Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo 2027, March 5–7 in Grand Rapids.
Dates
5–7 Mar 2027
City / country
Grand Rapids, United States
Venue
DeVos Place
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
The Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo 2027 runs March 5–7 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The three-day floral industry gathering combines a supplier trade show, hands-on design workshops, business seminars and the GLFA Recognition Awards Banquet.
Organisers project 400+ attendees after 342 registered for the 2026 edition.
TL;DR
GLFEE gives florists and event specialists a compact weekend of buying, technique and business training. The trade show puts fresh-product growers, hard-goods suppliers and service providers on one floor, while Main Stage designers and hands-on workshops send teams home with usable skills before the spring wedding and event season.
A regional audience of independent florists, designers and event specialists comes to GLFEE ready to compare product lines and place orders. Thirty-nine supplier companies exhibited in 2026 and 2027 pricing is unchanged, making the show a low-cost route to relationship-building across Michigan and the wider Great Lakes market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
3DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
Entrances & gates
Main Monroe Avenue entrance
Closest to the registration desk and coat check.
Step-free entry from the Monroe Avenue doors; lifts serve all exhibit and session levels.
Coat check operates near the main entrance during the expo.
Food options
DeVos Place concession stands, Amway Grand Plaza dining
On-site diningParking: Use the DeVos Place parking ramp off Monroe Avenue NW or the Government Center ramp; arrive early on Saturday, the busiest shopping day.
Gate: Enter through the main Monroe Avenue NW doors and follow GLFEE signs to the registration desk in the Grand Gallery.
Attend
Ticket info
Badge collection
Collect your badge at the GLFEE registration desk in the DeVos Place Grand Gallery; bring a photo ID.
Ticket notes
Registration is required; 2027 attendee rates and daily opening hours were not printed. Trade-show shopping windows are Saturday 3:00–5:00 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM–12:00 PM.
What's on
GLFA Industry Awards
Presented at the Saturday Recognition Awards Banquet, celebrating excellence in the floral industry and recognising new Certified Florists.
sourceHow the last edition performed
Last edition
2026
Visitors: 342
Exhibitors: 39
This edition
2027
Visitors: 400
Exhibitors: 45
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
New this edition
Impact
GLFEE is small by national trade-show standards but dense with qualified buyers: 342 registrations in 2026, of which 214 were florists, designers or event specialists. For a supplier, that means a concentrated pool of independent decision-makers rather than a broad consumer crowd.
Audience quality
The audience is deliberately trade-focused: shop owners, working designers, event specialists and students. Most visitors attend for education as much as buying, so exhibitors meet owners who are already investing in their businesses and are receptive to new product lines and service partnerships.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI comes from relationship depth rather than raw footfall. With roughly 40 exhibiting companies and 214 trade buyers, a supplier can have substantive conversations across three days. The unchanged 2027 booth pricing lowers the cost per qualified conversation, especially for regional growers and hard-goods brands.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Grand Rapids sits at the centre of Michigan's greenhouse and wholesale flower network, and GLFEE is the region's compact annual meeting point for independent retail florists, event designers and suppliers. It matters because it combines sourcing, education and peer networking in one weekend, at a scale where buyers can still have unhurried conversations with the people whose products they stock.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Local and seasonal flower sourcing
Midwest florists are leaning harder on regional growers to shorten supply chains and differentiate bouquets, which raises the value of a show where growers and shop owners meet face to face.
What it changes: Suppliers with regional availability can win repeat accounts from shops that want fresher stems and a local story.
Education as the reason to travel
Independent shops increasingly send teams for hands-on technique and business training rather than for the show floor alone. GLFEE's workshop-and-seminar format reflects that shift.
What it changes: Exhibitors who support education or demonstrate product use get more attention than passive booths.
Event and wedding work diversifying revenue
Retail florists are adding weddings, installations and event rentals to smooth seasonal revenue. The expo's event-specialist audience mirrors that diversification.
What it changes: Hard-goods, rental and mechanics suppliers can position products around higher-value event work.
