The 2023 Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo, “A Whole New World,” was held in Grand Rapids, MI, from March 3rd – 5th and featured in The Produce News and Perishable News. The 411 attendees representing 20 states, as well as The Virgin Islands and Canada, enjoyed a busy weekend filled with business seminars, panel discussions, workshops, floral design classes and contests, networking opportunities, main stage shows, live music, and more.

On Saturday evening, the Blooming Desert Recognition Banquet celebrated New Certified Florists, announced the winners of the 2023 design contest, and presented the Great Lakes Floral Association (GLFA) Industry awards. Among the GLFA Industry Award recipients was Bing Goei of Eastern Floral in Grand Rapids, MI, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.