The Society of American Florists will have new resources and in-person and virtual events this year that will help you learn, prosper and connect in the new year.
Do you worry about the impact of inflation on your profit margin? Are you looking to connect with professionals across the floral supply chain? Do you need a lifeline to navigate the challenges of owning a floral business? The Society of American Florists is hard at work creating new resources and in-person and virtual events for 2023 that will help you learn, prosper and connect in the new year.
“SAF is in touch with the trends, challenges and needs of the industry, and we took all of those factors into consideration as we planned our 2023 events and programs,” says SAF CEO Kate Penn. “Everything we do is laser-focused on helping the industry navigate the current environment, learn, grow and connect.”
SAF remains focused on helping you improve your bottom line — especially as inflation continues to curb consumer spending and experts warn of a recession. This year SAF will release the third and final course in the “Forecasting Your Future” series centered on profitability. The first and second courses, available on SAF’s learning hub for a fee, were developed by floral entrepreneurs Manny and Clara Gonzales, who share their best practices for creating a sales forecast and controlling costs of goods. The third course, coming soon, delves into wage control.
Looking to learn from your peers? SAF is offering monthly opportunities to connect with other floral professionals through Idea Exchange, a virtual gathering the second Wednesday of each month designed to bring the industry together to share the latest bright ideas and best practices that will help your business grow. Join your peers Jan. 11 at 2 pm ET for the first Idea Exchange of the year, where florists who have recently sold their businesses share their stories and best tips.
SAF is also holding several in-person events this year to help you advocate for the industry, learn and connect.
- The 43rd annual Congressional Action Days, March 20 to 21, will draw floral pros from all segments to Capitol Hill where they will tell legislators about the issues affecting the industry. Last year’s advocacy led to an increase of $1 million in additional funding for the Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative.
- SAF will hit the road this year to bring its affordable and schedule-friendly 1-Day Profit Blasts to four cities. The first event of the year is happening Jan. 14 in San Marcos, Texas, where three education sessions will help florists get ready for a profitable Valentine’s Day. Another Profit Blast is scheduled for July 23 in Boston. More dates and locations will be announced soon.
- Next Gen LIVE!, an event designed exclusively for young floral pros, is back for its second year. SAF launched the event last year, designed to inspire young floral professionals from all segments with the depth and breadth of the floral industry. Next Gen LIVE! is happening June 11-13 in Miami, where floral pros age 45 and younger will gather to network, learn and get a look at the epicenter of the floral industry.
- In September, SAF will bring the industry together for SAF Phoenix 2023, the organization’s 138th annual convention. The event, Sept. 6-9, features four days of education, networking, competitions, awards and honors and the opportunity to see new floral and tech products during a supplier exhibition.
Whether through those events or others initiatives such as Petal It Forward, an annual goodwill flower giveaway, the popular Marketer of the Year contest, or even the SAF’s in-demand social media marketing resources, SAF is always working hard to ensure a thriving floral industry.
“Year after year, SAF delivers focused education and programming that brings the industry together to address the most pressing needs and greatest opportunities,” says SAF President Michelle Castellano Keeler, AAF. “As you head into the New Year, rest assured that SAF is a partner to help you thrive.”
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
