MANTS celebrates 50th anniversary

Scott Ekstrom of Ekstrom Nursery brought this work of art he created to the show as a conversation starter. It certainly worked!

The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) celebrated the show’s 50th anniversary in Baltimore, MD, from Jan. 8 – 10. The milestone year was marked with record attendance numbers, the highest in the past 12 years. MANTS welcomed over 12,000 attendees and exhibitors from 44 states and 15 countries.

“It was an incredible experience to see MANTS turn 50,” said Vanessa Finney, executive VP of MANTS. “One person can’t do it alone and I am so thankful to the team that helps us put on the best show possible year after year.”

In addition to the increased registration in 2020, business was thriving at the premier green industry marketplace again this year. More than 88% of MANTS attendees were designated as the reps in their companies that make or influence final purchasing decisions.

Tankard Nurseries has been exhibiting at MANTS for 50 years! Ed Tankard, Valerie West and Betsy Gagnon were on hand to discuss nursery stock availability and reminisce about past shows.

“MANTS was a wonderful whirlwind in the best possible way,” said Heather Zindash, CPH, The Soulful Gardener. “This important event provides opportunities to source products and materials, network with industry-related professionals and maintain and increase business opportunities.”

MANTS will return to the Baltimore Convention Center in 2021, scheduled for Jan. 6 – 8. For more information, visit MANTS.com or call 410.296.6959.

Jacky Pyrch and Donald Sedor were available to discuss the many greenhouse options available from Growspan.

Mark Kuykendall shows the quality of nursery stock available from Kuykendall Nursery.

Mark Goldman and Robert Rosile were on hand to discuss the benefits of PittMoss.

Scott Saulsbury (right) showed attendees how GardenWare software can help in making all types of labels for plants.

Jeff Barnes displayed the Loadmeter, a portable truck scale available from Haenni.

Mobjack Nurseries was one of the original six exhibitors that have been exhibiting at MANTS since the first show in 1970. While not at that first show, John Machen and George Machen were at the 2020 show.