Speaker: Theresa Colucci, AIFD, PFCI, Meadowscent

You don’t need premium flowers to create extraordinary designs — just creativity and strategy. In this dynamic design program, discover how long-lasting, classic blooms like carnations, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, lilies, dianthus, and gladiolus can transform your everyday offerings and boost your bottom line.

This practical, design-focused program demonstrates how timeless flowers can deliver modern style, customer delight, and outstanding profitability using on-trend color stories and clever substitutions that mimic high-demand blooms.

You’ll Learn:

• How to design with everyday flowers to create high-impact, high-profit arrangements customers will love.
• Insights into new and improved varieties — including modern colors, forms, and textures — that elevate traditional stems.
• How to extend vase life, control costs, and strategically price your designs for maximum return.

Speaker: Molly Meulenbroek, Studley’s Flower Garden

You have sales reports, website statistics and customer data—but what are they actually telling you? Learn how to use AI to turn the information you already have into practical insights that can guide merchandising, marketing and other business decisions. Through real-world examples, see how you can start with one question and one report, then layer in additional data to uncover deeper insights and opportunities. No advanced Excel or AI skills required.

You’ll Learn:

• Start small: Learn how to ask the right questions and use a single business report with AI to uncover useful trends, opportunities and areas that deserve a closer look.
• Connect the dots: See how combining sales, website and customer purchase data can reveal insights you might miss when looking at reports individually.
• Turn insights into action: Discover how to use what you learn to make smarter decisions about product mix, merchandising, marketing, purchasing and more.

Speaker: Patience Pickner, AIFD, PFCI, SDCF

Sponsor: Flower Shop Network

With staff time being limited, retailers need to learn new, efficient ways to produce and sell profitable holiday arrangements — and if you can do that while also delivering on the consumer’s interest in sustainability, you’ll truly set your brand apart and enjoy increased loyalty. Learn time-saving tools and techniques for creating gorgeous Valentine’s Day arrangements using earth-friendly materials.

You’ll Learn:

• New techniques for creating Valentine’s Day designs with high impact and minimal product.
• How to use and design with the latest foundation media on the market.
• Producing and selling profitable arrangements using sustainable items.

Speaker: Derrick Myers, CPA, Crockett, Myers & Associates

Three of the most important aspects of running a profitable flower shop are controlling your cost of goods sold (COGS), forecasting your sales and cash flow. This program will cover best practices to controlling COGS in order to maximize profits. Plus learn how forecasting your sales and cash flow allows you to plan ahead in all areas of your business and alerts you to potential cash shortages. Forecasting is important because it allows you time to react in any economic environment.

You’ll Learn:

• Best practices to control COGS in your business.
• Simple ways to forecast your business sales.
• How to forecast your cash flow.

Speaker: Kelsey Thompson, AIFD, PFCI, Petals and Profits

Sponsored by: Flower Shop Network

Trend timelines have changed drastically in recent years due to the use of social media, and some trends can even rise and fall overnight! To capitalize on upcoming Holiday and Valentine’s Day trends, prediction and procurement is important. In this design program, learn what’s coming down the trend pipeline for 2027 and 2028 so you can get ahead of the curve.

You’ll Learn:

• The hot color palettes for 2027 AND 2028.
• How to translate trends to elevate your sales.
• The latest in design styles and trend-supporting products.

Speakers: Steve Daum, Floralife, Kimberlee Mitchell, Botanica Floral, Lenny Walker, Kennicott Brothers

Kick off Profit Blast with a roundtable discussion on one of the biggest drains — and opportunities — in floristry: waste. Every lost stem costs you: money, time, and customer trust. Learn how smart decisions in sourcing, handling, and care can protect margins and turn freshness into profit. You will leave this session with clear steps to waste less, sell more, and build stronger profits!   

What You’ll Learn: 

• Cold Chain Confidence – how to keep your cooler working for you 
• Flower Food that Pays Off – how dosing right can extend vase life 
• Process with Purpose – simple habits that can help save dollars 
• Profit in Every Petal – reduce loss, boost sustainability & loyalty  
• Plus – Q&A time to ask questions about your shop’s challenges. 

Vendors will introduce the products and services on display at the showcase to help  elevate your networking opportunities

Speaker: Kelsey Thompson, AIFD, PFCI, CFD, Bloom Floral Algona 

Sympathy work is one of the most meaningful services florists provide—and it can also become a sustainable, profitable part of your business. In this engaging session, you’ll discover how to design memorial tributes that honor loved ones with compassion while keeping your operations efficient and profitable. From pricing strategies to building lasting partnerships with funeral directors, this program combines artistry with smart business practices. Attendees will leave with tools, techniques, and confidence to elevate their sympathy services. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to balance artistry and efficiency through cost-effective mechanics, design strategies, and pricing methods. 
• Professional communication techniques that provide comfort and build trust with grieving families. 
• Actionable steps for strengthening relationships with funeral directors to drive long-term business success 

Speaker: Rachel Stutzman, Smithers-Oasis

In this quick and practical session, we’ll uncover the secrets of choosing the right floral foam for the job. Whether you want to stretch your budget, elevate your design possibilities, or make more sustainable choices, each type of foam has its unique strengths that as a floral professional you need to know! Walk away with simple, actionable tips to make your next design smarter, easier, and more impact.

