October 19, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
An anticipated 600 delegates from 31 countries will attend the World Association of Floral Artists (WAFA) World Flower Show at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) at the end of summer in 2027.
Around 8,000 attendees – both Australian and international – are also expected to visit the show over its nine-day run from February 21 to March 1, 2027, with the economic impact of the event expected to run to $1.4 million.
The show includes a floral design competition, exhibits from member countries, international demonstrations, a trade show, a gala dinner and the WAFA General Assembly.
“Universally renowned for Floriade within our industry, Canberra is the perfect host destination for the World Flower Show 2027, with its numerous cultural activities, vast range of accommodation choices, easy access to the host venue National Convention Centre Canberra, and the opportunity to include the embassies and country delegations in the event,” said chairperson of the WAFA Australia Management Committee Kim Baillie.
“The program will showcase a full-scale floral design competition including approximately 600 designs, where four international floral designers and four Australian floral designers will provide multiple demonstration sessions, as well as a lecture series from local cultural experts.
“Holding the World Flower Show in Australia’s bush capital also means that competitors and delegates will have the opportunity to work with our unique Australian native flora, something most cannot do in their home countries,” said Baillie.
A founding member of WAFA, Australia is actually playing host the association’s activities for three years, between 2024 and 2027, with the WAFA Seminar set to be held somewhere in Australia in 2025.
The National Convention Centre Canberra led the bid to have Canberra host the World Flower Show, once the Australian Floral Art Association had secured the three-year tenure of the international association for Australia, for the first time.
“As host venue for the World Flower Show 2027, we are thrilled to bring this colourful event to Canberra and showcase our nation’s capital to a global audience,” said NCCC general manager Stephen Wood.
“This show will allow international floral design experts to exchange knowledge on their craft and highlight the conservation of natural resources and the environment. It will also inspire and delight tourists and our local community who attend the exhibition and trade show component open to the public,” he said.
