We recently had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky State Floral Association Annual Conference for the first time. It was great meeting new floral friends in the area. Here’s our official recap of the event, themed around the iconic Kentucky Derby!
Monica Richard MWP, the Kentucky/Indiana Director of the Association of Bridal Consultants, kicked off the evening with an insightful talk that set the tone for the convention. Her expertise in bridal consulting provided valuable perspectives for attendees. The evening continued with the Kentucky Cup Competition, featuring past Designers of the Year winners.
Dave Campbell, KFA President, officially welcomed everyone to the 66th Annual KFA Convention on the second day. The expo featured a variety of workshops and presentations that provided great tips and hands-on learning experiences. There was something for everyone, from advanced floral design techniques to effective business strategies!
Kristian Stubblefield presented a fascinating session on integrating artificial intelligence in floral design, offering a glimpse into the industry's future. By showcasing real-world applications and innovative tools, they illustrated the potential for AI to streamline workflows and inspire new levels of creativity. This session highlighted the current advancements and sparked exciting conversations about how AI could shape the future of floral design, opening up possibilities for designers to explore new horizons and redefine their craft.
Doug Bates AIFD talked about Designer Choice. Designer’s Choice gives florists the freedom to let their creativity shine. Instead of sticking to a strict list of flowers or colors, the designer chooses blooms and arrangements based on their own artistic vision and the vibe they want to create. This approach often leads to unique and personalized designs, as designers can play with seasonal flowers, mix textures and colors, and tailor their work to fit the client’s preferences!
Daron Frasier, the 2023 Designer of the Year, presented "Floral ARTistry: Interpreting Flowers and Art," where he captivated attendees with his designs. During his session, Daron created a live art piece and crafted a floral arrangement inspired by that artwork. This unique presentation showed how art and floral design can come together in inspiring ways!
Tom Bowling, AIFD PFCI, delivered a presentation titled "Fresh, Faux, and Fabulous," showcasing his expertise in blending various floral design elements. The session explored incorporating fresh and artificial flowers to create versatile arrangements.
The expo hall was bustling with activity, showcasing various products and services from exhibitors and vendors. Attendees had the opportunity to discover the latest floral supplies, tools, and technology. Vendors showcased many holiday offerings. Our favorite part of the expo was networking with fellow floral professionals and meeting new floral friends from the Kentucky area. The event provided numerous occasions to connect, share experiences, and build relationships!
The evening at Churchill Downs included tours of the Derby Museum, providing a relaxed and enjoyable experience that is certainly unique to the area. The gala dinner and awards program was a highlight of the convention. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and celebrated the achievements of their peers. The night concluded with a lively jockey party and the Design of the Year Finalist Showdown, where top designers competed for the coveted title.
Our CEO Corrine and Avery had a great time at the event. If you're considering attending next year, mark your calendar for "Seasons In Harmony—A Floral Symphony," which will be held August 1-3, 2025, in Louisville, KY. Keep an eye on their website for updates and registration details!