Floral professionals gathered for a Next Gen reception at SAF Orlando 2021. This year, SAF is holding a new event, Next Gen LIVE! designed specifically for those 45 and younger. Businesses from across the industry have registered staff to attend, signaling their investment in the next generation of floral industry leaders.
Brian Wheat, AAF, PFCI, knows it is going to be tough to have three of his employees away from his flower and garden center business for a few days while they attend the Society of American Florists’ Next Gen LIVE! event in Miami, Florida later this month.
But he’s sending them anyway because he knows that by doing so, he’s making an investment in his employees, his business — and the future of the floral industry.
“It’s letting our young professionals know how much they mean to us and putting our money where our mouth is, so they get the best information, education and networking in our industry,” says Wheat, of Lafayette Florist, Gift Shop & Garden Center in Lafayette, Colorado. “Those are the three keys that make you successful.”
Wheat is among dozens of floral bosses across industry segments who are sending staff to Miami from July 31 to Aug. 2 for a new event designed exclusively for floral professionals 45 and younger.
The event includes a design competition, a behind the scenes tour of flower importing facilities, and educational sessions tailored around the needs of the younger generation.
During a full day of education, attendees will hear what it takes to be a young boss, learn how to tap into leadership skills, and discover the life of a flower.
The knowledge gleaned from those sessions and the tour will also benefit the attendees’ colleagues back home.
“The things that we learn at these conventions are things that we will be able to apply to our daily life as well as teach others at work,” says Sheldon Jensen, floral designer and manager at Flowers by Michelle in Las Vegas, Nevada.
From the “Chopped” style design competition to the networking lunch, there is plenty of time for attendees to make connections throughout the industry, something that many indicated they were most excited about.
“Having the full spectrum of the industry in one room, from growers to retailers, what better way to understand the whole industry than bringing all the players together in a conference?” says Regina Mancini, a senior account executive at Rosaprima.
She also believes that making connections is important to advancing the industry.
“Continuing to forge relationships and partnerships is what helps us innovate and see new opportunities,” Mancini says.
Others pointed out the value in learning from their peers, especially after the past two years.
“We have had a lot of supply chain and labor challenges these past couple years,” says Eileen Weber, AAF, vice president of Lake Forest Flowers in Lake Forest, Illinois. “I appreciate hearing what others are doing to manage them and turn those into opportunities for success.”
Weber, who in addition to helping run the shop is also a mother of two, a city alderman, a volunteer at church and her children’s school, says she saw the importance of making time to attend.
“If you don’t make time for continued education, you’ll be stuck in a rut,” she says. “Open your mind to new ideas, growth, and step back from the day-to-day grind to really evaluate your career and business.”
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
