More than 350 floral professionals from 39 states and 5 countries have gathered in Florida this week for SAF Orlando 2021, the Society of American Florists’ 136th annual convention.

The event brings together 50 expert speakers and panelists for 20 educational sessions and three experience zones to talk about the most pressing issues facing the floral industry.

Attendees had the opportunity to talk with other professionals during six networking events, cheer on 12 designers as they competed for the Sylvia Cup and pour over 146 entries in the Outstanding Varieties Competition (learn about the winner here).

For Steph Cook, of Cullman Florist in Cullman, Alabama, the event also provided several opportunities to continue her education of all things floral.

“Something that’s important to us is continuing your education so you never become stale,” says Cook, who was attending the event for the first time. She was also excited to meet other designers and see new product at the Supplier Expo and Outstanding Varieties Competition.

For others, the event provided opportunities to learn more about the business of operating a florist business. Arisha Hawkins recently left her career in operation management and joined her friend’s floral shop, Lee’s Flowers in Washington, D.C.. There, she is finding ways to streamline processes and reduce costs. She was looking forward to learning more about how other florists manage their business.

“I’m just trying to learn from other florists their best practices,” she says.

SAF Orlando 2021 continues Thursday. Check SAF’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for updates, and use the hashtag #safconv to see updates from attendees. Also look for updates in next week’s edition of the SAF Now enewsletter.

Amanda Jedlinsky is managing editor of SAF Now.