The Wholesale Florist and Florist Supplier Association ( WFFSA ) took property from March 2 - 5 this yr and welcomed around 650 attendees , about 100 exhibiting suppliers and over 50 middleman caller to the 2025 Floral Distribution Conference ( FDC ) in Miami . In this clause a quick overview of what was discussed , which awards were handed out and of course of instruction several pictures to give an imperssion of the event .
All photos supply by WFFSA
The conference began on Sunday , March 2 , with pre - conference activity , including the 2nd one-year WFFSA Golf Tournament , Marketing and Education Committee meetings , and a dinner and response for the Board of Directors .
commission encounter boast strategic conversations on enhancing WFFSA ’s offerings for its current members , elevating its benefit for prospective fellow member and add together more touchpoints throughout the year .
During the Wholesaler Discussion Groups and the new Industry Roundtables , participants talked about the borrowing of AI cock , offset increased costs , sustainable exercise , the impact of potential tariffs , employee recruitment and retention , using social spiritualist for business and more .
Floral Xcellence Award WinnersFor the first clock time , there was a Floral Xcellence challenger And the winners ? The Breeder Excellence Award croak to Danziger for Unicorn ( fall into place hereto translate more on Unicorn ) , the Grower Excellence Award to Florisol & Co. for Chrysanthemum – Super Magnum and the Member Favorite Award to Ayurá SAS for Carnation Apple Tea .
On the following day , Tuesday , March 4 , attendees were welcome to the table top exhibit show floor for a full solar day of networking , business and find of new products and partnership ; Karen Oie , Smithers - Oasis , gave her President ’s Address ; the 2025 Leland T. Kinzele ( LTK ) Award was present to Tim Dewey , DVFlora ; Mary Ann McLaughlin , Butler Street , delivered her presentation as the keynote speaker , " Unlock the Power of ChatGPT to Grow Your job ; " numerous activations were concord in the new WFFSA Member Lounge ; and the yearly WFFSA Party , theme " Yacht - Rock ! " , was held , featuring nautical attire , boat - inspired food and beverages , a mixture of soft rock and Romance music , and a mechanically skillful shark .
Dewey ’s family surprised him during the LTK Award display , and he took to the phase to give a abbreviated speech . chatter here to watch the live video recording of the demonstration .
The keynote speaker talked about how AI is changing the way businesses link , with the flowered industry being no exception . attender learned how generative AI can avail them craft compelling marketing messages , engage more customers and streamline operations .
At the new WFFSA Member Lounge , meeter were invited to adjoin WFFSA ’s Past Presidents , love a special reception for first - time FDC attendees , get word about volunteer chance and hear about our annual Development Experience event .
The WFFSA Party received a turgid railroad siding , with attendees annotate on the elevation of this yr ’s political party compared to other years .
On the final solar day , Wednesday , March 5 , Karen Oie officially surpass the WFFSA presidential gavel to Fredrick Melero , Choice Farms ; past presidents of WFFSA went on microscope stage for the Past Presidents Panel ; and the Table Top Exhibit Show Floor was open for the last few hours of the league .
As March 5 , Melero is officially WFFSA President , and Oie is WFFSA Immediate Past President .
Panelists on the Past Presidents Panel included Rob Shibata , Mt. Eden Floral Company ( Moderator ) , David Armellini , Armellini Express Lines , Pat Dahlson , Mayesh Wholesale Florist , Nick Fronduto , Jacobson , and Gabriel Becerra , Golden Flowers .
The 2025 Floral Distribution Conference ended on a high note with feedback from meeter throughout the event being strong and positive about business on the show trading floor , the WFFSA Party and the addition of the novel Floral Xcellence Awards .
Below more picture to get an even good impression of the event .
More pictures will be published soon .
For more information : WF&FSAEmail:[email protected]www.wffsa.org
