When will the next Orchid Show be held?????

[Roberta]

In California, at least for the major spring shows, not going to happen. San Francisco is looking at the possibility that something might be done in summer when they normally do a smaller sale (Orchids in the Park) but unless something changes and the venue (building at the Arboretum) becomes available for some reasonable number of people, even that is likely to stay on hold. Santa Barbara is still reeling from the cancellation last spring after everything was already set up - they're soliciting donations to hopefully be able to come back to life when things become normal at some time in the future... but they are certainly not going to take risks next spring... along with the health issues that are still very much around, they can't afford the financial risk of losing everything again. I don't know about the smaller spring shows, but most venues (public buildings and facilities) are not going to be available any time soon. There may be some open houses, but even those are dicey... Andy's Orchids had two open houses since the pandemic, the fall one is online, going on now. The risk is high, the logistics difficult to do anything in person anywhere. So don't hold your breath...

[Leafmite]

Our spring show (Greater Akron Orchid Society) has just been cancelled. Another one bites the dust....

[isurus79]

Here in Austin we have decided to totally abandon our 2021 show, which is typically in early February.

However, San Antonio is planning a January show at the botanical gardens as I type type this. I wonder if it will actually happen, especially if covid gets really bad and the City clamps down despite the society's (or certain members) desire to host the show.

[Fairorchids]

I was booked into 9 shows during the 2019/2020 season. The last 5 were cancelled.

Listening to the CDC, etc., and the time line for vaccine distribution, I do not anticipate any shows or orchid festivals till the 4th quarter of 2021 - and even that might be too optimistic.

In the Northeast, Marlow has announced that they are closing (as did Black Meadow & Woodstock). I know of one more nursery, that is likely to close, and yet another that is contemplating retirement. So, even when shows are allowed to start up again, they will be different.

Over the last few years, show table fees (what the vendors pay to participate) were rising to levels, that made it difficult for vendors to achieve a reasonable return on investment at the regional shows.

It might be time for show committees and vendors to sit down, and discuss formats & fees for future shows?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Fairorchids

I was booked into 9 shows during the 2019/2020 season. The last 5 were cancelled.

Listening to the CDC, etc., and the time line for vaccine distribution, I do not anticipate any shows or orchid festivals till the 4th quarter of 2021 - and even that might be too optimistic.

In the Northeast, Marlow has announced that they are closing (as did Black Meadow & Woodstock). I know of one more nursery, that is likely to close, and yet another that is contemplating retirement. So, even when shows are allowed to start up again, they will be different.

Over the last few years, show table fees (what the vendors pay to participate) were rising to levels, that made it difficult for vendors to achieve a reasonable return on investment at the regional shows.

It might be time for show committees and vendors to sit down, and discuss formats & fees for future shows?

Very interesting points! Our show committee puts the vendors above all else when planning. We moved our shows from March/April to February when a vendor told us his best sales were in February. Happy vendors making money keep shows thriving with plants for judging and sale plants that being big crowds. I’mkind of surprised other shows aren’t of the same mindset.