Corrine, Avery, Whitney, Crystal, and Sydney from the Details team traveled to Raleigh, NC, for the 5th Annual SAF NextGen Live Conference! SAF events are always incredibly inspiring, but there’s something extra special about connecting with the next generation of florists. We gained so much insight into current industry trends and challenges, and, of course, we loved spending time with our amazing floral friends.
If you couldn’t make it to NextGen this year, don’t worry — we’re taking you with us. Here’s our official recap!
From the moment registration opened, you could feel the momentum building. There’s a different kind of energy at NextGen: ambitious, curious, and forward-thinking, and it sets the tone for the entire weekend.
After opening comments and a lively get-to-know-you session, we jumped right into one of the most impactful conversations of the conference.
Moderated by Sahid Nahim of New Bloom Solutions, this panel brought together voices from every corner of the supply chain, featuring John Burke, Ryan Marrero, Danean Allan, Paige Kennicott, and Lori Wheat.
Hearing growers discuss automation, importers talk freight realities, and retailers share how rising costs are reshaping customer conversations reminded us that no one operates in a silo. The biggest takeaway? Collaboration and communication are no longer optional — they’re essential.
Christine Guenther’s session on confidence and leadership felt like a masterclass in self-advocacy. The conversations about speaking up in meetings, asking for an opportunity, and handling pushback professionally sparked so many hallway discussions afterward. You could tell it resonated.
Meanwhile, Darcie Garcia, AIFD, completely re-energized how we view everyday flowers. Watching her transform carnations, mums, and lilies into modern, high-style designs was such a powerful reminder that profitability and creativity absolutely go hand in hand. It wasn’t about expensive stems; it was about smart design and strategy.
The Supplier Expo that followed was full of hugs, new introductions, and meaningful conversations. We loved seeing familiar partners and discovering new products that are helping move the industry forward.
And then… the “Next Gen U” themed dinner.
Collegiate jackets. Greek life apparel. Jerseys. Custom “Next Gen U” looks. The creativity was unmatched. The team design competition brought just the right amount of friendly rivalry, and the room was filled with laughter, collaboration, and a little bit of competitive spirit. Even the Irving cutout made a special appearance during the design competition!
Monday started early with wellness as a grounding way to begin a full day of big ideas.
Talmage McLaurin, AIFD, didn’t just talk about trends; he made us work with them. In small groups, we explored how the 2026 Flower Trend Forecast could actually translate to real shops, real weddings, and real retail floors.
The shift from “That’s beautiful” to “How would I sell that?” was powerful. It pushed everyone to think beyond inspiration boards and into action.
Our Founder & CEO, Corrine Heck, took the stage with a session that resonated deeply with event professionals. Using a “Survivor”-inspired framework, she emphasized preparation, communication, and culture as the ultimate “immunity idols” against burnout and chaos.
From building trust within teams to making preparation non-negotiable, this session reinforced that strong systems create calm — even during the high-pressure holidays.
To keep the Survivor spirit alive, we launched a conference-wide challenge to find the Ultimate Connector. From sharing your 2026 goals to seeking out your target and connecting with as many attendees as possible to discovering new vendors along the way, the energy around this challenge was incredible. It sparked meaningful conversations, encouraged genuine connections, and brought an extra layer of fun to the entire experience.
To top it off, the winner even received a signed champagne bottle from Irving!
Led by Irving Casiano and Megan Gerace, the lunch conversation felt honest and balanced. Some attendees shared tools they’re already using to streamline marketing and forecasting. Others voiced real concerns about implementation and overwhelm.
The afternoon continued to build on leadership and communication themes.
Liana Cedano and Denise LaFrenier helped us step into an owner’s mindset, connecting everyday decisions to profitability and long-term sustainability. The case studies made it clear how even small operational choices ripple across an entire business.
Eileen Weber’s session on high-stakes conversations brought practical language to the forefront. Through real-life floral scenarios, we practiced delivering difficult news, resetting expectations, and staying calm when tensions rise.
Dr. Melinda Knuth’s buyer psychology session connected research with revenue. Understanding the emotional drivers behind flower purchases opened new ways of thinking about merchandising and messaging.
And Dr. Jackie Bruce closed the day by diving into emotional intelligence. The reflection exercises prompted some honest self-evaluation — the kind that makes you better not just at work, but as a leader and teammate.
By the final happy hour, conversations felt deeper. Ideas were flowing. Connections felt stronger.
Tuesday’s behind-the-scenes tour of North Carolina State University’s research facilities was a truly unique experience.
From the Cognitive Behavior Lab and Dole Floricultural Lab to the Substrates Lab, attendees saw how cutting-edge research informs everything from nutrient diagnostics to plant stress responses.
Inside the impressive 185,000-square-foot Plant Sciences Building, participants explored how interdisciplinary collaboration accelerates innovation, moving discoveries from the lab bench to the greenhouse to the field and ultimately into real-world production systems.
The Horticulture Field Labs provided a final piece of the puzzle, demonstrating how controlled research translates to outdoor performance under real environmental pressures.
Attendees left with tangible insights they can apply to improve post-harvest care, reduce waste, and make smarter sourcing and handling decisions.
NextGen Live continues to prove that the future of floral is collaborative, strategic, and deeply people-focused. Across every session, three themes stood out:
We’re incredibly grateful to SAF for hosting such a thoughtful, forward-looking event and to every floral professional who shared ideas, asked bold questions, and showed up ready to grow.
Raleigh, you were unforgettable. We’re already counting down to next year.
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!