WF&FSA Wraps-up Another Great FDC Conference

The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supply Association (WF&FSA) held its 2017 Floral Distribution Conference (FDC) at the Miami Airport Convention Center last week in Miami, Florida. The three-day conference featured compelling educational sessions that included common themes on top trends and topics directly affecting today’s wholesale florist and floral supplier industries.

“We were pleased to bring together hundreds of wholesale floral professionals for three days of networking and educational opportunities,” said Molly Alton Mullins, Executive Vice President of WF&FSA. “This was one of WF&FSA’s largest conferences to date and we will continue to work to build momentum and shape a program that benefits everyone in the wholesale floral industry.”

Among the highlights of this year’s FDC were two significant presentations at the Opening and Closing Sessions. Kris Kratt, AIFD, PFCI, owner of Shaffer Designs, opened the 2017 FDC with an insightful presentation on how trends affect buying behaviors in the floral industry. Her colorful palette displays provided an in-depth backdrop of what it will take to stay ahead of your customers’ wants and needs.  The Closing Session, Facing the Forces of Change; Navigating the Seas of Disruption, provided an intense real-time perspective of disruptors in the distribution industry. Mark Youreck of IBM presented an impactful panel session that stressed the importance of understanding the nature of disruptors and how to navigate through them which also included a panel of industry experts.

In total, more than 770 individuals registered for this year’s event, which also included a record 128 table top exhibits representing growers and other suppliers from around the world. Attendees also experienced seven hospitality suites hosted by WF&FSA members, as well as other educational breakout sessions on technology and sales, and a panel on supply center profitability.

2017 Award Recipients

Each year WF&FSA recognizes exceptional individuals and outstanding flower businesses for their accomplishments, contributions, and service in the industry with two distinct award programs. The Leland T. Kintzele Distinguished Service (LTK) Award was presented to David Gaul of Denver Wholesale Florist in Denver, CO. You can watch a video on this award here. Lori Haveman of Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts in Grand Rapids, Michigan received the coveted 2017 Retail Florist of the Year award.

About the FDC and WFFSA

The FDC provides a valuable opportunity for the wholesale florist and floral supplier industries to “Connect, Grow, and Learn.” The 2018 FDC is scheduled for October 17-19 in Miami, FL at the Miami Airport Convention Center.

The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supply Association (WF&FSA) is an international association comprised of wholesalers, suppliers, growers, importers and shippers of cut flowers, greens, plants and florist supplies and is headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland. For more information visit www.wffsa.org.

Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association
180 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Suite 370, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-940-6357 Fax: 410-263-1659
www.wffsa.org