The Four Oaks Trade Show is always a highlight in the calendar and this year was no exception. MorePeople had a strong presence this year with Sarah, Brian, and Michail attending. They wanted to share their thoughts on this year's show;
This year's event brought some welcome changes for three-time attendee Sarah. Particularly, the new layout which made it easier to navigate with growers, suppliers, and importers all mixed together. Another highlight for her was the new networking area, which was buzzing with activity. She also noticed an increase in young professionals attending the event, both as visitors and exhibitors.
First-time attendee Michail, the show was the perfect opportunity to finally meet in person the people he usually communicates with via phone or email. The event was ideal for making new connections with people he hadn't yet crossed paths with.
One of the standout elements for both Brian and Sarah was the chance to reconnect with candidates they had previously placed in jobs. Meeting clients face-to-face helped strengthen relationships and gain a better understanding of their needs. Arguably, these personal connections were the most valuable aspect of the show.
The first day of the event was incredibly busy, while the second day was noticeably quieter. However, the overall foot traffic seemed similar to past years, with plenty of meaningful interactions happening across both days.
Sarah also attended a seminar on diversity and inclusion, which explored how businesses can create more open and supportive environments for their employees. Others came away with a clearer understanding of what companies are looking for in new talent, which will help them support the industry even better moving forward.
Despite the challenges facing the horticulture sector, like unpredictable weather and various business hurdles, the atmosphere at Four Oaks 2023 was positive. Many companies expressed a strong interest in finding new talent, which is a good sign for the future of the industry.
