During the “Cirque du Fleur” themed Sylvia Cup Design Competition during SAF Amelia Island 2015, D Damon Samuel, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, NAFD, NMF, of the Bill Doran Company in Omaha, Nebraska, in costume and makeup, welcomed attendees and the general public to watch the contestants in action. See photos from last year’s Sylvia Cup on Flickr.
Two dozen of the nation’s best floral designers will be given the same flowers, foliage and design supplies — and two hours to create the surprise challenge —at the 49th Annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition on Sept. 24 at SAF Maui 2016, the association’s 132nd Annual Convention at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua.
During the last hour, the competition’s commentators and coordinators — decked out in themed costumes — talk about the featured products and challenge.
“I’m looking forward to unveiling the surprise challenge theme and seeing all the creative floral designs this year,” said contest coordinator Robbin Yelverton, AAF, AIFD, CF, MCF, PFCI, of Blumz by…JRDesigns in metro Detroit. In 2015, the surprise challenge theme was “Cirque du Fleur.” The year before that, it was “Studio 54 Revisited,” and in 2014, it was “Steampunk.”
A panel of three AIFD Certified Floral Evaluator/Judges appointed by the Professional Floral Communicators–International Board of Trustees evaluates the contestants’ work. The highest combined score determines the winner who receives the Sylvia Cup trophy, $3,000 and a complimentary registration to SAF Palm Beach 2017, SAF’s 133rd Annual Convention. First Runner-Up wins $500; Second Runner-Up gets $250. Winners will be announced at the convention’s Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner on Sept. 24.
“Don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime to compete in paradise,” Yelverton said. “Sign up now to participate in the Sylvia Cup.”
Designers … want to compete? Download the Sylvia Cup Entry Packet or contact SAF’s Jenny Scala by Aug. 3 at (800) 336-4743 ext. 216; jscala@safnow.org.
The Sylvia Cup is sponsored by the California Cut Flower Commission and Smithers-Oasis. SAF’s Professional Floral Communicators – International coordinates the contest.
