Growers and breeders from around the world will showcase their most outstanding varieties of flowers and foliage in SAF’s Outstanding Varieties Competition.
Looking for some outstanding flowers for weddings? In need of new services for your business? Need some design inspiration? The Society of American Florists has you covered.
SAF Phoenix 2023, the Society of American Florists’ 138th annual convention, Sept. 6-9 in Scottsdale, Arizona, will inspire attendees with the newest products and floral trends during the Outstanding Varieties Competition, Supplier Expo, the 54th annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition, a flower forecast session, and more.
- Outstanding Varieties Competition: Growers and breeders from around the world will showcase their most outstanding varieties of flowers and foliage. Expert judges will rank 13 of the growers’ entries as Best in Class, one Best in Show, and many more will be awarded blue and red ribbons. Convention attendees will vote on the breeders’ entries to determine a “People’s Choice” winner. The deadline to enter the competition is Aug. 18.
- Supplier Expo: Browse through hundreds of new products and services and get to know the vendors who can answer your questions and point you toward profitable opportunities for your business. Want to exhibit? Click here for more details.
- The 54th Annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition:Take in the longest-running national, live design competition where floral designers are given the same flowers, foliage and design supplies —and just two hours to complete design challenges based on a surprise theme. The competition takes place Sept. 9 and the winner is announced during the Stars of the Industry Awards Dinner that evening. Interested in competing? Enter by Aug. 7!
- 2024 Flower Trends Forecast session: For the past eight years Talmage McLaurin, AIFD, creative director for Esmeralda Farms, has curated a trend forecast that informs and inspires mass market floral buyers. By following home décor and fashion, working with florists, and consulting professional forecasters such as Pantone and Formex, McLaurin’s flower-focused forecasts have been the springboard for numerous bouquet programs for nearly a decade. During his presentation on Sept. 7, McLaurin will reveal eight of the most compelling trend stories to help you sell more flowers in 2024.
SAF Phoenix 2023 will also include more than 20 other educational sessions, experiential learning demos, networking opportunities, and new this year, tours of progressive retailers in the Phoenix area. Check out the full schedule here and register to attend!
Stephanie Brady is the project manager for the Society of American Florists.
