MANTS 2026: The Green Industry’s Premier Event Returns to Baltimore

January 7-9, 2026 | Your Complete Guide + The Best Parking Solution

The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) is coming back to Baltimore, and if you’re in the horticulture industry, this is THE event you cannot miss.

For three days in January, the Baltimore Convention Center transforms into the green industry’s premier marketplace — where deals are made, relationships are built, and the upcoming season takes shape.

Whether you’re an exhibitor showcasing your latest products or an attendee shopping for inventory, equipment, and innovations, MANTS 2026 promises to be bigger and better than ever.

And Harbor Park Garage makes it easy: Just $18 for all-day parking (or $24 overnight for multi-day convenience), a 3-minute walk to the convention center, and you’re set for success.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about MANTS 2026 and how to make the most of your time in Baltimore.

What is MANTS?

The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show is widely regarded as one of the most influential events in the horticulture industry. Since its inception, MANTS has served as the marketplace where green industry professionals come together to prepare for the growing season ahead.

This isn’t a consumer show. This isn’t a hobby gardener expo. This is where serious business gets done.

The Numbers Tell the Story

MANTS 2026 by the Numbers:

11,000+ attendees from over 40 states and a dozen countries
900+ exhibiting companies showcasing the latest products
82% of attendees are decision-makers or key influencers
300,000 square feet of exhibition space at Baltimore Convention Center
3 days of intensive networking, deal-making, and product discovery

Why MANTS Matters

“MANTS isn’t just a trade show — it’s where serious business gets done,” said Vanessa A. Finney, executive vice president of MANTS. “Attendees return year after year because they find the right products, meet the right people and make the right deals to grow their businesses.”

Known as “the show where deals are made,” MANTS is where businesses:

Secure inventory for the upcoming season
Write orders with suppliers
Discover new products and innovations
Network with industry leaders
Learn from educational seminars
Prepare for spring operations

Event Details

Dates & Hours

Wednesday, January 7, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday, January 8, 2026
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday, January 9, 2026
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Location

Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Registration

Pre-Registration: Available at MANTS.com
On-Site Registration: $30 per person

Pro Tip: Register online before the show to save time at check-in and receive important exhibitor/attendee updates.

Who Should Attend MANTS?

If you’re in the green industry, this show is for you. Period.

Industry Professionals Who Benefit:

Landscape Contractors & Designers

Source plants, trees, and shrubs for upcoming projects
Discover new landscape materials and hardscaping products
Connect with suppliers for bulk orders
Network with other landscape professionals

Garden Centers & Retail Nurseries

Stock up on inventory for spring season
Find unique plants that differentiate your business
Meet growers and wholesalers face-to-face
Negotiate better pricing for volume orders

Growers & Wholesalers

Showcase your plants and products to buyers
Generate orders for the growing season
Network with retail partners
Stay current on industry trends

Arborists & Tree Care Professionals

Equipment and tool suppliers
Safety gear and PPE
Specialized products for tree care
Training and certification opportunities

Irrigation & Hardscape Suppliers

Latest irrigation technology
Sustainable water management solutions
Hardscaping materials and tools
Installation equipment

Lawn Care & Maintenance Companies

Equipment and machinery
Chemicals and fertilizers
Maintenance tools and supplies
Fleet vehicles and trailers

Landscape Architects

New plant varieties and species
Sustainable landscape solutions
Design software and tools
Supplier relationships

Municipal & Institutional Buyers

Parks and recreation departments
Universities and schools
Government facilities
Large-scale landscape projects

What You’ll Experience at MANTS

Massive Exhibition Floor

900+ exhibitors across multiple halls showcasing:

Plants & Plant Materials

Perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees
Native plants and pollinator-friendly options
Specialty plants and unique varieties
Container plants and bare root stock

Equipment & Machinery

Mowers, trimmers, and maintenance equipment
Trucks, trailers, and utility vehicles
Power tools and hand tools
Spray equipment and spreaders

