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Ilze Plume From Riga, Latvia, Ilze is a life long professional florist and teacher participating in floral education internationally. Currently, she is the owner of Elizete Flower Galerie in Riga, Latvia. Ilze speaks five languages making her a perfect international floral presenter. Be sure to attend her workshop, Friday 10:00 – 12:00. This class is open to everyone. Requiring no special skills, you will learn a new look for the traditional centerpiece. |
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Jacqueline Boerma As a fourth generation florist from the Netherlands, Jacqueline’s life has always been in floral education. CEO of the famous Boerma Instituut International Floral Design School Holland, she has taught thousands of leading florist from around the world. Jacqueline is a Dutch master demonstrating floral design in all parts of the globe. An author, lecturer, demonstrator and Judge of major international floral events, Jacqueline is all about flowers. WFC is pleased to have Jacqueline co-chair this years summit, along with Els Hazenberg. They bring an outstanding line up of educational workshops and stunning floral design demonstrations. Join Jacqueline’s workshop, DUTCH HANDTIED BOUQUETS, Friday 15:00-17:00. Learn and improve your skills with this well know Dutch style mixed bouquet with surprising variations. |
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Erik Wesseling Born and raised in Holland, Erik Wesseling has a natural love for flowers and the floral industry. He received his training in Holland before immigrating to Canada in 1993 and joined in CAFA in 1998. Erik gained experience working in a number of florist shops before starting his own, Floral Buds & Design, in 2001, located in Woodstock, Ont. Many of Erik’s designs have a European influence. Erik is continually on the lookout for new products to try and natural materials to use in distinctive ways. Erik joins Jacqueline Boerma and Solomon Leong on the stage to present “Euro meets East and West” |
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Dr. Solomon Leong CFD AIFD Influenced by the English garden style and the European flower arranging ethos, the work of the Hong Kong based floral designer Dr. Solomon Leong have been described as 'extraordinary' and 'striking' by international media such as the BBC. Competitions have formed an important part of Dr. Leong's professional life and in 2006 and 2008 and 2011 he was awarded the Gold Medal as well as the Best Floral Arrangement Award at the world renowned Royal Horticultural Flower Show at Chelsea in London, UK. This followed being awarded the Silver Gilt Medal at the same show in 2005. In 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2013 he confirmed his success of Chelsea by again being awarded the Silver Gilt Medal. As well as competitions, Dr. Leong is also an active floral demonstrator who has demonstrated regularly at the Hong Kong Flower Show and other locations both locally and abroad. He presented floral art demonstrations in the Putrajaya Malaysia International Flower Show in 'Floria' in 2011, and in the Singapore Garden Festival International Designers 'Web of Life' in 2012, as the sole representative from Hong Kong. As a doctor of philosophy in cultural studies, Solomon's extensive knowledge of cultures and history in relation to floral art has turned him into a successful commentator of floral designs. He has been interviewed by media such as the BBC, TVB, the Radio Television Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic Journal as well as the South China Morning Post, amongst many others. The November 2012 issue of Cosmopolitan Bride Beijing named him 'one of the 50 influential Chinese voices in the wedding world'. His unique approach to floral styles and aesthetics has made him a regular contributor in fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Elle, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire both in Hong Kong and China. In 2010, His works were featured in the prestigious Floral International Biannual 2010/11, which showcases the most creative 200 floral designers around the world. In the same year, his book 'Solomons's Blooming Chic' was published in Chinese. Dr. Leong is the director of SOLOMON BLOEMEN bespoke floral design studio, a renowned bespoke design studio based in Hong Kong providing expert floral services to for a distinguished clientele. Join Dr. Leong Sunday 14:00- 16:00 for his workshop, vases with “Asian Flair” |
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Timeless Tradition A WFC summit highlight is “My Country Design.” This year’s theme “Timeless Tradition” will be presented by 20+ leading international designers. Each country attending will provide a top designer to represent their country in their portrayal of “Timeless Tradition” |
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Petra van der Veen Petra van der Veen is a Dutch Master Florist with a diploma from the School of Arts. She has lived and worked all her life in the Aalsmeer area, the center of Floriculture in the Netherlands. She is a freelance floral designer and teacher with extensive experience in Europe, Russia, and Japan. Many of her educational workshops for professional florist have been organized by the Flower Council of Holland. WFC is pleased to bring you this special featured guest artist. Be inspired by Petra’s Presentation of “A World of Harmony”, a magical design show sure to thrill you with fresh ideas and trendy outlook. Petra will teach two optional workshops, Saturday 16:00-17:30 is Table arrangements, Dutch style, with trendy natural elements. Also; Wedding bouquets is the topic Sunday, 14:00- 16:00, Learn tricks from the pro with latest trends in stunning bridal work. |
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