AIPH Spring Meeting in Thailand

Horticultural leaders from around the world gathered in Chiang Rai on 10 February 2025 for the AIPH International Horticultural Expo Conference, marking the start of the AIPH Spring Meeting. With a packed program of discussions and presentations, the event brought together Expo organizers, industry experts, and government representatives to share progress on upcoming horticultural exhibitions and explore the role of plants in shaping sustainable cities.

Welcoming delegates, AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives, the Department of Agriculture (DOA), the Horticultural Science Society of Thailand (HSST), and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) for their support in hosting the event. Recognizing Thailand's strong horticultural heritage, he noted: "Many plants we see in other continents start their life here in Thailand. Your love of flowers is clear in your many flower shows and, of course, in your preparations for the AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos in Udon Thani and Korat."

As the host, Mr Rapibhat Chandarasrivongs, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives, also welcomed delegates to Thailand, emphasizing the country's commitment to horticulture and sustainability. He spoke about Thailand's long-standing role in the global ornamental plant industry and the importance of hosting international exhibitions to foster innovation and collaboration. With Thailand preparing to host two major AIPH-approved Expos—Udon Thani 2026 and Korat 2029—he underlined how these events would further elevate the country's status as a key player in global horticulture.

The conference featured progress reports on A1 International Horticultural Expos, including Expo 2027 Yokohama in Japan and Korat 2029 in Thailand, which will showcase global horticultural innovation.

Thailand's Udon Thani 2026 Expo was also a key focus, with organizers outlining plans to highlight green urban development and sustainability with its B International Green Expo.

Updates continued with International Green Expos, featuring the final report from Chengdu 2024 in China and preparations for the 2028 Ulsan International Garden Expo in Korea, showcasing innovative approaches to integrating horticulture into urban design.

Further reports on International Horticultural Shows featured Euroflora 2025 in Italy and Taean International Horticultural-Healing Expo 2026 in Korea, showcasing how plants, flowers, and landscapes can enhance well-being and cultural identity.

The conference also explored future expo applications, with presentations from Expo İzmir 2027 in Türkiye and Expo 2031 Minnesota in the USA and an expression of interest from Baghdad, Iraq.

Mr Capitanio reflected on the lasting impact of AIPH-approved Expos, stating: "Since 1960, AIPH-approved Expos have exposed millions of visitors to the power of plants. It is wonderful to see all these cities taking forward this mission to inspire their cities, regions, country, and the whole world."

Following the conference, AIPH members gathered for their General Meeting, where they approved the International Horticultural Goyang Expo 2025 in Korea.

As the AIPH Spring Meeting continues, discussions will focus on Green Cities, ornamental horticulture, and industry developments across Southeast Asia, setting the stage for a productive week of collaboration and knowledge-sharing.