host city

Tag: World Expos

  • How AIPH-approved international horticultural expos create lasting legacies for hosts

    How AIPH-approved international horticultural expos create lasting legacies for hosts

    Since the 1950s, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has been approving international horticultural exhibitions as the pre-requisite for an event to receive the recognition of the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE). Through this official approval process, hosting countries and regions gain the ability to invite the participation of other nations through the very highest diplomatic channels.
    In 1960 the first AIPH-approved international horticultural expo was held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Over the ensuing sixty years, AIPH has approved thirty A1 world horticultural expos, around the globe, attracting millions of visitors for the benefit of gaining knowledge and inspiration of the positive power that plants and flowers have on the lives of a region’s population.

    The Floriade legacy
    Profusely aware of the multitude of benefits that world horticultural expos bring to a host region, the Netherlands hold a Floriade every ten years. In 2022, Expo Floriade Almere will be the sixth international horticultural expo to be held in the country.
    Floriades play a critical role in the development or regeneration of a city. Hosting a Floriade stimulates significant regional infrastructure investment which initiates a boost to the region’s trade, industry, international relations and even education.
    Floriade 2012, held in Venlo, testifies to the long-term benefits a region can reap from hosting an international horticultural expo. Since hosting the Floriade, Venlo has experience on-going levels of economic growth above the national average. The project also led to the establishment of two new university campus sites which today attract talent and skills, of all age groups, to the region. The location has become a thriving community of development and innovation.
    Hosting the expo also provided a powerful means for branding the region, achieving national and international recognition and establishing a strong and purposeful reputation. Venlo is now familiar not only to the horticulture industry but also beyond. Obtaining a strong sense of regional identity also had the impact of strengthening a sense of social cohesion within the area. As a ‘cradle-to-cradle’, project Floriade 2012 has created significant lasting benefits across numerous areas, including employment, innovation and education, for many generations to come.
     
    The AIPH Green City Concept
    Alongside AIPH’s role for approving international horticultural exhibitions, AIPH’s work in Green City involves spreading awareness of the AIPH Green City Concept and supporting city greening through AIPH Green City Guidelines. The objectives of international horticultural exhibitions are synergistic with AIPH’s Green City work. The growing imperative to address salient issues of climate change, air pollution, biodiversity, mental health and social cohesion can be directly addressed through the development of green cities. As stronger evidence builds daily to prove the direct correlation between plants and flowers and a healthier and happier place to live and work, cities around the world are embracing the concept of city greening. Through AIPH’s Green City Concept and approved international horticultural exhibitions, AIPH supports cities in developing their genuine commitment to becoming an internationally recognised green city. AIPH’s global platform for disseminating knowledge; sharing studies, research and best practices; for enabling discussion and encouraging networking offers the unique opportunity for galvanising the pace of ‘living green’ infrastructure development with the multitude of benefits this brings to a region.
     
    Four categories of AIPH-approved horticultural exhibitions
    AIPH approves horticultural exhibitions for large public audiences, smaller public audiences and industry only. Approved horticultural events are categorised into four different classes: A1, B, C and D.
    A1: World Horticultural Exhibitions
    A1 class events are major, large scale world horticultural exhibitions that are held for a long duration of three to six months. AIPH approval and subsequent BIE recognition gives organisers the authority to invite the participation of other countries through the highest diplomatic channels. A country is allowed to organise one A1 horticulture exhibition every ten years. The minimum exhibition area is 50ha, the minimum number of participating counties is 10 and applications are required 12 to 6 years before the event opens. AIPH approved A1 exhibitions have been held in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Turkey, Japan, China and Thailand.
    The next AIPH Approved (A1) world horticultural expos are:
    Expo 2019 Beijing, China
    Expo 2021 Doha, Qatar
    Expo 2022 Floriade Almere, the Netherlands
    Expo 2024 ?ód?, Poland
     
    B: International Horticultural Exhibitions
    B class events are horticultural exhibitions with international participation, held for three to six months. These are organised more at city level, rather than involving national governments. International participation is secured through city to city contact. The minimum exhibition area is 25ha, the minimum number of participating counties is 10 and applications are required 10 to 3 years before the event opens. AIPH approved B class events have been held in France, Germany, China, Japan and Canada.
     
