DALLAS–The Dallas Market Center and the American Floral Industry Association have extended their existing agreement through 2022, in effect keeping the major floral industry trade show in Dallas.
The new 13-year contract, which takes effect in 2009, solidifies AFIA’s commitment to Dallas as the national home of Christmas and permanent floral. The agreement specifies that AFIA will solely endorse the Holiday & Home Expo trade shows (held each January and June) and to promote the International Floral Gift Center as AFIA’s permanent home and headquarters. With additional floral showrooms in its World Trade Center and Trade Mart, DMC said it has the largest and most comprehensive collection of permanent botanicals in the world. Dallas Market Center developed and opened the IFGC in 1999 as a facility dedicated to AFIA member exhibitors. The IFGC offers more than 300,000 square feet of permanent showroom exhibit space, as well as adjacent temporary exhibits.
“After months of thorough research into other marketplaces, the AFIA board determined that Dallas was the only viable option for the continued growth and vitality of our industry,” said Ken Zutz, chairman of the AFIA board of trustees. “Dallas has continually demonstrated through the years that they are our strategic partner, and can provide the best venue for showcasing our product and conducting business.”
“We are very pleased to continue our productive association with AFIA,” said Bill Winsor, chief executive officer of the Dallas Market Center. “By working together, we have established a national home for the Christmas and permanent floral industry so that buying and selling can take place in an easy, convenient shopping venue in a central U.S. location.”