Landscape Materials

Mulches, soils, and amendments
Stones, pavers, and hardscaping
Edging, borders, and decorative elements
Lighting and irrigation systems

Growing Supplies

Containers and pots
Fertilizers and soil amendments
Pest control and disease management
Greenhouse equipment and supplies

Technology & Software

Landscape design software
Business management systems
Point-of-sale systems
Marketing and e-commerce solutions

Safety & PPE

Protective gear and clothing
Safety equipment
First aid supplies
Training and certification

Educational Programming

MANTS offers seminars and workshops covering:

Industry trends and market insights
Sustainable practices and environmental stewardship
Business management and profitability
New plant varieties and care techniques
Marketing and customer acquisition
Technology implementation

Networking Opportunities

The real value of MANTS often happens in conversations between sessions:

Meet suppliers and build relationships
Connect with peers facing similar challenges
Share best practices and success stories
Discover partnership opportunities
Recruit talented employees

Show Specials & Exclusive Deals

Many exhibitors offer show-only pricing and promotions:

Volume discounts for early orders
Free shipping on minimum purchases
Bundle deals on equipment
New product introductions at special pricing

Smart Strategy: Come prepared with your purchasing authority and budget. The best deals happen when buyers are ready to commit.

Why January? Why Baltimore?

Perfect Timing for the Industry

January is the ideal time for green industry professionals to prepare for spring:

For Growers: Finalize production schedules and secure orders
For Retailers: Stock up before peak selling season
For Contractors: Plan projects and secure materials
For Everyone: Make purchases before spring demand drives up prices

Baltimore: The Perfect Mid-Atlantic Hub

Centrally Located

Easy drive from DC, Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburgh
BWI Airport just 10 miles away
Major interstate access (I-95, I-83, I-695)

World-Class Convention Facility

300,000 square feet of exhibition space
Modern amenities and technology
Professional services and support
Adjacent to Inner Harbor attractions

Excellent Hotel Options

Nine downtown hotels within walking distance
Discounted rates through Visit Baltimore Housing Bureau
Range of price points and amenities
Easy access to convention center

Harbor Park Garage: Your MANTS Parking Solution

When you’re attending a multi-day trade show, parking shouldn’t be complicated or expensive. That’s where Harbor Park Garage comes in.

Location & Distance

Harbor Park Garage
55 Market Place
Baltimore, MD 21202

Distance to Baltimore Convention Center:

3-minute walk via Pratt Street
One block from Charles Street entrance
Closer than most convention center parking

Unbeatable Rates for Multi-Day Events

All-Day Parking: $18
Perfect for single-day attendance

Overnight Parking: $24
Includes unlimited in/out access — ideal for multi-day shows

The Math for MANTS (3-Day Event)

Let’s compare your parking options:

Option 1: Harbor Park Garage

Day 1 (Wed): $18
Overnight Wed-Thu: $24 (unlimited in/out)
Day 2 (Thu): Included in overnight rate
Overnight Thu-Fri: $24 (unlimited in/out)
Day 3 (Fri, half day): Included in overnight rate
Total: $66 for entire show

Option 2: Baltimore Convention Center Garage

Day 1: $30
Day 2: $30
Day 3: $30
Total: $90
You save: $24

Option 3: Hourly Parking Near Convention Center

Average rate: $8-12 per hour
Day 1 (8 hours): $80
Day 2 (8 hours): $80
Day 3 (4 hours): $40
Total: $200
You save: $134!

The Harbor Park Garage Advantage: Save $24-134 over three days while enjoying more convenient parking just steps from the show.

Perfect for Exhibitors

If you’re exhibiting at MANTS, Harbor Park Garage makes your life easier.

