SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 10, 2024 – The 15th IVG Garden Market Forum, held on November 5th, 2024, at the Maritim Hotel in Düsseldorf, brought together around 250 participants from the green industry to explore the multifaceted role of gardens in today's world.
Themed "Garden Connects," the forum emphasized how gardens have evolved beyond mere green spaces to become hubs for hobbies, recreation, and social connection.
Industry Insights and Trends
The event kicked off with a welcome address by John W. Herbert, Managing Director of EDRA/GHIN, who shared his career journey and insights into the evolution of the industry. He emphasized the importance of valuing employees, stating, "Respect every employee and show him how important he is. Because he is important."
Dr. Bettina Volkens, CEO & Co-Founder of great2know GmbH, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on capturing and preserving employee knowledge. She highlighted the challenge of retaining valuable insights when employees leave a company and introduced great2know's solution: a digital platform that creates a comprehensive "corporate memory."
Patricia Grundmann, Vice President Media & Retail Media at OBI & Managing Director of the OBI First Media Group, explored the growing trend of retail media in the home and garden sector. She discussed the advantages of retail media over traditional advertising, emphasizing its ability to reach customers across various channels with precise targeting.
The Garden in the Age of Social Media
Dr. Stefan Strauss, owner of STRAUSS MEDIA GmbH, provided a deep dive into the social media platform TikTok. He explored its history, unique features, demographics, and potential for brands and businesses.
Igor Josifovic-Kemper, co-founder of the Urban Jungle Bloggers, a popular online community for houseplant enthusiasts, shared the success story of their platform. He offered valuable tips for businesses to enhance their digital presence, including setting up online shops, creating unique hashtags, and actively engaging with their online community.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Industry
Dr. Philipp Hoog, Member of the Executive Board & Head of Strategy Consulting at BBE Handelsberatung GmbH, presented his insights on the "Retail of the Future." He highlighted emerging trends and opportunities for the green industry, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the changing landscape.
The forum also featured a session on the "New Generation Garden," showcasing innovative start-ups and successful generational transitions in established companies.
Artificial Intelligence and the Garden
Sascha Lobo, a renowned author, speaker, and digital entrepreneur, delivered a captivating presentation on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries, including the garden world. He emphasized the need for responsible development and implementation of AI to ensure positive outcomes.
Lobo also offered a glimpse into the future, predicting the integration of AI and robotics in gardens and landscapes, creating new opportunities and challenges for the industry.
The 15th IVG Garden Market Forum provided a comprehensive overview of the trends and innovations shaping the future of the garden industry. By bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, the event fostered valuable knowledge exchange and networking opportunities.