The Great Lakes Floral & Events Exposition (GLFEE) returns to the Devos Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 4th – March 6th, 2022. One of the most renowned floral and events conventions in the nation will be in-person again for the first time since 2020. It is hard to find a better opportunity to network with leaders of the floral and event industries, while establishing and growing your own reputation. From design contests, business sessions, hands-on design workshops, a tradeshow and breath-taking floral masterpieces there is no other event quite like the GLFEE. It is a must for any florist.
What can attendees expect?
Attendees of the GLFEE will have a plethora of educational opportunities that they can choose to be a part of. Register to attend online now. Over the course of the weekend there will be main-stage design shows hosted by nationally recognized floral designers, such as Ace Berry AIFD, PFCI, TMF who recently competed on HBO’s Full Bloom. These main-stage design shows are intended to teach you how to master floral design techniques that you can put into practice everyday at your shop. There is no substitute for learning from the best.
In addition, there are business sessions and hands-on design workshops that run through-out each day. Take your store and your design skills to a whole new level while learning from industry experts. The full schedule is on the homepage of the GLFEE website.
One brilliant benefit of the GLFEE is the incredible networking opportunity. Of course you will meet other floral designers and shop owners but there will also be representatives of national and international brands that sponsor the exposition. In addition, you might be able to catch some of the design instructors roaming around the floor between their sessions. The atmosphere is very hospitable, so don’t be too afraid or star-struck to strike up a conversation. Download the registration packet.
Wait, there are multiple design contests?
There’s a design contest division for everyone! There are four divisions:
● High School Division
● College & Novice Division
● Professional Division
● Academy Division
Learn more about which division you qualify for. These contests are really enjoyable and a fun way to meet other designers of similar experience who you can share tips and tricks with afterwards. Each division also has multiple design categories, you can sign-up for as many of them as you would like.
The “GLFA Designer of the Year” receives a $300.00 cash prize, a recognition plaque and they will also be the featured designer for the “Design Spotlight” section in The Professional Florist Magazine. To compete for designer of the year you must enter all of the ‘Professional Division’ design categories.
Names of the five finalists with highest cumulative points from will be posted at the GLFA registration desk in alphabetical order upon completion of the design contest judging. The five finalists will have one half hour starting promptly at 3:45PM. Saturday, March 5, 2022 on the Main Stage to create a Spontaneous Surprise Package Design. The winner will be announced at the Recognition Banquet on Saturday night in the DeVos Place Steelcase Ballroom B.
Want to make an impression at the GLFEE?
Establish your company as a leader of the floral and events industry by taking advantage of the exhibitor and sponsor opportunities that are available at the GLFEE. Learn the specifics of each in the Exhibitor Registration Kit. Don’t just take our word for it though, this quote sums it up perfectly:
“The exhibitor fees at the GLFEE are a great deal. But it’s when you look at the total cost of participation – travel, hotel, registration, etc. – that the GLFEE really shines. There is no better value when it comes to meeting potential clients from a wide geographic area.”
– Mark Anderson, Floristware
We also would like to thank all of the sponsors and exhibitors who have supported the 2022 GLFEE. We would not be able to put on such an extravagant exposition without you and the instrumental roles that you play in putting it all together.
Learn more and register to attend at the GLFEE website. We are so excited to be back together at the Devos Center and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel to see both new and familiar faces. Should you need to book rooms for your stay, you can get discounted rates as a GLFEE attendee.
Look forward to seeing you at the GLFEE, March 4th – March 6th, 2022.