Setup & Tear-Down Benefits

Tuesday Setup Day:

Arrive early for load-in
All-day rate covers entire setup period
Make multiple trips between vehicle and booth
No rushing due to hourly parking rates

Show Days:

Park once, walk to show
Return to vehicle during breaks if needed
Bring additional materials or supplies
Retrieve samples or products as needed

Friday Tear-Down:

Load out efficiently
No stress about parking expiring
Multiple trips to vehicle as needed
Leave when you’re completely packed

Overnight Security

Why Overnight Parking Matters:

Many exhibitors bring valuable inventory, displays, and equipment. Harbor Park Garage offers:

24/7 security monitoring
Professional staffing at all hours
Well-lit, secure facility
Peace of mind for valuable merchandise

The Scenario: You’ve loaded your booth materials, samples, and expensive display equipment into your vehicle Wednesday night. Rather than worry about it in a distant parking lot overnight, keep it secure at Harbor Park Garage. Return Thursday morning, grab what you need, and head to the show refreshed.

Cost-Effective for Teams

If You’re Bringing Multiple Staff Members:

Harbor Park Garage’s rates make it practical to bring your whole team:

Each person pays $18/day or uses overnight rate
Compare to $30+ per person at convention center parking
Team savings add up quickly
Use savings for team dinners or customer entertainment

Example:

Team of 4 people
3-day show
Harbor Park Garage: $66 per person = $264 total
Convention center parking: $90 per person = $360 total
Team saves: $96

Perfect for Attendees

Flexibility & Convenience

All-Day Rate Benefits:

Arrive when you want (early birds get best parking spots!)
Stay as long as you need
Take lunch breaks at Inner Harbor restaurants
No watching the clock
No rushing back to feed a meter

Multi-Day Attendance Made Easy

Using Overnight Parking:

Attending all three days? The overnight parking option is perfect:

Your Schedule:

Wednesday: Park in morning, attend full show day, leave vehicle overnight
Thursday: Walk from your hotel, retrieve anything from car if needed, attend show, leave vehicle overnight again
Friday: Attend morning session, pack up, drive home

Cost: Just two overnight parking charges ($48) plus one day rate ($18) = $66 total

Lunch Break Options

One of the benefits of parking at Harbor Park Garage? You’re in the heart of the Inner Harbor with dozens of dining options:

Quick Lunch (20-30 minutes):

Harborplace food court (3-minute walk)
Chipotle, Subway, Panera (nearby)
Grab and go back to the show

Sit-Down Lunch (45-60 minutes):

Phillips Seafood
Hard Rock Cafe
Rusty Scupper
Power Plant Live restaurants

Working Lunch:

Many restaurants have quiet areas for business discussions
Meet with vendors or customers over lunch
Expense it as a business meeting

After-Hours Networking

MANTS often has evening networking events, receptions, and industry gatherings. With Harbor Park Garage’s all-day or overnight parking:

Attend evening events without worrying about your car
Network at hotel bars with industry colleagues
Stay out as late as discussions go
No rushing to parking garage before it closes

Getting to the Convention Center from Harbor Park Garage

Walking Directions (3 Minutes)

The walk is straightforward and pleasant:

Exit garage onto Market Place
Turn left onto Pratt Street
Walk one block west on Pratt Street
Convention center entrance on your right

Time: 3 minutes
Distance: One block
Difficulty: Easy, flat, sidewalks entire way

Visual Landmarks

You’ll see the convention center as soon as you turn onto Pratt Street
Large “Baltimore Convention Center” signage visible
Can’t miss it — it’s the big building right there!

In Bad Weather

Covered Options: While there’s no fully covered walkway, the distance is so short that even in rain or snow, it’s manageable. Many people carry a small umbrella or wear a coat.

Rideshare Alternative: If weather is truly terrible, you can request an Uber/Lyft from the garage entrance. Cost is minimal ($5-7) and takes 2 minutes.

