Expo Grow, Irun: A Brit's Perspective

After hearing good things about Expo Grow's debut last year, we were eager to check it out. Studying the website before we jetted off really got our juices flowing, particularly the prospect of a festival style atmosphere complete with indoor sky diving, skate ramps, food tents, the cream of the crop from the grow and seed industries and a late night gig from a certain reggae legend!

After hearing good things about Expo Grow’s debut last year, we were eager to check it out. Studying the website before we jetted off really got our juices flowing, particularly the prospect of a festival style atmosphere complete with indoor sky diving, skate ramps, food tents, the cream of the crop from the grow and seed industries and a late night gig from a certain reggae legend!

First off, let’s agree on one thing, from a Brit’s perspective (and probably from a Spaniard’s too) there are A LOT of shows in Spain. There’s Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and - Soft Secrets’ very own - GrowMed in Valencia. There’s a lot of competition out there for the new kid on the block. But, one thing’s for sure... Spain is still the most active market in Europe right now. There are shops popping up left, right and centre. New seed companies seem to open on a monthly basis with a catalogue rammed full of exciting strains. Plus, thanks to the relaxed local laws, the big Dutch seed companies have set up base in Spain, as have various nutrients companies.

There is loads going on, but did Expo Grow capture the imagination?

The fact that this was the only ‘French’ trade show in the 2013 calendar was evident in the turnout of the exhibitors. The vast majority of the big names in grow products and seeds had decent sized booths, as well as several big Spanish wholesale companies. I don’t think this would have happened if the show was set further into mainland Spain, as the market is pretty much catered for by the other four trade shows that have been established now for a few years.

The location was great. A nice new exhibition centre, very close by to the town of Irun, with great transport links and - more importantly - a huge car park, which exhibitors and visitors all praised.

Expo Grow was divided into four separate spaces. Three exhibition halls and a large outdoor area, complete with chill out zone, skate ramps, food tents and the VIP tent (sponsored by Soft Secrets, of course!). From chatting with some of the exhibitors that I’m friendly with, this layout had pretty positive outcomes. Even during the busy Saturday, the halls didn’t seem as manic or crowded as they do at some of the other European shows. So you got more of a chance to chat with people and show them around your products. The only downside being on the Friday, with attendees spread out across four spaces, it seemed a little quiet at times. Although this gave you ample chance to talk business with other exhibitors and contacts. For me, this was great. I got the chance to have a great natter with owners and staff from companies I’d heard of before, but never previously had chance to meet. Shout out to the guys at Hemp Hoodlamb for some good banter and the gals at Magic Flight Launch Box for the ‘hands on’ demonstration. Much appreciated!

So far, so good.

Standing in a narrow city street, nibbling on tapas, sipping on a beer, with a joint in hand is something I’ll never forget. Everyone should experience it at least once in their life!

Heading back in on the Saturday, there was a different vibe about the place. There was a line at the door and the halls seemed to be buzzing with people. I heard chatter in Spanish and French in equal measures. From speaking to the exhibitors, there were plenty of shops around on that day from both sides of the border.

Something that was really apparent, even in the short months since I visited the Barcelona show, was the increase in Spanish growing clubs that were in attendance.

I first heard of growing clubs from a friend of mine based in Belgium, where they are allowed - legally - to grow one plant per person. Several members sign their right to grow over to the club, who then appoints one of their growers to cultivate it all for them. The end product is then split between the members. What a system! Are you listening UK lawmakers?

As Saturday drew to a close, my thoughts turned to the night time activities in the outdoor section of the venue, where a large sound stage had been erected alongside the various bar and food tents.

Last year’s headline was Cypress Hill, so this year’s had a lot to live up to.

Step forward Mr Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, the reggae legend himself! What an awesome show. He really delivered on the outdoor stage, despite the warm Spanish rain shower!

After getting my fill of the exhibitors on the previous days, Sunday was spent chilling outside with a couple of good friends. Pontificating on the possibilities of organising a similar show back in Blighty.

The conclusion?

No chance! We’ll head back to Expo Grow next year!