The Sylvia Cup 2026: A Dream Come True in Floral Design, by Cindy Hall, AIFD, KMF
Winning the 2026 Sylvia Cup Floral Design Competition was an experience I will never forget. I arrived representing the Kentucky Floral Association after winning the Kentucky Cup in 2025, proud to have earned the opportunity to compete with some of the most talented floral designers in the industry.
Preparation began well before I arrived. I spent time reviewing Smithers-Oasis products and thinking carefully about the supplies I might receive. I believe good preparation is essential in competitive floral design. I decided to use the Oasis wire floral mesh in a way I had never tested before. I cut the mesh in half and planned to use it sideways, hoping its weight would provide enough support for the stems and branches in my design. It was definitely a moment of “winging it”, but sometimes competition requires you to trust your experience and instincts.
Arriving at the competition we received written instructions explaining the categories and expectations. The theme was an Evening At The Copacabana. Themes give me something to build my creativity around. We had only 2 hours to complete, label and place our designs on the table for judging. The categories included a fascinator incorporating fruit, a tabletop arrangement featuring candlelight and a memorial arrangement. About 30 minutes into the competition, we were given an unexpected challenge , a pineapple. We could incorporate it however we wished, and I chose to cut the pineapple into pieces and use them in my design. The pressure increased during the final hour and a half when the public was allowed into the room to watch us work.
Our flowers were sponsored by Continental Flowers. Smithers-Oasis provided supplies and Floristware software was used for judging.
When time was called , we had to have our designs labeled and in the correct spot. We left the room while the judges evaluated the designs. We had to wait for the banquet that evening to find out the results.
I honestly didn’t expect to win. When the second and first runner-ups were announced , I leaned over to my husband and said “You know I didn’t win, right?” He said, “I know”. Looking back we will always laugh at this moment. Then they called my name. I was completely shocked. I had won the Sylvia Cup! After more than 40 years in the floral industry, this achievement is incredibly humbling. I often describe the Sylvia Cup as the “Super Bowl or World Series” of floral design.
I am thankful to the volunteers and sponsors, your hard work didn’t go unnoticed. To the contestant for your incredible sportsmanship. To the Design of the Decades Contest, which I credit in keeping my creative sparkle going. To those who have taught me the importance of sound mechanics, thank you.
Most of all, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning, competing and creating. Winning the Sylvia Cup is a moment I will treasure forever.