    C: International Horticultural Shows
    C class events are held for the purpose of inspiring and entertaining the public. They are held for a period of between four to twenty days. The minimum exhibition area is 6,000m² and the minimum number of participating countries is 6. Applications are required 5 to 0.5 years before the opening of an established show and 5 – 1 years before the opening of a new or non-annual show. AIPH approved shows include Floralies in Nantes, France.
     
    D: International Horticultural Trade Exhibitions
    D class events promote trade, innovation, development, knowledge sharing and networking in the global horticulture industry. These B2B events are often held annually and there are no restrictions on their duration.  A minimum of 60 per cent of exhibitors must be involved in horticultural production or supply, exhibitions can incorporate symposia and applications are required 5 to 0.5 years before the opening of an established exhibition and 5 to 1 years before the opening of a new or non-annual exhibition. AIPH approved trade exhibitions include Flormart (Italy) and GreenTech (the Netherlands).
     
    Bringing cities to life
    All AIPH-approved events are regulated, monitored, supported and promoted by AIPH to ensure that the highest possible standards and recognition are achieved for the benefit of organisers, participants, visitors and citizens of the hosting region.
    AIPH is committed to championing the power of plants around the world and welcomes the partnership of any city that is committed to developing its horticulture industry, ‘living green’ infrastructure and has the ambition to bring the AIPH Green City Concept to life.
     
    This article first appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Host City magazine. Tim Briercliffe, Secretary General of the International Association of Horticultural Producers is speaking at Host City 2019

  • Plant power: how expos can safeguard urban futures

    Plant power: how expos can safeguard urban futures

    Host City: What is the main benefit for a city hosting an AIPH approved expo?
    Tim Briercliffe: AIPH approved expos are international spectacles with the ability to stimulate economic and social development and transform the international reputation of host cities. As much as to create a showcase for national and international attention, these expos are often staged as part of a development or redevelopment strategy of the host city.
    Each expo lasts up to six months, sites range from 50 to over 500 hectares in size and they can attract as many as 16 million visitors. The legacy of an expo is long and far-reaching with benefits for business and trade, research and development, employment and education, the physical and mental health of citizens and social cohesion.
     
    Host City: What is the most important factor you are looking for in the hosts of your expos?
    Tim Briercliffe: AIPH partners with cities that share our vision of a healthier future for urban citizens. Alongside this vision, these cities need the commitment and dedication to make such a vision a reality.
    AIPH is the world’s champion for the power of plants and believes that our relationship with nature is fundamental to our future. The AIPH network provides the knowledge and expertise to support a city in creating better and cleaner urban environments and in gaining global recognition as a green city.
     
    What are your expectations of Host City 2019?
    Tim Briercliffe: Host City 2019 is a great opportunity to meet a community of visionary, entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers committed to the development or regeneration of their cities. Welcoming this community to the AIPH network helps us to advance our hopes for a world where the essential value of plants is recognised and reflected in every step forward for humanity.
     
    Tim Briercliffe is speaking at Host City 2019, the largest meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events, on 26-27 November in Glassgow. Register here

