Zach Bruce, Hortica
Zach Bruce, Hortica

Reducing Common Greenhouse Injuries: Practical Steps to Protect Employees and Operations
Ping Yu
Ping Yu | Yan Zhang

How Organic Mulches Can Reduce Short-Spined Thrips Numbers
Justin Lombardoni
Justin Lombardoni

Cultivating the Next Generation of Growers
Jeff Neese
Jeff Neese

From Palm Pilots to AI: A Grower’s Perspective on Technology

Registration Open for Society of American Florists’ Annual Convention

By Society of American Florists|May 4, 2026
Event banner for SAF Amelia Island 2026.

Event banner for SAF Amelia Island 2026. | Society of American Florists

The floral industry is changing faster than ever — from rising costs and shifting supply chains to new technologies reshaping how businesses operate. SAF Amelia Island 2026, the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) 141st annual convention, Aug. 18–20, is designed to help floral professionals respond with practical strategies and position their businesses for what’s next.

“We built this year’s program around the real pressures our members are facing,” says Lori Wheat, AAF, SAF’s President and owner of a retail flower shop in Erie, CO. “Whether it’s understanding how tariffs are affecting buying decisions, figuring out how AI fits into your workflow, or planning for the future of your business, this convention is designed to meet you where you are.”

Built for Today’s Business Challenges

Programming at SAF Amelia Island 2026 spans the most pressing issues facing floral businesses today, including:

  • AI, data, and operations: Learn how to integrate AI into daily workflows, improve training systems, and make smarter decisions with data.
  • Economic and industry outlook: Gain insights into consumer behavior, pricing pressures, and broader economic trends.
  • Marketing and digital strategy: Strengthen local visibility, compete online, and measure marketing ROI.
  • Staffing and leadership: Build stronger teams, develop managers, and improve retention.
  • Growth and profitability: Improve cash flow, evaluate expansion opportunities, and plan for ownership transitions.
  • Trends and design: Stay ahead of emerging consumer preferences and design directions.

“Florists are watching every dollar right now,” says Wheat. “But the knowledge, connections, and ideas gained at this event deliver real, measurable value for businesses.”

Top Articles
Grower to Grower Podcast: A Look Back at Darwin Perennials Day, and a Look Ahead to Cultivate’26

A Proven Experience with Lasting ROI

Attendees point to SAF’s annual convention as a key driver of business growth. In addition to education sessions, the event offers opportunities to connect with peers and suppliers across the floral supply chain.

“The sessions are always full of great ideas, and the ability to connect with peers and suppliers is invaluable,” says Doug Lindamood of George’s Flowers in Roanoke, VA, who attended SAF’s convention last year.

The convention also features a Supplier Expo, the 57th annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition, the Outstanding Varieties Competition, and a variety of networking events such as the First Timers Reception, President’s Welcome Party, and Next Gen Reception.

Floral professionals across the supply chain — including retailers, wholesalers, growers, and suppliers — are encouraged to register early to take advantage of early bird pricing.

For full programming details, hotel information, and to register, visit safnow.org/annual-convention.

2

The Society of American Florists is the association that connects and cultivates a thriving floral community through training, education, marketing resources, and advocacy. For more information, visit SAFNow.org. See all author stories here.