I was so excited to attend MANTS in Baltimore, MD earlier this month for the second year in a row. It was even bigger and better than last year! If you are in the gardening industry and have never been, you should go. I am just overwhelmed by the many great products and companies represented there.
First on my agenda this year was stopping by the booths of those who had partnered with us in 2023. What a great chance to say hi in person and see what new and exciting things they are offering this year! Then it was time to be on the lookout for other companies that may appeal to our subscribers. We are often asked about the gardening products we use and recommend. We already have some products that we really like but are always on the lookout for more! MANTS seemed like the perfect opportunity for this. I spoke with representatives at various booths to learn more about their companies and offerings. Be on the lookout for some of the products that we loved being featured in the upcoming weeks and months!
The new product showcase was an insight into some great new ideas that will be launching in 2024 and even into 2025. It is always interesting to see the new things that will help make gardening easier, more efficient, and more beautiful than ever!
I also had a lot of fun catching up with some of our current partners. Jelitto Perennial Seed has been a prominent figure in the seed business since 1957. Based out of Germany, with additional offices in the US, UK and Japan, Jelitto is a leader in production, cultivation and seed technology. Another partner, Bobbex has an extensive line of repellents and protectants. They use natural and safe ingredients to deter deer and other herbivores from eating your plants. We feature both of these products in our GreenPrints magazine and think they are fantastic.
Also on my agenda was visiting with other gardening writers and publishers. We had a lively meeting with various members of GardenComm. They are a great association of writers, publishers, bloggers, podcasters, and influencers in the gardening field. They were a delightful source of information and fun! We look forward to collaborating with them more in the future.
What fun I had at MANTS this year, and I already can’t wait to do it again next year! In the meantime, I will have to keep my eyes peeled for new products in my local nurseries. If you have any interest in learning more about our sponsor program or want to share your product with us, please reach out to me at christy@mequoda.com.
About Mequoda Publishing Network: Mequoda provides actionable ideas, inspiration, and advice for gardeners, cooks, and crafting enthusiasts—with the goal of improving their lives and increasing personal enrichment and enjoyment. We operate five multiplatform consumer brands, including six magazines, 28 email newsletters, and more than 100 digital books. We partner with dozens of sponsors to help them market their products to our audiences. For nearly two decades, Mequoda has explored and expanded the evolving art and science of multiplatform publishing and marketing. With in-depth research, aggressive testing, and cutting-edge strategy, Mequoda has developed a reputation as an industry leader for building and operating multiplatform communities that serve, engage, and delight consumers, sponsors, partners, and affiliates.