FAQ

1. What is an EXPO?

   EXPO is a series of periodical public exhibitions with international outreach. They are organized by Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) in cooperation with governments. The mission of EXPO is to create a platform to share knowledge and technology. During the EXPO there is a number of cultural, scientific and diplomatic events.
   
   

2. Is it true there are different kinds of EXPOs?

   Yes. Bureau of International Expositions gives out the rights to organize 3 events with the name EXPO:

   • World EXPO – the biggest, most prestigious edition
   • International EXPO – smaller event with a very specific subject
   • Horticultural EXPO – event focused on greenery, protecting the environment and sustainable development; International Association of Horticultural Producers gives out the rights and Bureau of International Expositions accepts the choice
     
     

3. Who’s responsible for organizing Horitcultural EXPO?

   The rights to organize the EXPO are given by International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in coordination with Bureau of International Expositions (BIE).
   
   

4. What is Horticultural EXPO? How is it different from other exhibitions?

   Horticultural EXPO, which is sometimes called the Green EXPO, is focused on developing green areas in cities and creating new recreational spaces for its citizens. One of the main goals is to encourage them to spend time outside. It’s also a platform to exchange knowledge and promote innovation in sustainable development, ecology, environment protection, as well as gardening and agriculture.
   
   

5. Where else in Poland EXPO took place?

   EXPO Horticultural 2024 in Łódź is the first event like this in the history of Poland!
   
   

6. Where were the previous editions of EXPO Horticultural organized?

   The Green EXPOs have been organized roughly every 2 years since 1960. Cities that have organized them are: Rotterdam, Hamburg, Vienna, Paris, Montreal, Munich, Liverpool, Osaka, Zoetermeer, Stuttgart, Kunming, Haarlemmermeer, Rosotck, Chiang Mai, Venlo. The latest edition took place in 2016 in Antalya. The nearest one is planned for 2019 in Beijing.

EXPO is the world’s largest fairs organized in a cycle that present cultural, academic, and technological output of the world’s nations. They have a long tradition of celebrating the development of mankind.

Catalyst for change

The idea of world exhibitions was born in XIX century. The Great Exhibition in London in 1851 is considered to be the first official EXPO (or a world’s fair, another name for the expositions), created by the initiative of prince Albert, husband of queen Victoria. Industrial revolution, new technologies and peak colonialism were the inspiration behind the event. Magnificent Crystal Palace, made of iron and glass, had enough place for sculptures, inventions and exhibits from all around the world. The exposition was a great success. It was a foundation for many institutions of science and culture in London that exists to this day.

A window to the world

Since that moment the idea of EXPO was evolving up until the creation of Bureau International des Expositions in 1928. BIE, which resides in Paris, gives the rights to organize expos that started to be created cyclically all around the world. EXPO became a platform for dialogue and international exchange.

Space for diplomacy and cooperation

Today EXPO is an important element in the debate about the future of the world. BIE hosts representatives from 170 countries. Subjects concerning sustainability and preserving natural habitat are a integral part of every expositions.

Tool of nation branding

Building impressive facilities has become a tradition of EXPO. Some of them remain even after the exhibition has come to an end. The most famous objects are Eiffel Tower in Paris, Atomium in Brussels and National Museum of Art in Shanghai.

1. When did Łódź get the rights to organize EXPO Horticultural 2024?

   City of Łódź became the organizer of EXPO Horticultural 2024 on 21st March 2018.
   
   

2. What is the difference between EXPO 2022 that Łódź was also trying to organize and EXPO Horticultural 2024?

   There’s a lot of differences. The main ones are:

   • EXPO 2022/2023 is the International or Specialized EXPO, sometimes called the Little EXPO.
   • The motto of 2022/2023 in Łódź was City Re:Invented. Now it’s Nature of the City.
   • Localization of the fair has changed – EXPO 2022/2023 was located in the very heart of Łódź, in the close proximity to Łódź Fabryczna.
   • Size of the event is much bigger when it comes to EXPO Horticultural because it requires minimum 50 hectares. In the case of International EXPO it’s only 25 hectares.
   • EXPO 2022/2023 is going to be organized in Buenos Aires.

   For more information about Łódź’s quest for EXPO 2022 please visit the website: https://expo2022.uml.lodz.pl/
   
   

3. What was the reason behind Łódź trying for EXPO 2024?
   

   The main reason to try for EXPO 2024 was the effort put into trying for EXPO 2022/2023. Lost with Argentina with very small points difference left an appetite for more.

   Among other reasons were the following:

   • Development of the city by introducing eco friendly solutions.
   • Economic perspectives for the development of agriculture and food-processing industry.
   • Promotion of Polish brands and seeking investors.
   • Development of innovative companies dealing with sustainable development, new technologies and  renewable sources of energy.
   • Using the latest science achievements in the field of urbanization.
   • Creating a platform for discussion about challenges of the modern world.
   • Basis to build Poland on the ideals of sustainable development.
   • Presentation of Polish historical and cultural heritage.

    

4. Can Łódź try again to win the rights to organize International EXPO or World EXPO?
   

   From a formal point of view, nothing stands in the way. However, currently there are no such plans in development.
   
