SAF in Action
TURN CHANGE INTO REAL RESULTS AT SAF AMELIA ISLAND 2026 > With tariffs reshaping supply chains, artificial intelligence changing how businesses operate and consumers ex- pecting faster, more transparent service, floral professionals are navigating one of the most complex business environ- ments in recent memory. That’s the backdrop for SAF Amelia
Island 2026, the Society of American Florists’ 141st annual convention, Aug. 18–20 at the Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. Designed to help businesses respond
to rapid change with practical strate- gies, the convention brings together education, peer exchange and supplier connections under one theme: Evolve & Thrive. “We built this year’s program around
the real pressures our members are facing,” says SAF President Lori Wheat, AAF. “Whether it’s understanding how tariffs are affecting your buying decisions, figuring out how AI fits into your workflow or thinking through a
CONVENTION CLASSROOM The programming at SAF Amelia Island 2026, Aug. 18-20, practical strategies to help floral professionals adapt, grow and navigate industry change.
succession plan for your business, the sessions at Amelia Island will meet you where you are.” Beyond education, attendees can
explore new products and services at the Supplier Expo, evaluate quality and sourcing trends at the Outstanding
Featured Educational Breakout Sessions Build Operational Efficiency
Build Your Shop’s AI Brain Turn SOPs, manuals and shop knowledge into a searchable AI-powered system to improve training and daily operations.
Drive Growth and Profitability
Cash Flow Confidence Build a practical plan to manage seasonal revenue swings and maintain financial stability.
Build Stronger Teams
Stuck in the Middle Develop managers who can lead, make decisions and support long-term retention.
Strengthen Your Marketing
Dominate Your Local Flower Market Online Compete against order gatherers and capture more direct orders through SEO, AEO and paid search strategies.
Discover What’s Next
2027 Flower Trends Forecast Understand emerging consumer preferences and design direction.
Wedding Design Trends Insights into evolving wedding aesthetics and opportunities for florists.
8 FLORAL MANAGEMENT | May/June 2026 |
WWW.SAFNOW.ORG
When Customers Want It Now: Systems That Make It Work How speed, convenience and on-demand culture are reshaping floral retail.
Are You Getting What You Pay For? Evaluate marketing performance, set expectations and measure ROI effectively.
The Conversation You’re Not Having Turn feedback into a consistent leadership tool that improves performance and accountability.
Your Next Best Employee Might Be in Your Backyard Build partnerships with schools to develop future talent pipelines.
Growth Through Acquisition Evaluate opportunities, identify risks and plan successful integrations.
Managing Ownership Transition Maintain relationships, culture and performance during ownership changes.
Data Without Drowning Use POS and financial data — with help from AI — to identify trends and make better decisions.
Faster, Better, Smarter: A Modern Approach to Training Create scalable, role-based training systems using AI and video tools.
focuses on
Varieties Competition, and watch top designers compete in the 57th Sylvia Cup Design Competition. Networking remains a core part of
the experience, from the President’s Welcome Party to receptions for first timers and Next Gen attendees,
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