The floral industry’s most anticipated competitions are just weeks away at SAF Phoenix 2025, the Society of American Florists’ annual convention Aug. 11-14, promising inspiration, innovation, and awe-inspiring talent.
During the Sylvia Cup Design Competition, the spotlight is on designers. Contestants of the nation’s longest-running live floral design challenge are given a surprise theme and identical materials. Then, they race against the clock to create three stunning arrangements in front of a live audience. A panel of judges will crown this year’s Sylvia Cup winner based on creativity, mechanics, and use of product.
At the Outstanding Varieties Competition, growers and breeders will present their most impressive blooms and foliage, vying for top honors from a panel of expert judges. Attendees can view hundreds of entries across multiple categories — each evaluated on color, form, size, and overall presentation.
These cornerstone events not only celebrate excellence but also promote notoriety and growth.
Sylvia Cup Design Competition
Jackie Lacey, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, last year’s winner, encourages designers to put their skills to the test.
“It’s a great time to hone skills and show what you’ve learned during your time in the industry,” he says. “It shouldn’t be about just winning, but about what you can learn about yourself and your craft.”
Lacey is the design and education director at The Profitable Florist in Jacksonville, Florida, and an experienced floral design competitor. Participating in the Sylvia Cup was on his “bucket list” because of its reputation and the opportunity to be in the same room as floral designers he holds in high regard.
“We tend to put heads in the sand and do our day-to-day,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to show what you know and what you can do compared to others.”
The Sylvia Cup features a grand prize of $3,000 and two runner-up awards of $500 and $250, sponsored by Smithers-Oasis.
The deadline to register for the competition is July 7.
Outstanding Varieties Competition
The Best in Show, Best in Class and blue- and red-ribbon winners at the Outstanding Varieties Competition not only showcase the best fresh product available, but also what a dedicated team of breeders or growers can accomplish. Last year’s Best in Show winner, ‘Manuela’, a vibrant lavender delphinium was bred and grown exclusively by Valleflor.
“It was a surprise — I didn’t expect that,” says Roy Cisternas, commercial manager for Valleflor in Quito, Ecuador. “I’m very proud of the farm and very proud of the variety.”
New this year, breeders entering “Breeder’s Alley” — exclusively for new varieties that aren’t yet commercially available — will now have a chance to win Best in Class. The Best in Show winner is featured on the cover of SAF’s Floral Management magazine, and other winners are highlighted within the magazine.
Growers and breeders have until July 14 to enter the Outstanding Varieties Competition.
For more information about SAF Phoenix 2025, click here.
Sarah Sampson is a contributing writer for the Society of American Florists.
