The AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026 brought together AIPH members, industry leaders, Expo organisers, and city stakeholders from around the world for a week of dialogue, insight, and collaboration.
Held from 8–12 March 2026 in Sydney, the Meeting addressed the most pressing challenges facing ornamental horticulture — including climate pressure, resource constraints, biosecurity, and changing global markets — while strengthening international collaboration and knowledge exchange across the sector.
Key Outcomes
- Global industry leaders shared practical responses to climate, water, and biosecurity challenges
- Expo organisers exchanged insight on planning, delivery, and long-term legacy
- Members welcomed the appointment of José Antonio Restrepo Rada as a member of the Board, representing South America
- AIPH’s network expanded with the addition of the Vietnam Ornamental Creature Association as a member
- Australian horticulture showcased its innovation and resilience to an international audience
- The Meeting reinforced AIPH’s role as the global convenor for ornamental horticulture
International Horticultural Expo Conference
The AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference brought together current and future Expo hosts, supporting transparency and shared learning across the global Expo community.
Discussions focused on delivery, legacy, and future opportunities, including Expressions of Interest, providing delegates with direct access to senior decision-makers and strategic insight.
Read the full Press Release
International delegates attending the International Horticultural Expo Conference gather for a group photograph during the AIPH Meeting in Sydney, Australia. Photo credit: Ludovic Vilbert, Inwardout Studio.
Programme
A1 International Horticultural Expos
- Expo 2027 Yokohama (GREENxExpo), Japan
- Expo 2029 Korat, Thailand
- Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA
International Green Expos
- Expo 2026 Udon Thani, Thailand
- 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo, Rep. Korea
- Expo 2029 Garden Baghdad, Iraq
International Horticultural Shows
- Taean International Horticultural Healing Expo 2026, Rep. Korea
- International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2026, Rep. Korea
- Expo İzmir 2027, Turkiye
Horticultural Industry Conference
The AIPH Horticultural Industry Conference explored how the global ornamental horticulture industry is responding to accelerating climate change, increasing pressure on water and resources, biosecurity risks, and rapidly changing markets.
Speakers shared practical, systems-based approaches and international case studies, providing delegates with insight into how these pressures are shaping production, investment, and long-term resilience.
Read the full Press Release
AIPH Vice President, Jack Goossens, presenting the session “The Changing Climate” during the AIPH International Horticultural Industry Conference at the AIPH Meeting in Sydney, Australia.
Programme
Session 1 – The Climate is Changing
Welcome
- By Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority in Australia.
Climate Change and Water
- ‘Less water all round’ – Chris Philpot, CEO, The Water Conservancy
- ‘Panel: How can the industry respond to water pressure?’
- Chair: Chris Philpot, CEO, The Water Conservancy
- Panellist: Eduardo Barbosa, R&D Manager, Hort Innovation
- Panellist: Andy Cameron, President, Greenlife Industry NSW & ACT
Climate Change and Biosecurity
- ‘Biosecure HACCP – A High Health Plant Production System’ – Celeste Cook of Greenlife Industry Australia.
- ‘Working with growers to protect the New Zealand industry with the Plant Pass scheme’ – Matt Dolan, CEO, New Zealand Plant Producers Incorporated (NZPPI)
- ‘Launch of the AIPH Plant Health Framework’ – Jack Goossens, AIPH Vice-President and Chair of the Ornamentals Production Committee, and Dr Audrey Timm, AIPH Technical Initiatives Manager.
Session 2 – The Market is Changing
- ‘The Evolution of Plant Retailing in Australia ‘ – Mike Mehigan, CEO, Greenlife Industry NSW.
- ‘The Plant Value Report – How Plants Pay Off’ – Elyse Allum, Associate Marketing Manager, Hort Innovation.
- ‘Introduction to the AIPH Green City Standard’ – Bill Hardy, AIPH Chair of Green City Committee, and Dr Audrey Timm, AIPH Technical Initiatives Manager.
Session 3 – Advocating for the industry
- ‘GIA and Bunnings: Working Together for a Stronger and More Sustainable Industry’ – Nick Hutchinson, Chairman of Greenlife Industry Australia and GM Fernland.
- ‘Panel: Getting the best deal for growers’ – AIPH members will share best practice on public and government relations in support of the industry.
- Chair: Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary General
- Panellist: Nick Hutchinson, Chairman of Greenlife Industry Australia and GM Fernland
- Panellist: Victor Santacruz, CEO of Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
- Panellist: Leonardo Capitanio, AIPH President and Former President of the Italian Nurserystock Exporters Association (ANVE)
- Panellist: José Antonio Restrepo Rada, Chairman of the Board of Directors Asocolflores, Colombia
Professional Visits
A programme of professional visits and industry tours showcased the diversity and innovation of Australian horticulture, offering international delegates direct insight into local production systems and environmental stewardship.
These visits supported informal exchange and peer-to-peer learning between global delegates and Australian industry leaders.
Delegates visiting the Botanic Garden Mount Annan
Tour locations
- Tim’s Garden Centre
- Andreasens Green
- Botanic Garden Mount Annan
- Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
- Hawkesbury Institute, University of Western Sydney
