Winter warm-up could have multiple meanings depending on where you live. As a garden writer, winter warm-up means gearing up for the seasons ahead. In the Mid-Atlantic, the horticulture community looks forward to an event called MANTS.
A BIT OF HISTORY
The Maryland and Virginia Nurseryman’s Association saw a need to create a way for the horticulture community to connect. The conversation evolved and became a reality in 1970. In 1972, a trifecta was created when the West Virginia Nurseryman’s Association joined this partnership. Traveling to different locations, within Maryland and Virginia a final home was found. Baltimore has been the home for MANTS since 1981. If you are in the Trade and it’s January, most likely you are looking forward to attending the Mid Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show.
The Mid-Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show is the season opener for those interested in the earth. MANTS hosts vendors that provide items for horticulture professionals. Looking for the latest in heavy equipment or automated watering systems,? Need to know what plants or hand tools will be hot items this year? Attending MANTS offers answers to these questions and so much more.
WHAT’S NEW?
This year, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce a new name for The Association of Garden Writers and Communicators. Our new name is GardenComm International. Our new name says more about who we really are. GardenComm will not change the definition of who we are, but further, define what we do. GardenComm International members come to MANTS to connect, get the scoop on what is new and trending, as well as network. Vendors like Brent & Becky’s Bulbs, Botanical Interests, and Autocrop USA, can be found in one huge room with many other vendors.
Moving from vendor to vendor, meeting friends new and old along the way. The excitement builds as the new season’s merchandise catches the eye. This is the inspiration which inspires the communicator within. There is something about knowing what Ball Seed is offering for the home gardener. What is the hot item from David Austin Roses? Wondering who wrote a top-selling book? What will the latest “need” be in hand tools? Think MANTS. This event is like a three-day world’s fair of horticulture.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
This year 48 states, 16 foreign countries, 11,600 attendee’s including exhibitors were reflected in this Masterpiece of Tradeshows. This event started with 64 vendors in 1970, and it has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2020, MANTS officially turns fifty years young. I am certain that on its golden anniversary, there will be a celebration to share in its success. The dates for the 2020 MANTS Event is January 8 – 10, 2020. With sponsors like State Nursery and Landscape Associations of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, it stands to reason that this IS the Masterpiece of Tradeshows in horticulture. A special mention, 2019 had the highest number of attendees in 11 years.
CULTIVATING BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
MANTS means business! Not just their slogan, but a fact. Need to know about David Austin roses? Just visit their booth…
For the large landscaping company to the boutique garden shop, something for most can be found at MANTS. Need a few exquisite pots, lightweight, functional and quite handsome? There is a booth for that…
Find yourself not knowing what to anticipate about garden trends? Ready to discover new plants? Wondering where you can find garden art? Want to connect with vendors providing garden travel?
I strongly suggest you consider attending the Mid-Atlantic Nursery and Trade Show.
SAVE THE DATE
Why not mark your calendar now?
Mentally The Garden,
Teri, Cottage In The Court
Click to find out more about MANTS
Click to find out more about GardenComm
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