Nevada has joined the ranks of states participating in the Society of American Florists’ 2018 Petal It Forward, officially making the effort nationwide, with events planned in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Colombia. Florists in 357 cities are hosting 391 local Petal It Forward events on October 24.
“We are thrilled by the enthusiasm of the floral industry to come together for a common goal to promote flower power in their local communities,” said SAF’s Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Sparks. “We know that giving flowers is a gesture of connection – one that can bring people, even strangers, closer together. Let’s show the country a random act of kindness at its finest!”
During this nationwide feel-good effort, consumers receive two bouquets — one to keep and one to share — to demonstrate the Rutgers University research that shows flowers make people happy, as well as new research from the University of North Florida demonstrating that flowers also relieve stress. Consumers are encouraged to post on social media about their experience using the hashtag #petalitforward. The campaign’s goal is to raise consumer awareness of flower power through news coverage and social media posts.
SAF continues to update the list of local Petal It Forward events. “We want to know where every single local event is happening so we can tell the media — and, so florists can tell their local media that they are part of an effort happening nationwide,” Sparks said.
To get your event listed, complete the Petal It Forward Participation Form at safnow.org/PIFform. See where events are happening at aboutflowers.com/PIF2018.
“It’s not too late to plan a Petal It Forward event,” Sparks said. “Even handing out 20-50 bouquets or single stems can make a big impact for your business.”
SAF’s Petal It Forward step-by-step logistics advice, suggested social media posts, media talking points and more are available for members-only atsafnow.tempurl.host/pif.
Jenny Scala is the director of marketing and communications for the Society of American Florists.
