2024 FSFA International Convention: Reflections

Last weekend, Details Team members Corrine, Avery, and Olivia attended the 2024 FSFA International Convention: Reflections- Past, Present, and Future. We love supporting our state florist association and enjoyed seeing our floral friends and meeting new ones! Here is our recap of the event!

The 2024 Florida State Florists Association (FSFA) Annual Convention kicked off with an enchanting opening reception that set the stage for an unforgettable weekend. The aquarium-themed designs on display showcased the creativity and talent within the floral community, with categories ranging from sympathy arrangements to wedding designs and freestyle creations. The vibrant colors and innovative concepts were nothing short of inspiring. We were able to catch up with floral friends, walk through stunning designs displays, and ended the night with a group dinner on the town! 

Images: Greg, Corrine, Avery, Olivia, and Irving (Top Left), Andrew Stinson, Winner of the Sunshine Cup (Bottom Left), Corrine Heck and Lottie McKinnon of Telefora (Right). 

One of the highlights of the evening was the Sunshine Cup competition. Congrats to Andrew Stinson for winning the Sunshine Cup! 

The convention's second day was packed with activities and opportunities to connect with fellow florists and industry professionals The Partner Showcase was a fantastic chance to meet many of our customers and florists from surrounding states. The energy was electric as we shared experiences and insights, strengthening our community ties. We connected with several of our Partners including Flower Shop Network, Jet Fresh, Syndicate Sales, and Smithers-Oasis. 

Images: Avery with Details Customer, Stephanie Navas of Flowers on Broadway (Top Left), The Jetfresh booth inspired by Keith Haring (Top Middle), Jordan Prosser of Alabama Smilax with Irving Casiano of Flower Shop Network (Top Right), Kate Penn of SAF  (Bottom Left),  Irving of Flower Shop Network with Avery, using the Details ring light (Bottom Middle), Olivia showing off our Ad in the Floral Management Magazine (Bottom Middle), Jacob McCall interviewing Corrine (Bottom Right). 

A standout moment was Kate Penn's presentation on "Petal It Forward." Her insights into this heartwarming initiative were motivational and practical, providing valuable ideas for florists looking to spread joy and positivity in their communities. We look forward to participating in the international event this October and supporting this industry we all love and support so dearly!

Images: The Panel Discussion (Top Left),  Patience Pickner (Top Right), Corrine Heck modeling one of the Stage Designs (Bottom Left), Patience Pickner bouquet design featuring a Fitz Design Crystal Holder (Bottom Middle), Avery at the Details Booth (Bottom Right). 

The panel discussion featuring representatives from Gardens America, Jet Fresh, and other industry leaders was incredibly informative. The exchange of ideas and experiences highlighted the dynamic nature of our industry and the continuous evolution of floral trends and practices.

Patience Pickner's stage presentation was also a true delight. She demonstrated various wirework techniques and the incorporation of crystals and other add-ons to enhance floral designs for weddings, proms, and special events. We were blown away by her work and, of course, had to have a quick photoshoot! Her creativity and attention to detail has inspire us to experiment with new materials and techniques.

Images: Long-time Details Customer, Christina Brown with Corrine (Top Left), Corrine with Kristin Gilliland of Gardens of America at the Cocktail Party (Middle Top), Avery, Corrine, and Olivia (Top Right), Olivia, Avery, Corrine, Jenna Sleeman, and Anna Dementieva (Bottom Left), Dali May of Jet Fresh and Corrine (Bottom Right)

The day concluded with a cocktail hour featuring stunning floral body art. This unique showcase, combined with the lively atmosphere, made for a memorable evening. Emotions ran wild as awards were given, songs were sung, and delicious food was served! We were excited to be in attendance, as our Partner, Jet Fresh, was honored as the Importer of the Year, a well-deserved accolade for its contributions to our industry!

Our experience at the 2024 FSFA Annual Convention was nothing short of extraordinary. We had the opportunity to connect with so many talented florists and industry leaders, and we gained a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from the presentations and showcases!

We are incredibly grateful for the chance to be a part of such a vibrant community and look forward to continuing our collaboration with the talented individuals and companies we met at the convention. Here's to another year of growth, creativity, and shared success in the floral industry!