The Floriculture Hall of Fame is the floral industry’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose service, leadership, and integrity have set the standard for excellence.

The objectives are:

• To honor individuals of strong character and integrity whose outstanding and lasting contributions have advanced floriculture as an essential part of American life.

• To ensure the perpetuation of the memories of such men and women by enshrining their good works in a manner befitting their contributions. 

Nominations stay active for a period of 10 years.

The Paul Ecke, Jr. Award, established in 1984, recognizes an individual for exemplary devotion to the floral profession, industry, and community. Originally known as the Golden Bouquet Award, it was renamed in 2002 in memory of Paul Ecke, Jr., AAF, to honor his lasting influence and leadership.

Nominations are reviewed annually by the Awards Committee, which selects the recipient during its Spring Meeting.

Nominations stay active for a period of 5 years.

The Gold Medal Award honors the originator or introducer of a plant or flower that has achieved wide distribution and established itself as an outstanding product of significant horticultural and commercial value. This prestigious recognition highlights innovation and excellence in advancing the floral industry.

Award Criteria:

• This award may not be given for any plant or flower within five years of its dissemination.

The John H. Walker Award recognizes the vital role of association executives in advancing the mission and goals of the Society of American Florists. Established in 1979 to honor SAF’s long-time Executive Vice President, John H. Walker, this award celebrates outstanding leadership and enduring contributions to the association and the floral industry.

Award Criteria:

• Recipients must be employed (i.e. paid staff) by a member association of SAF.
• Recipients must have a minimum of three years continuous service with a member association.

The Awards Committee Will Specifically Consider

• Creative and substantial implementation of industry and SAF-sponsored programs beneficial to member associations (and their individual members) and our various other publics.
• Enrollment or attendance at professional schools, seminars, meetings or courses which tend to contribute to an executive’s ability to better serve member associations and their members.
• The nominee’s service in leadership positions in professional societies and organizations dedicated to professionalism in association management.
• The nominee’s involvement in civic and community organizations.
• Evidence of a nominee’s sharing his management skill and abilities with associations and association executives.
• The nominee’s contributions and achievements to his or her association.

Nomination Process

• Nominations must be endorsed by the president of the employing association(s) and will be accepted annually.

The Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education honors an individual who has made significant, lasting contributions to research or education in the floriculture industry. Presented annually, this award recognizes broad-scope achievements that advance knowledge, strengthen education, and contribute to the growth and success of the floral profession.

The Century Award honors businesses and organizations that have served the floral industry for 100 years or more. Established in 1982, this prestigious recognition celebrates a century of dedication and contribution to the industry’s growth and success.

Nomination Process

• Nominations must be endorsed by the president of the employing association(s) and will be accepted annually.

The Rising Star Award recognizes a young floral industry professional for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the profession. This award honors forward-thinking individuals who demonstrate creativity, innovation, tenacity, and leadership in their work, and who show the potential to make a lasting, positive impact on the floral industry. Recipients embody the promise and future of the profession.

Any floral industry professional (inclusive of all segments) ages 45 and under is eligible for the award.

Nominations stay active for a period of 3 years.

Presented in honor of Ethyl “Tommy” Bright, PFCI’s most prestigious designation signifies a lifetime commitment to commentating excellence in the floral industry. The Tommy Bright Award is awarded annually to a member of the Professional Floral Communicators-International.

The PFCI Board of Trustees reviews nomination letters annually during its spring meeting in March and determines the recipient by a unanimous decision.

Nominee Must Be:

• A presenter whose body of work is well known and respected
• An educator and teacher
• Someone who is knowledgeable about all facets of the floral industry
• A person whose business reputation is beyond reproach
• A member in good standing of PFCI for at least 10 years
• PFCI Board of Trustees members are ineligible for nomination during their term as Trustee.

Nominations stay active for a period of 3 years.

PFCI Members eligible for the 2026 Tommy Bright Award