First-time at an SAF Convention? Stop by and chat with members of SAF's Convention and Member Services Committees. They'll be glad to help you get the most out of SAF Palm Beach 2008.
Re-connect with old friends and make new ones while enjoying the beautiful Florida weather.
7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. American Floral Endowment Dinner **
Business Attire
Good food, great company, and an important purpose come together at this most important event. Support the American Floral Endowment's research and education activities. Sign up on the registration form. (** additional sign-up/fee required)
Thursday, September 18
7:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m.
Registration
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Kick-Off Breakfast: Staying the Course - Succeeding in Challenging Times
Sponsored by:
and
Speaker: Dick Beardsley, The Dick Beardsley Foundation
Feel as though times are getting tougher? This powerful presentation by running legend Dick Beardsley will give you the energy you need to stay the course. A nationally-known athlete, Beardsley broke the American record in the 1982 Boston Marathon but lost everything after a series of accidents and multiple surgeries left him addicted to painkillers. Today, he's once again a competitive Masters runner, author and trainer. How he turned his life around will uplift and inspire you to meet every future challenge along your road.
PLUS! Floral Management's 15th Annual Marketer of the Year Award
Gather fresh sales and promotion ideas from the winner of this year's top honor in floral marketing.
9:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Outstanding Varieties Competition Opens Want to see the best fresh product on the market today? Growers show off their finest fresh cut flowers, greens, potted flowering plants, bedding plants and foliage in this annual event that's open throughout the convention.
Learn...about the best fresh product on the market today.
Take home...an expanded perspective about the range and quality of fresh goods available to you.
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. All Industry Session: Sustainability: Issues and Opportunities for the Floral Industry Speaker: Jim Prevor Hans
Brand, B&H Flowers; BJ Dyer, AAF, AIFD, Bouquets, Inc.; Peter
Ullrich, Esmeralda Farms; and John Scott Wilkins, Delaware Valley
Floral
The Green Age is upon
us — bringing with it a dramatic change in what the consumer values and
how businesses respond. which increasingly tie the worth of our
business decisions to their environmental impact. And the concept of
being "green" has given birth to a now widely-used buzzword: sustainability.
But
what does "sustainability" mean? And what does it mean to the floral
industry? What opportunities does it present? How will it change the
way we operate our businesses?
In this critically important session, renowned business analyst Jim Prevor
and a panel of floral industry experts will address these questions and
more -- taking you from a broad-brush understanding down to the
nitty-gritty of what to do next. Read more about this session > Learn...what "sustainability" and socially-responsible business operations mean in a broad sense, for the floral industry, and for your business.
Take home...ideas about how you can begin taking advantage of the opportunities sustainability represents.
Sponsored by:
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
41st Annual Sylvia Cup Design Competition** The Sylvia Cup is the longest running, annual, live, national floral design competition in the industry and draws designers from the American Institute of Floral Designers, winners of state and regional contests, and designers of the year. The winner receives $2,500 and two honorable mentions receive $250 provided by Smithers-Oasis. All entries will be on display and winners are announced at the SAF Industry Awards Dinner Thursday evening.
(**Designers who enjoy camaraderie and the thrill of competition are welcome to compete. Space is limited to 25 contestants and registration is required by August 8. Contact Jenny Stromann,
; 800-336-4743.)
Noon - 1:00 p.m. Catch the Sylvia Cup Action with Live Commentary Commentators: Vince Butera, AIFD, PFCI Tina Stoecker, AIFD, PFCI
Watch the contestants and get the scoop on the action when PFCI breaks the fierce competition silence to tell you about the fresh and hard-good products and design techniques being used.
Learn... insider tricks on design mechanics, concepts and products. Take home...innovative floral design ideas and cost-saving design techniques that can boost profit and keep your business on the leading edge.
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Educational Sessions
Packaging Your Brand
What do Starbucks, Macy's and UPS have in common? Image continuity reinforces their brand with every customer interaction - and purchase packaging (or truck graphics, for UPS) keeps their name in front of clients wherever they go. Panelists in this session will talk about how they use packaging and other branding techniques to define, reinforce and promote the value they bring to customers. Learn...what other companies are doing to brand their stores through packaging, color and design. Take home...ideas you can put to work to begin integrating your brand through every aspect of your business.
Top Tech Tips to Simplify Your Business and Your Life Moderator: Marty Loppnow, Waukesha Floral & Greenhouses, Waukesha, Wisc. Panelists: Maris Angolia, Karin's Florist, Inc., Vienna, Va. Bob Aykens, Memorial Florists & Greenhouses, Inc., Appleton, Wisc.
Scott Kitayama, Greenleaf Wholesale Florist, Brighton, Colo.
Learn from some of the most tech-savvy people in the industry as members of the SAF Technology Committee share tech tips that they've found can save time and money, increase workflow and improve business productivity. You'll also have a chance to submit your own tech questions and get a little guidance. Topics will range from the basic to the advanced, so whether you're a techno-wizard or a technophobe, you're bound to gather useful information. Learn...ways you can tweak technology to make your job easier and your business operations more effective. Take home...tips you can put to work right away, as well as valuable contacts for the next time you're in a technical fog.
