A new and exciting international floral competition is born.
The Horticultural Goyang Expo in South Korea is a renowned international event showcasing various aspects of horticulture, including gardening, landscaping, and floral design. It provides a platform for exhibitors from around the world to display their innovations and exchange knowledge.
The expo typically features stunning displays of flowers, plants, and gardening techniques, attracting visitors and enthusiasts alike. It's a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn about the latest trends in horticulture.
During the festival a new competition will take place: Goyang Flower Grand Prix.
Program Goyang Flower Grand Prix
Besides the horticultural festival, this new international competition will be very special. At the opening on the 26th visitors will be given floral hats, to show the public what an awesome show it's going to be.
Ten talented designers from all over the world will bring their best skills to South Korea to take home the first prize. Bart Hassam, FTD World Cup Winner in 2019 Philadelphia will be demonstrating on the 27th. And for floral designers, it will be magical to be a part of.
- 24 April 2024 Prepare for competition
- 25 April 2024 Grand Prix (Task1) – Designer’s Choice
- 26 April 2024 Grand Prix (Task2 & 3) – Designer’s Choice & Surprise Package
- 27 April 2024 Grand Prix (Final Round – Surprise) & GFGP Awards Ceremony
Competitors
1. Jenny Thomasson, USA:
Jenny Thomasson is a powerhouse in the floral industry. With a slew of prestigious certifications from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI), European Masters Certification (EMC), and the American Academy of Floricultural Sciences (AAF), she's a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Teleflora, she's been making waves as a speaker across various platforms in the industry, showcasing her expertise.
Based out of Dallas, Texas, Jenny Thomasson is not only an esteemed instructor at Delphinium Design Institute but also the proud owner of Jenny T Floristry. She's penned two noteworthy books, "Design" and "Endless Florescence: Transformative Contemporary Dried Floral Design," demonstrating her prowess as a writer. Additionally, she wears multiple hats as the CEO and product developer of Meraki Floral Tools, and as an independent instructor globally.
Her style, often described as modern naturalism, seamlessly blends plant materials, space, and light, creating captivating floral arrangements. Jenny Thomasson's achievements are vast, including multiple appearances at the AIFD National Symposium's main stage and representing North America at Belgium's Fleuramour. She's even had the privilege of contributing to the Christmas decorations at the White House and the Philadelphia Flower Show.
A seasoned competitor, Jenny has showcased her skills in design competitions worldwide, from the United States and China to Europe, as well as Mexico and Canada. And so now to South Korea. Leveraging virtual platforms, she extends her teaching reach, aiming to broaden the horizons of floral art. In 2023, she proudly represented the United States at the Interflora World Cup, clinching the 8th position, the highest among American participants.
Through it all, Jenny Thomasson remains driven by her passion for evolving American floral art in innovative and contemporary ways.
2. Aniko Kovacs, Canada:
"My name is Aniko Kovacs, and I am a floral designer/ entrepreneur for Garlands florist in Vancouver,
Canada. With over 25 years of experience, I am an accomplished florist and enjoy using my skills and
knowledge to contribute to our floral community. I graduated as a horticulturist and earned my credentials later as a floral designer. In my mid 20s my husband and I moved to Canada from Hungary and shortly after we opened our
retail flower business. Our store is still in the same family oriented neighborhood today. We had our ups and downs over the past decades but with a very loyal clientele and a European approach to design our business is still striving. A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet and study with other designers from across the globe
with the leadership of Hitomi Gilliam and Tomas de Bruyne. This was the EMC experience which I
have successfully completed. We had many different projects what we were working on like Fleuramour in Belgium, contract work in China, Symposium presentations in the United States… just to mention a few.
All these wonderful events brought us together as friends and designers, and we appreciated the
knowledge what we can share amongst us. I also successfully took the exam for AIFD in 2014, which opened more opportunities. Demonstrations , competitions, workshops became a part of my designer life .. and I am still grateful
that I am able to continue doing what I love ! I also participated in the Maple leaf Cup Gateway to the Americas! I'm so excited to compete in this new competition. I look forward to meeting my fellow competitors. I love to learn new skills, develop different methods, and get inspiration from other cultures. I met Jinny Park and Alex Choi during Fleuramour, an event in a beautiful castle in Belgium. He just became the World Cup Champion back then. I cannot believe I will be going to Korea now. Participating is already a win for me, let's do this!"