  • Countries share Green City initiatives at AIPH Spring Meeting in Miami

    Countries share Green City initiatives at AIPH Spring Meeting in Miami

    [Source: AIPH] On 2 March 2020, the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) brought together key industry players in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida – the cargo gateways of America.
    The three-day event, entitled ‘Growing The Industry’ was coordinated by the association as part of its Spring Meeting, and supported by AmericanHort, to enable knowledge exchange and facilitate discussion on growing the ornamental industry.
    Day one, on Monday, was the Expo Conference and it gave the international delegates the latest updates on forthcoming AIPH-approved International Horticultural Expos. Delegates heard progress reports from representatives for A1 World Horticultural Exhibitions including Expo 2021 Doha (Qatar); Expo 2022 Floriade Amsterdam Almere (the Netherlands); Expo Horticultural 2024 ?ód? (Poland) and World Horticultural Exhibition 2027 Yokohama (Japan). There was also a progress report from B International Horticultural Exhibition Expo 2023 Kahramanmara? (Turkey).
    On this theme, Ibo Gülsen, managing director of IGMPR, the Netherlands, gave a speech about How Garden Tourism can benefit Expo and Legacy development and operation. An AIPH-approved outdoor exhibition gathers breeders, growers, landscapers, governments, and other invested parties to host these events that are open to the public and help to promote floriculture and the image of the host country.
    In his talk, Gülsen gave a history lesson about the ancient gardens in Turkey, Babylon, Venice, Italy, and many other cities and cultures that embraced the concept of grand landscaped spaces filled with local flora and fauna. He spoke about how the same awe and delight continues to this day with more than 100 garden destinations in the world.
    In the afternoon, the focus switched from garden tourism to urban living with the AIPH Green City Reports. Keynote speaker, Dr Tim Beatley Professor of Sustainable Communities in the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, gave a fascinating presentation about connecting cities with nature entitled development of the Biophilic Cities movement in the USA. The biophilic cities organisation has 22 member cities globally that participate in the program, and they meet to share ideas, failures and successes.
    Afterwards, there was an opportunity for members to share their latest Green City news and talking about the developments and investments. The speakers were from Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, Brazil, South Korea and Canada. For example, Taipei is planting one million trees, Brazil has been tearing-up grey concrete spaces and planting foliage in its place, and have a community program that offers bus fares in exchange for recyclable materials. In South Korea, they are planting 10 million trees and want to turn “grey into green”.

  • BIE expresses confidence in Expo 2020 Dubai despite coronavirus outbreak

    BIE expresses confidence in Expo 2020 Dubai despite coronavirus outbreak

    There is still work to do in the most challenging of times, but Expo 2020 Dubai is on schedule to open in October thanks to measures taken by the host nation.
    “Putting on a World Expo, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic requires a global effort from the 192 countries taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai,” BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes was reported as saying in Egyptian newspaper al-Ahram on 19 March.
    “We continue working with the organisers and are confident in the steps that the UAE has taken to manage the spread of the virus and protect all those involved in the Expo. Expo 2020 Dubai’s pragmatic approach offers both reassurance and assistance to those who need it, and will, I believe, contribute to the successful delivery of this mega event.”
    A steering committee of representatives of countries taking part in Expo 2020 Dubai met virtually on 19 March to discuss the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on preparations.
    “As hosts of the next World Expo, due to open in seven months’ time, we always knew that 2020 was going to be demanding. What we could not predict is that we would be doing so in the midst of the biggest global health crisis in generations,” UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Reem Al Hashimy is reported as saying in al-Ahram.
    “These are difficult, uncertain times, which makes it even more heartening to see communities around the world facing this challenge together and to witness the incredible resilience of the human spirit against a menace that does not recognise international borders or timelines.
    “Our immediate priority is the health and well-being of everyone involved in Expo 2020 Dubai, and this will not be compromised. Our monitoring of ongoing developments means we will take all sensible precautions to manage and mitigate risk to all those involved.”
    The UAE has taken a range of measures to control the spread of COVID-19. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces told government news agency Wam: “In the UAE, we have adopted rational and early advanced precautionary measures before other countries around us to stand up to the challenge… Therefore, the infection tally in the UAE is less thanks to our early response to contain the virus at its onset”
    Construction by the organising committee is complete, with International Participant Pavilions being completed.
    The value of World Expos cannot be understated. “For almost 170 years they have brought countries and people together to celebrate the best of humanity, and the fruits of our innovation and collaboration, around a theme addressing global challenges,” said Kerkentzes.