Making the Most of Your MANTS Experience

Before the Show

1. Register Online

Faster check-in at the convention center
Receive show updates and exhibitor lists
Plan your booth visits in advance

2. Review the Floor Plan

Available at MANTS.com closer to show dates
Mark must-see exhibitors
Plan efficient route through show floor

3. Reserve Parking

Book at Harbor Park Garage to guarantee your spot
One less thing to worry about
Same rate as walk-ups

4. Book Hotel Early

Nine downtown hotels offer special MANTS rates
Book through Visit Baltimore Housing Bureau
Hotels within walking distance fill up fast

5. Prepare Your Business Cards

Bring plenty — you’ll meet dozens of contacts
Have QR codes for digital contact exchange
Pre-printed order forms if you’re a buyer

During the Show

Day 1 Strategy (Wednesday):

Morning: Hit your must-see exhibitors first
Midday: Attend an educational seminar
Afternoon: Explore new vendors and discoveries
Evening: Networking events or dinner with contacts

Day 2 Strategy (Thursday):

Morning: Follow up on Day 1 discussions
Midday: Write orders and finalize deals
Afternoon: Discover vendors you missed Day 1
Evening: More networking, cement relationships

Day 3 Strategy (Friday, Half Day):

Morning: Final booth visits
Late Morning: Last-minute orders
Noon: Head home with your vehicle full of catalogs and samples

Networking Tips

Be Strategic:

Prioritize face-time with key suppliers
Schedule breakfast or lunch meetings in advance
Exchange business cards immediately
Take photos of booths/products for reference

Take Notes:

Jot down important details from conversations
Note pricing and availability
Record contact information accurately
Photograph product tags and specs

Follow Up Fast:

Send thank-you emails within 48 hours
Reference specific conversations
Confirm orders and next steps
Build on momentum while show is fresh

Beyond MANTS: Explore Baltimore

Since you’re in Baltimore for 2-3 days, take advantage of your proximity to the Inner Harbor!

Before or After Show Hours

Tuesday Night (Arrival):

Dinner at Inner Harbor restaurants
Evening walk around the waterfront
Check out Christmas Village if still open (through Dec 24)

Wednesday Evening:

National Aquarium (open until 5 PM)
Harbor Wetland sunset walk
Dinner with industry colleagues
Networking at hotel bars

Thursday Evening:

Maryland Science Center
Historic Ships tours
Fells Point neighborhood exploration
Power Plant Live entertainment

Friday Afternoon (After Show):

Quick Inner Harbor attraction visit
Lunch at a nice restaurant
Shopping at Harborplace
Early departure to beat traffic

Weekend Extension

Consider staying through the weekend:

Hotel rates are often lower Friday-Sunday
Explore Baltimore without the work obligations
Visit attractions you missed
Relax and recharge before getting back to business

Weekend Activities:

American Visionary Art Museum
Fort McHenry National Monument
Baltimore Museum of Art (free admission!)
Brunch in Canton or Federal Hill
Ravens game (if in season)

Practical Tips for MANTS Attendees

What to Wear

Comfortable Shoes are Essential

You’ll walk miles on concrete floors
Bring broken-in shoes, not new ones
Consider insoles for extra comfort
Some exhibitors bring backup shoes

Dress Professionally but Practically

Business casual is the norm
Layers (convention centers can be cold or warm)
Comfortable pants (lots of standing/walking)
Light jacket or sweater you can carry

What to Bring

Essential Items:

Business cards (bring 100+, seriously)
Phone charger and portable battery
Small notepad and pen
Reusable water bottle
Comfortable bag or backpack for materials

Optional but Helpful:

Tablet for taking notes/photos
Measuring tape (for sizing plants/products)
Calculator (for quick order calculations)
Healthy snacks
Pain reliever (long days on concrete)

Food & Hydration

Stay Fueled:

Eat a good breakfast
Drink water throughout the day
Take proper lunch breaks
Avoid too much coffee/caffeine
Don’t skip meals to see more booths

Convention Center Food:

Food service available in the convention center
Can be expensive and crowded
Consider walking to Inner Harbor for better options
Many attendees plan lunch meetings off-site

Managing Samples & Materials

You’ll Collect A LOT:

Catalogs, brochures, samples
Business cards and contact info
Product samples and giveaways
Promotional items

Strategy:

Use exhibitor bag or bring your own sturdy bag
Take only materials you’ll actually use
Scan QR codes instead of taking paper when possible
Make trips back to your car if needed (Harbor Park Garage is close!)
Ship large items directly from exhibitors when possible

COVID-19 & Health Considerations

While we hope pandemic concerns continue to diminish, it’s worth noting:

MANTS 2026 will follow current CDC and local health guidelines

General Best Practices:

Hand sanitizer stations throughout convention center
Wash hands regularly
Stay home if feeling unwell
Respect others’ personal space preferences
Follow any posted guidelines at the event

Check MANTS.com closer to the event for specific health and safety protocols.

