2026 FLORAL EDUCATION PROGRAMs
FEPK Beginner’s Course
June 26–27, 2026
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.
2026 Cost
$399 per person WITHOUT lodging
$524 per person WITH lodging
The Kentucky Master Florist Certification Course
June 21–26, 2026
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.
2026 Cost
$1,240 per person WITHOUT lodging
$1,440 per person WITH lodging
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.
