Kevin Ylvisaker, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, will present “Rejuvenate Your Yuletide Business” and “Hands-On Workshop: Holiday Designs ” during SAF Palm Springs 2018.
It may be summer, but December holidays are just around the corner — and so is the wild ride that is one of the biggest sales seasons of your year. One challenge all retailers need to overcome: holiday stress. In fact, a Virgin Pulse survey found that 70 percent of employees feel more stress around the holidays.
Fortunately, planning help is near. Next month at SAF Palm Springs 2018, the Society of American Florists’ 134th annual convention, Kevin Ylvisaker, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, will present two sessions sponsored by Smithers-Oasis aimed at inspiring you and your time, re-energizing your campaigns and providing practical tips on how to create drama-free, profitable holidays seasons.
A key word in both sessions? Preparation.
“The biggest thing that gets florists stressed out at holiday time is not planning well in advance,” Ylvisaker said. “In the ‘old days’ we used to brag about how late we worked the nights leading up to a holiday. Now, that just shows you are short of staff.”
A better approach? Take the summertime slowdown (ahem, that’s now!) and get planning.
“Look at your notes and make sure you have enough staff and on the right days,” he said. “Make sure you order containers and flowers well in advance so everything isn’t last minute. It all comes down to organizing and having a plan months in advance.”
Hungry for more? Here’s a preview of what florists can expect during Ylvisaker’s SAF Palm Beach 2018 sessions:
“Rejuvenate Your Yuletide Business”
During this session, Ylvisaker will give step-by-step information on promoting retail flower shops for the holidays, covering everything from in-store classes and events to merchandising. “I’ll have many fresh examples to get everyone excited about the holidays,” he promised.
“Hands-On Workshop: Holiday Designs “
Want to put Ylvisaker’s holiday concepts into action right away? No problem. During this hands-on workshop, participants can dig in and create customizable pieces suitable for all kinds of holiday décor, from centerpieces to entryways. There is an additional fee to participate in this design workshop, and space is limited to the first 24 who sign up. Convention participants can reserve their spot for this workshop by contacting SAF’s Laura Weaver.
For SAF Palm Springs 2018 details go to safnow.org/annual-convention. Lock in early-bird pricing by registering before Aug. 17.