Buyers in the Great Lakes region typically pair GLFEE with a national floral convention and a tropical-plant trade show to cover sourcing, education and spring planning.
Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo 2026
Grand Rapids, United States
342 total registrations across three days.
websiteTropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) 2027
Fort Lauderdale, United States
Dates are the customary January window; confirm on the official site.
websiteCultivate'27
Columbus, United States
Dates follow the customary mid-July pattern; confirm before booking.
websiteWinter sourcing
January national show followed by the March regional show.
GLFEE dates and 2026 counts are sourced; circuit dates are planning estimates from the usual annual windows.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The primary gateway, with nonstop service to major Midwest and East Coast hubs.
About 10 miles / 16 km southeast of downtown
to venue
20–25 minutes
by car
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport
Smaller alternative with limited service; useful only if GRR fares are high.
About 51 miles / 82 km south of Grand Rapids
to venue
55–65 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 85–120 / night
Simple rooms a short drive or rideshare from DeVos Place; book early for the expo weekend.
USD 150–190 / night
Walkable to DeVos Place and the Amway Grand Plaza; rates rise on Saturday.
USD 220–290 / night
The Amway Grand is connected to the convention centre; the official GLFEE early-bird rate was listed at $174 per night.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
DASH downtown bus
Check the current DASH map and weekday/weekend hours before relying on it.
The Rapid public bus
Exact fares and routes should be confirmed with The Rapid; rideshare is easier for airport runs.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 business visitor visa | Visitors from countries without US visa-free or ESTA eligibility who are attending meetings or a trade show. | $185.00 | Interview wait times vary by consulate; apply well before travel. | |
| ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) | Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries travelling for business or tourism for up to 90 days. | $40.00 | Usually minutes to 72 hours; apply at least 72 hours before departure. |
US citizens and lawful permanent residents do not need a visa; Canadian citizens generally enter visa-free for business visits but should carry proof of purpose.
The US accepts ATA Carnets for commercial samples and display goods; confirm the temporary import rules with your freight forwarder.
Official visa pageWeather
Early March in Grand Rapids is late winter: highs around 6°C (43°F), lows near -3°C (27°F), with snow or rain possible. Lake-effect weather can change quickly, so build a buffer into arrival plans.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free wi-fi is typically available in DeVos Place public areas; check the venue signage for the current network. Downtown Grand Rapids has strong mobile coverage.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tipping
Restaurant servers expect 18–20% before tax; bartenders usually receive $1–2 per drink. Hotel housekeeping tips are customary but not mandatory.
Local courtesy
Grand Rapids is a walkable, friendly downtown; holding doors and a quick greeting are normal. Business dress at the expo is smart-casual, with comfortable shoes for the show floor.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: GRR
Book 6–10 weeks out for early-March travel; Friday arrivals fill downtown hotels, so consider Thursday night.
Book flightsMost international visitors need either a B-1 business visa or ESTA authorisation; US and Canadian citizens generally travel visa-free for this purpose.
Estimated cost: $40 ESTA or $185 B-1 visa fee (estimate; confirm current government fee)
Processing: ESTA usually within 72 hours; B-1 interview waits vary by consulate.
Carry a registration confirmation and hotel booking when entering the US.
OfficialPartnerGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: GRR to downtown is about 20–25 minutes by rideshare or taxi, typically $35–50; no dedicated show shuttle is advertised.
Hotel → venue: Downtown hotels are a 5–15 minute walk; the DASH circulator is free and stops near DeVos Place.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Grand Rapids; airport pickups use the designated rideshare zone.
Public transit: The Rapid runs local buses; DASH covers the downtown core free of charge. Confirm weekend hours.
Parking: Use the DeVos Place ramp or nearby city ramps; expect event pricing and queues on Saturday.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: Highs 4–8°C (39–46°F); lows -4 to 0°C (25–32°F)
Seasonality: Late-winter mix of snow, sleet and rain; lake-effect snow is possible.
