Kristine Kratt is an internationally recognized floral designer, educator, and innovator with decades of floral industry experience. Kris is an Accredited Member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and Certified Professional Floral Communicators (PFCI) by the Society of American Florists. As a Floral Fundamentals Ambassador, Kris shares her expertise worldwide, inspiring innovation through floristry. As co-owner of Schaffer Designs, Kris has been a Major Exhibitor at The Philadelphia Flower Show for many years and has been honored with 14 Gold Medals, 8 Best in Show awards and 9 Best in Show awards from the Society of American Florists and is an author of ‘Taking the Flower Show Home.’ Kris’ designs have had a global impact as a contributor to the International Trends Forum in Beijing, featured designer at Huis Ten Bosch in Japan and recently as an educator at the prestigious Boerma Institute in Aalsmeer, Holland.
As a buying consultant for wholesale florists and importers, Kris has also been a nationally recognized trend expert as a director of the International Floral Distributors Group and trend contributor to both Florists Review and Super Floral Magazines. Kris further takes her trend awareness into product development projects across the Americas and Asia.
With a reputation for pushing boundaries, Kris continues to redefine the floral industry through award-winning designs, international collaborations, and unwavering dedication to her craft.
Sarah Ekberg has been creating inspiring and innovative floral designs through Lazy Acres Decor & Floral, based in Wakefield, Nebraska for 20 years.
As a member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and PFCI accredited by the Society of American Florists, Sarah is recognized for her commitment to excellence in floral artistry and education. Sarah is currently serving on the National AIFD Social Media Committee, her South Central AIFD Chapter Social Media Committee, and the Society of American Florists Convention Committee.
A passionate leader in the floral industry, Sarah has taken the stage as a main presenter at the AIFD Symposium in 2024, sharing cutting-edge techniques and creative insights with fellow designers. She has been a contributor to Floral Management Magazine.
She is known for pushing the boundaries of floral design, constantly exploring new ways to bring emotion and beauty to life through flowers, as well as creating outlandish reels for social media.
Beyond design, Sarah is dedicated to growing the floral community, mentoring aspiring florists, and fostering a space where creativity and innovation thrive. Whether crafting breathtaking wedding florals, curating unique event designs, or leading hands-on educational retreats, Sarah brings expertise, inspiration, and a deep passion for the art of flowers.
Sarah LoBue, AIFD, CFD, ICPF, is the co-owner and Creative Director at Main Street Florist in Carlinville, Illinois. With over 14 years of experience, Sarah has poured her passion for design into every aspect of her business, from stunning floral arrangements to developing innovative marketing strategies.
Inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 2015, Sarah actively contributes to the organization by serving on the AIFD Marketing Committee. Her commitment to floral education extends to the state level, where she served on the Illinois State Florist Association board for four and a half years, helping to shape the future of floristry in her community. As a dedicated member of the Fitz Design team, Sarah continues to push creative boundaries and elevate industry standards.
Sarah’s true passion lies in sharing her knowledge with others. With a dedication to education in the floral industry, she brings a wealth of hands-on experience and a genuine love for teaching to every class she leads. Her approach combines practical techniques with creative inspiration, empowering students to elevate their own floral designs and grow their skills with authentic confidence.
Patience Pickner AIFD PFCI AAF recently sold her store after 27 years of supplying beautiful flowers, home decor and home accents to her community. She is now working in the mass market side of the industry as a product designer for Galleria Farms and loving the challenges and opportunities that this segment has to offer.
A few of the highlights of her career have been teaching classes across the country, in Mexico and in the Netherlands. Being Lead designer for a fall party at the White House, creating a display at Fleuramour in Belgium, Being a judge twice for the Fleurs de Ville exhibits in Chicago, a member of the SAF design team, Show room set up at Dallas Market, being SD designer of the year three times and being a founding educator for Inspired Design. She was on the board of SDFA for 10 years, including 2 years as president. President of North Central AIFD, and a frequent contributor to Florists Review.
Patience has always been an advocate for herself and her fellow florists continually increasing their knowledge and skills, and to that end has been on the education circuit for many years. She has a Facebook page The Business Of Flowers and Design where she shares her knowledge and experience. She is currently part of the Fitz Design Team and is excited about the educational segment that is being created, including the Fitz Inspired Floral Retreat.
Sue Weisser began her flower journey at 15 with her first job in a local flower shop. She worked at this large retail florist shop as the shop girl, working her way to lead wedding designer. During this time, she was contacted by the local community college to create a floral design program. She taught her curriculum for 20 years to more than 700 blossoming designers. In 1990, Sue opened The Floral Studio, her own retail shop specializing in weddings and custom silk arrangements.
Over the last 40 years, through economic and personal changes, Sue’s career has also evolved. She became a member of AIFD in 2009, which opened doors to her participation in the Philadelphia Flower Show. This in turn gave her contacts to large-scale freelance installations, main stage symposium programs, education programs, showroom design in both Dallas and Atlanta, and even working at the White House.