CARLE PLACE, N.Y. — The theme of the 2012 1-800-Flowers Franchise Convention was "United We Bloom" and the event certainly lived up to its billing, underscored by a collaboration of insights and a sharing of innovative ideas designed to optimize growth opportunities for retail florists.
Hundreds of florists and other floral industry professionals from throughout the U.S. attended the convention, which was held September 11-13, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. "I am proud to say that in addition to being the number-one floral brand, we have become the largest franchise organization the floral industry has ever seen," said Chris McCann, President of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. "And we are committed to working closely together as a team with all the highly skilled, talented and knowledgeable retail florists who are part of our organization…putting our unequaled resources behind their businesses, nurturing creative ideas and implementing powerful strategies in a marketplace that offers perhaps more growth potential than ever before through multiple consumer channels including local stores, social platforms and mobile commerce."
Among the highlights of the convention were engaging and informative presentations by leading experts in floral design, social media, customer service and many other areas that are vital to the growth and success of a retail floral business. Best in class exhibitors were on-hand as well to showcase their newest products and services, many of which were unveiled for the first time. There was also a sold-out TradeFair offering special discounts on the latest products and accessories.
In addition, the convention featured a fully customized mobile app that was created by BloomNet and Gather Digital (http://www.gatherdigital.com) specifically for the event. The app provided attendees with real-time information and continuous updates about activities throughout the convention. App users were also able to view bios of presenters, download the presentations, send each other messages and get details about exhibitors and products at the TradeFair.
"I want to personally thank everyone who came to Las Vegas for the 2012 1-800-Flowers Franchise Convention, the most well-attended franchise convention ever in the floral industry," said Mark Nance, AAF, President of BloomNet. "In addition to sharing wonderful conversations with so many friends and associates…the event provided a great opportunity to explore the numerous and exciting ways that BloomNet, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and retail florists from across the nation can drive each other's success and profitability."
Source: 1-800-Flowers
