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INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXPO NEWS
AIPH Showcases the Power of Plants - Jan 2026

As the new year begins, this edition of International Horticultural Expo News reflects AIPH’s ongoing engagement with Expo projects worldwide, starting with recent visits by the AIPH Site Inspection Team.

Alongside this lead story, the issue introduces new resources to support international engagement and looks ahead to the AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026. It also shares updates from across the global Expo Programme, including federal approval for Expo Minnesota 2031 and a status update for Expo İzmir 2027. 

The year opens with renewed focus on progress, collaboration, and the lasting legacy of International Horticultural Expos.
Lead Story:
AIPH Site Inspections Across Asia Highlight Progress On Approved Expos
In late 2025, the AIPH Site Inspection Team conducted official site inspections in Thailand and the Republic of Korea, reviewing progress on four AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos. The scope of each visit was tailored to the scale, timing, and approval category of the individual Expos. 

The visits were carried out by the AIPH Site Inspection Team, comprising senior AIPH leadership and Expo Committee representatives, working closely with host city authorities, government partners, and local organising committees.

These inspections are a core part of AIPH’s oversight of the global Expo programme, ensuring projects remain aligned with AIPH standards for quality, sustainability, governance, and long-term impact, while offering guidance to local organising teams. Visits included Korat and Udon Thani in Thailand, as well as Ulsan and Taean in the Republic of Korea, reflecting Expos at different stages of development. 

Together, the inspections highlight the diversity of AIPH-approved Expos and a shared commitment with host cities to using horticulture as a platform for connection, sustainability, and lasting legacy. Read on for further details.
  
SPOTLIGHT - Turning Vision into Reality

AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos across Asia move from planning to delivery, with site inspections highlighting progress, readiness, and long-term legacy.
  
Expo Spotlight:
Nakhon Ratchasima International Horticultural Expo 2029 — A1 International Horticultural Expo
The AIPH Site Inspection Team reviewed progress on Thailand’s flagship
A1 International Horticultural Expo, focusing on governance, masterplanning, and preparations towards international delivery and recognition. 
Earlier progress on the Expo was also presented during AIPH’s International Horticultural Expo Conference at the 77th AIPH Annual Congress, providing wider context for the project’s development and its position within the Global Expo Programme.
Watch the Congress Progress Report

Expo Spotlight:
Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 — International Horticultural Green Expo
With the Expo entering its final phase ahead of opening in November this year, the AIPH Site Inspection Team reviewed progress on the International Horticultural Green Expo, focusing on construction milestones, landscape development, operational planning, and city-wide readiness. 
Discussions also addressed visitor operations, infrastructure coordination, and the integration of sustainability principles across the site, reflecting AIPH’s ongoing support for organisers as the project moves towards opening.
Explore Expo 2026 Udon Thani's website

Expo Spotlight:
2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo — International Horticultural Green Expo
During the AIPH Site Inspection Team’s visit to the Republic of Korea, reviews highlighted Ulsan’s long-term vision for ecological restoration and public legacy through horticulture, as the city prepares for its International Horticultural Green Expo.
Discussions focused on how the Expo is being integrated into wider urban regeneration and environmental restoration plans, with an emphasis on lasting public value beyond 2028. 
Earlier progress on the Expo was also shared during AIPH’s International Horticultural Expo Conference at the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium, providing additional context on the project’s development.
Watch the Congress Progress Report


Expo Spotlight:
2026 Taean International Horticultural‑Healing Expo — International Horticultural Show
Ahead of its opening on 25 April 2026 at Anmyeondo Kkotji Beach Park, the AIPH Site Inspection Team reviewed final-stage preparations for the 2026 Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo, an AIPH-approved International Horticultural Show hosted by Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea. 
Discussions focused on operational readiness, site functionality, visitor flow, and the delivery of horticulture-led programming across the main venue and satellite locations. 
At this advanced stage, AIPH’s role is to provide oversight and assurance, confirming that preparations remain aligned with approval requirements as the event moves towards opening.
Explore the Expo Website

CITY OPPORTUNITIES - Support and Inspiration
   

As the global approving authority for International Horticultural Expos, with our partner the International Exhibitions Bureau BIE, AIPH provides inspiration and guidance to help cities at every stage — from first ideas to legacy delivery.


CITY OPPORTUNITIES:
Thinking of Hosting?
  • Explore the Organisation Timeline, with supporting guides and FAQs
  • Download an Application Guide
  • Connect with the AIPH Expo Team to discuss your ideas
Resources for host cities

CITY ENGAGEMENT:
Chanthaburi, Thailand – Exploratory Dialogue with AIPH
Representatives from AIPH, including Elena Terekhova, International Relations Manager, and Karen Tambayong, AIPH Board Member, met with city and regional representatives from Chanthaburi, Thailand, as part of AIPH’s ongoing engagement with cities exploring future horticultural initiatives. 
The discussions formed an early, informal exchange of ideas, with local leaders sharing initial perspectives on how horticulture could support innovation, sustainability and long-term regional development. 
The visit reflects the type of exploratory dialogue that often marks a first step for cities considering International Horticultural Expos. Through early conversations and knowledge-sharing, AIPH helps cities better understand the scope, responsibilities and long-term opportunities involved, supporting informed decision-making well before any formal processes begin.

  

CITY OPPORTUNITIES:
Planning an Expo? 
Access guidance, templates, and training materials to support successful delivery. 
  • Review the AIPH Expo Regulations for further guidance
  • Explore best-practice examples from across AIPH-approved Expos alongside learnings from other mega events
Regulations and guidance

expo support:
International Participation – New AIPH Guidance 
Showcasing International Participants is a practical AIPH guide to help Expo organisers present international participation clearly and consistently at AIPH-approved Expos. The guidance supports organisers in understanding how countries and organisations can be effectively showcased, with practical direction on storytelling, visibility, and alignment with Expo themes.
Download the Brochure

     
PARTNERSHIPS – Strategic Exchange for Expo Delivery

expo NETWORKING:
AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference – AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026
The AIPH Meeting Sydney 2026 will take place from 8 to 12 March 2026 in Australia, bringing together AIPH members and international partners for strategic discussions, governance meetings, and global sector exchange. 
As part of the week-long programme, the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference, taking place on 9 March 2026, provides a dedicated platform for Expo organisers, bid cities, suppliers, and public authorities to exchange experience, follow progress across AIPH-Approved Expos, and engage in dialogue on planning, delivery, and long-term legacy, including future hosting opportunities.
Register and Book Tickets

     
LEGACY SPOTLIGHT - Measuring the Power of Plants
LEGACY SPOTLIGHT:
Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar — From Event to Enduring Legacy
AIPH-approved Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, was conceived with legacy at its core, transforming Al Bidda Park into a permanent green and civic asset for the city.
  • 170-hectare landscaped Expo site returned as a long-term public park 
  • 4.2 million visitors during the Expo’s 179-day run 
  • 71 participating countries, reflecting strong global engagement 
  • Year-round public access and ongoing programming, supporting education, recreation, and environmental awareness
Explore Legacy Insights                   
  or read the Blooming Economies Report

     
Future International Horticultural Trade Shows

Stay connected with the global horticultural community — here’s where to meet industry leaders at upcoming AIPH-approved trade events during the next six months.

KNOWLEDGE HUB - Expo News