On 9 March 2026, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) convened organisers of horticultural exhibitions from around the world at the International Horticultural Expo Conference in Sydney, Australia. 

The event was hosted by AIPH Member Greenlife Industry Australia.

The meeting brought together AIPH members, government representatives, Expo organisers and industry partners. It provided a platform to review progress and strengthen collaboration across the global programme of upcoming horticultural exhibitions.

Opening the conference, AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio highlighted the growing importance of plants in addressing global environmental and societal challenges.

“Plants help cities adapt to climate change. They improve urban environments, support biodiversity, manage water, reduce heat and enhance the wellbeing of communities.”

Nick Hutchinson, Chairman of Greenlife Industry Australia, welcomed participants and reflected on the broader pressures facing the horticultural sector.

“What we do sits in the middle of some fairly significant global pressures — climate, trade and biosecurity threats that travel faster than most of us can get through an airport.”

Organisers from across Asia, North America, the Middle East and Europe shared updates on preparations for exhibitions scheduled between 2026 and 2031, demonstrating how horticulture is being used to address global challenges, including climate resilience, biodiversity, urban regeneration and community wellbeing.

Among the highlights were updates on several forthcoming AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos. Organisers of GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama, Japan (19 March–26 September 2027), reported strong international interest and progress in developing a landscape-led Expo site that demonstrates horticultural solutions for sustainable cities. Ticket sales are scheduled to open on 19 March 2026, one year ahead of the Expo’s opening.

Thailand also outlined plans for Expo 2029 Korat, themed ‘Nature and the Future of Life,’ which will showcase biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and horticultural innovation.

The conference also featured the first progress reports from two exhibitions since their approval at the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium, in September 2025.

Organisers of Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA, presented developments in governance, partnerships and site planning after their approval. Wendy Meadley, representing the organising team, highlighted the Expo’s long-term vision.

“Expo 2031 Minnesota is being designed as more than a temporary event. It is a long-term platform where horticulture, innovation and international collaboration come together to create lasting community and environmental benefits.”

Representatives of Expo Garden Baghdad 2029, Iraq, also shared their first update since approval, describing the exhibition as an opportunity to connect Iraq’s historic cultural heritage with modern horticultural innovation and international cooperation.

Preparations are also advancing for exhibitions approaching their opening phases this year. The Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo 2026, opening in the Republic of Korea on 25 April 2026, is expected to welcome around 820,000 visitors during its 30-day exhibition, highlighting the role of horticulture in supporting health and wellbeing.

Progress was also reported on the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Thailand (1 November 2026–14 March 2027), where infrastructure development is 70% complete, with preparations continuing for the opening later this year.
 

Further updates were presented on other events across the Expo programme, including the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo in the Republic of Korea and Expo 2027 İzmir, Türkiye.

During the General Meeting held after the conference, AIPH members approved two new International Horticultural Trade Exhibitions. The first is GreenItaly, a B2B horticulture and landscape exhibition in Parma, Italy, while Myplant & Garden Middle East will take place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in the United Arab Emirates.

Through its global Expo programme, AIPH continues to support cities and organisers in delivering horticultural exhibitions that demonstrate the role of plants in improving environments, economies and communities worldwide.

For more information, visit www.aiph.org/event/aiph-meeting-2026/