Speakers: Steve Dyme, Flowers for Dreams, Tony Guerrie, Flower Buddy, Paul Guerrie, Flower Buddy 

Get ready to transform the way you connect with customers and grow your business! This dynamic session dives into what customers really want, how to create authentic social media content that resonates, and how AI can take the guesswork out of your day-to-day operations. With real-world examples, practical tools, and fresh strategies, you’ll discover new ways to save time, boost engagement, and strengthen customer loyalty. Walk away inspired and equipped with easy-to-implement ideas you can start using right away. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to see your business through your customers’ eyes and build lasting relationships. 
• Simple, creative strategies for posting social media content that feels real and gets results. 
• How AI tools can help you work smarter, not harder, while driving sales and efficiency. 
• How to use your data to provide insights and clarity 

Vendors will introduce the products and services on display at the showcase to help  elevate your networking opportunities

Speaker: Mike Hines, Epoch Floral 

Mike Hines of Epoch Floral shares how bold, intentional floral design isn’t just beautiful—it’s a strategic advantage. Through a curated collection of architectural and monotone-inspired arrangements, discover how elevated aesthetics can drive profit and set your brand apart. This session blends creative inspiration with real-world business strategy to help you design with purpose. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to use bold, structured designs to command attention and support premium pricing 
• How to create high-impact looks with simplified, monotone palettes 
• How to confidently communicate the value of design to win and retain clients

Presenter: Loann Burke, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, event specialist at Furst Florist and Greenhouses

Say “yes” to fresh floral inspiration! This program dives into the latest wedding design trends, from innovative bouquets to sustainable styling. Learn how to incorporate modern color palettes, unique textures, and eco-friendly practices while balancing profitability. Discover expert techniques in care, handling, and pricing to create breathtaking wedding florals that are both stylish and sustainable.

What You Will Learn:

• Trendsetting Wedding Florals – Explore the latest styles, colors, and design techniques shaping today’s wedding florals.
• Sustainability & Longevity – Learn how to repurpose flowers, extend design viability, and implement eco-conscious practices.
• Smart Pricing & Floral Efficiency – Master cost-effective pricing strategies, proper care techniques, and efficient design methods for lasting, profitable arrangements.

Vendors will introduce the products and services on display at the showcase to help  elevate your networking opportunities

Presenter: Tim Huckabee, The Profitable Florist

At this interactive workshop retail florists will learn how to streamline operations, increase sales, and keep employees engaged—all without expanding your team. Learn how to adapt to changing sales channels, maximize productivity with fewer staff, and create a high-performance culture. Through real-life examples, workflow strategies, and mystery calls, attendees will walk away with actionable techniques to improve efficiency, enhance customer interactions, and drive sustainable business growth.

You’ll Learn:

• Real world examples of sale challenges and how to navigate them successfully
• Learn how to meet demand with fewer employees while maintaining quality and service.
• Discover proven techniques to engage and incentivize staff for better performance.

Vendors will introduce the products and services on display at the showcase to help  elevate your networking opportunities

Speaker: Donald Yim, AIFD, CFD, PFCI

Dive into the world of eye-catching, Instagrammable event floral designs with this dynamic presentation. This presentation will seamlessly blend the artistry of stunning event floral arrangements with savvy social media strategies to capture and expand your online audience. Participants will learn about the art of creating event designs that dazzle both in-person and on digital platforms. This course is a game-changer for florists looking to transform their creations into photogenic masterpieces for social sharing, boosting their visibility and impact across the floral industry landscape. 

You’ll learn: 

• Crafting Instagrammable Floral Designs for Events: Explore current trends and design principles for creating eye-catching, photogenic floral arrangements. 
• Photography and Presentation Techniques: Learn how to capture and present floral designs in a way that maximizes their appeal on Instagram. 
• Leveraging Instagram for Business Growth: Strategies for engaging with your audience, building a cohesive brand image, and using Instagram’s features to attract and retain clients. 

Speaker: Patience Pickner, AAF, AIFD, PFC

What is the significance of a celebration of life ceremony?  As floral professionals, you play a significant part in the celebration of life memorials. You help honor the deceased person’s life and help the family rejoice in the life they lived. Your floral creations touch everyone present at these celebrations. In this interactive session, Patience will feature celebration of life designs and discuss business tips to help make your sympathy business a true celebration.    

You’ll learn:  

• Latest in sympathy design styles, trends, and products  
• How to be creative in sympathy design  
• Alternative foundations for sympathy work   

Vendors will introduce the products and services on display at the showcase to help  elevate your networking opportunities

Speaker: Derrick Myers, CPA, PFCI, Crockett, Myers & Associates

Boldly go where every florist should as we explore six “black holes” that can suck you profits out to space.  We’ll dive deep into the six main cost centers of your floral business for an eye-opening look at time management, cost of goods sold, labor, delivery, occupancy, and marketing. Floral finance wiz and Floral Management magazine contributor Derrick Myers, CPA, CFP, PFCI, will show you how to track, measure and adjust costs — and increase profits in ways you never thought possible.   

You’ll learn:  

•  How to understand — and use — formulas and worksheets to improve your profits 
• Time-tested cost control techniques used by hundreds of profitable florists 
• The most common — and detrimental — black holes of lost profits in every business 

Vendors will introduce the products and services on display at the showcase to help  elevate your networking opportunities

Speaker: Derek Woodruff, AIFD, CFD, CF, PFCI, Floral Underground 

In a world of uncertainties when it comes to supply and demand, trends, and curveballs at every corner, what can you do to sharpen your skillset? In the craft of floral design, stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new things will help push your boundaries and make you more than just a creative designer. In this design program, learn how to turn obstacles into opportunities. 

You’ll learn: 

• How to be creative with limited resources. 
• How to pivot and make alternative substitution selections. 
• The latest in design styles, trends and products.