Fresh Fest 2.0, hosted by our incredible friends at Jet Fresh and Petals, was a floral dream come to life. The event was packed with eye-catching designs, meaningful education, and nonstop inspiration—everything you’d expect from Jet Fresh, and then some. From start to finish, it was a celebration of our industry, the people who make it thrive, and the future we’re building together. If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a full recap of this event.
Held at the Ice Palace Studios in Miami, the venue was the perfect canvas for a day rooted in floral appreciation. From the moment you walked through the doors, you were greeted with the signature Jet Fresh welcome—warm smiles, buzzing energy, and flowers absolutely everywhere. The main stage area was transformed into a gallery of installations from designers around the globe, each one creatively built on a shared foundation: wooden pallets.
It was amazing to see how every artist took that common element and turned it into something completely unique, highlighting their sponsor in a way that felt both personal and powerful. Our installation, designed by the talented Marcela Bazana (@flor.mosura), was a joy to see come to life—it was playful, thoughtful, and such a fun way to showcase Details.
One of the best parts of the day was seeing so many of our industry friends in person. Our partners from Haus of Stems, Rosaprima, Smithers-Oasis, and Ball SB were all there, showing up to support Jet Fresh and celebrate alongside the community. That sense of connection among florists, designers, and brands showing up for each other is what makes events like this so special.
The day kicked off with opening remarks from Mike Black and Raffi Grosz, who both expressed heartfelt gratitude for everyone involved. They set the tone for the rest of the event—grounded, grateful, and excited about what’s ahead. Education was a big part of Fresh Fest, and the speaker lineup didn’t disappoint. Laura Walsh from Smithers-Oasis led us in a grounding mindfulness exercise, reminding everyone how important it is to show up, even on the tough days.
Next, Carlos Muina from Petals spoke about what it means to be part of a strong team and, more importantly, how to be a good teammate. He emphasized the importance of communication, reliability, and problem-solving, especially when working with vendors and venues. His talk was full of real-world wisdom that everyone in the room could relate to.
Sue McLeary followed with an inspiring session on embracing creativity. She encouraged florists to try new techniques, to share their knowledge, and to make space for fresh ideas. Her passion for pushing creative boundaries was contagious, and her message was a beautiful reminder that growth often comes from letting go.
Wrapping up the morning session was Maurice Harris of Bloom and Plume, who brought the house down with his honest, heartfelt reflections on authenticity and gratitude. His talk was equal parts personal and powerful—proof that staying true to yourself can open doors you never expected.
After lunch, the Fresh Fest Design Challenge brought the creativity and competitive edge. Four florists faced a fast-paced, high-energy competition filled with surprise twists and challenges—from separating buckets to using a lift on the fly. The crowd was fully engaged, cheering each designer on as they worked their magic. And just when we thought it was over, the judges jumped in for a round of friendly competition themselves. It was a fun, lighthearted moment that kept the energy high and the community spirit strong.
Later in the day, we were treated to a special design session: Old School vs. New School, featuring Ian Prosser and Sue McLeary, moderated by Zoe Gallina of Botanica Design Studio. Ian demonstrated classic floral techniques with his signature polish and precision, while Sue brought a fresh perspective with modern mechanics and wearable florals. From a cascading bouquet to an innovative floral necklace, both designers showcased the artistry and evolution of our craft in real time. It was a masterclass in honoring tradition while embracing change.
One of the standout experiences of the event was the transformed showroom space created by the team at Petals. This immersive display featured ten unique tablescapes, each one more creative than the last. From a whimsical “bull in a china shop” to a cheeky “ode to butter,” every design told its own story. It was a beautiful showcase of what’s possible when florists are given the space to dream big and create unapologetically.
Thanks to the incredible sponsors, Fresh Fest also made space for hands-on creativity. We loved seeing everyone line up for a one-of-a-kind caricature from Characatures by Carlos (@caloart), where guests got to take home a high-fashion illustrated keepsake. There were also stations where attendees could customize t-shirts, knives, and even perfumes—fun, personal touches that made the event feel even more special.
But beyond all the fun and flowers, this event marked a major milestone for Jet Fresh. The team recently moved into a brand-new warehouse in Doral, and we had the honor of getting a personal tour from Mike and Sid. The new space is bigger, better, and designed with growth in mind—from expanded capacity for product and trucks to an incredible new cash-and-carry section and a tropicals room that has us all swooning. Their excitement was contagious, and this new chapter will open up even more possibilities for serving the industry. Check out this blog exploring the behind-the-scenes of their new building!
We couldn’t be prouder to support Jet Fresh and Petals on this journey. Fresh Fest 2.0 was a beautiful reminder of what makes this industry so special: the people, the passion, and the shared love for flowers. Congratulations to everyone involved—you truly knocked it out of the park. We can’t wait to see what’s next!