Next Gen LIVE! 2026

GROW | CONNECT | LEAD

Why Attend Next Gen LIVE!

Join floral pros age 45 and under from all segments — retail, event, wholesale, importer, grower, and manufacturers — at an event designed for the next generation of industry leaders.

Benefits for Young Floral Industry Professionals

Participate in interactive educational sessions and experiences led by floral experts and emerging Next Gen members of the floral industry.
Connect with vendors at the Supplier Showcase.
Take advantage of numerous networking opportunities during breaks, lunch, and receptions, designed to help you meet new peers and make valuable connections.

Hotel and Travel Information

Event Dates: February 22-24, 2026

Next Gen LIVE! Location

Raleigh Marriott City Center
500 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC, 27601
Hotel Website
Phone: 919-833-1120

SAF Room Block & Hotel Booking Information

Raleigh Marriott City Center
500 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC, 27601

Room Rate: $209/night plus taxes
Click Here to Book Your Room
Room block closes January 30, 2026

Planning to Arrive Early? Due to two citywide conventions utilizing all available room nights at the Raleigh Marriott City Center, rooms are not available on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21.

To accommodate early arrivals, we have secured a limited room block at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh SW. The booking information below can be used to reserve a room for Feb. 20 and/or Feb. 21.

There are still plenty of rooms available in SAF’s room block at the Raleigh Marriott City Center for the duration of Next Gen LIVE! (Feb. 22-24).

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh SW
3741 Thistledown Drive
Raleigh, NC 27606.

Room Rate: $160/night plus taxes
SAF room rate available: Friday, February 20 & Saturday, February 21 only.
Click Here to Book Your Room or call 919-854-0001 ext 1 (reservations) or 1-800-HOLIDAY
Group code: SAF or Society of American Florists
Room Block Closes January 31, 2026
Online reservations may not be available on mobile devices.

Always book your room using the booking links on this page. If you receive a phone call from any company claiming they are responsible for SAF housing, it is a scam. If you have any questions about hotel rooms for SAF’s events, please contact SAF’s Laura Weaver at 703-838-5221 or lweaver@safnow.org.

Travel information

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 14.9 Miles from the Raleigh Marriott City Center

Next Gen LIVE! 2026 Registration Rates

SAF Grower/Wholesaler/Supplier Members

$660

SAF Ultimate Level Retail Members

$660

SAF Premium Plus Level Retail
Members

$710

SAF Premium Level Retail Members

$760

SAF Standard
Level Retail
Members

$810

Non SAF
Members

$1,110

Plus-One À La Carte Registration Options

Welcome Reception Tickets
Sunday, February 22
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m

Children (under 12) $35
Guests $95

Next Gen LIVE! Happy Hour
Monday, February 23
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Guests $39

Registration Rates Include

10 different educational sessions
Supplier Expo Viewing
Networking Dinner and Team Design Competition (Sunday)
Continental Breakfast (Monday & Tuesday)

Lunch (Monday & Tuesday)
Next Gen Networking Happy Hour (Monday)
NC State Tour & Transportation (Tuesday)

Registration Refund Policy

15% cancellation fee: Written cancellation requests postmarked before Feb. 10 will be refunded less a
15 percent handling charge. No refunds after Feb 17.

Next Gen LIVE! Event Testimonials

“Next Gen LIVE! exceeded my expectations! It helped my employee step out of his comfort zone and make connections that have provided him with ongoing support and fresh ideas.”

Monty Pereira,
Watanabe Floral, Honolulu, HI
Employer of Next Gen LIVE! Attendee

“I feel rejuvenated and refreshed after attending Next Gen LIVE! I loved learning from my peers and feel more connected than ever with my floral community.”

Sarah Gillespie
Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, IN
Next Gen LIVE! Attendee

“My employees came back from Next Gen LIVE! with a broader perspective of the floral industry that absolutely blew them away – and their excitement was contagious, which inspired the entire team.”

Lisa Hays Holmes,
Tiger Lily Florist, Charleston, SC
Employer of Next Gen LIVE! Attendee