Next Gen LIVE! Schedule - safnow.org

 

 

 

 

Next Gen LIVE! 2025 Schedule

Day 1

Sunday, February 23, 2025 

Day 2

Monday, February 24, 2025 

Day 3

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 

Sunday, February 23

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12:00 p.m.

Registration Open

Stop by the SAF Registration Desk to check in and pick up your basge and registration materials. 

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1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Opening Comments and Get To Know You
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2:00 - 3:15 p.m.

So You Think You Know Flowers?

Panel: Alejandra Fernandez, Dummen Orange, Mimi Martinez-Pacheo, Jet Fresh Flowers, additional panelists TBA

Why does bloom size or color vary from one farm to another? Why are some varieties so much more expensive than others? Join experts from every corner of the floral industry — breeders, growers, importers, wholesalers, and florists — as they reveal little-known facts and fascinating insights from their unique perspectives. This session will equip you to source, sell, design, and communicate about flowers with the confidence and expertise of an industry pro. 

You’ll learn:

  • How flowers move through the supply chain 
  • Learn about innovations and environmental practices shaping the industry 
  • Discover challenges and unique insights from each industry segment 

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Alejandra Fernandez  Mimi Martinez-Pacheo

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3:15 - 3:30 p.m.

Networking Break 
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3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 

Leading in the Fast Lane: How Next Gen Can Shape the Future

Speaker: Laura Walsh, PFCI, Smithers Oasis 

Change is happening at an unprecedented pace, and Next Gen employees are not just adapting; they’re leading the charge. This session will empower you to leverage your natural strengths — digital skills, adaptability, purpose-driven leadership, and collaboration — to drive meaningful change within your organization in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Then, put theory into practice with the Change Agent Action Plan Workshop, where you’ll create a detailed, step-by-step strategy to lead a specific and impactful change in your workplace. 

You’ll Learn: 

  • How to use digital skills, adaptability, and teamwork to drive change 
  • Practical strategies to influence change when you’re not the boss 
  • Leave with a personalized plan to champion purpose-driven initiatives 

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Laura Walsh

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SPONSOR

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5:30 – 7:30 p.m. 

Supplier Showcase 

Browse through dozens of new products and services and get to know vendors who can answer your questions and point you towards profitable opportunities for your business.

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7:00 – 9:00 p.m.   

Dinner and Team Design Competition

Enjoy dinner while cheering on your favorite team at this lively design competition!

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SPONSOR

Monday, February 24

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8:00 – 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast
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8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Guided Meditation or Work/Life Balance presentation

Speaker: Holly Haveman, Kennedy’s Flowers and Gifts

Start your day with guided meditation and practical tips to cultivate work-life harmony.

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Holly Haveman

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9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Turning Sustainability into Sales: Reaching the Eco-Conscious Customer

Panel: Nicholas Chang, Rosaprima, Liza Roeser, AAF, Fifty Flowers, additional panelists TBA

The floral industry has made giant strides in sustainability — now it’s time to make sure consumers know it. This session focuses on how every segment can communicate and market sustainability to enhance brand value and attract B2B and B2C eco-conscious customers. Learn tips and techniques for crafting an impactful sustainability story that resonates with your audience. 

You’ll Learn: 

  • Techniques for crafting a compelling sustainability message 
  • Insights into how each part of the supply chain communicates sustainable practices 
  • Tips for effectively reaching eco-conscious consumers and boosting brand loyalty 

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Nicholas Chang            Liza Roeser

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10:15 – 10:45 a.m.

Networking Break
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10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Managing Up, Down and All Around

Speakers: Erin Bruno, AAF, McNamara Florist, John Burk, DVFlora, additional speakers TBA 

Master the art of managing up and down the organizational ladder. This session offers strategies to align with senior leadership’s vision while effectively leading and supporting your own team. Learn practical tools for building trust, fostering communication, and bridging organizational objectives with daily operations. Attendees of all levels — from executives to entry-level professionals — will leave equipped with actionable insights to lead effectively in any direction, ensuring alignment and engagement throughout the organization. 

You’ll Learn: 

  • Learn to balance senior leadership goals with team needs through effective communication 
  • Discover tools to develop and mentor direct reports, promoting leadership growth 
  • Gain strategies for fostering transparency, trust, and engagement at every level

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Erin Bruno                   John Burk

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12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch
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      SPONSOR

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      1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

      Choose one of two concurrent educational sessions to attend:

      Confident Connections: Master Customer Interactions Across All Channels

      Panelists: Cindy Prichard, Flower Shop Network, additional panelists TBA

      Enhance your team’s ability to connect with customers confidently across all channels, from face-to-face interactions to social media. This session covers essential sales techniques and empowers employees to navigate challenging conversations with ease, providing tools to diffuse uncomfortable situations and turn them into positive experiences. Ideal for all segments of the floral industry, this session will equip teams to build trust and loyalty with every customer interaction. 

