Competitions 101: What They Are & How to Get Started

Curious about competitions but not sure where to begin? Join us for a casual Next Gen Virtual Coffee Chat designed to demystify the world of industry competitions and help you take that first step with confidence. 

We’ll cover the basics—what types of competitions are out there, where to find them, how to decide which ones are right for you, and what to expect when you participate. You’ll also hear honest insights about preparation, time commitment, and how competitions can support your creative growth, visibility, and professional development. 

Whether you’re competition-curious, actively considering entering your first one, or just want to learn more about the landscape, this conversation is a low-pressure way to get informed, ask questions, and connect with peers who are navigating the same path.  

Come learn, connect, and leave feeling ready to explore what competitions can offer you. 

April 2026 Idea Exchange: Service that Stand Out 

Exceptional service isn’t just about fixing problems - it’s about creating experiences that make customers feel genuinely valued.  Join Tim Huckabee of The Profitable Florist and your peers to discuss how to empower employees to delivery personalized, consistent service that strengthens customer loyalty.  Explore practical ways to weave meaningful details, consistency and care into every interaction – digitally or in person. 

Key Takeaways:  

• Equip your team to spot and act on selling and service opportunities within their roles. 

• Learn simple, memorable ways to make customers feel recognized and appreciated. 

• Create alignment across your business so every customer receives the same exceptional experience. 

Typically reserved for Ultimate Level Members, this special event is open to all SAF members. 

Not an Ultimate level member but want more information on how you can join other roundtable events? Contact SAF’s Membership Specialist Justine Seas.

Join your peers on March 16 at 2 PM ET for a timely virtual cross-segment discussion on how tariffs affecting floral imports are shifting rapidly — and what the latest developments mean for your business.

This event features a panel of industry experts who will explain the latest policy and legal updates, potential refund scenarios, and the broader economic outlook.

• SAF Senior Lobbyist Joe Bischoff, Ph.D. will explain what has changed, what we know about possible tariff refunds, and what may come next for floral businesses.
• SAF Chief Economist Charlie Hall, Ph.D. will share a broader view of the economy, including the potential implications of a tariff refund.
• International trade attorney David Olave will provide legal insight and answer member questions.

Recent developments underscore why this conversation matters. After the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the 2025 reciprocal tariffs imposed under IEEPA, the Court of International Trade confirmed the ruling applies nationwide and that importers may be eligible for refunds.

However, new 10% tariffs have already been imposed under a different statute, and new investigations could lead to additional duties, leaving the tariff landscape uncertain for import-reliant businesses.

Join the discussion on March 16 to understand what these changes could mean for your business and what to watch next.

Creative professionals in the floral industry pour their energy into building beauty for others, yet often put their own financial future on the back burner. This micro-course helps florists, growers, wholesalers, and shop owners rethink success by connecting their creativity and hustle to long-term wealth through real estate ownership. With seasonal income, tight margins, and few conversations about legacy planning, financial stability can feel out of reach in our industry—yet it doesn’t have to be. Participants will learn how ownership can create equity, security, and options for the future, gain clarity on financing paths designed for self-employed professionals, and explore how intentional planning today can build a stronger, more sustainable future for both themselves and the floral community.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain how real estate ownership builds long-term wealth, stability, and equity compared to renting in the floral and creative industries.

Identify financing options and preparation steps that support self-employed professionals in pursuing home, rental, or commercial property ownership.

Develop a personalized vision for financial growth by outlining next steps for building a wealth team and planning for succession and legacy.

Your delivery service is more than a logistics function — it’s a powerful extension of your brand.  Join peers to explore how strategic pricing, marketing, and branding can help you manage delivery volume, boost profitability, and capture last-minute sales opportunities. Learn how to position delivery as a year-round revenue driver while ramping up for high-demand holidays like Valentine’s Day.   

Key Takeaways: 

• Use marketing and branding to turn your delivery service into a competitive advantage. 

• Apply pricing strategies that balance demand, capacity, and profitability. 

• Strengthen delivery operations to handle daily orders and holiday surges, whether in-house or through third-party partners. 

Join us for the first-ever PFCI Annual Meeting, where Trustees and members will come together to celebrate 2025 accomplishments and look ahead to an exciting year of growth, education, and connection.

We’ll highlight key achievements—including the Sylvia Cup and the induction of our newest members—share updates on member communications and social media engagement, and reveal important 2026 dates and activities, including application deadlines, spring meetings, and convention plans.

Attendees will also learn about the expanded mentorship program and the launch of the new PFCI Communications Committee, both designed to enhance support and visibility for members and candidates.

Let’s collaborate, inspire one another, and set the tone for a successful year ahead. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Please list any questions you have for the PFCI Board of Trustees on the discussions tab prior to the event. 

Spanish translation will be available.  

With millions of stems moving through the supply chain this holiday, every detail - from temperature to hydration - can make or break the final product.

Smart planning, disciplined pricing, and streamlined routes can turn your busiest holiday into your most profitable one.

Tim calls a respected respected, long-standing flower shop in suburban Chicago to  see how their phone service would hold up when presented with a truly high-value, emotionally charged order.

Interested in applying for PFCI this year?  Start the process with an insider look at what makes a standout application. Hear directly from PFCI Board of Trustees and PFCI Mentors as they share guidance, tips, and behind-the-scenes insights. Whether you're just exploring or preparing to submit, this session will set you up for success. Bring your questions and leave feeling confident, inspired, and ready to apply.