The International Floriculture Expo wrapped up last month at McCormick Place and brought more than 1,500 floral industry professionals from around the globe to the Chicago area. The most anticipated event was the Iron Designer Competition, which takes place live in front of a cheering audience, where Adam Havrilla of Artistic Blooms in Chicago earned the title of this year’s champion designer – for the second time!  He previously won the title in 2016, becoming one of only two champions to ever bring home the title twice.

The lively competition featured eight designers from around the country and as far away as Ireland who were tasked with creating a floral masterpiece that incorporated a hat and hat box guided by the theme of “Discover more…outside the box.”  The theme was in honor of the late Bobbi Ecker-Blatchford who always wore hats with flowers to show her love an commitment to the floral industry.  The competition is a “chopped-style” competition lasting only 20 minutes.

Jose Morales, designer at Continental Flowers, also received the Crowd Choice Award for his beautiful design.

The occasion was emceed by industry rock stars and longtime IFE supporters Pieter Landman and Jacob McCall AIFD. Flowers were provided by Ball and product for the competition was provided by Smithers Oasis, including tool kits for each designer, floral foam and a myriad of floral design accessories.