      Takeaways: 

      • Gain practical sales techniques for effective communication across all customer touchpoints 
      • Learn strategies to empower employees to handle difficult situations with professionalism and poise 
      • Discover tips for maintaining a positive, consistent customer experience in-person, by phone, and online

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      Cindy Prichard

      Reputation Resilience: Turn Feedback Into Opportunity

      Speakers: Jackie Levine, Central Square Florist; Sheldon Jensen, Flowers by Michelle

      Build a resilient brand by mastering reputation management techniques that turn customer feedback into opportunity. This session covers strategies for addressing unhappy customers, recovering from negative reviews, and safeguarding your online presence. Learn how prompt, thoughtful responses can protect your reputation, improve customer satisfaction, and even enhance recruitment efforts. 

      You’ll Learn: 

      • Effective strategies for managing unhappy customers both online and in person 
      • The importance of timely responses to protect and enhance your brand reputation 
      • How reviews can impact recruitment and how to leverage positive feedback for growth.

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      Jackie Levine              Sheldon Jenson

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      2:15 – 6:00 p.m.

      Tour of Progressive Retail Operations

      Get a behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Delphinium, a leading progressive retailer in the Dallas area. Plus visit one additional stop to be determined.  Snacks and transportation included.

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      6:00 – 6:30 p.m.

      Cultivating Trends in Floristry

      Speaker: Jenny Ingrum, AIFD, PFCI, EMC, AAF 

      Be among the first to learn about and see emerging trends identified by the Creative Cartel, a group of innovative florists reshaping floral design through grassroots trend realization. This presentation delves into the group’s collaborative process, the inspirations behind each trend, and the impact on the broader floral market. Gain valuable insights into what’s next in floral design and how to incorporate trends into your everyday work.

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      6:30 – 8:45 p.m.

      Tour and Dinner at Dr. Delphinium Design Center

      Explore Dr. Delphinium’s Design Center, check out the designs from the Creative Cartel and enjoy dinner and networking. 

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      9:00 p.m.

      Return to Next Gen LIVE! Hotel

      Tuesday, February 25

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      8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

      Continental Breakfast
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      9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

      Choose one of two concurrent educational sessions to attend:

      AI Unleashed: Elevate Your AI Skills for Captivating Content

      Speaker: TBA 

      Unlock advanced AI techniques for producing captivating images, engaging content, and innovative design ideas. This in-depth session is tailored for professionals already familiar with AI tools who want to elevate their content creation skills. Attendees will gain hands-on insights to leverage AI in crafting standout marketing materials. 

      Takeaways: 

      • Explore advanced AI tools for generating images, text, and creative content 
      • Learn techniques to streamline content creation and enhance originality with AI 
      • Gain actionable tips for brainstorming and executing polished marketing materials
      Getting Started with AI: A Round Robin Journey Using Key Tools

      Speakers: TBA 

      Dive into an interactive AI Round Robin, where attendees will rotate through stations exploring diverse AI tools for data analysis, writing, communication, and idea generation. This session offers a hands-on approach to discovering how AI can simplify tasks and boost productivity in any role. Leave equipped with practical knowledge of AI programs tailored to your professional needs. 

      Takeaways: 

      • Gain exposure to various AI tools for data analysis, content creation, and brainstorming 
      • Learn practical applications of AI to streamline tasks across different job functions 
      • Experience a hands-on introduction to tools that enhance efficiency and productivity
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      10:00 – 10:30 a.m.

      Networking Break
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      10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

      Industry Trends and Challenges Idea Exchange

      MC: Sam Bowles, AAF, Allen’s Flowers and Plants

      What are our industry’s biggest trends? Where are the opportunities for growth? What are the challenges – and how do we overcome them? What role can next generation leaders play in tackling challenges — identifying and leveraging opportunities? Join your peers in this thought-provoking discussion where you challenge conventional thinking and consider new approaches to common industry issues in this dynamic, interactive and provocative discussion.

      You’ll Learn:  

      • Actionable solutions to challenges to take back to your business 
      • How to leverage emerging trends to keep your business competitive 
      • A deeper understanding of the future of the floral industry

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          Sam Bowles

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          SPONSOR

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          12:30 – 12:45 p.m.

          Wrap Up and Closing Comments
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          12:45 p.m.

          Departures

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