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Florida State Florist Association’s 2012 Convention – Paradise

The Florida State Florist Association‘s 2012 Annual Convention was this past weekend on Hutchington Island in Florida. With a show titled, Paradise, you knew you’d be in for a treat, and our own Leslie Cox was the lucky FSN team member to attend.

Paradise is the perfect time to learn, gather in friendship, shop the venders in the tradefair, view competitions and show your overall support of the floral industry in Florida by supporting FSFA.  – Steven Day, AIFD CFD & Paradise Chairperson

Floral Designs From the 2012 FSFA Annual Convention

Of course the Florida State Florist Association’s convention is going to use TROPICALS! They were definitely on everyone’s mind during this show themed Paradise. Check out these bright and cheery floral designs, perfect for kicking off summer!

Rustic Woven Bows With Pick Daisies FSFA Yellow Flower Arrangement Picture Birds of Paradise are featured in this tropical floral design from FSFA

This arrangement features an abundance of interesting textures by mixing flowers such as: cockscomb, hydrangeas, protea, and hypericum berries. Yellow floral design featuring lilies and chrysanthemums. Peach and orange is mixed with different shades of green to create a beautiful and unique flower arrangement.

[Read more…]

FLOWERADE – Hydrate Your Creativity with the Florida State Florists Convention

We just got back from the Florida State Florists’ Association‘s Mid-Season floral convention. The theme of the show was FLOWERADE – Hydrate and Refuel Your Creativity and the florists attending really did get refueled with creativity! Flower Shop Network also sponsored designer Anthony Swick, CFD, FSMD, during his Floral Mechanics presentation.

Anthony Swick Presenting For Flower Shop Network

Other presentations from the Florida Flowerade Convention included:

  • Hand-Tied By Design, a hands-on class by Sylvia Bird, AIFD
  • The Green Thumb — Growing Your Plant Sales by Christina Brown, horticulture specialist
  • How To Market Your Wedding Biz by Jacob McCall and Bobby Kyser
  • Weddings A-Z by Deborah De La Flor, AIFD, PFCI
  • Creative Foliage Accents a hands-on class by Dan Hathcock, AIFD, ISES
  • Perfect Parties & Exceptional Events by Alex Jackson, AIFD, PFCI

As you can see, there is a lot to learn for florists at your state conventions. It’s always good to come out and meet others in your industry, but also take home some much needed inspiration and FLOWERADE!

Also at the Florida State Florists’ Convention this year, was their floral design contest, Save Your Sole a shoe art competition. I know what you’re thinking, shoe art? YES! Well, shoe art with flowers! Just take a look at these amazing pictures from the event:

Save Your Sole, Shoe Art Competition

Shoe Art Flowers Floral Shoe Art Floral Shoe Art

It’s easy to see why florists have SO MUCH FUN at their job. The winner of this competition received $200! If you’re a florist and have never attended a state convention,  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! [Read more…]

Do Flower Shows Peak Your Interest?

Flower shows just seem like the perfect time to chit chat with florists from your area and even some from far away. Being a little bit of  a social butterfly, this prospect definitely appeals to me.

Just think about it. You get to discuss what you love with people who share your passion. You learn, grow and develop your passion and your talents while making new friends. You get to take a break from the rush-rush-rush of the office but you’re not far from the action. With all this in store, who wouldn’t love a flower show?

Network coordinators from Flower Shop Network recently made their trip to the Florida State Florists Association Convention. They returned with great stories. I must admit, I was a bit jealous after hearing what some of the florists at the show had to say! Everyone came back with a smile that was twice as large as when they had left. In light of everything going on today, I find this chance to be inspired by other florists very appealing. I’m ready for the next flower show!

What’s on the agenda for this summer? Flower shows taking place in June/July 2009:

What do you think of flower shows and florist association conventions? Ever been to one? Tell us your favorite stories from the trip!

We’re Back From the FSFA Convention 2009!!

