Don’t miss SAF’s two premier events, the second annual Next Gen LIVE! event for young floral professionals and its 138th annual convention.
Mark your calendar for the Society of American Florists’ two premier events, the second annual Next Gen LIVE! event for young floral professionals and its 138th annual convention.
Next Gen LIVE! is June 11-13 in Miami, Florida, the epicenter of the floral industry.
SAF Phoenix 2023 is Sept. 6-9 in Phoenix at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
Next Gen LIVE!
Last year, Next Gen LIVE! brought together 160 young floral professionals from 31 states and Colombia and Ecuador for the event, which was planned by and designed exclusively for floral pros under 45.
This year’s attendees can expect a similar, high-energy, interactive event with plenty of time to network and learn. Educational sessions will focus on consistent five star customer service, digital marketing, communication tips, and leadership styles — including how to lead with empathy. Plus, attendees will tour importing facilities at the Miami International Airport, floral distributors and progressive floral retail businesses.
Last year’s Next Gen LIVE! event featured a “Chopped” style design competition at a flower distributor, a full day of education that included topics such as how to lead as a young boss, social media hacks, insights into breeding, the floral supply chain and more. Attendees also toured importing facilities and visited a local bouquet maker and distributor. (See photos of the event here.)
“I feel so much better equipped for my career after Next Gen,” says Grace Winters, an attendee from George’s Flowers in Roanoke, Virginia. “I have better social media abilities and have a better working knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. It was amazing meeting young professionals from all over, and meeting growers and . I would without a doubt attend again.”
For more information and to register click here.
SAF Phoenix 2023
SAF’s annual convention brings together retailers, wholesalers and suppliers for world-class business training, growth strategies, inspiration and networking across industry segments. The four-day event also features the Outstanding Varieties Competition, the Sylvia Cup Design Competition, the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner, and a Supplier Expo.
Attendees at last year’s convention in Orlando raved about the all-industry sessions, including the floral trends forecasting session with Talmage McLaurin, AIFD, and the session, “Gen Z to Boomers: Working Together for Success.” There were also sessions on mental wellness, company culture and more, which resonated with floral professionals.
“The SAF convention was a unique opportunity to rub shoulders with professionals in our industry,” says Emily Duncan of Flowers By Michelle in Las Vegas. “It was great to make connections that can last for years, and to learn about all facets of the floral business from farm to retail and everything in between.”
In addition to the competitions, Supplier Expo and awards dinner, this year’s educational sessions will address growth topics for your operation, sales and staffing. Sessions will cover operational strategies and tools to sustain your business, building brand loyalty, digital marketing and marketing to younger generations of consumers, employee development, wellness at work, succession planning and much more. And, new this year, attendees will have an opportunity to take a behind the scenes tour of large local retailers and a wholesaler.
Registration for SAF Phoenix goes live soon.
More SAF Events
Next Gen LIVE! and SAF Phoenix 2023 aren’t all SAF has on tap this year. Mark your calendar for these other in-person events:
- 43rd Annual Congressional Action Days: March 20-21, Washington, D.C.
Retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and growers tell Capitol Hill about their businesses and the floral industry’s legislative priorities. - 1-Day Profit Blast: Join local peers in cities across the country for a half day of learning about timely topics and the opportunity to talk with vendors and see their products and services.
- Sunday, July 23 – Boston, MA
- Sunday, Oct. 8 – Portland, OR
- Sunday, Nov. 5 – Chicago, IL
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
