By Nita Robertson AIFD

Gus & Deborah De La Flor and MVC Flowers & Events will host the best floral designers in the world as they compete for the prestigious Gateway To The Americas Cup in beautiful Panama.

The Gateway to the Americas International Floral Competition is set to dazzle floral enthusiasts and professionals alike this September. It will take place from September 1st to September 5th, 2024, in the beautiful country of Panama. This prestigious event promises a showcase of creativity, skill, and floral artistry.

Founded in 1996, the Gateway to the Americas CUP has been organized since its inception by Gus and Deborah De La Flor. Their vision was to promote floral design, education, and camaraderie within the American floral community. After giving floral presentations and workshops across North, South, and Central America, Gus and Deborah fell in love with the diverse florists and designs of these regions. They realized they could unite the floral community through this competition, celebrating the rich variety of styles and talents present in the Americas.

gus and deborah Delaflor

Gateway to the Americas CUP – Panama 2024 aims to unite the global floral and design community, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. This year’s competition will continue this tradition, bringing together the best and brightest in floral design for a series of challenging and inspiring tasks. From tropical displays to elegant bridal bouquets, romantic table settings, and vibrant carnival headpieces, the event promises to be a feast for the eyes and a testament to the artistry of floral designers.

In addition to the competition, attendees can look forward to floral exhibitions, workshops by expert high-level designers from different countries, and educational talks. This event provides numerous opportunities to appreciate the beauty of flowers and the creativity of floral design.

Come be a part of this unique experience in Panama City! 

Learn More

gateway-2022-brenna-quan-
gateway-2022-andrew-stinson-

2024 Gateway to Americas Competitors

  1. MICHAEL SMITH, AIFD, PFCI, FSMD, CFD – U.S.A.
  2. NOEMI NEBLETT DE VALENZUELA – PANAMA
  3. ANDY COLMENARES, EPAF – VENEZUELA
  4. SHELLY HUYNH, AIFD – VIETMAN
  5. IULIIA PROKHOROVA TMF, CFD– U.S.A.
  6. .ANA NEMETH, AIFD – EL SALVADOR
  7. MILTON ALBARRACIN – ECUADOR
  8. RENEE POTTER, AIFD – U.S.A.
  9. ANDRÉS UMAÑA, EIAF – COLOMBIA
  10. ANIKO KOVACS, AIFD EMC – CANADA
  11. JENNA SLEEMAN, AIFD, EMC – U.S.A.
  12. ATTILA NEMETH – HUNGRIA
  13. ANNA DEMENTIEVA, AIFD, CFD, FSMD – UCRANIA
  14. ANNA WAWRZYNIAK – POLand
  15. FRANCISCA «LUPITA» QUINTANA, CSN/AIFD-MEXICO
  16. MARISA DE PABLO, EIAF – ARGENTINA
  17. MÓNICA GARCÍA- PERU
  18. JEAN CARLOS RODRÍGUEZ, EPAF- VENEZUELA
  19. FRANCISCA PEREZ – CHILE
  20. ANIA NORWOOD, AIFD EMC – USA
  21. HERMAN SOLIZ SALDIA – BOLIVIA
  22. LINDA RAMBAUD- CANADA
  23. LAURA SERRANO – MEXICO
  24. SUSANA ORTEGA, AIFD, CFD, EIAF – COLOMBIA
  25. FRANCISCO MAZIEIRO – BRASIL
  26. DIANA PALOMO, EIAF / FEDERFIORI EAFC – COSTA RICA
  27. BRENNA QUAN, AIFD – CANADA
  28. ALEJANDRO HERVER AGUILAR – MEXICO
  29. OMY TORRES LUCIANO – PUERTO RICO
  30. JONATHAN MEDEIROS – BRASIL
  31. VIVIAN LIU – CANADA
  32. JESSICA CAMPOR – BRASIL
  33. MARCO DEL ANGEL – MEXICO