What orchid shows would you attend, if you could and why?
 

I have finished a big project and become unemployed, which is not all bad, in my case. My greenhouse has needed my attention, as the "plague" and rat eviction this summer indicated. Most of the wilt has been stifled please.gif, or at least I really hope so. Physan 20 really helped, so a big thank you to all who suggested it's use. :bowing Here I am with some free time on my hands, an old car, a sense of adventure and a serious case of orchiditis....:roll:. I have always wanted to attend the Chicagoland orchid show and the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate show and sale, but was wondering what shows you have attended or want to attend and why. Sorry, international (Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia) friends, my car won't make it to your suggested shows, but I would still love to know which ones you have enjoyed and why...maybe some day!! I might could attend a good Canadian or Mexican show, though....kinda depends on the old car. Thanks to all for any ideas.

for me, it would have to be...ALL OF THEM!!! :rofl: i havent been to anything other than local, but id love to!

One I'd love to go to is the RHS London Orchid show in March. I'm hoping to go there next year! If I was in the US, I'd love to go to the big Redlands Orchid Festival in FL.

I agree with Camille. I'd love to go the the Redlands show in FL. That's much closer to you than Santa Barbara! :lol: I've heard that the Pacific Orchid Expo in San Francisco is very good. I plan to go this year.

I would love to go to one of the Santa Barbara Orchid Festivals, and plan to someday when my transportation issues are resolved - it's a few hours away.
I have been to, and would definitely love to go again, the Pacific Orchid Exposition.
There is an Orchid Expo held in Japantown in San Jose - didn't get there this year because of car issues - I hope to be able to check it out next time - I don't know how big it is

Redlands for sure just because of the vendors who attend and I could also maybe meet some of the Florida OBer's

Longwood Gardens in southeastern PA, SE PA Orchid Society, 3/25/2011, has a great show and the gardens and landscaping are unbelievable.

I attended Chicagoland this past September and it really isn't much of anything.... Now don't take this wrong because many people do attend and enjoy this type of "open house" presentation. This is more of a tour of four commercial greenhouses with 3 or 4 additional vendors at each. Three of the four are rather far apart, like 20 to 30 min drive.

NYBG I understand puts on a very nice show.... Dorothy, of Blessed Memory, always attended and would get discounted group tickets for those who could attend and arrange for a tour. While I was never able to go, I'm sure it was something else.

There is also an International Orchid Show or something in Miami which should be a great place to see some beautiful flowers. I may be somewhat confused, not unusual for me, but I may be thinking of the World Orchid Conference which is 11/14~23/2011 in Singapore.... road trip anyone?

This is a listing from the AOS of shows throughout the country. Keep in mind that the information contained on this list changes from time to time, so you have to check back for additions, etc. AOS | Show Schedule

The only show I have attended so far is Chicagoland. I liked because it gives an option to pick unstressed and undamaged plants right from growers. I also liked quest vendors. All the plants I bought were in excellent condition and I am very happy with them.
I would like to go to Redlands but I am usually too busy at work at that time and not able to time vacation.

I definately would love to go to Redlands in Homestead, FL. The weather during the time and the number of the vendors are really attractive.

I have been to the show in San Diego in March 2009. Besides the traffic I had to deal with, it was quite a show compared to the orchid shows I had experienced around Portland area.

I'm thinking of the RHS London Orchid show in March. Camille, it would be really good if we could get sorted to meet up there.

Another one in the UK is the Peterborough one in June. The Peterborough International Orchid Show is meant to be a good one from what I've heard from folks I've spoken to at other smaller shows. I'm aiming to get to that one next year.

For now whether I go or not depends on if my contract gets extended. For now I'm working at the university until mid february and if I don't get the extension that my boss wants, then I'll be in France in march... I'll keep you posted! With Easyjet it's really easy and cheap to get a flight from Amsterdam to go to London for a weekend. I'd probably spend more on orchids than on airfare!

I also heard that it's a very nice show, with lots of international vendors. New World Orchids goes there every year, so if you want Japanese orchids, that's the place to go! Shannan went once and I remember that she had a great time there.