How to Get the Most Out of a Wholesaler's Show
Some floral wholesalers put on very successful events for their customers - events that benefit the retailer in ways that reinforce the relationship and help the retailer be more successful. What makes an event successful for a retailer? What programs or services do they offer? And how can everyone get the most out of the event? Panelists will include wholesalers with successful shows talking about what works for them and retailers sharing what makes them want to attend. Learn...what kinds of events wholesalers are finding successful and why. Take home...ideas to consider when creating your own show and how to make the most out an event you're attending.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
All-Industry Idea Swap
You never know who's going to come up with that next great idea that's going to change your life. If you've put a good idea to work successfully or know about one that's working well for someone else, come and share it at this fast-paced and fascinating new session. Then take home all the ideas everyone else has brought to share with you. Ideas about sales, marketing, customer relations, business operations, management, inventory, product care, merchandising, delivery and anything else floral-related are welcome - as is everyone in the floral industry.
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sponsored by:
Awards Reception and Dinner Business Attire
Enjoy a delightful dinner and entertainment as you celebrate the accomplishments of some of our industry's most outstanding citizens. Toast new members inducted into SAF's American Academy of Floriculture and Professional Floral Communicators - International. Celebrate with the recipients of SAF's Alex Laurie, Gold Medal and Paul Ecke Jr. awards. Share the thrill as winners of the Sylvia Cup Design Competition and the Tommy Bright Award are announced. And cheer for the recipient of the industry's highest honor - the SAF Floriculture Hall of Fame.
Friday, September 19 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Registration
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Voting
Sponsored by:
7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Marketing Breakfast: The Power of Giving Flowers Speaker: Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D. Rutgers University
We know the positive benefits for those who receive flowers, but what does it do for the giver? Don't miss the opportunity to hear about the industry's newest research, funded by the American Floral Endowment (AFE), on how people perceive those who give flowers. World-renowned researcher and psychologist Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., of Rutgers University will present the study findings. SAF Consumer Marketing Committee Chair Dwight Larimer, AAF, will discuss how SAF is promoting the news to consumers.
Learn...First-hand facts on the study results and what they mean for the industry.
Take home...Tips on how to capitalize on the research for your business.
7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Outstanding Varieties Open
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Educational Sessions
Thriving in Today's Economy, Part 1: Survival Tool Kit Speaker: Paul Goodman, CPA
Are your business financial practices tuned up for today's economy? Floral industry financial expert Paul Goodman will tell you how to check and make sure you have the right tools in place.
Learn...what you should, and shouldn't be doing to keep your business financially secure.
Take home...a list of tips, things to check, tweak and update, to keep your financial practices in touch with the times.
Digital Deadbolt — Is Your Business Secure?
Speakers: John Higginson, FTD, Inc.; and Jim Talarico, Teleflora What would happen to your business if a hacker stole all of your customers' credit card numbers? It can happen in an instant if you don't have the right "digital deadbolts" in place - and you could lose a whole lot more than customer trust and goodwill. Find out how to protect yourself in this critical, nuts and bolts session.
Learn...how to secure your business data and keep security systems up to date. Plus, find out about the new Payment Card Industry Digital Security Standard (PCISS) that may become a requirement for all retailers.
Take home...a list of potential security weak points and how to shore them up, plus what you'll need to do to comply with the PCISS standard.
How to Get a Life... Balanced! Speaker: Sheryl Nicholson, CSP, Life Balance Institute
If you think you work a lot, you're not alone. This interactive program by nationally known business advisor and author Sheryl Nicholson, CSP, brings you "take-back tools" that you can use to improve both your productivity and life balance.
Learn...how to identify where you need help... manage your day, projects, paper and people more efficiently.... put friends back into your life ... de-stress your home time ... take healthy risks... nurture your own growth ... and live with purpose.
Take home...techniques that turn mountains of paper into molehills... tips to help you stop procrastinating... easy ways to organize information... "power rituals" that help you de-stress and transition from work to home... and much more.
10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Educational Sessions
Thriving in Today's Economy, Part 2: Survival Tactics
Just because consumers are tight on cash doesn't mean your business can't thrive. A panel of members representing different segments of the industry will share cost-cutting and revenue-building tactics that have worked for them.
Learn...what others are doing to keep their businesses in shape during the economic slowdown. Take home...tips for reducing overhead, building business, low-cost marketing and more.
Digital Deadbolt - Is Your Business Secure?
(repeat) How to Get a Life... Balanced
(repeat)
Sponsored by:
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tennis Tournament** Whether you're a tennis hotshot or just picked up the game, you'll enjoy this relaxed, mixed doubles round robin match. Use the registration form to sign up. (**Additional fee/sign-up required.)
