2025 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo Ignite & Inspire

Industry professionals, floral designers, and event planners convened at DeVos Place for a weekend of education, hands-on experiences, and business insights—all focused on creativity, sustainability, and innovation. The event kicked off on Friday evening with the Mix and Mingle Bingo gathering at the River Overlook Foyer, where attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors connected, exchanged ideas, and set the stage for an inspiring weekend. 

On Saturday morning, Jerome Raska, Amber Kirkland, and Amanda Rosencrantz led Cracking the Code of Floral Certifications—an engaging and interactive jeopardy game that explored the various certification opportunities available in the industry, helping florists discover new ways to advance their careers. Alongside Details Customer, Jen Linehan, Avery, and Olivia were nominated to participate in the floral game. They put their knowledge of various floral certifications to the test—each correct answer earned them a rose for their vase, with the fullest vase claiming the crown!

The Trade Show Floor is always a lively and exciting space, offering the perfect opportunity to connect with Details Members and meet new floral professionals in the area. The Trade Show Passport adds to the fun by encouraging attendees to engage with exhibitors, learn about each other’s businesses, and participate for a chance to win a prize at the end of the expo. We want to thank William Santos from Monarch Garden and Floral Design, who created the most beautiful bouquets for our booth!

We had the wonderful opportunity to sponsor Brandee Gaar's business sessions this year. Her session, Assume the Sale, focused on mastering vendor booking insights, structuring consultations, overcoming objections, and enhancing the client experience. Understanding the order in which vendors are booked helps gauge client dynamics while knowing their budget and past wedding concerns allows for a tailored pitch. Consultations should start with must-haves, include a clear proposal, and use relatable analogies like car-buying to ensure transparency. Addressing objections proactively and presenting detailed cost breakdowns help clients make confident decisions. Pre-event proposals streamline consultations, build trust, and set expectations. Visuals are key in selling the vision, ensuring clients are well-informed and aligned with pricing before booking. 

The Women in Flowers community continues to thrive, and we’re honored to be a part of it! Gathering at more events has been truly special, providing a space to share our journeys, discuss industry education, and exchange ideas on the future of our businesses. With a strong focus on growth and community, we’re fostering connections that empower and inspire women in the floral industry.

The awards banquet is a memorable event where we come together to celebrate achievements and gain insights into the latest developments in our industry. We had an incredible time dressing up and spending such an elegant and beautiful evening with our industry friends. A special Congratulations to Amber Kirkland, a long-time Details Customer, for winning the Chuck Bannow Award, Best of Show.  

On the last day, Jen Linehan from Beautiful Blooms by Jen presented Cash-in on Collaborative Classes. Leveraging holidays like Christmas boosts engagement and profitability while aligning themes with seasonal interests enhances appeal. Collaborating with local businesses expands reach and enriches class experiences, and partnering with university programs attracts new demographics. Pop culture and seasonal events draw in diverse audiences, even with varying attendance. Staff input and social media trends help keep class offerings fresh and relevant. Pricing should balance affordability with material and labor costs, while clear communication prevents confusion. Effective marketing through consistent branding and engaging event graphics drives participation. Scheduling should consider peak attendance days, customer availability, and minimum participant requirements. Continuous adaptation based on customer feedback ensures long-term success.

As we reflect on an incredible weekend filled with learning, connections, and inspiration, it's clear that the floral industry continues to grow stronger through collaboration and creativity. From insightful sessions to engaging hands-on experiences, every moment was an opportunity to learn, share, and celebrate our passion for flowers. We’re grateful for the amazing community that makes events like this so special. We can't wait to see everyone again next year!