2025 Annual Convention Listening Library

Recorded On: 08/12/2025

Curated audio files from 4 of our most popular sessions from SAF's 2025 Annual Convention.

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Are You Overstaffed, Understaffed or Just Guessing?
*Listen* Are You Overstaffed, Understaffed or Just Guessing?
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes Panel: Monty Pereira, Watanabe Floral, Inc., Keith Rockcastle, Rockcastle Florist, Other Panelists TBA Moderator: Sam Bowles, AAF, Allen’s Flowers Labor is one of the biggest line items in any retail florist’s budget — and it’s surprisingly easy to let it spiral out of control without the right oversight. This session uncovers hidden inefficiencies in your staffing strategy and how to forecast staffing needs with confidence and boost productivity through better planning and workflow. Learn how even small improvements in team efficiency can lead to major gains for your bottom line. What You’ll Learn: How to aim for the right labor percentage – based on your shop’s size, sales volume and staffing structure Techniques to forecast staffing needs that align with sales trends and demand Simple, practical ways to improve productivity and reduce wasted time
You must register to access.
Key Takeaways from Monty
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
You must register to access.
Is Your Brand Helping You Grow?
*Listen* Is Your Brand Helping You Grow?
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes Speaker: Angelique Witcher, Accent Decor Can you — and everyone on your team — clearly and confidently articulate your company’s core mission? Do your daily operations reflect that mission? Is your brand still connecting with today’s customer, in today’s economy? An affirmative answer to these questions is more important now than ever: According to a 2024 retail outlook study by the global professional services firm Deloitte, in times of economic uncertainty, consumers are more selective about where they spend money, and they stick with the brands they believe in. In this session, you’ll explore how to build or evolve a brand that stays true to your values while growing with your business. You’ll define your unique value proposition, craft a story that resonates, and learn how to bring your brand to life consistently — from your shop floor to your social feed. What You’ll Learn: How to define your brand identity, core values, and long-term vision Ways to communicate your brand consistently across platforms and customer touchpoints in a shifting economy Tools for integrating your brand and core values into your daily operations
You must register to access.
Branding Handout
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
You must register to access.
Branding Presentation Slides
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
You must register to access.
The Empowered Team: Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Ownership
*Listen* The Empowered Team: A Culture of Innovation and Ownership
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes Speaker: Laura Walsh, PFCI, AAF, Smithers Oasis Your business can’t afford passive teams. You need thinkers, doers and bold decision-makers at every level. This session is a wake-up call for owners and managers ready to ditch the status quo and build a culture where leadership, innovation, and initiative aren’t exceptions—they’re the norm. Get ready to fire up your team and fuel real momentum. What You’ll Learn: Proven methods to spark ownership and action across your team How to turn smart risk-taking into a growth engine, not a gamble A blueprint for building a culture where leadership shows up everywhere
You must register to access.
The Empowered Team Handouts
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
You must register to access.
Stop the Shrink: Strategies to Cut Waste
*Listen* Stop the Shrink: Strategies to Cut Waste
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes
Open to listen to or download MP3 audio.  |  60 minutes Speakers: Jim Daly, AAF, Floralife, additional TBA, Russ Griffin, Griffin’s Flowers Moderator: Lenny Walker, Kennicott Brothers Inflation, tariffs and rising costs are squeezing margins like never before — and every stem counts. How you buy, manage and care for fresh product isn’t just a routine — it’s a frontline defense against profit loss. In this session, learn how smart inventory management, better care and handling, smarter buying and consistent employee training can help you waste less and earn more. Whether you’re a small or a high-volume florist, these proven strategies will help you stop the shrink — and see the savings. What You’ll Learn: How to train staff on best practices for storage, hydration, and transportation Practical techniques to reduce spoilage and extend product life Tools and routines to improve inventory turnover and minimize waste
You must register to access.