Gateway to the Americas Cup Orlando 2026

Contestant Guidelines

 

• Competitors are required to be at their competition booth 30 minutes before the start of the competition each day.
• No fresh product can be used during prep time. Assistants will be allowed in the booth to work with competitor during prep time only.
• Staples, nails, screws, and permanent glue are Not permitted on your backdrop, floor, tables, or the provided linens.
• All materials brought in by the competitors for their armatures will be inspected prior to the competition.
• Competitors must provide their own tools.  None will be provided, No electricity will be available during the competition.
• Battery operated tools are permitted.

 

Attire is Business Casual.  While it will be hot outdoors, the competition is being held in an air-conditioned space which may be cold.  A sweater or light jacket is recommended.

 

*** THURSDAY JUNE 4^TH MANDATORY  MEETING****4PM

ALL COMPETITORS, ASSISTANTS, JUDGES, TECHNICAL COMMITTEE FOR QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION

 

6pm to 8pm PARADE OF NATIONS FLAG CEREMONY AND COCKTAIL RECEPTION (ATTIRE, ALL WHITE DRESS CODE)

**ALL COMPETITORS MUST BRING YOUR COUNTRIES FLAG

Size: 3ft x 2ft  (the gateway will provide a pole and stand to display). 

GATEWAY TO THE AMERICAS INTERNATIONAL FLORAL COMPETITION JUNE 5TH

***Friday, June 5th ***

DAY 1 OF THE COMPETITION  

Task 1 

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM          SURPRISE DESIGN   INSPIRED BY NATURE

DESIGN SIZE APPROXIMATELY 3’X3’ OF FLOOR SPACE AND UP TO 7 FT TALL

ALL FLOWERS, FOLIAGES, PLANT MATERIALS, HARD GOODS, VESSELS, ETC WILL BE PROVIDED

DESIGN TO FEATURE NATURAL MATERIALS, FLOWERS, FOLIAGES AND PLANTS

Task 2

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM                  BRIDAL WREATH BOUQUET

COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING ALL MATERIALS (HARD GOODS) NOT fresh flowers.

 TO CONSTRUCT AN ARMATURE/STRUCTURE ONSITE DURING PREP TIME.  ALL BOUQUETS MUST BE AN OPEN WREATH SHAPE, (round/circular). A variety of materials can be used to create your armature. (The armature/structure CANNOT be assembled in advance, must be created during prep time).

ALL FRESH FLOWERS AND FOLIAGES WILL BE PROVIDED.

COLORS: FRESH FLOWERS WILL BE PEACH, CORAL, LAVENDER, PURPLES, GREEN. 

DAY 2 OF THE COMPETITION 

***Saturday June 6th***

Task 3

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM      COCKTAILS - INTIMATE TABLE FOR TWO

LOW COCKTAIL TABLE LINEN WILL BE PROVIDED (linen may be white or black to be determined).

YOU MAY BRING YOUR OWN LINEN OR TABLE RUNNER, MUST BE MADE OF FABRIC

(No table wear is permitted, no plates, no stemware, no flatware)

ALL FRESH FLOWERS AND FOLIAGES WILL BE PROVIDED

COLORS: FRESH FLOWERS WILL BE,  REDS, BURGUNDY, HOT PINK, DEEP RASPBERRY

ALL HARD GOODS AND VESSELS WILL BE PROVIDED

Task 4

1:30 PM to 3:30 P                       “FLORAL FASHION”- TO BE WORN AND REST ON BOTH SHOULDERS

COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING ALL MATERIALS TO CONSTRUCT AN ARMATURE/STRUCTURE FOR THE “ FLORAL FASHION” ON SITE DURING THE PREP TIME.

THE JUDGES WILL TEST THE INTEGRITY OF THE DESIGN BY REMOVING THE DESIGN FROM THE STAND.  (Competitors may bring a stand to hold your design) We are currently searching for a stand.

ALL FRESH FLOWERS AND FOLIAGES WILL BE PROVIDED.

COLORS: FRESH FLOWERS WILL TO BE DETERMINED

DAY 2 OF THE COMPETITION

SATURDAY JUNE 6^TH

*** ***

FINAL TASK

TOP  FINALISTS 

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

DINNER & GATEWAY TOP FINALISTS ANNOUNCED TO CREATE SURPRISE DESIGN ON STAGE! 

 SUNDAY JUNE 7^TH 

12:00PM TO 1:30PM                 LUNCH AND GATEWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!! 

 

1^st Place Winner Prize Money Sponsored by:

OASIS FLORAL PRODUCTS USA