The Society of American Florists ( SAF ) Next Gen Live league , held February 23 - 25 in Dallas , brought together 133 untested floral pro from across the industry for education , networking , and behind - the - scene flowered experiences . design by and for the next generation of floral industry pros , the event provided a platform for attender to sharpen their accomplishment , connect with compeer , and earn industry insights .
For many , including Branea Reed , possessor of Missouri Stems Florist , the event was a game - modifier . After voyage her first crest floral holidays , she realized she involve more education and industry connection — and found both at Next Gen LIVE ! .
" Everybody there was really awesome and dainty , " say Reed . " I was n’t gestate everybody to be so unfastened with selective information . This surpass anything I could have imagined . "
Education and expert insightsThe conference feature dynamic school term on artificial word , leadership , management , selling , and communication — offering attendees practical tool to develop their careers . One standout session , " So You intend You Know Flowers , " provided a mystifying dive into the industry ’s supply string , give first - sentence attendant Amanda Wiggins of McNamara Florist a broader linear perspective .
" I study a fortune more about the inner workings of the floral manufacture , " said Wiggins . " I needed this because sometimes it ’s hard to recollect there is more than just your shop . “Attendees also gained verbatim access to industry expert , wholesalers , grower , and technology vender , making the consequence a valuable resource for those look to advance in the industry . “I think citizenry who are induce into the flowered industry or looking to move up in the business should wait on to further their cognition from experts in the field , " said Wiggins .
A program for collaborationBeyond didactics , the group discussion fostered diligence - wide discussions on challenge and opportunities . During the Industry Trends and Challenges Idea Exchange , player tackled the decisive issue of attracting more young professionals to flower gardening . Inspired by the discussion , Kyleen Rockman of Floral Expressions left the event determined to betroth her local community and promote careers in floristry .
" Coming here has really opened my eyes to how grand the industry is and how many different character of jobs there are , " said Rockman . " I ’d wish to see us do our part to get the word out about career opportunity in this industry . "
Gaining manufacture connectionsNext Gen LIVE ! brought together pro from all sectors of the flowered industry — florists , middleman , suppliers , importers , grower , breeders , and technology vendors — make a one - of - a - kind networking opportunity .
Next Gen LIVE ! brought together professionals from all sectors of the floral industry — florists , wholesaler , supplier , importer , raiser , breeders , and technology vendors — creating a one - of - a - form networking opportunity . “The energy , design , and passion for the floral manufacture were truly inspiring , " said Lisa Nason of Kennicott Brothers , a Chicago - based wholesaler . " It was amazing to connect with so many gifted professionals who are regulate the future of floristry … and the networking opportunities were second to none . “Attendees left with new suppliers , tonic insights , go friendships , and strategy to grow their business . Reed , who wait on for the first clip , plans to return and encourage others to see Next Gen LIVE ! firsthand . “There ’s something for everybody here — whether you ’re a middleman , a retail florist like me , or even someone in floral marketing , " said Reed . " I would emphatically recommend it to anyone in any aspect of the industry . "
For more info : SAF[email protected]safnow.org
