aim programs , business sessions , and in - person networking were just a few of the offer the 334 meeter experienced at this twelvemonth ’s Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo ( GLFEE ) sustain at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place Convention Center in downtown Grand Rapids , Michigan .
meeter pull up stakes Inspired with fresh ware idea from the trade show vendors , new invention ideas from the pattern competition and main stage shows , and raw occupation scheme share by our industry experts !
Friday night featured great alive medicine and fellowship at the open up Mix and Mingle . “ It was a great place to quetch off the weekend and play new people , ” say Kathy Honey - Murphy owner of Wordy Bird greeting cards in Brooklyn Center , MN .
Robbin Yelverton AAF , AIFD , CF , PFCI , Blumz by JRDesigns , Ferndale / Holly , Michigan , took the top swag in the Academy division . He will receive $ 300 , the winner ’s plaque and his name encipher on the travel honorary award . His designs will also be featured inThe Professional Floristmagazine .
Industry laurels presented at the Cosmic Universe awards banquet included :
Lifetime Achievement- David Loweke , Moehring Woods Flowers , Grosse Points Woods , Michigan
National Service- Jackie Lacey AAF , AIFD , CFD , PFCI , Floriology power by BloomNet , Jacksonville , Florida
Retail Employee of the Year- Michelle Runyon AIFD , Banner Flower House , Kokomo , Indiana
Retailer of the Year- The Flower Market / Jackie Poe , Greenwood , Indiana
Supplier Employee of the Year- Irving Casiano , Flower Shop internet , Paragould , Arkansas
Wholesaler of the Year- Denver Wholesale Florist ( DWF ) , Flint , Michigan
Young Person of the Year- Holly Haveman CF , Kennedy ’s Flowers & Gifts , Grand Rapids , Michigan
Certified Florist ( CF ) Member of the Year- Jerome Raska AAF , AIFD , CF , PFCI , Blumz by JRDesigns , Ferndale / Holly , Michigan
There was something for everyone in the trade show , many figure academic term , clientele sessions and handwriting - on workshops . The main microscope stage purpose shows featured a series of top designers covering topics from bridal to sympathy to wearable flowered fashion . Business sessions taught attendees about profit , applied science , and staffing . Hands - on workshops were packed with how to ideas and the late merchandise from barter bonnie trafficker who showed their many products and services during the three - day exhibition .
“ It was so wonderful to have our floral family back together in somebody , ” said GLFA President and 2022 GLFEE Chair Teresa Cytlak of Ridgeway Floral & Gift in Three Rivers , Michigan . “ I would personally care to receive you to take care “ A Whole New World ” the 2023 GLFEE . The 2023 Great Lakes Floral and Event Expo will be held March 3 - 5 at the Amway Grand Plaza and Devos Place , Grand Rapids , Michigan , detail at www.glfee.com .