  • AIPH announces a Virtual International Horticultural Expo Conference on 30 September

    AIPH announces a Virtual International Horticultural Expo Conference on 30 September

    [Source: AIPH] The AIPH Virtual Expo Conference on 30 September presents an excellent opportunity to learn more about hosting or being involved with an International Horticultural Expo and to network with expo organisers, city representatives interested in hosting an expo, urban developers, AIPH members, NGOs, international city and environmental organisations and suppliers to major events.
    Billions are spent on developing these international spectacles that can have the ability to stimulate the development of entire cities and transform the international reputation of hosting regions. Each exhibition attracts many international participants and millions of visitors, lasts up to six months, with sites ranging from 25 to 500 hectares in size. Every Expo is carefully regulated, steered, and monitored by AIPH.
    The period from 2021 until 2027 already includes AIPH approved expos in China, Turkey, Qatar, the Netherlands, South Korea and Japan with more to be approved in upcoming meetings.
    These Expos will be submitting their progress reports on the 30 September. Rather than a physical international conference, AIPH is using a unique 3D system to host a virtual online meeting of delegates from around the world.
    We are very grateful to PERA Event for their Headline Sponsorship of the conference. The company is also an AIPH preferred partner specialising in event management for International Horticultural Expos.
    The registration price is just 55 GBP. Participants receive a link to create an avatar to enter this virtual environment. In this interactive form, they will be able to talk to other delegates starting from 8am (Central European Summer Time), and all from the safety of their device.
    AIPH extends its thanks to AGES (Association of Global Event Suppliers), the UK’s Department for International Trade, ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability), IAEH (International Association of Event Hosts), ULI (Urban Land Institute) and media partners HOST CITY and FloraCulture International magazine.
    AIPH Secretary General, Mr Tim Briercliffe, comments, “We are delighted to welcome our Expo organisers and all delegates to the AIPH Expo Conference. AIPH approved expos are beautiful events, which are enjoyed by millions of visitors wherever they are staged. Cities around the world are looking more than ever to further develop their green credentials and urban spaces, as well as driving the appreciation and benefits of plants and flowers in the built environment. In addition to seeing the interesting progress of our approved Expos, attendees will be able to network with delegates and learn more about how staging an International Horticultural Expos can bring great benefits to the host city, not just during the Expo itself, but for years to come.”
    For more information on this event, visit the International Virtual Expo page.

  • Doha to host International Horticultural Expo in 2023

    Doha to host International Horticultural Expo in 2023

    [Source: AIPH] The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has reviewed upcoming International Horticultural Exhibitions, that falls under its approval, due to the COVID-19 pandemic repercussions. Considering the time it takes to prepare a high-quality A1 International Horticultural Exhibition and the difficulties in continuing preparations during the pandemic, AIPH has recommended that Expo 2021 Doha Qatar be moved to a future date.
    With a theme focused on greening the desert and improving the environment, the Government of the State of Qatar has therefore agreed to postpone the Horticultural Expo which will now open in October 2023. The Horticultural Expo will be hosted at Al Bidda Park and is expected to attract millions of visitors in the context of climate water and soil being indispensable and scarce resources, in addition to a list of objectives that were set in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
    Commenting on the change, AIPH Secretary General, Tim Briercliffe says, “Although Expo preparations are well underway in Doha, it is necessary to postpone the opening to allow more time for international participants to visit Doha, select their locations and prepare the construction and activities they need. AIPH believe that this date change will ensure that the Expo can be delivered to the highest possible standards. This will be the first AIPH Expo to take place in the Middle East and we are very excited about what it will achieve to stimulate city greening and sustainable development in a desert region.”
    The Minister of Municipality and Environment for the State of Qatar, His Excellency Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz Al Subai welcomed the revised dates and commented: “ Throughout the COVID – 19 Pandemic the State of Qatar implemented strategic measures to address the economic and social impact of the pandemic, having said that and as we recognise the severe impact of the pandemic globally, we welcome the revised dates suggested by the AIPH for the Horticultural Expo. The State of Qatar is always committed to delivering world-class events, and this will not change for the A1 World Horticultural Exhibition happening for the first time in our region. Qatar looks forward to welcoming the global horticultural sector to share knowledge and experience in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
    As Expo 2021 Doha Qatar has been recognised by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation in charge of Expos, the change of dates requires approval from the BIE’s 170 Member States. The Secretary General of the BIE Dimitri S. Kerkentzes indicated: “I welcome the AIPH’s recommendation and Qatar’s resolution to move Horticultural Expo 2021 Doha Qatar to 2023, and I am confident that the change in dates will be approved by our Member States. For the host country and all participating countries, the new dates will allow the necessary time to adjust and adapt their plans to ensure the Middle East’s first Horticultural Expo is a resounding success in 2023.”
    The Secretary General of the Expo in Qatar Mr Mohamad Ali AL Khoury welcomed the decision of the AIPH and reiterated on the importance of hosting this event for the first time in the region by saying: “The State of Qatar has always been the hub for World Class International events, we are committed to delivering a one of a kind experience to the global community and the citizens of Qatar and the region. We are continually working to ensure the readiness of Qatar to host the A1 Horticultural Expo, and we will continue with these efforts to deliver a premier one of a kind event.”
    International Horticultural Expos foster cooperation and knowledge sharing between countries addressing crucial issues related to healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable living, education and innovation.
    Hosted in Qatar for the first time in the region, the A1 Horticultural Expo will last for six months starting October 2023. It will include participants representing countries and International Organisations as well as Cities, Companies, Civil Society and NGOs.
    For more information about International Horticultural Expos visit http://aiph.org/

