Organisers of forthcoming horticultural exhibitions from around the world gathered in Sydney on 9 March for the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference, part of the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026 programme, which discusses Expos scheduled for 2026 and beyond.
Hosted by AIPH member Greenlife Industry Australia, the conference brought together Expo organisers, government representatives, AIPH members and industry partners to share progress updates and exchange expertise across the international programme of AIPH-approved exhibitions.
Opening the programme, AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio highlighted the importance of horticulture in addressing global environmental and societal challenges.
“Plants help cities adapt to climate change. They improve urban environments, support biodiversity, manage water, reduce heat and enhance the wellbeing of communities.”
Welcoming delegates to Australia, Nick Hutchinson, Chairman of Greenlife Industry Australia, emphasised the importance of international collaboration as the horticultural sector faces global pressures, including climate change, trade and plant health.
“What we do sits in the middle of some fairly significant global pressures — climate, trade and biosecurity threats that travel faster than most of us can get through an airport.”
Together, the presentations illustrated how International Horticultural Expos allow host countries to showcase their landscapes, plants and horticultural traditions while exploring new ideas in sustainability, urban greening and public engagement with nature.
Expos Opening Soon
Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo 2026
FINAL PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF APRIL OPENING
The first event in the current AIPH Expo cycle, scheduled for this year, will be the 2026 Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo in the Republic of Korea, running from 25 April to 24 May 2026.
Organisers reported that final installations are nearing completion, with the Expo expected to welcome around 820,000 visitors during its 30-day exhibition. Visitors will explore exhibitions highlighting the role of horticulture in supporting wellbeing, environmental awareness and more sustainable lifestyles.
International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2026
CONTINUING A STRONG EXHIBITION TRADITION
International Horticulture Goyang Korea 2026 will take place at Ilsan Lake Park, opening from 24 April to 10 May 2026.
The exhibition represents Goyang’s third consecutive AIPH approval and reinforces the city’s tradition of promoting floriculture, tourism, and public engagement with plants through horticultural exhibitions.
Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026
THAILAND MOVES TOWARDS ITS NOVEMBER LAUNCH
The Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 in Thailand is scheduled to open on 1 November 2026 and continue until 14 March 2027.
Organisers reported steady progress, with infrastructure development and wetland restoration about 70% complete as preparations move towards operational readiness.
Preparations Advancing
GREEN×EXPO 2027
ONE-YEAR COUNTDOWN BEGINS
With one year remaining until GREEN×EXPO 2027, the conference provided attendees with an advanced update.
The Japanese Expo, to be held from 19 March to 26 September 2027 at the regenerated former Kamiseya Communications Facility, is expected to attract more than 10 million visitors. The exhibition will explore the theme ‘Scenery of the Future for Happiness’ and show how nature, people, and society can thrive together.
Ticket sales are scheduled to open on 19 March 2026, exactly one year before GREEN×EXPO 2027 Yokohama opens.
Expo 2027 Izmir, Türkiye
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Expo 2027 Izmir, Türkiye, organisers reported steady progress as preparations transitioned from planning to implementation.
The event will focus on ‘One Health’, highlighting the interconnected well-being of people, ecosystems, and urban environments. The site near protected wetlands is being designed using ecological construction, landscape restoration, and strong principles of public engagement.
2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo
TRANSFORMING INDUSTRIAL LAND INTO A GARDEN CITY
The Republic of Korea’s 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo will highlight how horticultural exhibitions can support urban transformation.
Scheduled to run from April to October 2028, the event will transform former industrial land into a 124-hectare garden exhibition site that combines ecological restoration, international gardens, and cultural programming. Organisers reported that site preparation has already reached around 65% completion.
Expo 2029 Korat
THAILAND ADVANCES ITS NEXT HORTICULTURAL EXPO
Thailand also presented progress on preparations for Expo 2029 Korat, which has strong national support, including significant government investment for infrastructure and exhibition development.
Organisers outlined ongoing activities in site planning, operational structures, and regional engagement as development continues.
First Progress Reports From Newly Approved AIPH Expos
The conference also featured the first progress reports from two exhibitions since their approval at the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium, in September 2025, beginning with Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA, followed by Expo Garden Baghdad 2029, Iraq.
Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA
VISION PRESENTED FOR THE FIRST U.S. A1 INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXPO
Organisers from the United States shared the first major progress update on Expo 2031 Minnesota, which will be the first A1 International Horticultural Expo hosted in the United States.
Wendy Meadley, representing the organising team, highlighted the Expo’s long-term vision.
“Expo 2031 Minnesota is being designed as more than a temporary event. It is a long-term platform where horticulture, innovation and international collaboration come together to create lasting community and environmental benefits.”
Plans for the Dakota County site include climate-based garden zones, international gardens and a permanent legacy area. Organisers also unveiled the first concept for the USA Pavilion, titled “Where the American Dream Meets the Living World,” designed to explore how horticulture connects innovation, culture and the living landscape.
Expo Garden Baghdad 2029
A PLATFORM LINKING HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Representatives from Iraq presented their vision for Expo Garden Baghdad 2029, positioning the event as part of a broader development project that combines horticulture, tourism, and urban regeneration.
The proposed Expo site, part of a 375-hectare development area outside Baghdad, aims to highlight both the country’s agricultural heritage and its ambitions for sustainable development.
International Horticultural Trade Exhibitions Approved
Alongside the Expo presentations, AIPH members also approved two new International Horticultural Trade Exhibitions during the General Meeting in Sydney.
GreenItaly, to be held in Parma, Italy, will strengthen the European trade calendar, while Myplant & Garden Middle East will establish a new professional platform for the growing horticulture and landscaping markets of the Gulf region.
A Global Platform For Horticulture
Closing the conference, AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe reflected on the breadth of the Expo programme presented in Sydney.
“What we are seeing is a global programme of horticultural exhibitions at many different stages of development, but all demonstrating the power of plants in shaping healthier cities and more resilient communities.”
The conference highlighted how AIPH-Approved International Horticultural Expos continue to provide a global platform for collaboration, innovation and public engagement in horticulture.
Recordings of the presentations delivered at the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference will be available soon on the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026 page.
