CaliFlora 2024 – Rekindle Your Imagination – A Huge Success!
The California State Floral Association (CSFA) proudly hosted its annual event, CaliFlora 2024 – Rekindle Your Imagination, on November 8–10, 2024, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. This year’s convention brought together floral enthusiasts, students, and industry professionals for three unforgettable days of education, creativity, and camaraderie.
A Celebration of Emerging Talent
The event opened on Friday with the California Certified Florist (CCF) exam, followed by the FTD-sponsored Student Design Competition. Twenty-four high school students representing five schools showcased their talent:
Participating Schools and Students:
- Galt High School: Courtney Brouwer, Payton Dean, Audrey Gonsalez, Alaya Gunter, Maya Hernandez, Lexi Maldonado, Madi McDonald, Bayley Miller
- Gridley High School: Addy Andes, Gwendolyn Freer, Sarah Hamman, Eve Sherer, Ashlyn Sorenson, Emma Waller
- Live Oak High School: Emily Blenn, Lilly Hanson, Mickey Lynch, Ireland Smith
- Orland High School: Claudia Chavez, Estefaniao Lopez-Rico, Natalie Maxim, Riley Sheppard
- Ponderosa High School: Izzie Paepke, Kendra Wieland
Winners:
- People’s Choice: Lilly Hanson - Pictured Above (Live Oak High School)
- 1st Place: Lilly Hanson (Live Oak High School)
- 2nd Place: Mickey Lynch (Live Oak High School)
- 3rd Place: Addy Andes (Gridley High School)
Congratulations to all participants and their dedicated agricultural educators for inspiring the next generation of floral designers!
Unleashing Creativity with Donald Yim
Saturday featured the much-anticipated sessions with world-renowned designer Donald Yim AIFD, CFD, PFCI, co-sponsored by Accent Décor and Smithers-Oasis.
The day began with Donald’s hands-on workshop, Creative Magic Holiday Centerpiece, where attendees explored innovative techniques to craft festive, trendsetting designs. In the afternoon, Donald’s Magical Fall and Winter Wonderland design program captivated the audience with enchanting concepts for winter weddings and seasonal events. His ability to blend education and entertainment left attendees inspired and ready to elevate their designs.
Special thanks to Donald Yim, Accent Décor, and Smithers-Oasis for creating an extraordinary experience!
Designer of the Year Competition
The highlight of Saturday was the prestigious Designer of the Year competition, featuring ten talented designers:
- Damian Arceo CCF
- Brandon Bowman
- Lynne Brown
- Vic Castillo AIFD
- Jennifer Downs
- Judy Janzen AIFD, CFD, CCF
- Greg Lum AIFD
- Trish Nishikawa AIFD, CFD
- Jesus Rivera AIFD, CFD
- Melissa Yep
Winners:
- People’s Choice: Brandon Bowman
- 1st Place: Judy Janzen AIFD, CFD, CCF (Pictured Above)
- 2nd Place: Brandon Bowman
- 3rd Place: Jesus Rivera AIFD, CFD
Congratulations to all competitors for showcasing their exceptional artistry!
Hands-On Workshops
Sunday wrapped up the event with engaging workshops, including:
- Lei Making with Wilton Lee CCF
- Floral Boot Camp with Kay Wolff AIFD, CFD, CCF
- European Hand-Tied Bridal Bouquets with Katharina Stuart AIFD, CFD, CCF
Acknowledgments
CaliFlora 2024 would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors:
Premier Convention Sponsor: CalFlowers
Platinum Sponsors: Accent Décor, Smithers-Oasis, FTD, and many more.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to the growers who donated stunning flowers and foliage, and to the dedicated volunteers, committee members, educators, and industry leaders who made this event a resounding success.
A&M Flowers
Eufloria Flowers
Evergreen Floral
FlorExpo
Glad-A-Way
Green Valley Floral
Groot in Flowers
Holland America
Maximum Flowers
Mellano & Co.
Myriad Flowers
Pacific Coast Evergreen
Rainbow Protea
Resendiz Brothers Protea Growers
Ronald Jones Ferneries
Shaw Lake Farms
West Flowers
Special gratitude to Committee Chair Kay Wolff AIFD, CFD, CCF, and all who contributed their time, expertise, and passion.
We look forward to seeing you at CaliFlora 2025!