The Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo (GLFEE) has announced that designer and educator Amber Kirkland, AIFD, CEJ, CF, CFD, will present a new large-scale installation program titled “Floral Futurism: Monumental Installations for Museums, Runways & Immersive Spaces.” The 2026 expo will take place February 27–March 1, 2026, at DeVos Place Convention Center and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Amber, the founder and creative director of The Velvet Touch Events in Detroit, has become known for her sculptural approach to floristry and her ability to merge flowers with architecture, fashion, and experiential art. Her presentation at GLFEE continues a pattern of design leadership familiar to AIFD members.
A Continuing Presence in AIFD Education
Amber is no stranger to AIFD audiences. She has previously taken the stage at AIFD Symposium, where her programs were recognized for their bold conceptual direction, strong mechanics, and inspirational educational value. Her past Symposium work showcased her talent for storytelling through form and structure, as well as her dedication to elevating the expectations of large-scale floral installations.
Her return in this new program builds upon that foundation, offering designers a look at the next evolution of immersive floral artistry.
Exploring “Floral Futurism”
In her GLFEE 2026 program, Amber will guide attendees through the process of constructing towering, futuristic exhibit pieces designed for contemporary environments such as:
• museum galleries
• fashion runways
• large-scale experiential installations
• immersive pop-up events
The session will explore how today’s avant-garde installations blur the boundaries between floristry, sculpture, engineering, and audience experience. Participants will see how Amber approaches:
• conceptual development for monumental designs
• structural and mechanical planning
• innovative material combinations
• creating installations that inspire guests and encourage social-media engagement
Her work invites designers to think expansively about the role floristry can play in shaping spatial and emotional experiences. The session will be sponsored by FloristWare.
Educational Roots and Industry Involvement
Alongside her studio work, Amber recently launched Fleur University in partnership with Mayesh Wholesale. This new educational initiative focuses on advanced design skills, technical development, and creative mentorship — a natural extension of her passion for sharing knowledge within the floral community.
Her engagement with AIFD, Symposium, and regional education programs continues to reflect AIFD’s mission: elevating floral design through professional development, artistic exploration, and the advancement of high standards in the industry.
About the Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo
Hosted by the Great Lakes Floral Association the GLFEE remains one of the floral industry’s most respected regional events, known for its hands-on learning, stage programs, competitions, and strong sense of community. The 2026 edition will bring together designers, educators, suppliers, and students for three days of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration.
More information is available at glfee.com.
