On August 8th, I had the immense privilege of attending the inaugural Fresh Fest 2023. An event that was indeed a groundbreaking experience within the North American flower industry. Organized by the visionary team at Jet Fresh Flowers. This unique affair transcended boundaries and left an indelible mark on attendees.
I was immediately greeted by a mesmerizing sight—exquisite glass domes brimming with a kaleidoscope of flowers. This initial impression set the stage for what would prove to be an extraordinary day of creativity and immersion.
The journey began with an engaging check-in process. Offering attendees an awesome array of swag to fill our cool tie-dye tote bags. Notably, the inclusion of fun old-school fanny packs added a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to the experience. And let’s not overlook the iconic venue—the Rubell Museum—a venue that added an extra layer of grandeur to the proceedings.
Photo courtesy of Jet Fresh Flowers
The Jet Fresh swag concession stand was buzzing with activity, creating an atmosphere alive with excitement. As I navigated through the exhibits, I discovered an array of captivating floral installations, each turn revealing a new, breathtaking masterpiece.
The festival featured breathtaking floral arrangements meticulously crafted by a renowned ensemble of floral artists. Including Carlos Muina, the creative minds behind Petal Productions Design, Olga Ramirez, Jimi the Tulip, Bill Schaffer, Elizabeth Jaime, Marcela Bazana, Talia Craig, and Liz Marie Edwards. Among these was a captivating melting ice cream-themed installation. A creation attributed to a well-known influencer and the owner of Haus of Stems, Kristen Alpaugh.
Photo courtesy of Jet Fresh Flowers
Here, the Jet Fresh team worked diligently, printing custom t-shirts for eager attendees. Nearby, a skilled caricature artist entertained a queue of enthusiastic participants. The journey continued, unveiling a central presentation area that played host to an array of compelling talks.
Photo courtesy of Above All Flowers and New Bloom Solutions
The day began with a warm welcome from Michael Black, the President of Jet Fresh Flowers, who introduced the captivating Solutions Panel. Led by Mimi Pacheco as the moderator, this panel was set in motion.
The panel includes Corrine Heck of Details Flowers, Andrea Grist of Florasource, Alex Perez of Komet Sales, Amy McCord Jones of Flower Moxie, Andrew Arthur from Kennicott Bros, Raffi Grosz of Petal Productions, and Andy Arthur to name a few.
As a team, they engaged in in-depth conversations surrounding the most recent technological advancements and evolving trends that were influencing the floral sector. They actively encouraged audience involvement by facilitating interactive Q&A sessions during these discussions.
Photo courtesy of Jet Fresh Flowers
The stunning Rubell Museum transformed into a floral wonderland, with every nook and cranny adorned with incredible works of floral art. Each piece was a unique masterpiece, a tribute to the wonderful folks who’ve partnered with Jet Fresh Flowers as vendor sponsors.
The magic of flowers was showcased by some of the best names in the industry. The likes of Floral Del Este, Chrysal, Esmeralda Farms, Flormosura, The Orchid Guys, South Pacific Orchids, and Flortec showcased their expertise and love for all things floral.
With all the enthusiasm bubbling around, it’s possible that we might have missed mentioning a few of Jet Fresh Flowers’ cherished guests and sponsors. Fresh Fest 2023 was a whirlwind of excitement, and amidst all the fun, our memory might have played a little game of hide and seek.
Throughout the event, the quality of presentations remained consistently impressive, featuring great minds like Guy Bron of The Flower Guy Bron, Bill Schaffer of Schaffer Designs, and Sarah Campbell of Intrigue Designs, as well as entertaining and engaging game shows that added a layer of fun.
Photo courtesy of Jet Fresh Flowers
These engaging game shows sparked the audience’s creativity and enthusiasm. The victorious designers walked away with cash prizes generously sponsored by Esmeralda Farms and Details Flower Software.
As the sun set, the atmosphere shifted to party mode. The evening’s festivities featured DJ Epps, a local Miami celebrity DJ, a temporary tattoo booth, and eye-catching Instagram-friendly installations, all contributing to an energetic Miami vibe that was palpable in the air.
Photo courtesy of Thursd.com
One of the event’s most commendable aspects was the unwavering attention to detail. Infusing the occasion with a vibrant Miami vibe that elevated Fresh Fest beyond mere conventions or shows. It was an immersive experience.
Credit goes to the entire Jet Fresh team for their tireless efforts. With special recognition to Ryan Black, the 2022 SAF’s Marketer of the Year. This event could indeed serve as a standout entry for next year’s accolades.
Every member of the Jet Fresh team played an integral role, from “Pockets,” the accountant managing the swag concession, to warehouse personnel printing t-shirts. Their collective passion, kindness, and appreciation for attendees underscored the event’s remarkable atmosphere and the Jet Fresh way.
New Bloom Solutions has an exciting YouTube short episode capturing all the vibrant moments from Fresh Fest 2023. Brought to you by the fantastic team at Jet Fresh Flowers! Get ready to immerse yourself in the fun, beauty, and innovation that unfolded during this unforgettable event.
The driving force behind Fresh Fest 2023, once again redefined industry standards, breathing fresh life into a traditional format. Ultimately, Fresh Fest 2023 marked a pivotal moment, elevating the wholesaler/distributor showcase to an entirely new level.
The event was an immersive experience that left an indelible impression on all who attended. Anticipation for Jet Fresh’s next move runs high. Also I eagerly await what Ryan Black, Mimi Pacheco, and the entire team will have in store for Fresh Fest 2024.
