How the 2024 MANTS Show Kicked Off the New Year on a Positive Note
January 16, 2024 
Last week I had the chance to walk the trade show floor at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) in Baltimore. In between the buying conversations, the general vibe I got was two themed: 1) there’s lots to come this year in terms of new products and new plant offerings, and 2) being back in person is most welcome, perhaps even joyous.
On the former, I met with several suppliers who told me that 2024 will be the year they plan to introduce a range of tools for greenhouse growers, from software systems to water management technology. Many said they expect growers to capitalize on the new wave of consumers that came during the height of the pandemic and appear to be sticking around. This means expansion, as well as the need to continually diversify to keep up with what consumers are looking for.
On the latter, this was in many ways just the second year back following the pandemic. The 2021 version of MANTS was held virtually, and a local winter storm in 2022 significantly limited attendance. Most agreed that the personal communication of an in-person gathering like MANTS was invaluable.
Below is the official report from the organizers of MANTS following the show. If you were there, what was the highlight for you? Let us know by commenting below, or emailing me at [email protected].
“The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS), known as the Masterpiece of Trade Shows, brought together more than 11,200 attendees, including exhibitors, at the Baltimore Convention Center from January 10-12. A sold-out tradeshow floor featured 920 exhibitors spread across 1,532 booths showcasing an extensive array of plants, nursery stock, heavy and light-duty equipment, and industry innovations. Drawing attendees and exhibitors from diverse geographical locations, MANTS attracted high-level decision makers, with more than 82% of attendees identified as influencers or final decision makers maintaining the show’s reputation as the tradeshow where solid business relationships are built.
“Throughout the three-day show, MANTS consistently demonstrated its role as an impactful event for networking, knowledge exchange, and a showcase for the latest trends and products in the horticulture industry. With a format that encourages peer-to-peer collaboration and meaningful professional engagement among attendees and exhibitors, it puts business at the core of all show activities.”
‘The success of MANTS 2024 is a clear indicator of the vitality and dynamism of the green industry,’ says Vanessa A. Finney, Executive Vice President of MANTS. ‘We are proud to have created and sustained an event that not only showcases the latest industry innovations but also serves as a catalyst for significant business relationships and economic growth.’
“MANTS returns to the Baltimore Convention Center January 8-10, 2025. For more information, visit www.MANTS.com.”
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