At the 76th AIPH Annual Congress, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), champions for the power of plants, announced approvals for the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo and the 2026 Taean International Horticulture & Healing Expo in South Korea. Additionally, AIPH confirmed its endorsement of the 17th International Flora Expo 2024 in Mumbai, India, a major horticultural trade event. These approvals mark significant strides in AIPH’s mission to promote horticultural and environmental excellence worldwide.
The approvals were finalised during the General Meeting, which took place following presentations at the International Horticultural Expo Conference on the 4th of September, amidst the events of the AIPH 76th AIPH Annual Congress.
Synergy of 76th AIPH Annual Congress and Green Is Life Expo
The Congress was hosted in the vibrant city of Warsaw, Poland. It fostered a deep synergy between AIPH and the local horticultural scene, made possible by an invitation from the Polish Nurserymen Association (Związek Szkółkarzy Polskich), a valued member of AIPH.
Running from September 3rd to September 7th, 2024, the Congress took place in the same week as the ‘Green is Life’ (Zielen to Zycie) Expo, an AIPH-approved horticultural trade exhibition organised by the Polish Nurserymen Association, held from September 5th to 7th. Both events significantly enhanced the reach and impact for the AIPH Congress attendees, offering numerous opportunities for collaboration and exchange within the international horticultural community.
AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference
The AIPH International Expo Conference, a pivotal part of the Congress programme, was held on the 4th of September at the Radisson Collection Hotel in Warsaw. The following day, as part of the Annual Congress programme, delegates attended the opening of ‘Green is Life’ at the EXPO XXI Center. This international trade fair also featured Industry and Green City conferences, underscoring Poland’s significant contributions to the horticultural industry.
Ms Renata Fryszkowska-Madej, Vice President of the Polish Nurserymen Association, warmly welcomed international attendees at the Expo Conference, emphasising the Green is Life Expo’s role in showcasing Poland’s vibrant plant life and serving as a dynamic platform for international exchange and professional development.
Key Expo Approvals and International Horticultural Expo Presentations
AIPH members approved the following applications for future International Horticultural Expos at the General Meeting; however, before the vote later that day, the Expo organisers presented their applications to the attendees.
Ulsan, South Korea, known for its robust industrial base, is poised to redefine its urban environment with the ‘2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo’. The organisers plan to transform areas impacted by industrial activities into hubs of urban sustainability, featuring gardens designed to beautify the city while combating urban heat and improving air quality. During his presentation, Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom articulated a compelling vision, stating: “Our city’s transformation will not only advance urban greenery but will also serve as a model for sustainable urban development worldwide and environmental health.”
Taean County in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, received approval to organise the ‘Taean International Horticulture & Healing Expo 2026,’ which will blend horticulture with therapeutic wellness practices to enhance public health. Situated on the west coast, Taean is leveraging its natural beauty and serene landscapes to foster a unique environment where visitors can experience healing through nature. Deputy Mayor Lee Oh Jingi highlighted Taean’s rich history of overcoming environmental challenges and its strategic use of natural horticultural resources, which will be integral to promoting healing and relaxation.
In addition to these South Korean Expos, AIPH officially endorsed the 17th International Flora Expo 2024, scheduled for 25-27 October 2024 at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai, India. As India’s largest horticulture and floriculture trade event, this AIPH-approved trade exhibition will attract over 250 companies and expect 16,000+ visitors, providing a key platform for business networking between domestic and international horticultural businesses. With a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the expo aligns with global trends, especially with the Grower’s Flower Council of India’s campaign to ban plastic flowers.
During the International Horticultural Expo Conference, various other presentations featured updates of AIPH-approved Expos, including:
• Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar – Expo review since closing 28 March 2024
• Expo 2027 Yokohama, Japan – Preparations update
• Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand 2029 – First progress update since AIPH approval in March 2024.
• International Horticultural Exhibition Chengdu 2024, China – Expo report since opening 26 April 2024
• Expo 2026 Udon Thani, Thailand
• Euroflora 2025, Italy
Presentations from Florint and Dopplemayer
In addition to Expo approvals, several key suppliers to the horticultural industry delivered impactful presentations.
Simon Ogrizek, President of Florint (International Florist Organisation), delivered a comprehensive presentation on Florint’s pivotal role in the global floristry industry. As a network connecting florist associations across Europe, Latin America, and beyond, Florint represents over 100,000 florist businesses that employ more than 350,000 people across Europe, generating more than €20 billion in annual turnover.
Ogrizek outlined Florint’s strategic focus on five key areas: entrepreneurship, marketing, craftsmanship, education, and sustainability. He emphasised Florint’s commitment to promoting modern vocational training and facilitating the international exchange of expertise in floristry. A key example of this work is Florint’s prestigious global competitions, such as the World Cup in Floral Design (scheduled for The Hague in August 2025) and the Europa Cup & EuroFleurs, which foster innovation and elevate the art of floral design to new heights.
Florint is also a leader in standardising floral design judging and developing professional assessment systems that ensure transparency and fairness across global competitions. This standardisation is crucial in promoting excellence in the craft and recognising talent within the industry.
Florint’s involvement in AIPH-approved Expos, such as the International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2024, further demonstrates their commitment to global collaboration and innovation in the floristry sector.
Nadine Haas from Doppelmayr Group also presented the company’s cutting-edge ropeway systems and their successful application at major garden shows. As a global leader in sustainable mobility, Doppelmayr’s electric-powered ropeways provide efficient transport solutions while also enhancing the visitor experience. Haas showcased examples, demonstrating how ropeways offer practical, eco-friendly, and visually appealing solutions for large-scale events. She highlighted their minimal environmental footprint, short construction timelines, and ability to seamlessly integrate into landscapes, making them an attractive and sustainable option for future garden Expos.
Last words and sponsors
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio reflected on the synergy between the events: “The forward-thinking initiatives of Korean Expos Ulsan and Taean, and India’s International Flora Expo, perfectly illustrating our commitment to enhancing urban environments and public well-being through the power of plants. Coupled with the ongoing success of the ‘Green is Life’ Expo, it perfectly illustrates AIPH’s involvement and commitment as champions for the power of plants.”
Sponsors supported the 76th AIPH Annual Congress and its events, including Biblo, the headline sponsor, and Doppelmayr, which sponsored the International Expo Conference. Additional support came from the cities of Ulsan, South Korea, Korat, and Udon Thani, Thailand.
To learn more about the 76th AIPH Annual Congress, please visit the AIPH Event Page.
