7 Key Takeaways From MANTS 2025 From One Exhibitor
January 24, 2025 
Key Takeaways from MANTS 2025 | Advanced Grower Solutions
The Advanced Grower Solutions team attended MANTS 2025 in Baltimore, MD. As always it is an impressive show with a wide array of nurseries, greenhouses, and suppliers to our industry. The nursery booths can be quite impressive with the size of trees they bring to show off and entice business. Show foot traffic (in my opinion) seemed to be down a bit – I think due to the weather affecting many parts of the country. In Baltimore, there was snow on the ground the whole time we were here, and it was very cold (at least to this Texan).
As usual, subject themes tend to coalesce, so here are my observations from this year’s show.
1. Software
Lots of folks wanted to talk about software. Whether to discuss replacing an inadequate system or getting their first system to move beyond QuickBooks and an Excel labyrinth, there is keen interest in industry software. And more importantly, how software can solve pain points for their business.
2. Inventory
Accurate tracking of inventory and knowing your ‘availability’ is still a keystone challenge in our industry. Many growers stopped by who had inadequate or little system support for the inventory needs and views they now require.
3. Relationship
The show reinforces the fact that we are fundamentally in a relationship business. We were able to see and connect with customers who now have the second or sometimes third generation using our products. It was great to see customers whose children just a few years ago were roaming the show who are now taking on leadership roles for the operations.
4. Presence
There were hundreds of nursery and greenhouse operations represented at the show. We were happy to see our customers had a big presence at the show. More than 40 of our customers exhibited and many more attended and stopped by the booth to chat and say hi.
5. Retail/Wholesale Hybrids
We are seeing more growers inquire about and who are running retail outlets in addition to their wholesale operations, some have or are starting to migrate more to retail.
For the final two steps and an expanded look at MANTS takeaways, make sure to read the original article on the Advanced Grower Solutions website.
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