Floral Education Program (FEPK)
FEPK is an annual education experience hosted by the Kentucky Florists’ Association.
It brings floral professionals together for hands-on learning, skill development, and professional growth, whether you’re just starting out or ready to advance your career. FEPK offers two educational options, designed to meet florists where they are in their journey. Please note you or your employer must be a member of KFA to register for either program.
Thank You for an Unforgettable FEPK 2026
This past June, floral professionals from across the region gathered in Frankfort for a week of hands-on learning, creative growth, and community. Under the instruction of Tom Bowling, AIFD, PFCI, and facilitator Sherry Bridges, KMF, students explored everything from the fundamental Principles of Design to advanced wedding, sympathy, and everyday techniques.
As Sherry put it, "It was an amazing week making new friendships and learning new design techniques." Whether you're just beginning or ready to elevate your designs, this is a class that leaves a lasting impression.
"Very informational — I learned so much, not just techniques but floral lingo and terminology. It felt like a college course."
— FEPK 2026 Student
FEPK Returns in 2027
Mark your calendars, the Floral Education Program of Kentucky is back in Frankfort next summer.
Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course — June 20–25, 2027
The six-day intensive for experienced florists pursuing advanced education and professional certification.
Beginner's Course — June 25–26, 2027
The two-day introduction to floral design and the floral industry, perfect for newer designers, students, and career changers.
Registration opens January 2027. Check back here for pricing, registration, and scholarship details, or contact us to be notified when registration goes live.
2027 Floral Education Programs
FEPK Beginner’s Course
June 25–26, 2027
The Beginner’s Course is a two-day introduction to floral design and the floral industry.
This course is ideal for:
Florists with three years or less experience
Students or career changers exploring floristry
Anyone looking to build a strong foundation in floral design
Participants will learn:
Basic principles and elements of floral design
Everyday, wedding, and sympathy design
Floral care and handling
Introduction to floral business practices
This course also serves as the first step toward earning the Kentucky Master Florist (KMF) certification.
The Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course
June 20 - 25, 2027
The Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course is a six-day intensive course designed for experienced floral professionals seeking advanced education and professional certification.
This course is ideal for:
Experienced floral designers ready to elevate their skills and credentials
Florists with more than three years of industry experience
Shop owners and lead designers seeking advanced design and business training
Professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in weddings, sympathy work, and everyday design
This program focuses on:
Advanced wedding, sympathy, and everyday floral design
Hands-on design instruction and critique
Care and handling of plants and cut flowers
Marketing, customer relations, and business operations
The program concludes with a certification exam to determine if participants earn the certification designation.
KFA Certification Pathway
KFA education and certifications are designed to support florists at every stage of their career:
Beginners (3 years or less experience): Kentucky Associate Florist (KAF)
Professionals with under 10 years experience: Kentucky Certified Professional Florist (KCPF)
Professionals with 10+ years experience: Kentucky Master Florist (KMF)
Instructor & Facilitator
Tom Bowling AIFD, PFCI
Teleflora Education Specialist and freelance designer based in Fairfield, Ohio.
Tom brings over 45 years of experience in the floral industry, including time as a shop owner and educator. He has designed for numerous high-profile events, including Presidential Inaugurations, and is the recipient of the prestigious Tommy Bright Award from the Society of American Florists for lifetime achievement as a florist and educator.
Tom’s teaching style is approachable, practical, and rooted in real-world experience, making him an excellent instructor for those new to the industry.
Sherry Bridges, KMF
Sherry Bridges brings over 32 years of floral design experience to the Floral Education Program of Kentucky. She is the owner of MM Designs Flowers & Gifts in Uniontown, Indiana, where she has built a reputation for creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep love of the floral industry.
As the FEPK Facilitator, Sherry plays a key role in supporting students throughout the program, helping create a welcoming, organized, and encouraging learning environment. She is passionate about education and gives back to the industry by supporting her local FFA programs and hosting floral design and wreath workshops throughout the year.
Floral design is truly Sherry’s passion, and she is dedicated to helping the next generation of florists learn, grow, and bloom.
Scholarships Available
The Kentucky Florists’ Association offers scholarship opportunities to help support participation in the Floral Education Program of Kentucky (FEPK), including both the Beginner’s Course and the Kentucky Master Florist (KMF) Program.
Scholarship details will be available in early 2027.
Ready To Learn, Grow, And Bloom?
Registration for FEPK 2027 opens in January 2027. In the meantime, have questions about the program or scholarships? Feel free to reach out to Sherry Bridges, KMF, she's happy to help. Contact her at - mmdesigns94@gmail.com | 812-569-0407.
FEPK Program FAQs
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FEPK is KFA’s annual hands-on education program designed to help florists build skills, gain experience, and grow professionally.
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FEPK offers a two-day Beginner’s Course for new florists and a six-day Kentucky Master Florist (KMF) Certification Course for experienced professionals.
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Yes, you or your employer must be a member of the Kentucky Florists’ Association to register for FEPK programs.