3. Kristián Kövér, Hungary:
"Hey there, I'm Krisztián Kövér, a Hungarian master florist, entrepreneur, and teacher. My journey into the world of flowers began at my mother's flower shop when I was just a kid. Even back then, I had this burning desire to make it my profession. Over the years, I've spread my wings, opening several shops across Budapest and its suburbs. With more than 20 years in the game, I've honed my skills through the daily hustle of running my stores and competing in various competitions.
I'm particularly stoked about clinching the Hungarian Championships title in 2018 and landing 3rd place in 2019. Plus, back in 2007, I snagged the "Best Floral Shop" award. And let's not forget about scoring the best floral interior cup in Hungary for both 2011 and 2012. Nowadays, I'm rocking it as the proud owner of my Floral Art studio. Here, I'm not just selling flowers, I'm passing on my knowledge to budding florists through both one-on-one and group sessions.
I'm deeply involved in the Hungarian florist community, always striving to bring us together to elevate our craft and make a positive impact on society as a whole. I have never been to Asia previously, so coming to this Goyang Flower Grand Prix is an absolute honor! I am looking forward to this journey as I get a lot of opportunities to learn and get inspired by other members of the florist community! "
4. Arman Voskanyan, Armenia
Awards:
Participated and secured 2nd place in the 2015 Moscow Ritual Floristry Competition, earning a special prize for original authorial solution.
Participated and landed 5th place in the 2015 Moscow Russian Championship.
Participated in the 2016 Russian Championship.
Participated and won the Audience Prize at the 2017 Russian Championship in Moscow.
Featured at the St. Petersburg Flower Festival in 2020.
Took home 1st place in the Florists' Battle at the St. Petersburg Flower Festival in 2021.
Served as a judge in the Florist Competition at the St. Petersburg Flower Festival in 2022.
Secured the 10th place in the 2022 Europa Cup European Championship.
Participated in the Novosibirsk Flower Festival in 2023.
Performances:
Took the stage during the Moscow Florist Competition Championship in 2017, alongside Brigitte Heinrichs in Moscow.
Performed on stage during the Flower Festival with Vadim Kazansky and Roman Shtengauer from 2020 to 2022 in Saint-Petersburg.
Made a stage appearance during the 2022 Russian Championship with Natalya Zizhko.
Appeared on stage during the Novosibirsk Flower Festival with Natalya Zizhko, Roman Shtengauer, and Qin Xijia in 2023.
Publications:
Featured in "Flowers" Magazine from 2016 to 2023 in Russia.
Included in the "World Vision" Calendar for 2023 and 2024 in Taiwan.
Published in "International Floral Art" for 2023 and 2024 in Belgium.
5. Kim Jong Kook, Korea:
• 2018 Golden Medal- korea local Skill competition
• 2019 Golden Medal- korea local Skill competiton
• 2019 Winner- 9th Florist Association Korea
• 2019 Silver Award- 21th Florist Association Korea
• 2019 Bronze- National skill competition
• 2022 Winner- 18th Korea cup
• 2022. Winner-1st Korean flower 대한민국꽃예술대상전화훼장식부문
• 2023 Silver Award- 23th IHK cup flower design competition
• 2023 Exhibition “Goyang Autumn Flower Festival”
• 2023.11.04 Gold Award- 19th Korea cup
6. Natalia Hoogenraad, Netherlands:
Achievements:
The Dutch Royal House: Crafting events that resonate with tradition.
Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Burberry: Icons of timeless excellence and high-fashion elegance.
H&M, Boss, The Rituals, De Bijenkorf: Bridging contemporary style with classic sophistication.
NHOW & NH, Radisson Hotels: Crafting experiences that redefine luxury hospitality.
Design Outlet Roozendaal, Design Outlet Roermond, Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet: Showcasing high-end fashion
in an ambiance of sheer elegance."I realize that these are all commercial installations for brands showcasing my creativity and skills. This competition challenges me to get out of my comfort zone, see and learn. I want to grow in the art of floral design. Next level, here we come!"
7. Hong Ye Chan, Korea:
• 2019 Sliver medal - Korean local skill competition.
• 2020 Bronze medal – Korean local skill competition.
• 2020 Bronze medal – National skill competition.
• 2023 Glod - Florist Association Korea.
