"It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" FSFA Annual Convention 2025

Saturday was buzzing with activity as the vendor booths came alive, offering a perfect opportunity to engage with partners, longtime customers, and new faces. 

We’re especially grateful to Jet Fresh for providing the gorgeous blooms that helped bring our booth to life! It’s always a joy to introduce ourselves to new members of the floral community and reconnect with our valued customers to hear their stories, insights, and experiences in the industry.

Amanda Jedlinsky delivered an insightful presentation on the impact of tariffs and the evolving challenges they pose for the floral industry. Her session offered practical guidance on how florists, wholesalers, and growers can navigate these economic hurdles while continuing to thrive. Representing the Society of American Florists (SAF), Amanda highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to advocacy—actively listening to the voices of industry professionals and working to shape policies that reflect their needs and concerns.

The Society of American Florists offers a wealth of valuable resources for those interested in staying informed on important legislative developments, trade issues, and industry trends. We encourage everyone to visit their website to explore their advocacy efforts, educational tools, and the latest updates affecting our floral community.

Sandy Schroeck took the stage for a thoughtful and inspiring design show sponsored by our partners at Smithers Oasis. The session explored sympathy floral work, highlighting modern approaches to memorial arrangements—from sophisticated urn designs to contemporary tributes celebrating life. Attendees learned how to craft heartfelt pieces using Smithers Oasis' innovative Renewal Foam and latest sympathy products. Sandy demonstrated techniques that balance beauty, grace, and sustainability, offering fresh ideas for honoring loved ones meaningfully.

Samantha Bates AIFD led a festive and refreshing floral design session that reimagined traditional holiday arrangements. She mentioned breaking away from the usual seasonal styles, learning new techniques for creating everything from cozy, intimate pieces to show-stopping centerpieces. 

The evening wrapped up with lively music and a joyful celebration honoring outstanding members of our floral community. It was a heartfelt tribute to those who have gone above and beyond, recognizing their exceptional contributions and dedication to the industry.

On the last day, Jody McLeod AIFD CFD NCCPF presented all about selling with confidence. Attendees explored how to communicate their value and creativity with clarity, enthusiasm, and authority. The program focused on understanding your customer, showcasing your unique design style, and using positive energy to inspire trust and build lasting relationships. With a strong emphasis on selling through authenticity and expertise, this session provided actionable tips to increase client satisfaction and profits. 

Leanne Kessler AIFD PFCI FDI captivated the audience with Color – The Most Important Element in Floral Design, a presentation that highlighted the essential role color plays in creating impactful floral work. From the foundational principles of color theory to the emotional and psychological influence of different hues, this session offered a deep dive into the power of color in design. 

Thank you to the incredible team at FSFA for hosting such a fantastic event! We’re so grateful to have been part of this inspiring weekend. If you captured any moments—photos or videos—we’d love to see them! Be sure to tag @detailsflowers so we can share in the memories and repost your highlights. We can’t wait to reconnect with everyone again next year!