Ignite Your Passion at the 2025 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo!
Calling all florists, event planners, and floral enthusiasts! The wait is over! Mark your calendars for the 2025 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo (GLFEE), happening Friday, February 28th through Sunday, March 2nd at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This year's theme, "Ignite & Inspire: Rekindle Your Floral Flame!" promises to be an event filled with inspiration, education, and opportunity. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, the GLFEE has something for everyone.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired. Register now to secure your spot at the 2025 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo!
Explore the sessions and register to attend today!
Let's light those floral flames!
Samantha Belonga
St. Igance In Bloom
St.Ignace, MI
2025 GLFEE Chair
Feb 28, 2025 to Mar 2, 2025 (EST)
Add to CalendarDeVos Place
303 Monroe Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Click Here for Design Contest details and registration.
Includes entrance to Exhibits, Main Stage Shows, Business Sessions, Design Contest, Saturday Night Banquet and Sunday Annual Luncheon.
Includes entrance to Exhibits, Main Stage Shows, Business Sessions, Design Contest, and Sunday Annual Luncheon.
Weekend pass for as many employees as your shop wishes to bring. (Includes entrance to Exhibits, Main Stage Shows, Business Sessions, Design Contest, and Sunday Annual Luncheon.)
Includes entrance to Exhibits, Main Stage Shows, Business Sessions, Design Contest.
Includes entrance to Exhibits, Main Stage Shows, Business Sessions, Design Contest, and Sunday Annual Luncheon
Presented by: Kelsey Thompson AIFD, CFD & Doug Bates AIFD, CF, CFD
Sponsored by: Flower Shop Network
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. River Overlook C
Join us for a full-day educational experience designed to empower shop owners and floral designers with strategic buying and merchandising techniques. During the morning session, attendees will explore systems to streamline profitable planning, buying, and inventory, followed by hands-on activities to create inspiring displays and designs. Learn the art (and science) of store layout and displays. Afterward, enjoy a flower shop tour and progressive luncheon around Grand Rapids, Michigan, where you’ll see merchandising and color story strategies in action at 3 local shops, Ball Park Floral, Eastern Floral & Kennedy’s Floral. Walk away with practical tips, digital resources, and a fresh perspective on inventory planning and store setup.
A computer or tablet is optional.
*Bring Your Tools
Presented by: Steve Chase & Laurie Williams
Sponsored by: DWF
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. River Overlook C
Transform your mask into a floral masterpiece! Learn to create stunning designs with fresh flowers, greenery, gems, and accessories. Unleash your creativity and discover the magic of floral mask art. *Bring Your Tools
Presented by: Stefanie Rutherford CF, CFD
Sponsored by: DWF
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. River Overlook A
Learn wild and airy floral design from Stefanie Rutherford. In this hands-on workshop, create stunning bouquets and centerpieces. Discover her signature techniques and bring your floral visions to life.Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and prepare to be inspired! *Bring Your Tools.
Presented by: Cindy Hall AIFD, CF, CFD & Jedidiah Daddow CF
Sponsored by: Great Lakes Floral Foundation
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. River Overlook B
Get ready for your CF exam! This class covers essential techniques like vase arrangements, corsages, and foam designs. Wedding bouquets and glued wrist corsages to ace the practical exam will be shown. Perfect for aspiring and experienced florists. *Bring Your Tools
Presented by: Gina Thresher AIFD, CFD, EMC, IMF
Sponsored by: BloomNet
8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. River Overlook A
This hands-on class will be focused on creating sustainable wedding bouquets. You'll learn eco-friendly techniques and best practices. Gina will guide you through the process of creating a beautiful bouquet while emphasizing sustainability.Participants will explore various design styles while focusing on minimizing environmental impact.
*Bring Your Tools.
Presented by: Grace Morrow CF & Kymbra Tucker CF
Sponsored by; Mayesh
8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. River Overlook B
Get ready to make fetch happen with a "Mean Girls" floral design workshop! Learn to create bold, edgy corsages, nosegays, and pocket squares. Join us on March 1st for a fun and stylish floral experience. *Bring Your Tools.
Presented by: Dondi Richardson CF
Sponsored by: FloraCraft
8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. River Overlook C
Join FloraCraft senior designer, Dondi Richardson, CF, to learn how to incorporate fresh and permanent botanicals with a nod toward the trend of Celebrations of Life without a casket. You will get to create a tablescape that evokes an emotional depth which can be personalized to express honor and love for the deceased. With modern commemorations such as this, the focus shifts from traditional mourning to a celebration of life, memories, and legacy. *Bring Your Tools.
(Individual Tickets)
Get fired up at GLFEE’s "Ignite & Inspire" recognition and awards banquet dinner. Light a fire and join us for networking, industry awards, CF inductions, and a delicious dinner celebration. RSVP to be captivated by the heat all while being inspired by the beauty as the flowers take center stage.
Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, FSMD, PFCI will deliver the keynote: Making Sense of Sustainability: How Sustainabloom Can Help Embrace Sustainability: A Greener Future for the Floral Industry
Discover how to:
• Implement sustainable practices in your floral business
• LeverageresourcesfromtheAmericanFloralEndowment's Sustainabloom program
• Contributetoamoresustainablefloralindustry Join us to learn how to make a positive impact on the
environment and build a thriving, eco-friendly business.
"Reserve your seat at the registration desk"
(Table of 8 tickets available)
Get fired up at GLFEE’s "Ignite & Inspire" recognition and awards banquet dinner. Light a fire and join us for networking, industry awards, CF inductions, and a delicious dinner celebration. RSVP to be captivated by the heat all while being inspired by the beauty as the flowers take center stage.
Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, FSMD, PFCI will deliver the keynote: Making Sense of Sustainability: How Sustainabloom Can Help Embrace Sustainability: A Greener Future for the Floral Industry
Discover how to:
• Implement sustainable practices in your floral business
• LeverageresourcesfromtheAmericanFloralEndowment's Sustainabloom program
• Contributetoamoresustainablefloralindustry Join us to learn how to make a positive impact on the
environment and build a thriving, eco-friendly business.
"Reserve your table or seat at the registration desk"
Presented by: Kelly Shore
Sponsored by: Syndicate Sales
8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. River Overlook A
Join Kelly Shore in a hands-on workshop on how to create seasonal garden styled centerpieces and arrangements for retail or events using American grown, including attainable Michigan product, using the latest in domestically produced mechanics and containers.
*Bring Your Tools.
Presented by: Neville MacKay CAFA, PFCI
Sponsored by: Smithers Oasis
8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. River Overlook B
Extend the inspiration from Neville MacKay’s main stage presentation with this immersive, hands-on workshop. In this class, you’ll create a personalized cremation memorial piece that beautifully balances elegance and meaning. Guided by expert techniques, you’ll explore creative ways to incorporate urns, keepsakes, or mementos into floral designs that offer comfort and celebrate life. This design will be yours to take home, providing a tangible reminder of how artistry and compassion can unite to honor cherished memories. Perfect for florists looking to expand their sympathy offerings with heartfelt and timeless designs.
*Bring Your Tools.
Presented by: Edward Smith
Sponsored by: FloristWare
8:00a.m.-10:00a.m. River Overlook C
Escape to Paradise with a Tropical Bridal Bouquet
Say "I do" to a bouquet that transports you and your guests to an island paradise. Imagine vibrant orchids, lush greenery, and exotic blooms, all artfully arranged to create a stunning masterpiece that captures the essence of the tropics. Let us design a bridal bouquet that embodies your dream destination wedding, bringing the beauty and romance of the islands to your special day. *Bring Your Tools.