   

5. Motto of EXPO 2024 is Nature of the City. What does it mean?

   Nature of the City reflects our desire to create more friendly, healthy living environment for the citizens of Łódź and installing greenery. Due to global challenges and local factors, EXPO 2024 concerns improving the quality of life in cities and sustainable development due to revitalization, respect for environment and conscious use of the natural resources. Nature also means a primal state that can be restored, going back to the roots through responsible actions – bringing back the natural order.
   
   

6. Nature of the City has a few subtopics. What are they?

   Since greenery affects every aspect of our lives, EXPO will touch upon a variety of subjects:

   • Nature of Living – home and its vicinity
   • Nature of Business – socially responsible economy
   • Nature of Leisure – leisure, hobby and recreation
   • Nature of Health – safe, eco society
   • Nature of Us – our presence in the society and the sense of community
     
     

7. EXPO is a pricey event. Where do the money come from?

   Finances of Horticultural EXPO are constructed based on the budget of city of Łódź with the aid from Polish government, private investors and potential funding from the European Union.
   
   

8. When Horticultural EXPO 2024 will be held?

   The exhibition will take place between 27th April and 28th September 2024.
   
   

9. What was the deciding factor for choosing the date of the exhibition?

   The time between April and September is the best time for greenery. Plants go through intense blossoming season thanks to good weather. For people it’s the time for vacation that gives them opportunity to visit the exposition. Summer is also time for festivals that attract tourists.
   
   

10. Where exactly in Łódź the EXPO will take place?

    The territory of EXPO will have over 75 ha. It’ll spread between the streets Pomorska, Kopcińskiego, Konstytucyjna, Małachowskiego and Niciarniana. It will include parks 3 Maja and Baden-Powell, as well as Zieleniec on Konstytucyjna street.
    
    
    
    

11. Will the EXPO events happen in some other parts of Łódź?

    Yes. Additional events will take place in different parts of the city.
    
    

12. Will any trees get cut down on the territory of the exhibition because of organization of EXPO 2024?
    

    Organization of EXPO 2024 takes place with respect for the natural environment of urban greenery. The aim is to revitalize and increase the functionality of the areas for the inhabitants of Łódź. The idea of EXPO is the development of green areas, not their destruction.
    

13. What are the benefits for Poland and Łódź from organizing the EXPO?

    There’s a lot of benefits to gain for Poland and Łódź. Here are the biggest ones:

    • Progressing development of the country as the host of huge international events, started by organizing Euro 20212 and NATO Summit in 2016.
    • Motivation for the society to mobilize itself and reach the goal.
    • Elimination of negative stereotypes about Poland, Poles and Łódź in the eyes of citizens and foreigners alike.
    • Catalyst to work on new laws which aim to protect the environment.
    • Exchange of good practices with other governments, allowing to achieve better quality of life of people in Poland.
    • Economic development and exchange of specific know-how.
    • Promotion of Polish agricultural and horticultural industry.
    • Showing achievements of Polish science to international investors.
      
14. What are the benefits for citizens of Łódź from organizing the EXPO?
    
    
    • Citizens of Łódź will be the ones who benefit the most from EXPO. The main benefits are:
    • Witnessing the change of Łódź into one of the most interesting, modern cities in Poland and a symbol of green revitalization of urban landscape with respect to its historical heritage.
    • Improved quality of life thanks to implementing green solutions.
    • Increased attractiveness of Łódź as a tourist destination and a place to live.
    • Creating recognizable brand of the city.
    • Opportunity to build relations with other cities on the grounds of  business, science and society.
    • Promotion of healthy lifestyle and pro-ecological solutions in everyday life.
    • Active cultural life of the city.
    • Revitalization of parks and creating new recreational spaces.
    • Improved functionality of the municipal areas.
      

15. What’s the character of the exposition?
    

    Horticultural EXPO combines a variety of characteristics. It’s an international exhibition that allows regions, cities, countries and companies to start a dialogue. Besides educational and business nature of some of the events, there will be plenty of concerts, shows, games for children and many more companion events that will take place all across Łódź.
    
    

16. How many people will visit the EXPO?

    Early estimates say that EXPO will be visited by 4 million guests. About 10% of them will come from abroad.
    
    

17. Where can I find the latest information about Horticultural EXPO 2024?

    We encourage you check out our webpage frequently and to follow us on social media:

    Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/expo2024lodzpolska/
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/EXPO2024Poland
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expo2024lodzpolska/
    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoGIrlAVFTnAXD5CUCIVISw
    
    

18. Why is the exhibition area located in the city center, not on its outskirts, as was the case, for example, in Turkey during the Horticultural EXPO 2016?
    

    This decision was made for several reasons. First of all, Łódź has excellent conditions, with large undeveloped areas in the city center. The revival of this area by increasing its functionality and attractiveness for residents was one of the core curricula of EXPO in Łódź. Secondly, this decision is part of the City of Nature theme, which assumes the revitalization of urban areas by introducing greenery to the landscape. It is also a return to the roots of World Exhibitions - at the beginning of its history they were organized in the hearts of cities. In addition, the area in Łódź is very well connected with the rest of the city. The infrastructure allows easy access to the exhibition area for residents of Łódź and guests from outside the city.
    
