Society of American Florists Planning for a Range of In-Person Events in 2023
February 28, 2023 The Society of American Florists (SAF) is offering two premier live events later this year. The second annual Next Gen LIVE! will take place June 11-13 in Miami, FL, and SAF’s 138th annual convention will be Sept. 6-9 in Phoenix, AZ.
Last year, Next Gen LIVE! brought together 160 young floral professionals from 31 states and Colombia and Ecuador for an event planned by and designed exclusively for floral professionals under 45. The schedule included a full day of education with topics such as how to lead as a young boss, social media hacks, and the floral supply chain. Attendees also toured importing facilities, a local bouquet maker, and a distributor.
This year’s attendees can expect a similar, high-energy, interactive event with time to network and learn. Educational sessions will focus on consistent five-star customer service, digital marketing, communication tips, and leadership styles — including how to lead with empathy. There will also be a tour of importing facilities at the Miami International Airport, floral distributors, and progressive floral retail businesses.
“I feel so much better equipped for my career after Next Gen” says Grace Winters, a 2022 attendee from George’s Flowers in Roanoke, VA. “I have better social media abilities and a better working knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. It was amazing meeting young professionals from all over, and meeting growers and [suppliers]. I would without a doubt attend again.”
Learn more and register for Next Gen Live! here.
SAF Phoenix 2023
SAF’s annual convention brings together retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers for world-class business training, growth strategies, inspiration, and networking across industry segments. The four-day event also features the Outstanding Varieties Competition, the Sylvia Cup Design Competition, the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner, and a Supplier Expo.
“The [2022] SAF convention was a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with professionals in our industry,” says Emily Duncan of Flowers By Michelle in Las Vegas. “It was great to make connections that can last for years, and to learn about all facets of the floral business from farm to retail and everything in between.”
In addition to the competitions, Supplier Expo, and awards dinner, the 2023 educational sessions will address growth topics for your operation, sales, and staffing. Sessions will cover operational strategies and tools to sustain your business, building brand loyalty, digital marketing, and marketing to younger generations of consumers, employee development, wellness at work, succession planning, and more. And, new this year, attendees will have an opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour of large local retailers and a wholesaler.
Registration for SAF Phoenix will be live soon.
SAF’s other 2023 in-person events include:
- 43rd Annual Congressional Action Days: March 20-21, Washington, DC. Retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and growers tell Capitol Hill about their businesses and the floral industry’s legislative priorities.
- 1-Day Profit Blast: Join local peers in cities across the country for a half day of learning about timely topics and the opportunity to talk with vendors and see their products and services. These events take place July 23 in Boston, MA, Oct. 8 in Portland, OR, and Nov. 5 in Chicago, IL.
To learn more about past SAF events and activities, click here.
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