Details Takes On Dallas For SAF NextGen 2025!

The next session, featuring Erin Bruno (McNamara Florist), John Burk (DV Flora), and moderated by Oscar Fernandez (Rio Roses), explored strategies for managing both up and down the organizational ladder. The panelists shared insights on aligning with senior leadership's vision while leading and supporting your team. Attendees learned practical tools for building trust, fostering communication, and bridging organizational goals with daily operations. Whether you're an executive or in an entry-level role, you are left with actionable strategies to lead effectively, ensuring alignment and engagement throughout the organization.

After lunch, we could choose one out of two sessions to attend. The first was with panelists Cindy Prichard (Flower Shop Network) and Ryan Marrero (Rio Roses), moderated by Kristin Gilliland (Gardens America), who shared essential sales techniques to help teams confidently connect with customers across all channels, from in-person to social media. Attendees learned how to navigate challenging conversations, diffuse uncomfortable situations, and turn them into positive experiences. This session provided practical tools to build trust and loyalty with every customer interaction, offering strategies for maintaining a consistent, professional customer experience, whether in-person, by phone, or online.

The second session was Reputation Resilience: Turn Feedback Into Opportunity with Jackie Levine (Central Square Florist) and Sheldon Jenson (Flowers by Michelle). We learned how to build a resilient brand by mastering reputation management techniques that turn customer feedback into valuable opportunities. The session covered strategies for addressing unhappy customers, recovering from negative reviews, and protecting your online presence. It emphasized the importance of timely, thoughtful responses in safeguarding your reputation, improving customer satisfaction, and supporting recruitment efforts. 

Later that afternoon, after the sessions, we were off into the town on a floral-filled adventure!

We enjoyed a field trip to the Dallas Arboretum, where we participated in a scavenger hunt and explored the stunning botanical gardens. The tulips were in full bloom, and the larger-than-life sculptures were truly spectacular. The highlight of the day was visiting the headquarters of Dr. Delphinium, where we toured the expansive facility and enjoyed mini-presentations from various departments.

It was incredible to see the floral designs displayed throughout the building. During dinner, we heard from the Creative Cartel about the latest industry trends and their new movement, Organic Brutalism. 

Day 3

On the last day of SAF NextGen, we had two sessions to choose from. Both covered the newly emerging trends of AI. Ryan Black from Jet Fresh led an in-depth session on advanced AI techniques for creating captivating images, engaging content, and innovative design ideas. Tailored for professionals already familiar with AI tools, the session provided hands-on insights into using AI to generate standout marketing materials. Attendees explored advanced tools for producing high-quality visuals and text, learned strategies to streamline content creation while enhancing originality, and gained practical tips for brainstorming and executing polished, creative campaigns.

We also want to congratulate Lacie Wood, a Floral Design teacher at Burleson High School, who won our tradeshow booth giveaway box!

In the interactive session “Getting Started with AI: A Round Robin Journey Using Key Tools,” panelists explored programs for data analysis, content creation, communication, and idea generation, gaining hands-on experience with practical applications to streamline tasks and boost productivity. This dynamic approach provided valuable insights into how AI can enhance efficiency across various roles in the floral industry.

The last session, presented by Eileen Weber (Lake Forest Flowers) and Amanda Jedlinsky (SAF), explored the biggest trends, growth opportunities, and challenges in the floral industry — and how next-generation leaders can drive change. Attendees shared insights, challenged conventional thinking, and considered new approaches to common issues. 

A huge thank you to SAF and the NextGen Committee for hosting such an incredible event! We truly value the connections we made and the time spent with so many inspiring industry professionals. If you want to stay up to date on more SAF events happening this year, be sure to visit their website!