Full registration entitles you to attend all educational sessions, all
general sessions — including the Kick off Breakfast, Marketing
Breakfast, and Business Session & Breakfast — as well as the
Outstanding Varieties Competition, Sylvia Cup Competition
(non-contestant only), Idea Swap, and many functions like the Opening
Reception, Awards Dinner, Friday Evening Networking Reception, and
President's Banquet.
SAF's registration fee not only covers every great educational session,
but all meals except lunch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The registration fee is the lowest of all national industry associations.
2. I’m new and don’t know anyone, is there a special program for First Timers?
Yes, as a first-time attendee you'll be assigned a "buddy" — usually a
member of SAF's convention or member services committees — who'll be
happy to meet with you, show you around and introduce you to other
attendees. There's also a First Timers Reception on Thursday evening
where you'll get to meet other newbies as well as SAF convention
veterans who can help you get the most out of SAF's annual meeting.
3. What should I wear?
Temperatures in the Phoenix area are in the high 80's to low 90's in
late September. Resort casual is the fashion for Phoenix 2009 events:
casual shirts, slacks, shorts or dresses. The Awards Dinner calls for
business dress: collared shirt, tie and jacket for men, pansuit or
dress for women. For the President's Banquet, the attire is black-tie
optional.
4. My spouse wants to come with me, but will only participate in social functions. Is there an event-only registration? Yes, there is an event only registration for spouse/significant others. Please contact Laura Weaver at 800-336-4743 or for more details or click here for the .pdf. 5. I can only attend the convention one day, can I still participate?
If your schedule does NOT permit you to
attend the convention for the entire time, there is a day convention
rate. Please contct Laura Weaver at (800) 336-4743 or for more details or click here for the .pdf. 6. What is Sylvia Cup and how can I participate?
The Sylvia Cup is the longest running
annual, live, national floral design competition in the industry. It
draws designers from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD),
as well as winners of state and regional contests. Space is limited to
25 contestants and registration is required. Learn more about the Sylvia Cup competition here. 7. What is Outstanding Varieties and how can I participate?
An exciting, annual competition, Outstanding Varieties is where growers show off their
finest fresh cut flowers, greens, flowering and bedding plants as they
vie for Best in Show or Best in Class honors. Learn more about the competition here. 8. What is there to do in the area for fun?
There are a variety of things to do close by the hotel. Please see the hotel's website for full details.
9. How do I register for the SAFPAC Golf Tournament Everyone is welcome to play in this fun, relaxed tournament supporting a great cause, SAFPAC, the SAF Political Action Committee.
The registration fee is $200 per player, and must be paid with a
personal check or a personal credit card per FEC rules. Registration
cost covers greens fee, sleeve of golf balls, box lunch and
refreshments, golf cart and reception following the round. For more
information or to register, contact Brian Gamberini at 800-336-4743 or .
10. How can I be a sponsor for SAF Phoenix 2009? Sponsors enjoy great visibility before, during and after the convention! There are sponsorshipopportunities still available. Contact Laura Weaver at (800) 336-4743 or .
11. What is the group room rate, hotel cut-off date and hotel phone number?
The SAF rate is $209.00 single/double. The rate does not include sales
tax and hotl tariffs. The cut off date for guaranteeing the SAF room
rate is August 31, 2009. SAF anticipates a sold out convention so be
sure to make your reservations early! To reserve a room, call
602-225-0100 and be sure to mention SAF to get the group rate. To
cancel your room, do so by September 1 for a full refund.
12. What is the early bird deadline for convention registration?
The early bird deadline for convention registration is August 20. After that date, convention registration increases $50.
13. What is the AFE Endowment dinner and how can I attend?
The AFE Endowment Dinner will be held on Wednesday, September 23 at the
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass. The American Floral Endowment annual
fundraising dinner supports the floriculture industry by funding
research, education and scholarships benefiting all segments. There is
a separate registration fee for the AFE Endowment Dinner. You can
register to attend by signing up on the registration form or contacting
AFE at 703-838-5211.
14. Is there a trade show connected with the SAF Convention?
There
is currently not a trade show associated with the SAF convention, but
there are several trade show oriented aspects of the convention. The Premier Product Showcase
allows vendors and suppliers to showcase their best products during
this action packed educational session. If you are interested in
having a product showcased, please contact Jenny Scala at (800)
336-4743 or
Also - Outstanding Varieties
is another way for growers to showcase their top crops! This is a
highlight of the convention where all convention attendees walk
through! See question #7 for more information.
15. How can I participate in the Tennis Tournament?
The tournament will be held on Friday, September 25. This fun round
robin tournament is open to everyone and is a great way to meet new
friends and be active! There is an additional fee to participate. For
more information, contact Laura Weaver at (800) 336-4743 or to sign up on the registration form.
