The Society of American Florists ’ third yearly Next Gen LIVE ! conference will take berth February 25 - 27 , 2024 , in San Diego , CA . The upshot is created by – and for – the up - and - coming generation of floral professionals aged 45 and unseasoned .
In plus to educational sessions focused on leadership skills , technology , and industry style and challenge , attendees will take tours of blossom farm in the San Diego arena . Beyond the education and go , there are nonphysical benefits to attending – or sending squad member to Next Gen LIVE !
Inspiration and MotivationKnowing how prevalent burnout can be , Next Gen LIVE ! has been the catalyst for many to get inspired and reignite their passion for their career .
“ I find rejuvenated and refreshed after attend next Gen LIVE ! ” says Sarah Gillespie of Gillespie Florists in Indianapolis . “ I loved learning from my peers and feel more connected than ever with my floral community . ”
investiture in the FutureSheldon Jenson of Flowers by Michelle in Las Vegas look Next Gen LIVE ! in 2022 and in 2023 , claiming it helped him learn more about himself . “ I find it makes me a better manager for myself and my employees , ” he say .
Claudia Muñoz , of the on-line bloom - trade platform Fresh - o - Fair , credits the result for helping her business move forrad . “ We discovered advanced approaches , hard-nosed solutions , and newfound stirring that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of our concern , ” she pronounce .
Floral Industry ImmersionAmber Solomon of Tillie ’s Flower Shop in Wichita , Kansas , wait on the conference as a relative newcomer . “ The experience at Next Gen really made me experience like I ’m part of the floral industry , ” she say .
“ My eight months of figure may not seem like much , but no one at the event made me feel new or ignorant . Everyone was very welcoming and spoke to me as if I ’ve been doing this for class . ”
Industry KnowledgeRobert Morgalo , a senior business relationship administrator at Esmeralda Farms , does n’t get to see much of the day - to - day operations of a retail florist . Next Gen LIVE ! help him have a unexampled perceptiveness for what they do , he says . “ I have become cognizant of point I never really took into condition , and I am now more fitted out to assist my wholesalers to see to it they deport above and beyond to their florists . ” ’
The same was honest for Cristina Ramos at Lovingly , a floral engineering supplier . “ As an report manager , I now can understand and relate a piece better to the struggles florists go through on a day - to - day footing , ” she says .
Networking and ConnectionsSAF ’s Next Gen group foster a supportive community of interests of industry professionals that stay fighting year - round through monthly practical happy hours , a quarterly rule book club , and a private Facebook page .
“ [ This chemical group is ] understandably excited and passionate about arise , developing , and supporting each other as we learn to navigate everything this amazing and divers industriousness has to extend , ” aver Megan Gerace of the floral merchandising fellowship GravityFree .
Registrationfor Next Gen LIVE ! 2024 is open . The full schedule and more details are coming soon .
For more information : SAFsafnow.org
