Resumen de A Preliminary Analysis of the Market for Small, Medium, and Large Horticultural Shows in England

Dorothy Fox, Jonathan Edwards

• Understanding the consumer is important in estimating the market for an event. This study analyzed the socio-demographic and other characteristics of actual and potential visitors to three styles of English horticultural shows. The shows selected varied in terms of their status (national, regional, local), the number of visitors they attract, and the length of time they are open to the public. The analysis of the findings of a survey of residents in southern England suggests that while age is a key demographic variable, a more valuable means of segmenting the population is by their level of enthusiasm for gardening. Furthermore, it is proposed that demand for the largest shows, held nationally, can be established not only through these factors but also by the potential visitors' history of attending smaller horticultural shows. The implications for the marketing of these and similar events are discussed.