Intent to bid for Minnesota to host International Horticultural Expo announced

The World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund intends to submit a bid on Tuesday, Sept. 18 to host the 2029 International Horticultural Expo in Minnesota.

International Horticultural Exhibitions are hosted throughout the world on a rotating schedule and focus on the economic, social, environmental and cultural development objectives of a city or region on a fixed milestone.

The fund said that initial conversations with green industry leaders have been extremely positive.

“Exploring the exciting possibilities with both our state and national horticultural and landscape organizations has been a turning point in our campaign to bring a World’s Fair to Minnesota," World's Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund Board Chair Mark Ritchie said in a statement. "We've been laying the groundwork for this success over the past decade, and now we can harvest the fruits of this 12-years long campaign."

The intent to bid for the 2029 World Horticultural Exposition will be presented at the AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers) Congress in Suncheon, South Korea. This would be the first time the Expo would be held in the United States.

Conversations are still in the preliminary stages, and official bids will be submitted in January 2024. A host location will be selected in spring 2024 by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.

The World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund, the formal entity leading the effort, will be presenting to the AmericanHort and Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association Boards in October asking for their formal support. The group stems from Minnesota’s bid attempt at hosting the 2027 World’s Fair.

Hosting such an event is a unique opportunity to strengthen the international image and position of the host city, state and country. They create parks and new, attractive public spaces of recreational value for residents and tourists. They typically last three to six months and attract millions of world leaders, decision makers and visitors over the duration of the event.

“As the national trade association for horticulture in the United States, AmericanHort profoundly understands how plants enrich people's lives. Sharing this message on a global scale, right here in our own country, would be truly thrilling," said Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort executive vice president of advocacy, research and industry relations.,

"Engaging consumers about the health, economic, and environmental benefits of plants and landscapes is something our industry does every day," MNLA Executive Director Cassie Larson said in a statement. "We’re excited to have the opportunity to potentially share the benefits of the green industry on a much larger stage."

Green industry businesses are also supportive of the conversation.

“We have some amazing stories to share with the world. From sustainability efforts to plant breeding and technological advancements, Minnesota is a hub of what’s to come for global horticulture. We are grateful to participate in the bid and Expo planning process and hope to welcome worldwide visitors to Minnesota in 2029," said Ryan McEnaney, a 5th-generation family member at Bailey Nurseries based in St. Paul, Minnesota.