It takes patience, creativity, perseverance and the ability to perform under stress. But it also comes with many rewards – not only personal, but also in the form of collaborations with floral companies.
What does participating in florist competitions bring? Read about the benefits, pitfalls, and how Hilverda De Boer can support you as a partner.
On a personal, artistic, and professional level, there are many advantages for florists taking part in competitions:
More recognition and opportunities
Competing – or even winning – brings prestige. It can open doors to assignments, demonstrations, or international projects.
Networking with industry leaders
During competitions, you meet colleagues, judges, coaches, and organisers from the floral design world – expanding your valuable network.
Growth through challenges
You’re tested on technique, style, vision, and time pressure. Sometimes you must do things you’ve never done before. Even without winning, you grow – both personally and artistically.
Access to new trends and techniques
Competitions inspire and expand your expertise. You can later develop and apply what you’ve learned in your career.
Strong selling points
A title as multiple champion or national finalist is a strong commercial asset that can lead to unique collaborations or projects.
Personal satisfaction and motivation
Most florists find competing gives them fulfilment and new energy.
Support from a professional team
In many countries, teams guide competition florists before, during and after the event – often former competitors who know exactly what to expect.
There are also challenges that can make some florists think twice:
Pressure from material choice and time
Time is limited, materials are often pre-determined, and tasks have strict rules – increasing stress.
Top quality required
Not only you, but also your technique, colour use, and products must be flawless. Every imperfection counts.
Flowers not always available
Sometimes you want to use a specific flower, but seasonal or exclusive varieties are hard to find. Having a plan B isn’t always easy.
High investment
Preparation takes time, energy, and money – without guaranteed direct returns.
Time-consuming alongside your job
Competitions require focus and preparation, often in addition to your work or business.
Strict judging
Expert juries have strict technical and creative requirements – demanding both creativity and discipline.
Two experienced voices from the competition world share their insights.
Nicolaus Peters, Masterpieces ambassador and floral designer, won the Interflora World Cup 2023 and knows better than anyone the pros and cons.
His biggest stumbling blocks are carelessness and difficulty with planning and administration.
Hanneke Frankema, Masterpieces ambassador, influencer, competition florist and European Floral Art Champion 2022, experiences very different challenges:
That’s why having a reliable floral partner is so important.
How can floral partners like Hilverda de Boer support you? At Hilverda de Boer, our motto is no coincidence: Finding Floral Treasures.
Our buyers are constantly discovering new floral treasures thanks to a global network of specialised growers. This allows us to offer fast and efficient logistical solutions.
We speak your language - literally and figuratively. We understand your business and your needs. Thanks to short communication lines, we can supply top-class, unique and inspiring products all year round.
