“A Whole New World'' was bursting at the seams with excitement, design talent, and attendees. The conference brought in 411 attendees this year, representing 20 different states as well as The Virgin Islands and Canada. With a full agenda including Business seminars, design classes, Main Stage shows, the trade show floor, as well as networking with fellow industry professionals, visitors stayed extremely busy.
Attendees left Inspired with new product ideas from the 30+ trade show vendors, new design ideas from the design contest and main stage shows, and new business strategies shared by our industry experts.
Friday night featured a Mix & Mingle where the attendees had the opportunity to meet new people and network with fellow industry professionals while playing BINGO for prizes that included the grand prize of a Plaza Dream Package overnight stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Saturday was a day filled with Hands-On design classes featuring Sympathy, Weddings, Photography, and Social media tips. Bob Negen returned with some Business advice on Writing your Business Vision and gaining new customers. Other sessions included Sustainability, Plant sales, and a Panel Discussion from real-life florists.
One of Saturday’s Highlights was the Main Stage live Designer of the Year contest sponsored by FloraCraft and CalFlowers. This year’s winner, Daniel Stober from Designs by Vogt’s, Sturgis, MI, will have his designs featured in The Professional Florist magazine. Daniel also won the Chuck Bannow “Best of Show” for his first-place entry. Visit www.glfee.com to view all design contest-winning designs.
Saturday evening's Blooming Desert Recognition Banquet was a fun evening with great friends! New Certified Florists (CF) were celebrated, and the 2023 design contest winners were announced. GLFA Industry awards presented at the banquet included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Bing Goei – Eastern Floral, Grand Rapids, MI
- Wholesaler of the Year - Rob & Sandy Stogdill - Rokay Floral, Novi, MI
- Retailer of the Year – Wanieta Bovan, Bovan Floral Group, Burton, MI
- Retail Employee of the Year – Tom Stimpson - Norton’s Flowers & Gifts, Ypsilanti, MI
- Wholesale Employee of the Year - Linda Hamilton – Kennicott Brothers, Walker, MI
- Special Recognition – Janice Curran - Teleflora, Los Angeles, CA
- Young Person of the Year – Savannah Hofer CF - Four Seasons Florists, Brooksville, IN
- Certified Florist (CF) Member of the Year – Bob Patterson CF, Patterson’s Flowers, Big Rapids, Reed City, Cadillac, Michigan
- GLFA Past Presidents Award sponsored by Floriology powered by BloomNet – Donna Magill, Alanson Public Schools, Alanson, Michigan.
The banquet closed out with live, classic rock from “Straight Shot” with Kent Lavengood & friends.
Sunday arrived quickly with another day packed with hands-on workshops, Business sessions, and main stage shows. The weekend had something for everyone! The Sunday Luncheon and Annual meeting brought everyone together, all attendees one more time to hear Bob Negen’s Keynote address: Mighty on Mainstreet: The World-Changing Power of Independent Retailers. After our Keynote, Jerome Raska AAF, AIFD, CF, and PFCI asked everyone to place a flower in one of the stunning arches created by Ace and Patience, along with a pledge to donate to the Great Lakes Floral Foundation. Together we raised over $2000 to support the education of future florists and guarantee the future of our industry.
For more information:
Great Lakes Floral Association
www.greatlakesfloralassociation.org