THE LEAFLET

Looking Back at MANTS 2025
Every January, the horticultural world gathers in Baltimore for the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS), a marquee event that has been connecting industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts since 1971. This year marked Casey Trees’ third year hosting a booth, and it was yet another successful opportunity to showcase our mission, build relationships, and share insights into our work restoring the tree canopy in Washington, DC.
From its humble beginnings in Williamsburg, Virginia, with just 79 exhibitors, MANTS has grown into a sprawling trade show that occupies over 330,000 square feet at the Baltimore Convention Center. This year’s show featured 923 exhibitors and welcomed more than 10,460 attendees from around the globe. Known as the “Masterpiece of Trade Shows,” MANTS fosters connections among growers, suppliers, and industry experts, making it an essential event for the green industry. Despite slightly lower attendance this year due to weather conditions, the energy on the show floor was undeniable.
Among the exhibitors, Casey Trees stood out as one of the few non-profits present. Many visitors stopped by our booth, intrigued by our unique mission and commitment to restoring DC’s urban canopy. For some, this was their first introduction to Casey Trees, while others, familiar with the sight of our trucks around the DMV, expressed their appreciation for our work.
A consistent topic of interest was our use of grow bags. Visitors were eager to learn about our planting, harvesting, and shipping processes, which sparked many meaningful conversations. We also received visits from notable figures and organizations within the industry, including renowned horticulturist Michael Dirr, Baltimore Tree Trust, and Bloom. These moments not only reinforced existing partnerships but also opened doors to potential collaborations. MANTS’ tagline, “Everything you need and more than you expected,” held true as we reconnected with long-time vendors and other mid-Atlantic area nurseries. Our clients, including Baltimore Tree Trust and the Architect of the Capitol, also stopped by to share updates and discuss ongoing projects.
- Farm Crew Chief, Dan Martin, posing with renowned horticulturist, Michael Dirr.
- Deanna Higgerson posing with our friends from Bloom.
This annual event feels like a summer camp for the horticultural world. Booth neighbors become familiar faces year after year, and the show provides an unparalleled opportunity to exchange updates and insights. These informal connections are invaluable for staying informed about emerging trends and innovations in the industry.
One of the highlights of MANTS is the array of creative swag provided by exhibitors. From canvas bags and hats to soil amendment samples and stickers, attendees never leave empty-handed. This year’s selection didn’t disappoint, and our team had a great time connecting with attendees over these fun takeaways.
As the show wrapped up, we left energized and inspired by the connections we made and the stories we heard. MANTS continues to be a vital platform for Casey Trees to share our mission and learn from peers in the industry.
To everyone who stopped by our booth this year—thank you for your support and enthusiasm. We’ll see you at MANTS 2026!