Fun, sun, new products, inspiration, practical takeaways, and 50-plus info-packed educational sessions targeted to address some of the floral industry’s top challenges and opportunities. These opportunities and so much more await the hundreds of industry members attending SAF Palm Springs 2018, the Society of American Florists’ 134th annual convention, which kicks off today in Rancho Mirage, California.
More than 450 retailers, wholesalers, growers and suppliers will be on-site for this year’s packed program — a number that includes 107 first-time attendees. During the convention, attendees will hear from 74 expert speakers and panelists—and have the chance to check out 245 new varieties of flowers, foliage and plants during SAF’s Outstanding Varieties Competition… and that’s not all.
Here are some highlights from the program, which unfolds over the convention’s four days:
Kick–Off Breakfast: Winning the Talent Wars with Culture. Author and culture expert Jamie Notter will share his research and compelling stories from organizations that have cracked the code on attracting and retaining top talent. He’ll also present results from an SAF survey of owners and employees, revealing how your peers define their workplace cultures
Breeding Future Floriculturists. Through industry and public research, Seed Your Future has developed an education and a PR/marketing plan that promotes horticulture — and floriculture — and encourages people to pursue careers working with plants. Find out more about their programs and their findings.
Age-Appropriate Allure: Fashion Your Flowers to Fit Four Generations. Jackie Lacey, AIFD, PFCI, Floriology director of education and industry relations, and Renato Cruz Sogueco, AAF, PFCI, BloomNet’s vice president digital strategy and education, will demonstrate how to design the same flowers to appeal to Boomers, Gen X-ers, Millennials and Young Adults (Gen Z), and offers marketing opportunities for each.
50th Annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition. Watch as some of the nation’s best floral designers are given the same flowers, foliage and supplies — and just two hours to create the surprise challenge.
Premier Products Showcase: In Living Color. Wear your favorite color to this illuminating round of show-and-tell by a colorful troupe from Professional Floral Communicators – International. These vibrant experts dish out a “hue-ristic” analysis of tools, accessories, hard goods and fresh products — each a pot of gold!
Supplier Expo. Discover new products, tools, services and more. Get to know the vendors who can answer your questions and point you toward profitable opportunities for your business. Relax, network and absorb the ideas during this fun event.
Plus, be on site to be the first to celebrate industry award winners — including the prestigious Floriculture Hall of Fame announcement — and Floral Management’s 2018 Marketer of the Year winner and to attend the largest ever American Grown Field to Vase dinner.
Find out more about these events and see the full schedule.
Unable to attend this year? SAF will have full coverage in upcoming issues of EBrief and Floral Management magazine.
Mary Westbrook is the editor in chief of Floral Management magazine.
