and the "privilege of buying an orchid".

Unfortunately, POE has no control of the parking expense but the answer to high parking fees is to carpool if at all possible.

There are many other small orchid shows in the Bay Area which charge little if anything to attend, but they do not have as many vendors.

[AnonYMouse]

Fort Mason parking is amazingly cheap if you can get a spot or a nice short walk from the Marina Green.

The admission price will be for the pleasure of viewing all the stalls and tables. The reason I wasn't planning on going is I actually don't have anything specific I want, nothing on my wish list (*hears all the gasps*). Other than something to fill the visual gap until the next thing blooms, I have no criteria.

Ah heck, I'm going (I think). Thousands of orchids to view, a nice afternoon along the water, dinner on Chestnut street.

[quiltergal]

I will also be attending POE. I have pre-ordered Phal. equestris 'Orange' as the one I had recently died. Most of the vendors there will do pre-orders if you are looking for something specific. My friend and I are doing the weekend pass which also includes the Thursday evening gala. I have not attended before so this should be fun.

I am refining my collection so plan to really try and restrain myself. I know at the very least I will stick to the genre that I have decided I am most interested in.

[ALToronto]

I have an orchid show coming up as well, and my dilemma is - should I go early, on Saturday, to get the best selection, or late on Sunday, to get the best deals on the leftovers. Hmmmm.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

I have an orchid show coming up as well, and my dilemma is - should I go early, on Saturday, to get the best selection, or late on Sunday, to get the best deals on the leftovers. Hmmmm.

I would go early! I always find myself wishing I had been there the first day! The really cool stuff is always gone by the last day! But I'm at a point where I won't just buy anything. If you like the more common things or mericloned plants then maybe Sunday would be better.

[Leafmite]

The two I attended last year in Ohio were (still are) completely free: free parking and free admittance. The Pittsburgh show is also free...the parking might be metered, though...still incredibly cool. The Cleveland show is at the botonical gardens: $9.50 admission...family of four...we shall pass. I'd rather spend the money on orchids or other plants!

[Call_Me_Bob]

The orchid show my society hosts is and was always free. The only one I have paid for is the SEPOS show that used to me at Longwood Gardens. The show itself was free, but you have to pay admission to Longwood. Longwood is worth it though!

[Rowangreen]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

I have an orchid show coming up as well, and my dilemma is - should I go early, on Saturday, to get the best selection, or late on Sunday, to get the best deals on the leftovers. Hmmmm.

I'm lucky being near to the RHS London Orchid Show. If you buy a ticket for the preview evening it includes free entry on another day, so I'll be doing first and last day!

If you want anything that's on an actual display then you might have to wait till the end to get it... society displays aren't for sale of course, and usually not the big specemins, but the traders are often willing to sell off a lot of the display plants. You just reserve them earlier.

[cbuchman]

Couple of random thoughts to add:

Go early for the best vendor selection. Many vendors do not reduce their prices on the last day. Many shows use local vendors and they typically will not reduce prices because they don't have any shipping costs. And remember that vendors will be happy to hold your selection for a few hours which allows you to see if the same orchid is available for less or a better specimen is out there before you buy.

It never hurts to ask if AOS membership will give you free admission. This isn't always posted. I found out on a recent trip to California that my AOS membership would have gotten me into the Huntington Gardens for free and saved me $20!

Also ask vendors if they give a discount to AOS members. Some do, most don't, but it never hurts to ask. The discount is usually 10%, which could save you enough to buy one more orchid! A 2 year membership yields a 30% off coupon for a select list of vendors, though the coupon has a limited life span.

Consider exhibiting plants in the show or clerking for the judging. This will give you free admission . I clerked for the first time recently and enjoyed it a lot. The judges were asking for the clerks opinions and had many teachable moments. It was great fun! If you want to volunteer, just contact the host Society.

[Im Just Saying]

I'm glad I found this thread (been on hiatus for awhile), I will also be attending my first orchid show in 3 weeks and now I'm a bit nervous... After a rough summer last year I lost 7 of my 9 phals through various mistakes of mine and my dear husband whom attempted to care for them while I was out of town. Now that I have kept 2 alive and growing (believe it or not, I know I'm shocked too haha) for almost a year I want to add a couple more to my sad collection. Hence my nervousness...

So big orchid show + no new orchids in over 9 months + sad collection + weekend I get paid + orchid-aholic = I'm not sure but can't be good OR awesomeness

On a serious note any suggestions for dendrobiums or oncidiums for someone wanting to branch into something new? i.e. Something hardy and forgiving? Or is that too much to hope for?