AIPH is responsible for approving International Horticultural Exhibitions and providing guidance to the organisations responsible for planning and delivering each Expo. From the earliest conversations about a potential Expo through to the legacy phase after it closes, AIPH makes available reference materials and frameworks that organisers can use throughout the process.
AIPH has a coherent set of guidance documents to assist organisers in preparing large-scale horticultural events. Drawing on experience from Expos worldwide, this framework delivers practical insights to help organisers manage the complex planning required for Expos, which often require years of preparation.
Cities and organisations intent on hosting an Expo can immediately consult the AIPH Organisers’ Guide and Frequently Asked Questions, which concisely detail the categories of International Horticultural Exhibitions, precise timelines, governance models, and mandatory expectations. These foundational resources clearly define what is required, empowering organisers to make informed application decisions.
Once an organiser decides to pursue an Expo, the application stage begins. Building on the foundational resources, organisers now work with the AIPH Organisers’ Guide together with the AIPH Application Guide, which outline the formal requirements for submitting a proposal and engaging with the AIPH Expo Committee.
Approval and early planning
After an exhibition has been approved, the focus shifts from bidding to detailed planning. At this stage, AIPH has additional guidance documents available, including the AIPH Onboarding Kit and the AIPH Master Planning Guide. These resources outline recommended approaches for establishing governance structures, developing master plans and coordinating the many components involved in preparing an international horticultural exhibition.
Preparing for the Expo
As preparations progress, organisers define the strategies that will shape the exhibition. AIPH empowers organisers to create robust sustainability strategies, implementation plans, and communication frameworks that firmly embed environmental and social value throughout the event.
These materials also cover sustainability education and engagement, ensuring visitors and participants connect with the exhibition’s broader messages.
International participation is another key element of AIPH Expos. The Showcasing International Participants guidance provides examples and best practices for organisers to use when designing programmes that enable countries and organisations to present their horticultural achievements to a global audience. Additional materials, such as Ceremonies Guidance, outline practical considerations for planning official moments during the exhibition, from opening events to closing ceremonies.
During the Expo
When the exhibition opens, organisers confidently utilise AIPH’s frameworks, such as the AIPH Competitions Regulations Template, to construct horticultural competitions and exhibitions. These competitions are core to International Horticultural Exhibitions, spotlighting top achievements in plant production, landscape design, and floral artistry, while engaging visitors with horticulture’s dynamic innovation.
After the Expo
Reference materials also support organisers after the exhibition has closed. Organisers prepare final reports and may document the Expo’s longer-term outcomes.
Through the AIPH Expo Legacies framework, organisers can capture how the exhibition has contributed to urban development, horticultural awareness and environmental engagement within the host location.
By providing authoritative guidance and sharing invaluable experience, AIPH ensures that International Horticultural Exhibitions remain powerful global platforms for horticulture, sustainability, and robust international collaboration.
