Details team members Myranda and Jaden enjoyed attending the Texas State Floral Forum in San Antonio, Texas. The event was filled with engaging programming and provided a fantastic opportunity to meet many industry professionals. For those who couldn't attend, here's a recap of what you missed!
One of the highlights was the Texas Designer of the Year competition, held during the Product Gallery. Designers showcased their skills by creating multiple designs based on given categories. Congratulations to our friend and customer, Brandy Ferrer, for winning Designer of the Year and becoming the Texas Representative for the Sylvia Cup at the SAF Convention in Miami!
Andreia Muller, AIFD FSMD, presented "Wedding Florals Unveiled," a stage presentation focused on upselling designs and creating versatile wedding florals. Andrea demonstrated how to create a floral arch for the ceremony that could later be repurposed for the sweetheart table at the reception. She emphasized the importance of strong communication and relationships with clients to understand their vision and make cost-effective decisions that save time and money.
Vonda LaFever and Lori Wilson of Flower Clique led an insightful session on proper pricing and getting designs photo-ready for websites. They highlighted the importance of photographing designs accurately to ensure clients know what to expect. It's crucial to offer clear, accurate representations of arrangements, especially since many clients have explored the website before calling. Being prepared and enthusiastic when helping customers is key to success.
The next day featured a presentation by Chris Norwood, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, titled "...and today's HAPPY is..." Chris shared his experiences designing events and his unique upselling techniques. Watching him create large, impressive centerpieces that delight his clients was truly inspiring.
The TSFA team's passion for the floral industry was evident throughout the event, particularly during the awards ceremony. It was heartwarming to see each person recognized and celebrated by their peers. The ceremony was a beautiful way to conclude the event. Congratulations to everyone honored during the awards ceremony!
Overall, the Texas State Floral Forum was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, networking, and celebrating the floral industry. We look forward to attending next year's big event in League City and continuing to connect with this incredible community!