World Fair committee intends to bid on hosting International Horticultural Expo
The World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund announces its intent on submitting bid to host the 2029 International Horticultural Expo in Minnesota. International Horticultural Expositions are hosted throughout the world on a rotating schedule and focus on the economic, social, environmental and cultural development objectives of a city or region on a fixed milestone.
Hosting this type of event is an opportunity to strengthen the international image and position of the host city, and country. The International Horticultural Expo creates parks and attractive public spaces of recreational value for citizens and tourists. The Expo typically runs for three to six months and attracts world leaders, decision makers and visitors over the duration of the event.
Initial conversations with green industry leaders have been extremely positive. “Exploring the exciting possibilities with both our state and national horticultural and landscape organizations has been a turning point in our campaign to bring a World’s Fair to Minnesota. We’ve been laying the groundwork for this success over the past decade, and now we can harvest the fruits of this 12-years long campaign,” Mark Ritchie, board chair for World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund said.
When asked about the possibility of a U.S. event showcasing horticulture and the myriad benefits of plants and landscapes, Craig Regelbrugge, executive vice president for advocacy, research, and industry relations at AmericanHort said. “As the national trade association for horticulture in the United States, AmericanHort profoundly understands how plants enrich people’s lives. Sharing this message on a global scale, right here in our own country, would be truly thrilling.”
“Locally, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) is excited to be part of the conversation around bringing an International Horticultural Expo to the U.S., and specifically our region. Engaging consumers about the health, economic and environmental benefits of plants and landscapes is something our industry does every day. We’re excited to have the opportunity to potentially share the benefits of the green industry on a much larger stage,” said Cassie Larson, executive director of MNLA, a green industry trade association.
Green industry businesses are also supportive of the conversayion. “We have some amazing stories to share with the world. From sustainability efforts to plant breeding and technological advancements, Minnesota is a hub of what’s to come for global horticulture. We are grateful to participate in the bid and Expo planning process and hope to welcome worldwide visitors to Minnesota in 2029,” Ryan McEnaney, a fifth generation family member at Bailey Nurseries based in St. Paul, Minnesota said.
While conversations are still in the preliminary stages, official bids will be submitted in January 2024 and a host location selected in spring of 2024 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.
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