8. Howard Pang, Macao:
Awards:
Received the Gold Award at The 7th China (Sanya) International Orchid Show Potted Plant Combinations competition in 2013.
Honored with the Grand Award for a unique feature at the Hong Kong Flower Show in 2016.
Won the Gold Award for outstanding exhibit at the Hong Kong Flower Show in 2017 and 2018.
Achieved the Bronze Award at The 12th China (Sanya) International Orchid Show Reception Design competition in 2018.
Secured 2nd Place and Best Design (Surprise Package) in the Amateur Category at the 11th International FDSS Cup Floral Designing Competition in 2018.
Received the Merit Award for Design Excellence at the Hong Kong Flower Show in 2019 and 2024.
Took home the First Prize in the FDSS International Young Designer Award Competition in 2019.
Recognized with the Best Maintenance Award at the 2019 World Flower Art Contest.
9. Daisuke Yamakawa, Japan:
Holding the role of Managing Director at Hanadokoro Yamakawa Move Pro.
In charge of operations at Hanadokoro Yamakawa Co., Ltd. Move Pro, a flower shop located in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture.
Also overseeing the management of a flower design school.
Holds a National Certification Level 1 as a Flower Decoration Technician.
Actively serving as a lecturer at the NFD Japan Flower Designer Association.
Proudly clinched the title of 2023 Japan Florist of the Year Champion.
10. Florence Ling, Hong Kong:
"I used to work in finance, just like many others. To unwind from work stress, I decided to pick up some hobbies. I've always had a love for flowers, so learning floristry was a natural choice for me. I was captivated by the artistry and skills involved in floristry, and I can't seem to get enough of learning more about it. My inspiration comes from my travels and nature. I enjoy experimenting with different materials and styles, as I prefer to keep things fresh and exciting — it's like my own creative playground. Sometimes, my best ideas come to me when I'm lost in daydreams."
Here's my resume:
Became a Certified Accredited member of AIFD in 2017
Achieved Certified Floral Evaluator status in 2021
Been a proud member of the Hong Kong Association of Flower Arranging Societies (HKAFAS) and World Flower Council (Hong Kong Chapter) since 2014
Currently serving as a committee member of The Hong Kong Flower Club
Founder and chief designer at Petite Petals and Flower School A&F Floral Art and Design
Represented Hong Kong at the NFD exhibition and stage demo in 2019
Scored the Distinguished Booth Design Award at the Guangdong Flower Council Flower Festival in 2019
Earned the Bronze Award in Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year 2019
Goyang Flower Grand Prix & Florint
How Florint helps this new and exciting competition make a flying start.
Simon Ogrizek, president of Florint:
"Florint, the International Florist Organization is already 67-year-old recognized, representative, and international body, with the following key issues in floristry, which are part of Florint’s strategy agenda. Florint can add value to your florist association, by helping you fulfill your promise to your member florists: to make their business life easier. There are significant benefits to a Florint membership. We offer valuable support in five crucial areas where florists – and the associations that represent them – face big challenges: entrepreneurship, marketing, craftsmanship, education, and sustainability."
Florint is very strong in the field of education, which includes judging certification as well. In the field of judging they are investing a lot of time and finances to achieve the highest possible level of objectivity.
Their partners highly value objectivity and that is why Florint judging and the TC (Technical Committee) team will be present at the new international floristry competition at the Horticultural Goyang Fair near Seoul in South Korea: 'Goyang Flower Grand Prix'.
In 2018 Florint signed a memorandum of cooperation with Goyang Fair (GIFF) and since then Goyang International Flower Foundation (GIFF) and the international florist organization Florint established relations and a partnership for promoting mutual development and the exchange of the global flower industry, culture, and business.
Since the end of last year, Florint has been strongly involved in the organization of this competition and some other activities during the fair. This year they are even more honored to be part of the event, due to a special guest coming to the fair. The Florint team will arrive in Seoul on 24 th of April and immediately start with activities.
"United we can be much, much stronger and able to reach the highest possible level in Floristry."
- Lena Stryjska & Simon Ogrizek, Secretary and President of Florint.
Thursd Present to Cover the Event
Thursd is honored to be present at the Goyang Flower Grand Prix to make sure you can know the results firsthand with stories and pictures from the techniques and skills to see. Follow Thursd's socials to keep you posted! Enjoy!
