Gina Thresher, AIFD, EMC, has been running a floral event business in Kent, Washington since 2008, and it’s always been her goal to open a retail flower shop. As she prepares to take that step, she’s found herself needing more business advice.
So she registered — for the first time — for SAF Phoenix 2023, the Society of American Florists’ 138th annual convention Sept. 6-9.
“It’s just a different style of convention,” says Thresher, owner of From the Ground Up Floral. “I appreciate that SAF is more business focused. That’s where my mind has been the past few months, thinking about opening a retail store but having lots of questions.”
Thresher is one of 473 floral professionals from 42 states and five countries who are gathering in Phoenix for three days of education, networking and competitions.
The event brings together 49 expert speakers and panelists for 19 educational sessions focused on leveraging emerging trends in floral design, strategies for better business operations, growth and profitability, team development and more.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to cheer on 25 designers as they compete in the 54th annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition, and pour over 249 entries in the Outstanding Varieties Competition, which this year features a new category for breeders.
The Supplier Expo on Sept. 7 includes 40 companies — from tech to flower farms — which will have representatives on hand to talk with attendees about their products and services.
The convention also includes nine opportunities to network during receptions for first-time attendees, Next Gen and more.
Keep up with convention on SAF’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, and search the hashtag #safconv to see updates from attendees. Also look for updates in next week’s edition of the SAF NOW.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