  • Trivandi appointed as Official Advisory & Delivery Founding Partner for Expo 2031

    Trivandi appointed as Official Advisory & Delivery Founding Partner for Expo 2031

    [Source: Trivandi] Trivandi, the global leaders in planning and delivering mega events and experiences, has been appointed as the Official Advisory & Delivery Founding Partner for Expo 2031. The appointment sees Trivandi support Expo 2031 from early strategic advisory through to operational readiness and delivery, starting with the USA Pavilion at America’s first A1 International Horticultural Exposition.
    Taking place from May to October 2031, Expo 2031 is expected to welcome approximately four million visitors during its six-month run and host participation from 60 to 80 countries, making it one of the most significant international cultural and economic events in the United States in decades.
    James Bulley, CEO and Co-founder of Trivandi: “Events like Expo 2031 have the power to connect people, spark innovation and leave something meaningful behind for the communities that host them.
    That is what drives us. Every project we have delivered, from Olympic Games to World Expos, reinforces the same truth. It is the experience that people remember. We are honored to bring that knowledge to Expo 2031 and to work alongside the organizers as one team, helping to shape an event that creates a lasting legacy.”
    Trivandi’s appointment follows the company’s successful role as Operational Delivery Partner of the award-winning USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which welcomed more than 1.8 million visitors.
    Trivandi also managed operations for the United Arab Emirates Pavilion and the Australia Pavilion at Expo 2025, delivering three complex pavilion experiences simultaneously across a six-month program.
    Wendy Meadley, CEO of Expo 2031 Minnesota USA: “Delivering a pavilion that welcomes millions of visitors requires world-class operational planning. Trivandi brings unmatched experience from global events and will help ensure the USA Pavilion operates seamlessly from opening day through the entire six-month exposition.”
    Founded by the leadership team behind the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trivandi brings its integrated “One Team” approach to Expo 2031 – synchronizing expertise across strategy, design, operations, visitor experience, readiness and legacy planning to seamlessly guide the project trivandi.com from concept through to reality. The company’s scope spans the complete pavilion lifecycle, drawing on lessons learned from every Summer Olympics since 2012, Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as every World Expo since 2015.
    Expo 2031 forms part of a remarkable period for major events in the United States, with the country also preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2034. Together, these events represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the country to welcome the world, attract international investment and build lasting infrastructure and capability. Trivandi brings experience from 300+ projects in 29 countries to this exciting chapter.
    Sawyer Franz, Vice President Trivandi USA and Director of Pavilions: “Having delivered the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and managed operations across three pavilions simultaneously, we know what it takes to partner with a nation on the world stage. For Expo 2031, we will be embedded from the start, synchronizing strategy, design, operations and readiness so that nothing is lost between the drawing board and opening day. That continuity is what makes the difference.”
    The USA Pavilion is planned as the symbolic heart of Expo 2031, featuring:
    • A vertical greenhouse and living horticultural exhibits
    • A performance theater and gathering plaza
    • Diplomatic and cultural exchange spaces
    • Food and culinary experiences celebrating American agriculture
    • Landscapes highlighting native plants and pollinator habitats
    It will serve as both a national showcase and a platform for American companies, growers, innovators, and cultural institutions to engage with global audiences.