A Hawaiian Floral Journey by Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi AIFD, EMC & Brenna Quan AIFD
When the world’s premier horticultural community gathers in Germany for IPM ESSEN 2026, attendees will be invited into a breathtaking celebration of Hawaiian beauty, culture, and floral excellence. From January 27–30, 2026, the highly anticipated showcase The Spirit of Aloha will take the revolving stage, uniting artistry, heritage, and the universal language of flowers.
Presented by celebrated floral designers Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi AIFD, EMC and Brenna Quan AIFD, and hosted by the ever-energetic TV star and floral personality Björn Kroner, this showcase promises to be one of the standout experiences of the 2026 fair.
Aloha Spirit Meets Global Innovation
Each year, IPM ESSEN, the world’s leading horticultural trade fair, becomes the beating heart of the global “green industry.” With nearly 1,400 exhibitors from 45+ countries and an expected 40,000 international visitors, it is where trends are set, innovations unveiled, and the future of floriculture takes shape.
Within this vibrant and creative atmosphere, The Spirit of Aloha shines as a tribute to Hawai‘i’s lush floral traditions and its deeply rooted cultural storytelling. Attendees will be invited to discover:
- Lei-inspired floral compositions that honor one of Hawai‘i’s most iconic symbols of welcome, connection, and love
- Designs echoing the textures, colors, and rhythms of island life, artfully reimagined for a global stage
- Narratives interwoven with floral history, sharing how Hawai‘i’s blooms tell stories of heritage and community
- A breathtaking fusion of performance, artistry, and cultural expression
This is more than a floral presentation — it is an emotional and sensory journey into what aloha truly means.
Meet the Designers Bringing Hawai‘i to Europe
Sue Tabbal-Yamaguchi AIFD, EMC
Widely recognized for her mastery of tropical florals and Hawaiian cultural storytelling, Sue brings authenticity and heart to every creation. Her work reflects decades of artistry shaped by deep roots in O‘ahu and a lifelong devotion to floral education.
Brenna Quan AIFD
Known internationally for her sculptural designs and signature tropical finesse, Brenna’s perspective as a Canadian designer with a passion for Hawai‘i’s botanical landscape adds a dynamic, contemporary dimension to the presentation.
Together, they form a powerhouse duo representing innovation, artistry, and cultural respect — making this collaboration a true highlight of IPM ESSEN 2026.
Presented With the Support of Global Industry Leaders
This showcase is proudly sponsored by:
Magic Flowers & FM Group, IPM Essen, Teleflora, AIFD Northwest Chapter, AIFD Southwest Chapter, Orchid Lei Company, Hawai’i Floriculture and Nursery Association-Netropica, Green Point Nurseries, Hawaii Tropical Flower Council – HawaiisFlowers.com, Association Resource Center, Details Flowers Software, and H&R The Wire Man
Their shared commitment to elevating floral artistry and fostering cultural exchange makes this international moment possible.
A Showcase That Connects the World Through Flowers
As Björn Kroner welcomes Sue and Brenna to Germany’s premier floral stage, audiences will witness the merging of Hawai‘i’s vibrant floral heritage with global floricultural innovation. The Spirit of Aloha brings forward a message of unity, creativity, and appreciation for the natural world — an experience that deeply resonates across cultures and continents.
Whether you are a floral designer, horticulture professional, trend forecaster, educator, or enthusiast, this showcase is poised to leave a lasting impression.
