By Brenna Quan AIFD
In September of this year, the biggest floral design competition in the Americas took place at the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama City, Panama. It was the largest, three-day competition held since its inception in 1996 by founders, Deborah and Gus De La Flor. Their goal has always been to promote the art of floral design, education and camaraderie within the floral community throughout the Americas. And now, this competition has extended its reach to international competitors, elevating it to a higher level.
The esteemed judges selected were Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, Ken Senter AIFD & Jacob McCall AIFD. They were entrusted to the task of judging a total of 142 designs created by 33 competitors representing 20 countries around the world! The American Institute of Floral Designers had representation all throughout the competition, with well-known educators performing duties as the technical committee, translators, presenters and of course competitors. These were the AIFD/CFD accredited participants:
Technical Committee/Advisory Board/Event Assistants:
Sandy Schroek AIFD, PFCI
Heather de Kok AIFD, CFEJ AAF PFCI
Bob Tucker AIFD
Andreia Muller AIFD, CFD, FSMD, PFCI
Ralph Giordano AIFD, CFD, FSMD
Michelle Morgan AIFD, CFD
Eileen Cheng AIFD
Angelyn Tipton AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Mauricio Castañeda AIFD CFD
Presenters, workshop educators, design assistants:
Jenny T Ingrum AIFD, CFD, PFCI, EMC, AAF
Alejandro Figueira Fernandes AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Cindy Q. Pham AIFD, CFD
Rocio del Pilar Silva Davila AIFD, CEJ, CFD, PFCI
Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi AIFD, EMC
Tricia Won AIFD, EMC, IMF
Pilar Mejía AIFD, CFD, EMC
Michael L. Whaley AIFD, CFD
Competitors:
Ana Nemith AIFD
Ania Norwood AIFD, CFD, CCF, EMC
Aniko Kovacs AIFD, CFD
Anna Dementieva AIFD, CFD
Brenna Quan AIFD
Jenna Sleeman AIFD, EMC, CFD
Linda Rambaud AIFD, CFD
Lupita Quintana AIFD CFD
Michael D. Smith AIFD, AAF, FDI, FSMD, PFCI
Renee’ Potter AIFD, CFD
Shelly Huynh AIFD
Susana Ortega AIFD, CFD, EIAF
& two 2025 inductees:
Luliia Prokhorova CFD and Vivian Liu CFD
Several competitors were willing to share their thoughts about their experiences during the exciting event…
What was your favourite task and why?
Aniko Kovacs (2015 inductee) – “My favourite task was the table for two category. I like surprise packages where you can create somehing in a short period of time and everyone has the same materials. The ideas you have are always overwhelming when you see what you have to work with, but then you have to decide in a very short period of time what you are using and how you will put it together for the final result.”
Renee’ Potter (2016 inductee) – “The Tropics of Panama was my favorite task because I don’t often have the opportunity to build a 7’ design! I also loved the sounds of this composition during the prep time the ballroom was filled with hammers, drills, and saws resembling a construction zone not a floral workroom.”
Ana Nemeth (2004 inductee) – “My favorite task was the Bridal bouquet! It Is something I enjoy to the fullness, the sentiment of Love and how a floral bouquet is such an important part of that unforgettable day! The modern way in which is constructed with an art mature , and gives that finesse to the composition.”
Describe your toughest challenge during or of the event…
Jenna Sleeman (2018 inductee) – “We were tasked with building a structure up to seven feet tall using only bamboo sticks and flowers. The challenge was daunting but exhilarating, highlighting the construction skills we often overlook in floral design. As I prepared for the challenge, I realized I had forgotten to pack the nails I intended to use. In that moment of panic, I had to rely on my resourcefulness. I decided to knot my bamboo structure, hoping it would be secure enough to hold my creative teardrop design. Each twist and turn of the knot reflected not just my floral design skills, but also my ability to think on my feet and innovate under pressure.”
Ania Norwood (2011 inductee) – “I think time management was the most challenging for me. Time is of the essence during competition, so you really have to act super fast. You have to plan quickly but strategically, decide on all the components, their application and execution of all the elements. Wanting to showcase an interesting and innovative design is a priority, however if the constructed part is too complicated, you may limit yourself for the flowering and finishing touches which isn’t ideal.