Packing: Bring a warm coat, waterproof shoes and layers; the venue is heated but walks between hotels can be cold and wet.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Saturday
Saturday combines the fullest education programme with three uninterrupted shopping hours from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and the evening Recognition Awards Banquet, so a single day covers sourcing, learning and networking.
Book travel and a downtown hotel; confirm the GLFEE registration rate. — Friday arrivals are busiest; consider Thursday night.
Register for the expo and select workshops or the awards banquet. — Workshop fees may be additional; check inclusions.
Review the exhibitor list and shortlist suppliers by product category. — Set three must-meet suppliers per day.
Plan the route to DeVos Place and check the weather forecast. — Allow extra time for snow or rain.
Pack business cards, a charged phone and comfortable shoes; check in online. — Bring a reusable water bottle and a tote for samples.
Registration and coffee in the Grand Gallery
DeVos Place main entranceTrade-show floor sourcing with shortlisted suppliers
Exhibit hallBusiness seminar or Main Stage design show
Steelcase BallroomUninterrupted shopping and vendor showcases
Trade-show floorFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Garden and Art
About 15 minutes from downtown
Major sculpture park and indoor tropical conservatory; a strong half-day break from the show floor.
Lake Michigan at Grand Haven
Coastal Day Trip
About 45 minutes west
Lake Michigan beach and pier; worthwhile only with a spare half-day and clear weather.
Amway Grand Plaza lobby bar
Hotel bar
Connected to DeVos Place and the main show hotel; convenient for after-hours supplier conversations.
Founders Brewing Co.
Craft brewery
Downtown taproom popular with groups; go early on Saturday because it fills quickly.
GLFEE's compact audience means a disciplined follow-up matters more than raw lead volume; most buyers are independent owners who decide quickly after the show.
Budget
Shell scheme
USD 55–80 / m²
Raw space
USD 30–45 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
No 2027 tariff was printed; the organiser says booth pricing is held at prior-year levels. Treat all figures as planning estimates.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell_scheme
USD 495–720 / 9 sqm booth
hotel
both · mid
USD 150–190 / night
per_diem
both · standard
USD 50–80 / day
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell_scheme | USD 495–720 / 9 sqm booth | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 150–190 / night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 50–80 / day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip GLFEE 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your budget for this event?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy for a shop or design business and want education plus supplier contacts.
Best for
Florists, designers and event specialists sourcing products and skills
Min. budget
$500.00
Timeline
2–6 weeks
Risks
Workshop seats may sell out
Winter weather can disrupt travel
exhibit
You want repeat relationships with independent shop owners and wedding designers.
Best for
Growers, hard-goods brands and service providers selling to Midwest florists
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
8–12 weeks
Risks
Limited footfall relative to national shows
Booth pricing is not published
skip
The 2026 audience of 342 registrations is too small for your target market.
Best for
Buyers with no floral or event sourcing need, or suppliers focused on other regions
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing regional relationships
Book with
DeVos Place
Downtown Grand Rapids convention centre hosting the 2027 expo, connected to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
Venue named on the official GLFEE site.
Great Lakes Floral Association
The regional trade association that organises GLFEE and supports Michigan florists.
Organiser named in the official registration listing.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The Grand Rapids region's primary airport, about 20–25 minutes from downtown.
Closest major airport to the venue.
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
Regional business body with visitor and relocation resources for the Grand Rapids area.
Public regional business resource.
Recommended providers
Check B-1 and ESTA eligibility before booking.
Connected to DeVos Place; ask for the GLFEE early-bird rate.
Compare GRR fares; book 6–10 weeks out for early March.
Get a written quote to the venue and confirm the marshalling yard.
Travel and exhibitor liability cover; read the policy exclusions.
Local visitor guide for Frederik Meijer Gardens and Lake Michigan trips.
Booth lead-capture app with CSV export; test before the show.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
2
References
1
Publishers
2
Date checked
Great Lakes Floral Association
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