    

19. I’m an owner of an enterprise, I want to join the preparation for EXPO 2024. Where can I apply?

    We encourage you to follow the website bip.uml.lodz.pl, where we will keep you informed about tenders. Please send any inquiries to the address expo@uml.lodz.pl
    
    

20. What will happen to objects built for the needs of EXPO after the exhibition?

    We assume that the buildings constructed for the needs of EXPO 2024 will have the character of permanent buildings, or designed in a way allowing their simple conversion into target buildings, which after the exhibition will become public facilities, start-ups or CKD buildings.
    
    

21. Will events related to EXPO take place all over Poland?

    Horticultural EXPO 2024 is an event of Lodz, while other cities and regions of Poland will be able to present their cultural achievements and other achievements during the exhibition.
    
    

22. When will the exhibition tickets be available? What will the price be for?

    Ticket prices will be presented closer to the date of the exhibition. All information will be communicated on an ongoing basis.
    
    

23. Will Horticultural EXPO 2024 be financed from funds from the European Union?

    The EXPO 2024 budget may be supported by EU subsidies. Co-financing of projects related to environmental protection and urban regeneration falls within the objectives of the European Parliament for the coming years.
    
    

24. Revitalization - what does it mean?

    Revitalization includes a number of modern methods for developing the city. It is a complex set of urban activities aimed at transforming a given area of the city to maximize its potential. Revitalization covers areas and districts that for social and economic reasons have degraded and lost their original function. This process is aimed primarily at increasing the quality of life of residents. An example of revitalization in Łódź is the transformation of industrial buildings into housing estates and shopping and business centers.
    
    

25. Why are the media given several different names for EXPO 2024 in Lodz?

    To facilitate the communication and translation from the English language, names can be used terms such as, for example, Green EXPO, Gardening EXPO or simply Exhibition. The motto of the Horticultural Expo is the Nature of the City.
    
    

26. What was the process of applying for the rights to the Horticultural Expo organization?

    The first step was to prepare the Application, which was submitted to the secretary of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH). Then, AIPH representatives came to Łódź for a visit to assess the area under EXPO and the possibility of meeting the assumptions presented in the Application. Their conclusions were presented at the General Assembly of AIPH, which ended with the granting of Łódź the right to organize the exhibition.
    
    

27. Will new jobs be created in Łódź due to the organization of EXPO?

    The organization of such a bold undertaking as EXPO is associated with a huge amount of work. It is expected that new jobs will be created, as well as the demand for contractors in various fields related to urban planning, gardening and public events service. A program for volunteers will also be launched.
    
    

28. Will famous music stars come to Lodz to give a concert promoting EXPO?

    It has already become a tradition that cultural events accompany. The detailed program and attractions that will take place during the Exhibition will be given at a date closer to the start of EXPO 2024 in Lodz.
    
    

29. How will the EXPO 2024 sponsors be chosen?

    According to preliminary assumptions, the sponsors will be able to support the organization of the EXPO in Lodz through a financial contribution or barter. Companies and companies focused on long-term cooperation will be desirable, which are closely related to the ideals related to Horitcultural EXPO 2024. In order to obtain as many sponsors as possible, candidates from various business areas will be considered.
    
    

30. What types of enterprises are associated with the slogan EXPO 2024 - City's Nature?

    The motto Nature of the City has been thought out to attract as many people as possible. The types of enterprises related to the EXPO include:

    • IT (including smart cities technology)
    • Sustainable transport
    • Construction
    • Energy industry
    • Medicine and pharmacy
    • Education
    • New technologies
    • Law and consulting
    • Electronics
    • Renewable sources
    • Interior design
    • Sports
    • Healthy food
      
      

31. Will political events take place during the EXPO? Which politicians will visit the exhibition?

    EXPO is an international platform for knowledge exchange. At the invitation of the organizers, delegates from various organizations, such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization, as well as representatives of governments interested in ecological development of countries may come.
    
    

32. Will my place of residence be covered by activities related to the organization of EXPO? How can I apply for co-financing activities aimed at revitalizing the space in my area?
    

    Revitalization plans are developed by the Revitalization Office of the Łódź City Hall. Please send your inquiries to the Revitalization Office: rewitalizacja@uml.lodz.pl
    
    

33. What will Łódź be like in 2025, after the end of EXPO?

    We will try to make the Horticultural EXPO 2024 permanently change the landscape of Łódź. Ending the event will not mean the end of the transformation process. Łódź will become a greener, modern, friendly city. Green areas will serve residents for many years, and investments in infrastructure and promotion of the city will bring results, among others in the form of lively trade and tourism.
    
    

34. Why is it worth to visit Horticultural EXPO 2024? What will I see during the exhibition?

    There are plans to prepare many attractions for visitors, including:
    • Gardens and green spaces developed by Łódź and host countries
    • Spaces for both Polish and international companies
    • The space in which temporary exhibitions will take place
    • Thematic shows
    • A greenhouse with exotic tree species

    We will inform you about all projects on the website and on our profiles on social media.