Flower Shop Network representatives “took a break” over the weekend and visited the Florida State Florists Association Convention in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists from around the state and the country were there to celebrate the things they love the most — flowers! If you had a chance to go, you already know that this year’s FSFA Convention was cram packed with fun things to do and great people to see.

Joe Hays and Leslie Cox, FSN Network Coordinators

Joe Hays and Leslie Cox, FSN Network Coordinators

Did you happen to see these two characters at the convention? Flower Shop Network’s own Joe Hays and Leslie Cox had the opportunity to visit with florists, enjoy the other displays and snap a few pictures of the event! Even if you didn’t get the chance to go, you can feel like you were there thanks to the magic of digital photos. Don’t forget to share your photos and comments as well!

Leslie Cox and

FSN Network Coordinator Leslie Cox and John of Lake City Florist in Lake City FL

(l to r) ? Joe Hays ?

(l to r) Rodney from Flowerama in Pensacola FL, Joe Hays, Angela from Pink Flamingo At Petals in New Smyrna Beach FL

Flower Shop Network Display at FSFA Convention 2009

Flower Shop Network Display at FSFA Convention 2009

Sporting A Flower Shop Network Tote Bag

Sporting A Flower Shop Network Tote Bag

If you were at the FSFA Convention this year, why not share your photos with the rest of us? We’d love to see your favorite parts of the show and hear about what sparked your interest!

Pack Your Bags For These Upcoming Flower Shows!

Ready to give yourself a break between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day? These upcoming flower shows are perfectly scheduled so that you’re not missing any excitement back at the flower shop but you ARE enjoying the excitement at the show!

The Super Floral Show 2009 is being hosted June 9-12 in Atlanta Georgia. Florists here know how much fun it is to network with other Atlanta florists as well as the many talented florists and designers who come in from across the country for this well-respected show. The planners of the Super Floral Show 2009 understand what you want most from this show. For that reason, expect to get your money’s worth all in one day! You can enjoy the exhibitor floor from Wednesday (June 10) through Friday (June 12), but be prepared to learn if you come on Wednesday! This day features  a keynote breakfast, exhibitor displays, education sessions and a keynote lunch. What a day! Whether in the Atlanta area or not, check out the Super Floral Show. Get ready for a good time!

The Florida State Florists Association Convention 2009 (what a mouthful!) is also taking place this week. In fact, the show starts tomorrow (June 5) and runs through June 7 in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists are welcome to attend this show and bring along their learning caps. Each day is filled with fun things to do, networking with other local florists and designers, educational sessions–and did I mention that it’s in St Petersburg? A sunny day on the beach and a day with flower sounds like fun! If it sounds like fun to you to, pack your bags for the FSFA Convention 2009. What are you waiting for? Sun, sand and Florida’s best flower show await!

Friday The 13th Is Good Day For Florida Florists

People often associated Friday the 13th with a bad day. As I see it, this year it is going to be a good day for Florida Florists (many are Flower Shop Network members). Why? Because the Florida State Florists’ Association Convention starts tomorrow, June 13th. From the look of the Schedule of Events it promises to be a great convention. This convention is filled with design workshops, competitions and includes a program involving wedding design. Many of the Flower Shop Network florists have flower shops that specialize in wedding flowers. Since wedding flowers are a large part of the floral industry, this special program will give florists an insight as to the wedding trends for 2008 and 2009 and how to refresh the traditional flower concepts for the modern bride. Along with all the great workshops and competitions, there will be many opportunities to network with florists from around the state as well as some from surrounding states.

If you are attending don’t for get you money. The silent auction promises to be a good one. If you are not registered but would like to attend, I am sure they will sign you up at the door. Most convention have a registration booth on site at the beginning of the convention for those last minute attendees.

Interested in other floral related conventions, symposiums or shows? I have complied a list of Conventions, symposiums and shows for June through October 2008. As information becomes available I will add to the list. Flower Shop Network staff will be attending some of these and we look forward to seeing you there.

For those of you attending the Florida State Florists Convention.  Have a happy and fun Friday the 13th.