Save the Date: Can’t-Miss Educational Events

Is improving your business a resolution for 2018?

One way to do that is to stand on the shoulders of giants. Several industry associations and companies have planned stellar educational programs, featuring some of the brightest minds in the biz, to give you a leg up.

Here are a few programs to put on your calendar.

SAF’s 1-Day Profit-Blast

January 14

Omaha, Nebraska

July 15

Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Society of American Florists’ popular series returns with a compact agenda covering sales tips, financial advice, technology pointers and design trends.

For more info and to register: https://safnow.org/events-education/1-day-profit-blast

Great Lakes Floral & Event Expo

March 2-4

Grand Rapids, Michigan

The 98th annual conference will feature a whopping 29 presenters. “I would challenge you to find this many industry experts under one roof during one weekend anywhere in the world,” said Rod Crittenden, CEO and executive director of the Michigan Floral Association, who’s spent a year assembling speakers with other MFA members, representatives from the International Live Events Association and event sponsors. “These people are the best of the best! They will educate and energize you with countless great ideas.”

For more info and to register: http://www.michiganfloral.org/greatlakesfloralexpo/

SAF’s Congressional Action Days

March 12-13

Washington, D.C.

Help your representatives understand how government policies impact your business and help them make decisions that are friendly to the floral industry by sharing your personal story. This event includes a briefing on the issues and training with SAF lobbyists.

For more info and to register: https://safnow.org/events-education/congressional-action-days/

Canadian Florist Business Forum

April 21

St. Catharines, Ontario

Canadian Florist magazine assembles a quartet of speakers to address several big-picture issues facing florists of all sizes. “This year’s CFBF is shaping up to be the best one yet,” said Canadian Florist publisher Ryan Freeman. “We’re featuring some of our readers’ favourite CF contributors on stage which gives our florists a great opportunity to interact with the people they learn from each issue. Partnering with NIAF this year means florists have a unique opportunity for top-notch design and business education in one fantastic weekend.”

Niagara International Association of Florists’ Design Show

April 22

St. Catharines, Ontario

World-renowned florist Heather de Kok, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, headlines this full day of design.

For more info and to register: https://www.niaflorists.org/

SAF Palm Springs 2018

Sept. 12-15

Rancho Mirage, California

The Society of American Florists’ 134th annual convention includes dozen of expert speakers covering a wide-range of topics including: recruiting and retaining employees, trends broken down by generational demographics, pricing and accounting strategies, search engine optimization, holiday marketing, customer service strategies and much more. The event also includes a design competition, product showcase, charitable golf tournament and the much-anticipated Outstanding Varieties contest.

For more info and to register: https://safnow.org/events-education/annual-convention/