1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
SAFPAC Golf Tournament**
Duffers and pros alike are welcome - and guaranteed to have a great time - at SAFPAC's 18th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser. New this year is a hole-in-one competition with a $10,000 prize. Tournament proceeds support the industry's political action committee. Use the registration form to sign up, or contact SAF's Brian Freedman at 800-336-4743;
(**Additional fee/sign-up required.)
2:00-2:45 p.m.
Educational Session
Off The Top Of My Head:
Improvisation Exercises for Creativity & Thinking on Your Feet
Speaker: David Glickman
Ever need to think quickly on your
feet to maneuver out of a tricky situation? Did you know you can train
your brain to do it better? In the same way that traditional exercise
can hone your body’s muscles, there are exciting improvisation
exercises to hone your brain. Join actor and improvisation trainer
David Glickman in a series of improv games that teach you how to be
more effective and confident in unexpected situations. Part lecture,
part fun-filled interactive exercises, attendees are guaranteed an
entertaining and enlightening session. You can participate in the
improv game or just sit back and observe. Either way it’s bound to be
the most fun you ever had in a “classroom.” And the skills you learn
will help you be more successful at work and at home.
Learn... how to think more quickly, listen better and stay focused in unexpected situations. Take home… an increased ability for problem solving, fast decision-making, brainstorming, collaboration, handling risk and more.
Enjoy a delightful evening of music and good company as you network by the ocean.
Saturday, September 20 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Registration
7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Business Session & Buffet Breakfast: SAF State of the Industry Report Speaker: Peter J. Moran, CEO, Society of American Florists
Get the scoop on the state of the floral industry and hear the latest news from SAF as you enjoy breakfast with friends. You'll also see the winners of the Outstanding Varieties Competition and have a chance to show your appreciation to the generous sponsors who make the SAF convention possible.
Media Interview Boot Camp Speaker: Nan Tolbert, Media Trainer, The Communication Center
This session is the perfect follow-up to last year's PR Boot Camp. Don't wait until the cameras show up at your business door...learn how make the most of the opportunity by presenting yourself and your company in the best possible way. The camera will be rolling in this interactive, live-action session. You'll have a chance to participate in a mock interview, then see yourself on camera and get expert advice about how to improve. Learn...how to develop effective messages and prepare for interviews... how to speak in "sound bites" that TV news (and print) editors love... how to present a composed, professional image that engages the audience... what to do when a reporter asks a question you'd rather not answer... and more. Take home...techniques for creating concise, quotable "sound bites" and ways to exude credibility through eye contact, voice control and body language.
Entering the Blogosphere. Building Business Through Blogs and Social Networking Web Sites Speaker: Renato Sogueco, SAF Chief Information Officer
Blogging and social networking sites are easy, fun and a great way to enhance your online reputation and drive customers -- particularly the "net" generation -- to your website. In this hands-on session you'll not only see how it's done -- you'll DO it! BRING YOUR LAPTOP! You're going to set up your blog and social networking page on the spot! You may also wish to bring digital photographs of yourself, your business, floral designs, etc. Learn...how to set up blogs and social networking pages, what to write about and when, how to use it to drive customers to your website. Take home...your own live web blog and/or social networking page, plus loads of ideas about what to include, topics to write about and tips/tricks for keeping it up and monitoring it.
Manage People Better for a Better Bottom Line Speaker: Richard Hadden, CSP, Contented Cow Partners
Are you doing all you can to get sustained peak performance from the people you manage? Are they committed? Do they know you care? And why should it matter? The fact is, happy employees contribute directly to the bottom line. Learn some no-nonsense lessons in leadership and how to coach people to reach their potential in this fast-paced, interactive session. Learn...why change driven by aspirations and commitment always outlives change driven by fear...what winning companies are doing to keep people fired up and focused... how to find and eliminate the "commitment killers" in your organization... how to help employees toward developmental goals and use coaching techniques within your specific business... how to collaborate with others for maximum influence and performance. Take home...tips and techniques you can put to work right away to build employee commitment and encourage top performance through coaching and leadership.
10:45 a.m. - 12:00 noon Educational Sessions
Premier Product Showcase Speakers: Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, MCF
Sherry Reinking, AAF, AIFD, PFCI
Buckle up for a fast-paced, action-packed, show 'n tell, thrill ride. Jerome and Sherry will unveil brand new items to revolutionize the way you do business. Learn...about innovative strategies for using the new products in flower care, marketing, displays, add-on sales and event work. Take home...great ideas and loads of samples of containers, care and handling packets, foam, wristlets, boutonnière holders, note cards and more.
Manage People Better for a Better Bottom Line (repeat)
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. 
Thriving in Today's Economy, Part 1: Survival Tool Kit
How to Get a Life... Balanced! 
Off The Top Of My Head: 
Media Interview Boot Camp 
Entering the Blogosphere. Building Business Through Blogs and Social Networking Web Sites
Manage People Better for a Better Bottom Line
