Fresh Connections at FDC 2024

A Recap of Fresh Connections in Miami

On March 3–6, the Wholesale Florist and Florist Supplier Association (WFFSA) welcomed ‎over 600 attendees to the 2024 Floral Distribution Conference (FDC) in Miami, FL. Ahead of ‎‎2023 numbers, this year’s conference sets the stage for conferences to come. ‎

On the morning of Monday, March 4, WFFSA wholesalers and suppliers began setting up for ‎what turned out to be an elaborate display of flowers, foliage, and greenery. Exhibits consisted ‎of some of the world’s most unique and exquisite arrangements, floral accessories, and tech to ‎propel the industry forward. This year’s conference, in every way, lived up to its theme, “Fresh ‎Connections.” ‎

2024 Table Tops on display at the Floral Distribution Conference. Photos by Ross Stewart.

Wholesaler Discussion Groups made its way back for the third year in a row. The perfect environment allowing for open forum discussion, dialog centered around topics concerning labor, staffing, transportation, and logistics to name a few. It provided an opportunity for colleagues to share strategies, successes, and even the pitfalls of business.

WFFSA leadership welcomed tons of new faces to this year’s conference with an informal meet-and-greet during Monday’s VIP Reception. The reception serves as an opportunity for new members and first-time attendees to meet the leadership, network, and form relationships in an unobtrusive, non-competitive environment. 

Other events included the return of Speed Networking. During this 90-minute event, wholesalers and suppliers participated in lightning-fast discussion rounds providing the opportunity to accelerate business in a targeted and impactful way. The evening concluded with an Opening Party in the Table Top venue.

After an evening of leisure, attendees returned early Tuesday morning with a coffee break, sponsored by Fresca Farms, and the commencement of Table Tops at 9:00 AM, followed by the President’s Address, Leland T. Kintzele (LTK) Award Ceremony, and General Session sponsored by Continental Flowers.

The day ended with Table Tops as attendees prepared for an evening of fun, food, drinks, and break dancing at the WFFSA Miami Vice After Party.

Guests enjoy break dancing, food and drinks, and time spent catching up. Photos by Ross Stewart.

Attendees kicked off the final day of the conference with a networking breakfast before heading into the Business Session sponsored by Pete Garcia Company/Garcia Group.

The time finally came for the honored tradition of the passing of the gavel. Darin Dewberry introduced WFFSA’s newest President, Karen Oie of Smithers-Oasis.

Oie took her position on stage and accepted the start of her term as WFFSA President. She thanked the leadership, and more specifically Darin, for his service.

2023–2024 President Karen Oie addressing WFFSA members. Photos by Ross Stewart.

Keynote speaker and social entrepreneur Justin Jones-Fosu was then introduced to the stage to deliver his dynamic presentation, Work Meaningful.

Keynote presenter Justin Jones-Fosu. Photos by Ross Stewart.

Following Jones-Fosu's remarks, guests celebrated the end of another successful FDC meeting and took one more spin around the show floor.