The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) returned to the Baltimore Convention Center Jan. 5 – 7 to jump-start the 2022 green industry trade show season bringing together horticulture industry leaders from around the country.

MANTS 2022 welcomed more than 5,700 on-site attendees (including exhibitors) for three days of in-person meetings, networking and business. Attendees from 46 states had the opportunity to explore new products, technology and equipment and reconnect with more than 825 exhibiting companies that had a presence on this year’s show floor.

“While our foot traffic was lighter than in pre-pandemic times, I’m extremely proud that we were able to bring together green industry suppliers and buyers in Baltimore this year,” said MANTS Executive Vice President Vanessa A. Finney. “Despite the snow, flight cancellations, interstate closures, COVID and other factors out of our collective control, our exhibitors and buyers went to great lengths to be with us and return to the in-person connections that are a hallmark of MANTS.”

MANTS 2022 continued to mean business, welcoming well-qualified buyers with high levels of purchasing power. More than 86% of MANTS attendees identified as either the final decision-makers or those who influence their companies’ purchasing decisions. Additionally, more than 76% of attendees identified as owners, vice presidents, managers, buyers or sales and marketing professionals. Furthermore, more than 400 exhibitors have already renewed their exhibit space for the 2023 show, indicating that MANTS is the official start to the green industry buying season and a must-attend trade show for the industry.

“Money well spent!” said Julia Keyser, a first-year exhibitor from Old Glory Wholesale Nursery.

“MANTS has always been the best show of the year for our companies,” said Kevin Cramer, marketing manager, Van Belle Nursery. “We meet the right customer base and prospects each year, and this year was no different. This was the perfect way to start off 2022. Thanks to the MANTS team for making the show happen and providing the platform for great business connections.”

MANTS returns to the Baltimore Convention Center Jan. 11 – 13, 2023. For more information, visit mants.com or call 410.296.6959.

Photos by Joan Kark-Wren

Mary Beth Cowardin and Bill Behrens talked with attendees about the upcoming Cultivate’22 and other benefits from AmericanHort.

Eric Kell of Kelco Industries was kept busy throughout the show talking with attendees about all things Christmas available from Kelco.

Eric Lovelace talks with an attendee about Forrest Keeling Nursery spring availability.

Catherine Viau shows off just a sampling of the plant material from New Moon Nursery.

Michelle Bissett and Matt Hamm exhibited McEnroe Organic Farm’s growing mixes and compost.

Daryl Shatto and Tim Scott exhibited the many quality hand tools available from Zenport Industries.

Josh Denison (R) talks with Joe Juricic about Abby Farms’ availability and pricing for the upcoming spring season.