The 72nd Annual Arkansas Florists Association Convention was nothing short of a floral fairytale! Held at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas, from August 25-27, 2023, this magical weekend was all about celebrating creativity, community, and the boundless beauty of flowers. With a theme like "Happily Ever After," we knew we were in for a treat—and boy, did the event deliver! It was fantastic to catch up with our floral friends and make some new ones along the way. Here’s a peek into our unforgettable experience in Arkansas!
Friday, August 25th, kicked off with a bang! The opening ceremony was a buzz of excitement, and the first round of floral competitions, including the Scholarship Design Competition sponsored by BloomBudz, had everyone on the edge of their seats. From there, attendees dove into hands-on workshops and classes, learning advanced design techniques and picking up savvy business strategies to help their floral businesses bloom.
The evening swept us off our feet with the enchanting "Happily Ever After" dinner, where the Alice in Wonderland theme added a whimsical touch. Picture this: florists dressed as their favorite Disney characters, dancing, singing karaoke, and sharing lots of laughter. It was a night that truly set the stage for a weekend full of fun and inspiration!
Saturday, August 26th, was an absolute whirlwind of creativity and learning. Renowned floral designers led educational sessions and demonstrations, covering everything from cutting-edge design concepts to practical business tips. The Arkansas Cup competition was a highlight, with local florists pulling out all the stops to showcase their best work in hopes of taking home the prestigious title.
One of the standout moments was Jacob McCall's presentation on the art of conveying emotion through floral bouquets—talk about tugging at the heartstrings! Tricia Upshaw, AFA's upcoming president, also wowed guests with a hands-on presentation that showcased her incredible expertise. The day ended on a high note with a Cinderella-themed banquet, where the magic was palpable. We cheered as Sharon Ivey won the Mid-America Showcase, and our friend Christina Day-Essary was honored with the Bill Plummer Distinguished Honor Award for her outstanding contributions to the floral industry.
The day concluded with a Cinderella-themed banquet, where the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Sharon Ivey won the Mid-America Showcase, with Brandy Ferrer securing second place. Our floral friend, Christina Day-Essary, received the Bill Plummer Distinguished Honor Award for her outstanding contributions to our industry, which added to the celebration.
As the convention drew to a close on Sunday, August 27th, we were treated to an inspiring showcase by Ace Berry and Alan Masters. Their contrasting styles celebrated individuality in floral design, and their moving tribute to two recently deceased florists left not a dry eye in the house, especially with the hauntingly beautiful AI-generated song playing in the background.
Sandy Schroeck rounded out the event with a presentation that breathed new life into classic designs. Her tips on selling empty space in arrangements and fresh takes on the classic dozen roses had us all taking notes. Her saddle design, sponsored by Smithers-Oasis, was a showstopper!
Throughout the convention, we had countless opportunities to network with peers, explore vendor showcases, and bask in the warm hospitality of the Arkansas floral community. This year’s event was truly a celebration of the artistry and passion that drive the floral industry in the state. We’re already counting down the days until next year’s convention—because if this year is anything to go by, it will be absolutely blooming marvelous!