2007 HIGHLIGHTS
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
SAF Palm Beach 2008
September 17-20
The Breakers
Palm Beach, Fla.
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We don't want to brag...
so we'll let convention attendees
do it for us!
Floral retailers, wholesalers, growers, suppliers, educators and independent designers — more than 300 of them -- came to Palm Springs, Calif. in September 2007 for SAF's 123rd Annual Convention.
Attendees spent their time gathering marketing ideas, business information and checking out new products at education sessions led by industry and business expert speakers ... picking up the latest design ideas from floral displays created by the Convention Design Team and at the Sylvia Cup Design Competition ... taking advantage of numerous networking opportunities to exchange business perspective and build both business and personal relationships ... and examining the year's finest cut flowers and plants at the Outstanding Varieties Competition. They even had a little time to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings.
Was it time well spent? Ask the folks who sent in these rave reviews on their post-convention surveys.:
"...by far the best industry event I've attended for both content and networking."
David Picard, Tsubaki Flowers, Hudson, N.H. (first time attendee)
"Lots of great, useful topics and
information. I was impressed that all size of shops could utilize and
benefit from the subject matter...introduced lots of new promo
ideas...I will try several of them."
Karen Gantz, Flowers by Pro Sports Club, Bellevue, Wash. (first time attendee)
"GREAT idea-oriented programs with lots
of applicable stuff... I am a wholesaler and I've already shared LOTS
of the retailer information with our customers...super!"
Tina Rojahn Elsafy, Rojahn & Malaney Co., Milwaukee, Wisc.
"This is my second [convention]...I feel I have made worthwhile business connections." Linda Zoerb, AAF, La Crosse Floral, La Crosse, Wisc.
"Well organized, good location, great seminars
that pertained to key aspects of business. Outstanding Varieties
Competition was one of the best of all."
Chad Nelson, Eufloria Flowers, Nipomo, Calif.
"Great programming, great entertainment and nice location. Keep up the good work."
Wanda Weder, Highland Supply Corporation, Highland, Ill.
"The subjects of most need and interest to me were all addressed very
thoroughly. The material was all presented in a very professional
manner."
Faith Middleton, Woodinville, Florist, Woodinville, Wash.
"Nice mix of networking and classes. Diversified attendees." Ted Robinson, Vissers Florist & Greenhouses, Anaheim, Calif.
"Very useful information...great networking...beautifully organized. Great marketing ideas."
Bob Gordon, Floral Design Studio, San Luis Obispo, Calif.
"Great program! Very beautiful location! Continue the outstanding seminars."
Jim Gobert, Bonnie Brae Flowers, Denver, Colo.
"My husband and I split up to cover as many seminars as possible. I was able to apply [ideas] immediately."
Jane Gobert, Bonnie Brae Flowers, Denver, Colo.
"Very smooth...well planned...lots of
variety...plenty to do... [education session] planners kept a pulse
on concerns and provided ways to explore answers to relevant questions."
Bob Dyer, Bouquets, Denver, Colo.
"[I] renewed old friendships and made new ones."
Thomas McElroy, Newton Greenhouse, Newton, N.H.
"Lots of learning and lots of fun!"
Tom Hamilton, Beavercreek Florist, Beavercreek, Ohio
"I was surprised by how much fun I had, how much
I learned and the new friends I made. The spirit of the convention is
excellent. I'm looking forward to next year! "
Barbera Brooks, B. Brooks Fine Flowers, San Francisco, Calif.
"This year's educational programs were some of the best."
Frank Mischler, M ischler's Florist, Williamsville, N.Y.
"Best yet!"
Bob Aykens, Memorial Florists & Greenhouses, Appleton, Wisc.
"Educational seminars were very good. Breakfasts, etc. were entertaining."
June Van Wingerden, Ocean Breeze International, Carpinteria, Calif.
"Well organized, good location, great seminars that pertained to key aspects of business. Outstanding Varieties Competition was one of the best of all."
Chad Nelson, Eufloria Flowers, Nipomo, Calif.
"Lots of good info...great networking and meeting face-to-face with industry leaders."
Jeff Miklos, AIFD, PFCI, 1-800-Flowers.com, Carle Place, N.Y.
"Programming was excellent. The [educational session] discussions show wholesalers the direction the industry is going...[it] helps with strategic planning."
Alan Tanouye, Vans, Inc.
"Lots of thought went into planning this event. I like the emphasis on marketing, business and profits [in the educational sessions.]"
Michael Trogdon, AAF, Burge Flower Shop, Inc., Asheboro, N.C.
"Great energy in the air...a sense of purpose. Kudos to all involved."
Steve Frye, Baisch and Skinner, St. Louis, Mo.
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