About Congressional Action Days (CAD)
SAF’s Congressional Action Days (CAD) brings floral professionals from all segments together in Washington, D.C., to advocate for policies that benefit the industry. This event gives attendees a rare opportunity to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to discuss critical issues, such as agricultural labor, small business regulations, tax policies, and more.
By participating in CAD, floral professionals amplify their voices, helping lawmakers understand the industry’s unique challenges and fostering a stronger future for floral businesses.
Travel & Event Information
Location/Conference Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City
1250 South Hayes Street
Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: 703-415-5000
Room Rate & Information
Room rate: $319/night
Cut-off date: February 21, 2025
Always book your SAF hotel rooms using the information posted above.
If you receive a phone call from any company claiming they are a responsible for SAF housing, it is a scam. These companies are not in any way affiliated with the Society of American Florists and should not be used to make reservations. If you have any questions about hotel rooms for SAF’s events, please contact SAF’s Laura Weaver Kern at 703-838-5221 or meetings@safnow.org.
Transportation to the Hotel
A taxi or Uber can take you to the CAD hotel, which is a 4 minute drive from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Another option is to take the Metro (subway). DCA is one stop from the CAD hotel on the Yellow or Blue Lines.
Dress Code
March weather can be unpredictable in Washington, so bring a winter coat or jacket. Dress is business casual on Monday. Business attire and comfortable dress shoes are appropriate for Tuesday’s Hill Day.
Registration Rates
SAF Members $375 / Non-members $500
Early Bird Pricing Ends February 26, 2025
Registration Rate includes:
Lunch on Monday and Tuesday | Issues and Advocacy Training on Monday | Reception on Monday Evening |
Grassroots Breakfast on Tuesday | Hospitality Suite on Tuesday | Open Mic Reception on Tuesday
Congressional Action Days 2025 Schedule of Events
Monday, March 17
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Check-in and grab your badge at the registration desk.
11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Trends Discussion & Buffet Lunch
Kick-off Congressional Action Days by participating in moderated discussion with all industry segments on current floral industry trends and how your business can respond to them. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from other growers, wholesalers, importers and retailers about best practices.
2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Issue Briefing and Advocacy Training
Find out how to talk about the key issues affecting the floral industry. During this session, SAF Senior Lobbyist Dr. Joe Bischoff and members explain the issues and talking points you’ll deliver in your Congressional appointments. Role-playing exercises will prep you to effectively communicate your message on the Hill.
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Advocacy Reception & Light Dinner
Relax and network with fellow attendees in a casual atmosphere while enjoying drinks and a light dinner. Learn more about SAFPAC, the only national political action committee dedicated to advocating for the floral industry.
Tuesday, March 18
7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Registration Open
Check-in and grab your badge at the registration desk.
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Grassroots Breakfast
Start Hill Day by hearing an insider’s perspective on Capitol Hill and how you can best position your issues and stories to resonate with lawmakers and their staff.
9:15 a.m.
Depart for Capitol Hill
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Congressional Appointments
This is your chance to tell lawmakers about how laws and regulations affect your business. Wear comfy dress shoes, and we’ll give you a wearable flower and take you to Capitol Hill to visit congressional offices as part of your state or regional delegation.
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hospitality Suite
Between appointments stop by the hospitality suite to grab lunch or snacks, chat with other participants. Be sure to share your #safcad experiences on social media.
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
“Days End”/Open Mic Reception
Gather with fellow attendees to unwind, share experiences and frame the events of a very busy day with fascinating personal perspectives during this reception
SAF is taking its Congressional Action Days (CAD)
to the next level in 2024 with CAD 365
What is CAD 365? How is it different from Congressional Action Days?
Rather than limiting SAF members to one day on Capitol Hill, we will set up targeted meetings between floral industry members and congressional offices multiple times a year, when advocacy is needed most on key issues.
During those targeted meetings, floral professionals will visit Washington, DC and meet with the congressional offices that influence the issues they care about during the most opportune times of the year to discuss them.
In addition, as part of the CAD 365 strategy, SAF will help coordinate congressional visits to member companies who are interested in hosting their senator or representative. This way, members of Congress will see firsthand the depth – and needs – of the floriculture industry.
When will these targeted meetings take place?
Stay tuned! We know that spring is a great time to talk to Congress about appropriations, so we’re going to set up meetings in mid-March with key congressional offices and floral industry constituents to make a case for why we need continued floriculture research funding.
In late spring, we anticipate momentum around the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences, so we’ll plan a day of meetings between influential congressional offices and floral industry members around that time. Same goes for tax and labor issues.
How does this new strategy help the floral industry?
1) It allows us to engage in even more of the advocacy that has won the floral industry:
- More funding for research
- Savings on import taxes of roses
- Building up SAFPAC to funding levels not seen in more than a decade to support our advocacy work.
2) It more effectively supports the work SAF Chief Lobbyist Joe Bischoff, Ph.D, does on the Hill representing SAF year-round, every day.
Is there a registration fee to attend a fly-in?
No, the event is free thanks to the generous support of our sponsors. (See sponsors below)
Travel and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the attendee.
When and how can I get involved?
Several ways!
1) Let us know if you’re interested in attending a CAD 365 fly-in event – we will reach out to you as we set up these meetings to see if you are able to attend attend. Email lweaver@safnow.org
2) Interested in learning more about hosting a member of Congress at your operation? Email lweaver@safnow.org
3) Help our year-round efforts to strengthen relationships with congressional offices through SAFPAC.
- Fill out the prior approval form online so that we can make sure you’re up to date on SAFPAC’s work and events.
- Already filled it out? Contribute to SAFPAC here.
2024 Congressional Action Days 365 Sponsors
Premiere
Elite