Drowning in rising costs but feel squeezed by low margins? Struggling to build a culture that serves the business and its brand? Wondering how to build relationships and drive sales with funeral homes? Or how to exceed the ever-increasing demands of customers?
SAF Miami 2024, the Society of American Florists’ 139th annual convention Aug. 6-9 at the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort and Spa in Miami, has the education, insights, inspiration and connections you need to take your business to the next level.
“Attending an SAF event sets your soul on fire,” says Christine Guenther of Wildflower, Glen Burnie, Maryland, who attended SAF’s 2023 convention. “I have so many ideas and inspiration to update practices in my business, not only to promote our store, but the flower industry in general.”
The convention includes 20 educational sessions that address key challenges and growth opportunities, ample networking opportunities, insights from dozens of industry experts, the latest and greatest in fresh product, the industry’s longest-running, live design competition, as well as an optional tour of Miami’s floral importing scene and a leading events company Petal Productions.
Stay Informed
The education sessions span four main learning tracks — operations and strategy, growth and profitability, talent and staffing, and floral trends. SAF Miami 2024 also brings all segments of the industry together for an interactive trends and challenges discussion and features keynote presentations to deliver deeper insights into the industry’s biggest challenges and opportunities:
- State of the Floral Industry, by Kate Penn, SAF CEO
- The 2025 Floral Trends Forecast, by Talmage McLaurin, AIFD, creative director, Esmeralda Farms
- Gear Up For Growth: Economic Insights to Guide Your Business Decisions, by Charlie Hall, Ph.D., SAF’s chief economist
- The Tip Jar Culture: How to Re-Engage and Reignite Your Workforce, by Gregory Offner
Get Inspired
Watch designers square off during the 55th annual Sylvia Cup Competition — the longest-running, live national floral design contest. See touch and smell the latest and greatest fresh product at the Outstanding Varieties Competition, where growers and breeders from around the world showcase their best varieties. And, find new services and products at the sold-out Supplier Expo.
Make Connections
SAF Miami 2024 offers plenty of opportunity to network and meet at SAF President’s Welcome Party hosted by SAF President Oscar Fernandez; the First Timers Reception for those who are new to convention, the Next Gen Reception for floral professionals 45 years old and younger, and the SAFPAC party, where floral pros will have fun and raise money for SAF’s political action fund.
“Year-after-year, this convention excels at bringing all segments of the floral industry together to provide everything business owners need to navigate challenges, leverage opportunities and plan for success,” says Fernandez. “You can’t afford to miss it.”
Click here to see full details and register for SAF Miami 2024.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the senior director of content and communications for the Society of American Florists.