Aniko Kovacs – “Time …. It’s never enough…lol! You always wanna do more detailed work at the end and you never have enough time for it.”
What is one thing you learned from this event (about competing, a technique/mechanic or about yourself) that you would share, for others to learn from?
Lupita Quintana (2019 inductee) – “Not to change my mind or ideas, and bring all I need from home, and don’t assume anything…”
Shelly Huynh (2008 inductee) – “One thing I learned from this event is the importance of trusting myself and my creative instincts. I played it too safe this time, and next time I won’t limit my ideas to fit or scale with the theme. Competing pushed me to dig deeper into my process and let go of the need for perfection. I realized that being open to the unexpected allows for innovation and authenticity in design, and I’d encourage others to embrace that mindset when competing.”
Brenna Quan (2009 inductee) – “If there is an opportunity to bring one or two unique materials to incorporate into your designs, I believe it can help you stand out & create a memorable piece! Also, a bright headlamp is a new addition to my toolbox. Dim lighting can add an extra, unwanted challenge so always come as prepared as you can be for the unexpected.”
Linda Rambaud (2022 inductee) – “One valuable lesson I learned from this event is the importance of adaptability and resilience. When faced with unexpected challenges or setbacks during the competition, I had to quickly adjust my approach and find creative solutions to overcome them. This experience taught me that being able to adapt and bounce back from difficulties is crucial for success, not only in competitions but also in life.”
What was the most unexpected moment or thing that happened during the competition?
Michael D. Smith (2022 inductee) – “I must say making top 10 and being extremely honored to be a part of it. With so much talent in one room and this being my first international competition, I was not expecting it.”
Renee’ Potter – “The white party flag parade was super unique! So powerful to see everyone come together in such a positive atmosphere.”
Vivian Liu (2025 inductee) – “The most surprising and unexpected moment of the competition was hearing my name appear in the top 10. It was so exciting to be picked and to compete in front of so many respected and talented peers. Still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.”
Brenna Quan – “Ending up on the podium with my floral bestie of many years, Shelly Huynh! It felt like the stars had aligned for us both in that moment, which was truly euphoric.”
In a few sentences, describe your overall experience or biggest takeaway as a competitor in this competition…
Jenna Sleeman – “My biggest takeaway is the realization that every participant emerges a winner by learning from one another’s diverse skills and perspectives. This competition reinforced my belief that the floral community is a vibrant tapestry of creativity and collaboration. While winning is fantastic, the real victory lies in the connections we forge and the knowledge we share. I’m excited to bring these lessons home and continue growing as a florist.”
Michael D. Smith – “My biggest takeaways are growing my floral friends and family. It’s always a joy to spend time with others that love and enjoy floral art as I do, while also getting to see all the different techniques and style of designs.”
Vivian Liu – “My overall experience was fantastic. From opening night to the closing gala, everything was so dreamlike. I loved getting to gain competition experience and meeting so many talented florists whom I can now call friends.”
Ana Nemeth – “Being my first competition, I took away an unforgettable memory; to create a design in the moment and to use techniques that make the design come alive! Also, the joy of meeting amazing floral artists and their talent.”
Ania Norwood – “It was a wonderful experience to be part of The Gateway to Americas Cup for many reasons: to compete amongst so many wonderful and accomplished designers, very exciting and humbling. I competed in various competitions in a past so after a break, it was exhilarating to be back to do it again. Competitions for me are personal challenges and are very important, as they take you out of your comfort zone, push you to the limits and test your skills and your knowledge within time restrictions, so you need to stay very focused and composed in order to do well at the given task.”
Linda Rambaud – “My overall experience was both exhilarating and humbling. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase my skills and creativity alongside talented professionals from around the world. The camaraderie and support among the competitors were truly heartwarming, and I learned so much from observing their unique techniques and designs. My biggest takeaway from this competition is the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and continuously striving for growth and improvement in my craft.
Shelly Huynh – “My biggest takeaway as a competitor has been learning to be completely present and open to every experience, without expectations. I allowed myself to feel the full range of emotions—anxiousness, self-doubt, mental and physical exhaustion, and ultimately, pure joy. This vulnerability gave me a deeper connection to my work and the competition as a whole, making it an unforgettable journey of personal growth.”
