Page 6 - MNLGA Free State Spring 2025_WEB

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Greetings and Happy typical in American trade shows, most IPM vendors
Spring! We are well incorporated rather rigid, hard-walled structures. Speaking
into 2025; however I to several vendors regarding the production and assembly
want to spend a little of these walls, we were informed that most exhibitors hire
time in this issue’s a design/build/assemble/dismantle service to complete
column reflecting the display. Then the exhibitor “just” brings plant material
on a visit Kelly and I and arranges it within the structure. There seemed to be
took in January – to no rules or guidelines regarding sightlines. The displays
IPM in Essen. It was really were beautiful and well-thought out. Many exhibitors
fantastic! offered that the structures are pretty expensive.

IPM, short for Another significant difference from MANTS and other
Internationale American trade shows is the prevalence of food service
VANESSA A. FINNEY
Executive Director Pflanzen Messe within an exhibit space. Most IPM exhibitors had, at
(International Plant minimum, an espresso machine. Many had much more
Trade Fair), held in Essen, Germany, every January, is elaborate offerings, including fully-catered meals, with
either one of the largest, or THE LARGEST, ornamental servers and sit-down service. And, of course, there were
horticulture trade show in the world. At an impressive one many beverage options, including local brews and
million square feet, it is about three times the footprint vintages. If one timed their appointment schedule wisely, a
of MANTS (which is the largest horticulture trade show in full days’ worth of meals, snacks, and a happy hour, could
North America). And it is certainly an event to experience! be had on the exhibitors’ dime.
Growers from all over the world exhibited, primarily Speaking of appointments, that’s probably another
grouped by countries, with some countries exhibits significant difference from American shows. I don’t have
extending as far as the eye could see. The plant material a sense that the majority of attendees and exhibitors at
was exquisite; everything in prime form and condition and MANTS schedule their face-to-face meetings. At IPM, many
color, color, color everywhere! Kelly and I saw many plants appointments are scheduled and most exhibits have desks
- tried, true, and familiar to us and plenty of introductions, and tables to accommodate official meetings.
as well, that have not quite made their debut in the United
And one last note, IPM is a plant and production show;
States. We look forward to seeing them at MANTS in the
there were no pavers, outdoor patios, or hardscaping
near future.
displays. Just plants and everything potentially needed to
One of the things that completely fascinates me is
automation. For me, its like watching fire – completely
mesmerizing. There were quite a few firms demonstrating
their automated systems, as well as robotics. Many of
these firms also exhibit at MANTS, however, not with as
significant space as they do in Essen.

Kelly and I took the opportunity to visit several dozen
exhibitors who also exhibit at MANTS. It was fun to
connect with representatives that we just connected with
in Baltimore a few weeks earlier, and to meet new people
affiliated with our vendors.
Besides the size of the show, which was just totally
impressive and “wow!,” IPM had several other significant
differences from MANTS. One was the type of display Ria Rijnbeek, Vanessa, Nico Rijnbeek, William Verbrugge, Arno Rijnbeek, and
structures used. Rather than the rows of pipe and drape Kelly Finney
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6 SPRING 2025 • Free State News