From May 31st to June 1st, the Sonesta Coconut Grove Hotel was transformed into a floral wonderland event, presented by the AFIF: Association of Floral Importers of Florida. The purpose of the event was to connect floral buyers with Miami flower importers, who were the hosts. Rio Roses was proud to be one of the host companies, working alongside other importers and AFIF to make this event a great success.

Months before the event, AFIF and importers worked closely to define the theme, which centered around a spectacular flower wall exhibit. The idea was to recreate artistic murals like those in the Wynwood area of Miami. Each importer created a wall reflecting their signature products in a unique, colorful way.

In building our flower wall, Rio Roses worked with one of the best floral designers in Miami, who created a masterpiece: a silhouette of the Miami skyline against a backdrop of our signature Rio Freedom and Rio Corazon red roses, with our LivRio magazine name designed in small Rio Buttons sprayed with gold. Beautiful sculptures created with Rio Oriental and LA Hybrid Lilies and Rio Liatris sprayed in red were placed in front of the wall

While the flower wall exhibit was certainly a highlight, it was just one part of what was a lively and educational two days. The event began with a welcome lunch and speaker, followed by the opening of the flower wall exhibit, then an evening reception featuring the sights, sounds and tastes of Miami. The next day featured several educational sessions on topics such as the benefits of buying from importers in Miami rather than direct, and the use of social media.

Participants celebrated the final evening in style with a cruise along the Miami Bay on a four-story, 128-foot yacht. Guests were treated to a lovely dinner overlooking the Miami skyline, two bands, and a Cuban cigar roller.

This may have been the first Miami Flower Experience but certainly won’t be the last:  “I just wanted to express to you what a wonderful time we had,” wrote one attendee. “I enjoyed getting to meet some of the folks I have only talked to on the phone. You all did a terrific job and should be proud of your first effort. It was great!” “We thoroughly enjoyed the talks and learned things that will give us a new understanding for our industry,” wrote another. “We appreciate everything. We were impressed.”

The personal touches and care that went into creating this event made it truly memorable, and definitely one of the best events of the year.