How to Prepare to Exhibit at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026: Tips for Exhibitors

If you’re in the produce and floral industry, there’s no better place for you than the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026. With over 20,000 professionals from more than 70 countries, this premier convention and expo offers global connections, consumer insights and innovative business solutions to fuel the future of the industry.

Learn more about the Global Produce & Floral Show and find out how your attendance can gain exposure for your business.

About the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026

The Global Produce & Floral Show (formerly PMA Fresh Summit) is the world’s largest fresh produce and floral expo. Everyone from seed companies and growers, exporters and importers, wholesalers and retailers and the packing, transporting and technology companies in the industry are in attendance, creating unrivaled opportunities for networking.

This diverse marketplace boasts over 1,000 exhibitors, more than 3,500 buyers and 20,000+ attendees from over 70 countries for opportunities for collaboration, connections and communication.

Here are some metrics from recent shows:

• 81% of exhibitors agreed that the quality of leads increased or remained steady.
• 72% of exhibitors agreed that the quantity of leads increased or remained steady.
• 82% of attendees directly influence the purchasing process.
• 34% of retailers plan to buy product or services they saw at the show.
• 36% of attendees were top management personnel.
• 38% of attendees were final purchase decision-makers.

Attendees come to meet and connect with:

• Grower-shippers and processors of fresh floral and produce.
• Suppliers of flowers and plants.
• Sellers of value-added commodities, natural foods and organics.
• Solution providers for packaging, traceability, labeling, food safety and more.
• Technology providers, sustainability-focused businesses, and innovation leaders.
• Associations, government agencies and universities.

The IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show takes place from October 15-17, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

About the International Fresh Produce Association

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) was formed in 2022 when the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) merged with United Fresh to create the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain. IFPA exists to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all.

IFPA offers industry solutions to enhance members’ profitability, including valuable business connections and educational opportunities. It also serves as a growing talent center, providing industry-specific solutions to attract, develop and retain talent within the industry.

Preparing to Exhibit at IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026

With so much potential at the Global Show, it’s important to stand out. Based on current booth competition judging criteria, here are critical elements that help exhibitors succeed:

Attraction: Make Your Booth Stand Out

• Eye-catching graphics and design: Use clean, minimalist branding with focused color schemes to stand out in crowded halls. High-impact graphics with clear visual hierarchy draw attendees from across the expo floor.
• Creative layouts: Put your products in the forefront with innovative booth displays. Consider biophilic design elements (plants, natural materials) to reinforce your “fresh” brand image.
• Lighting: Strategic lighting helps your booth stand out from across the room and can highlight important messages, products or activities. Energy-efficient LED lighting is both practical and demonstrates sustainability commitment.
• Interactive elements: Incorporate digital displays, touchscreens, or even AR/VR experiences to showcase products or provide virtual farm tours. Allow attendees to see, touch, smell and taste your products whenever possible.
• Sustainability features: Use recycled or renewable materials and highlight eco-friendly practices. Judges specifically look for sustainable booth construction and messaging.

Messaging: Communicate Your Value

• Clear brand identity: Even if you already have an established brand, the trade show is a great opportunity to remind current and potential customers why you’re the best at what you do and show them what makes you different.
• Readable copy: Benefit statements in your marketing materials will make attendees want to stop and chat with you. Easy-to-read copy that shows your potential customers how you can fix a problem or save them money makes it more likely that they’ll take the time to talk to you.
• Effective signage: Logos and signage should clearly communicate your company’s identity. Use hierarchy in your graphics to guide visitors through your key messages.
• Product integration: Integrate your products throughout your messaging and design to create a cohesive brand experience.

Staff: Engage Visitors Professionally

• Identifiable staff: Company name tags, matching attire and logo clothing make your booth staff more approachable and provide a polished look to the exhibit. It also helps your staff stand out, especially if your booth is in a crowded area.
• Active engagement: Encourage your staff to approach visitors and convey an open, inviting stance. Proactive, professional booth teams that engage visitors are essential for success.
• Product knowledge: If possible, have a company representative near the hired staff to engage with visitors and answer detailed questions about your products.
• Professional behavior: It’s a good idea to avoid too much conversation between employees or too much time on a cell phone.

Additional Success Tactics

• Digital engagement tools: Use QR codes for touchless engagement and lead capture. These help facilitate follow-up and demonstrate tech-savvy practices.
• Product demonstrations: Live demos or product tastings create memorable experiences and let attendees experience your products firsthand.
• Multi-sensory experiences: Consider using scents (fresh fruit aroma), sounds (ambient farm audio), and touchable displays to engage attendees and make your booth memorable.

These elements align with the show’s judging criteria for the Expo Awards, which include categories like Best Inline Booth, Best Island Booth (in each segment), Best First-Time Exhibitor, Best Product Promo, and Best Sustainable Packaging.

For more help, download our free Trade Show Preparation Guide!

Make the Most of Your Experience With Xibit Solutions

If you’re in the produce or floral industry, the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show 2026 is a must-attend event for your business. With 20,000+ attendees and top decision-makers on the expo floor and contests offering exposure and growth, it’s vital to craft a booth experience that attracts as many visitors as possible to your booth.

At Xibit Solutions, we have a top-notch team with over 20 years of experience helping business owners create a show-stopping booth experience at trade shows. From planning out a memorable booth with space-saving options to designing custom graphics to showcase products, Xibit Solutions offers a range of options for your trade show appearance. Let us handle the logistics and take the stress out of the experience so that you can focus on preparing your products and staff to shine. Contact us to learn more about our trade show services!