Justin Lehmann

Review of The Summit Conference & Event ...

--Edit on 3/12/20- This year's show and sale has b...

--Edit on 3/12/20- This year's show and sale has been canceled.--

I was a vendor at the recent plant sale, and I had plants in the plant show. I had items stolen during the event from my vendor table, as well as after the event while breaking down. I also had a plant in the main showroom which was also stolen after the event. There is absolutely no security at this venue despite advanced promises of cameras and surveillance. The guy in charge of security was nice enough, but the venue director Roxie fell completely short of minimal expectations of security both during the event and after. Hopefully future events are more secure and could be adequately supervised.
I'm not the only vendor who experienced this type of loss with stolen or 'misplaced' plants, and I'm not the only one who had plants stolen from the show room, which is unsettling. The venue is not responsible for theft or loss, which is unacceptable if they have no security. We were told doors would be locked and access would be managed, but it was not and it was a free-for-all. Some loss is understandable, but this was substantial.
I'm not willing to take my rare, valuable and irreplaceable plants to a show venue that is not secure in any way. I would rather keep my award winning plants at home instead of risking them to theft at the venue. The plant that was stolen is quite literally irreplaceable. A ribbon and gawking eyes aren't worth losing my rare and exotic plants.
I'm not willing to accept the losses sustained during the event as a vendor in the future, and the only response from the venue was "We looked at footage...it is really hard to distinguish one plant from another" and an absolute 'no' to looking at anything for vendors or anyone outside the venue.
I'm sure this venue is fine for weddings and seminars, but this is absolutely a horrible venue for sales or if security is important. Security and the venue was obviously overwhelmed and understaffed despite walk-throughs prior to the plant show and sale, and despite assurances of security and safety from the venue. The venue refused access to security footage, and one person was present during the event despite promises that we would 'have 2 dedicated staff during the weekend.'
If someone 'accidentally' took this by mistake, hopefully it gets returned. If someone took this on purpose, I hope you enjoy your new award winning plant.

edited 3/10/2020 - I believe that both the venue and the plant club have addressed security concerns and have implemented additional security measures. This year will have a different layout with fewer lines and a more enjoyable experience for visitors and exhibitors.