I've been to many events, all around the world... Some events feel professional. Some feel personal. And familiar. The Gateway to the Americas Cup is both of them for me. Deborah and Gus De La Flor are the forces behind this competition, but they are also our friends. So of course, we will be there with Thursd, covering Gateway to the Americas.
The Gateway to the Americas International Cup 2026 is a premier floral design competition held in Orlando, Florida, from June 4–7, 2026. Hosted in conjunction with the Florida State Florist Association (FSFA) International, this event gathers international floral designers for competition, education, and networking. And honestly, I could not be happier about that. Because Florida, for us, is more than a destination. It feels like a second home.
Deborah and Gus – The Heart Behind the Event
I have a deep admiration for Deborah and Gus of De La Flor Gardens, who host this extraordinary competition. Their commitment to excellence, their energy, and their generosity toward the floral community truly stand out. When you are around them, you can testify that it's another league, it's phenomenal.
The Gateway to the Americas Cup is not simply about creating beautiful arrangements. It challenges designers to complete five themed tasks over three days. That means versatility, pressure, creativity, technical discipline, and above all, vision.
Designers are judged by a professional panel evaluating technical skills, creativity, and overall artistic expression. It is serious, structured, and incredibly inspiring to witness. When you sit in that room, you feel the pulse of professional floristry.
Why I Love That It Happens During FSFA
The competition takes place during the FSFA Convention, which creates such a powerful dynamic. While designers push creative boundaries on stage, the convention itself offers education sessions covering all aspects of the retail floral business.
That combination is gold. Art meets business. Inspiration meets strategy. Creativity meets commercial reality. For me, that is where our industry grows strongest.
Florida – Where Work and Pleasure Blend
On a more personal note, Florida always brings something extra. Our dear friend Veerle from Belgium lives in Sarasota, and every time we travel there, we combine work with moments of joy.
Morning meetings, afternoon palm trees. Professional conversations, sunset reflections. It is exactly how I believe our industry should evolve. We work incredibly hard, but we also celebrate life, connection, and friendship. And events like Gateway allow that balance.
Technology Supporting Fair Play
Another detail I appreciate is the professional scoring system provided by FloristWare. Transparent, structured judging brings credibility to competitions like this. It elevates them from spectacle to a serious professional benchmark.
Because if we want floral design to be respected internationally, we must build the framework around it properly.
More Than a Competition
For me, the Gateway to the Americas Cup is more than a title. It is a celebration of craftsmanship, a platform for emerging and established talent, a statement about international collaboration, and a reminder that floral design deserves center stage.
June 4–7, 2026. Orlando. I already know I will feel both excited and grateful to be there. And yes, I will make time for Sarasota too. Because in this life, we design with passion, we build with intention, and we always combine work and pleasure where we can.
See you in Florida.
