Page 42 - MNLGA Free State Spring 2024_WEB SPREADS

MANTS RECAP A Kelly Finney We couldn't do it without our Staff

MANTS Means Business Lauren Botcher, Vanessa, and Kelly Finney on the show floor
PHOTOS FROM TOP:
Michelle Hahn helps an exhibitor renew his booth for 2025
Charlie Blocher: Charlie has been to every MANTS except one (that’s
53 of 54) and even predates MANTS to the early meetings held by
the Maryland and Virginia Nurserymen’s Associations at the old
Washingtonian Hotel in the late 60’s and early 70’s

The later half of 2023 and 2024 to companies and 11,200+ attendees the industry on a national and
date has seen the reemergence of (including exhibitors) came together international level because of the
strong industry trade shows across for another successful show. Over mix of exhibitors, but it is extremely
the country. All of the fear, trepidation 82% of attendees identify themselves important to the shows sponsors, the
and uneasiness that was very evident as being the final decision maker or nursery, landscape and greenhouse
in 2020 – 2021 has dissipated and the having influence over purchasing associations of Maryland, Virginia,
industry signaled its readiness to get decisions. Those demographics and and West Virginia. MANTS provides
back to work in the way to which we more are all on mants.com. operating revenue to these
had been traditionally accustomed. The feedback from exhibitors and associations which in turn allows

From Cultivate in Ohio to Oregon attendees alike continues to be them to keep dues at a reasonable
to Texas, Florida, Alabama, and overwhelmingly positive. MANTS level and therefore accessible to
Indiana, amongst many others, all traditionally has a 92-94% exhibitor industry businesses of all types
reported very strong to near record retention rate and currently has and sizes.
attendance. MANTS celebrated our over 140 companies on the exhibitor If you are unfamiliar with
54th consecutive year and 44th at waiting list. In an average, post- the history of MANTS,
the Baltimore Convention Center. recession year, we will have room to visit the ‘SHOW
The press release is available on add between 65 – 75 new companies FACTS’ landing
the show facts page at mants.com, to the show floor. page for a brief
but in short over 920 exhibiting MANTS is not only important to (continued on page 44)

PHOTOS BELOW LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTOS PAGE 43 TOP TO BOTTOM:
MANTS means smiles for Tim Quillen of Henk Holtmaat (Netherlands) catches up with friends on the show floor
Waynesboro Nurseries MANTS means using technology to check inventory and availability
Carla Shockley of Monrovia answers questions John Machen of Mobjack Nurseries – Mobjack is one of six remaining
charter exhibitors

42 SPRING 2024• Free State News (continued on next page) Membership Matters • SPRING 2024 43