Reserve Your Parking for MANTS 2026

Don’t wait until the last minute. Major trade shows attract thousands of attendees, and parking near the convention center can get tight.

Reserve Online Now

Visit: harborparkgarage.com/parking-nearby/baltimore-convention-center

Select Your Dates:

Single day: January 7, 8, or 9
Multiple days: Use overnight parking option
Entire show: Most cost-effective

Benefits of Reserving:

Guaranteed parking spot
Same rates as walk-ups
No surprises or sold-out signs
One less thing to worry about

Walk-Up Welcome

If you haven’t reserved, no problem! We welcome walk-ups on a space-available basis. We typically have good availability even during major conventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I leave my vehicle overnight?
A: Yes! Our overnight parking rate is $24 with unlimited in/out access. Perfect for multi-day events like MANTS.

Q: What if I need to access my vehicle during the day?
A: No problem. Our all-day and overnight rates include unlimited in/out privileges. Come and go as needed.

Q: Is the garage secure overnight?
A: Absolutely. We have 24/7 security monitoring and professional staff on-site at all hours. Our facility is well-lit and secure.

Q: Do you have height restrictions?
A: We accommodate standard vehicles without issue. If you’re driving an oversized vehicle (box truck, large van), please call ahead at (410) 528-0888 to confirm clearance.

Q: Can I park a trailer or cargo van?
A: Standard cargo vans typically fit fine. For trailers or oversized vehicles, please call ahead to discuss options and confirm availability.

Q: What if the show runs late on Friday?
A: Our all-day rate covers 12 hours, which should be plenty for even a long Friday. If you need more time, our overnight rate extends your coverage.

Q: Is there elevator access?
A: Yes, Harbor Park Garage has elevator access to all levels and is fully ADA accessible.

Q: Can I pay with credit card?
A: Yes, we accept all major credit cards as well as cash.

Q: What if I lose my parking ticket?
A: Our staff can help you. There may be a lost ticket fee, so keep your ticket with you throughout your visit.

Q: How early can I arrive?
A: We’re open 24/7! Arrive as early as you want. Many exhibitors arrive the evening before setup day.

Contact Information

Harbor Park Garage

Address: 55 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 528-0888
Website: harborparkgarage.com
Convention Center Parking: harborparkgarage.com/parking-nearby/baltimore-convention-center

Hours: Open 24/7
Staff: Available 24/7

MANTS 2026

Website: MANTS.com
Registration: Available online
Show Dates: January 7-9, 2026
Location: Baltimore Convention Center, One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Visit Baltimore (Hotel Reservations)

Housing Bureau: Visit MANTS.com/hotels
Discounted Rates: Available at nine downtown hotels
Book Early: Hotels fill up quickly

Get Ready for MANTS 2026

The green industry’s premier marketplace is coming to Baltimore, and whether you’re an exhibitor showcasing your innovations or an attendee preparing for the spring season, MANTS 2026 promises to be three days of intense networking, deal-making, and industry insight.

Mark Your Calendar: January 7-9, 2026
Register Now: MANTS.com
Book Your Hotel: Through Visit Baltimore Housing Bureau
Reserve Your Parking: Harbor Park Garage

This is where deals are made. This is where relationships are built. This is where your 2026 season begins.

We’ll save you a parking spot. You close the deals.

Harbor Park Garage: Your Gateway to MANTS 2026

Just $18 all-day parking | Just $24 overnight with unlimited access | Just 3 minutes to Baltimore Convention Center

Reserve Your Parking Today: harborparkgarage.com/parking-nearby/baltimore-convention-center