The Indian Florist Association's seventh edition of its flagship meet unfolded in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, marking a milestone as the event was hosted for the first time outside New Delhi. Over 160 members from across the country gathered in India's cleanest city - crowned so for eight consecutive years in a row - to celebrate the growing influence of Indian floristry. The two-day event, filled with learning sessions, networking, and cultural exchange, showcased how local creativity is meeting global aspirations.
Rooting Floristry in Tradition and Innovation
The event commenced with a warm registration and welcome tea, setting the stage for members old and new to connect. A welcome address by the IFA leadership acknowledged the association's growth, followed by the introduction of new members who symbolized the sector's expanding reach.
The morning discussions were deeply anchored in the theme of strengthening the roots of indian floristry. Topics such as trend shifts in Indian floristry, the role of local flowers, and the importance of nurturing local sales channels drew attention to how domestic growers and florists can uplift the industry by embracing India's own floral wealth.
A mid-day session transitioned into a masterclass on weddings, festivals, and event-driven demand, offering members a sharp lens into consumer behavior and seasonal influences. Lunch at the exhibition centre encouraged networking, product displays, and first glimpses of collaborative opportunities.
The highlight of the afternoon was the Knowledge Series, a curated set of presentations and discussions that brought fresh perspectives:
- AI Magic for Florists - Anand Kumar (President, IFA)
Mr. Anand Kumar demonstrated how AI tools can transform business visuals. From editing and enhancing flower images to creating impactful social media content, he emphasized how technology is no longer optional but essential for florists in today's marketplace.
- Petals to Pendants - Ms. Swwati Gadekar (It's New Always, Nagpur)
Ms Swwati mesmerized attendees by showcasing floral jewelry as wearable art. With her record of crafting the maximum tiaras from real flowers (registered record holder in Indian Book of Records and Asia Book of Records), she live-created a floral tiara on stage within ten minutes - drawing admiration for her creativity and speed. Her extensive display of floral jewelry proved how flowers can transcend decor and become part of fashion.
- Creative Floristry Today: Vikas Bhuwania (Sajaawat, Kolkata)Mr. Vikas brought forward an engaging dialogue on fusing traditional techniques with modern marketing strategies. His message was clear - innovation doesn't mean discarding heritage, but blending it intelligently to enhance design and grow businesses.
- Trend Shift in Wedding Decor 2025
A panel led by Hardik Rami (Floristree, Ahmedabad), joined by Vineet Chopra (Bagiya the Flower Shopee, Jaipur), with curation by IFA Treasurer Amit Singhania, explored the changing tastes in Indian weddings and festivals. From international influences to evolving consumer choices, the session underlined that florists, who adapt will thrive in this dynamic market.
The evening was crowned with the book launch of 'The Flower Sutra' by Mr. Anand Kumar. Described as "not just a book, but a journey and a love letter to flowers," the publication was warmly received as a heartfelt contribution to India's floral community.
Day one closed with an open forum and member interactions, group photography, and relaxed conversations over tea, setting a tone of collaboration for the days ahead.
Day Two: Stories, Recognition, and Shared Aspirations
The second day carried forward the momentum, beginning with growth stories from fellow members. These sessions provided valuable takeaways on how small and large floristry businesses alike are navigating challenges and scaling new heights.
For Thursd.com, proud official global media partner of IFA Meet 7, it was a privilege to present insights into how digital storytelling, online presence, and global visibility can elevate Indian floristry on the international stage. The presentation emphasized how florists can leverage Thursd's global reach to connect with a wider audience, gain credibility, and stay part of ongoing global floral conversations.
The day also featured awards and recognitions, celebrating outstanding contributions by members. This was followed by the meeting resolution, vote of thanks, and the closing ceremony, which summarized the spirit of unity, learning, and forward vision that had marked the two days. As participants enjoyed the closing lunch and toured the exhibition centre one last time, the sentiment was unanimous: IFA Meet 7 was not just an event but a community milestone.
Indore as the Perfect Host
Hosting IFA Meet 7 in Indore added a unique charm. Known as India's cleanest city for eight consecutive years, Indore provided a refreshing and welcoming backdrop. The choice of venue highlighted IFA's intention to take the event to diverse regions, decentralizing its impact and making it more inclusive.
A Collective Vision for the Future
IFA Meet 7 - 2025 underscored the vibrancy of Indian floristry. The event's blend of knowledge exchange, product showcases, cultural creativity, and digital transformation painted a clear picture: the industry is evolving rapidly, and Indian florists are ready to take their place in the global spotlight.
As Anand Kumar's word through Flower Sutra reminded everyone, floristry is not only about flowers - it is about journeys, communities, and shared dreams. Indore's edition of IFA Meet was a testament to that very spirit.