ALEXANDRIA, VA — Six tech-savvy industry members are bringing their best hands-on tips and practical expertise to share with attendees at SAF Amelia Island 2015. The educational agenda includes a how-to session on web photography and videography, the inside-scoop on time-saving business apps, and some straight talk about mobile marketing.
“One of the things I look forward to at the convention is learning how other floral businesses are applying technology,” said SAF President Shirley Lyons, AAF, PFCI, of Dandelions Flowers & Gifts LLC in Eugene, Oregon. “There are so many changes happening, so many options and opinions. It’s really important to talk to other business owners in our industry and find out what’s working for them.”
Here’s a peek at some of the tech takeaways on tap for the Society of American Florists’ 131st Annual Convention, Sept. 9-12 in Amelia Island, Florida:
Photography and Video Made Simple: For an online shopper, your images are your brand. The caliber of your photos and videos is the only way they can discern anything about the quality of your products. David Kesler, AIFD, PFCI, and Leanne Kesler, AIFD, PFCI, whose Floral Design Institute photos and videos inspire more than 16,000 Facebook followers, divulge tricks from staging to editing that will help you put your best face — and flowers — forward. They’ll explain composition fundamentals that make the most ordinary objects look outstanding, in both video and photography; detail how to take clear, bright photos and video on the go with your phone; and offer sample video scripts for several occasions and topics.
There’s an App for That: Need someone to manage scheduling or more time to devote to employee onboarding and reviews? How about a streamlined approach to weddings and events? Kate Delaney of Matlack Florist, Inc., and Charles Ingrum of Dr. Delphinium Designs & Events share insight on how new (often low-cost) apps and fee-based services help reduce paper pile-ups and improve efficiency in their shops. They’ll demonstrate how a hiring and
Nearly 50 experts are speaking at SAF Amelia Island 2015, including David Kesler, AIFD, PFCI, Leanne Kesler, AIFD, PFCI, Kate Delaney, Charles Ingrum, Ryan Freeman and Brandon Kirkland.
training tool can add hours back into your workweek; how to use employee communication apps to keep your entire team on the same page; and show a new, paperless way to approach weddings and events.
Maximum Mobility — Reaching Customers On
The Go: Consumers are using smartphones to find and pay for products. Is your business mobile friendly? And what does “going mobile” mean? Is it a website? An app? Both? How do you make sure customers find you? Floral web marketing experts Ryan Freeman of Strider, Inc., and Brandon Kirkland of Epic Flowers will explain what it takes to create a strong mobile presence. They’ll cover the difference
between a mobile-ready, mobile responsive and mobile adaptive website — and why it matters; how to leverage mobile functions like GPS, text, search, apps and more; and recommend tips and tools to increase satisfaction and boost conversion — and unseen usability issues that can drive consumers away.
Those are just three of the 37 educational sessions and events taking place at SAF Amelia Island 2015. For details about SAF Amelia Island 2015 and to register, visit safnow.org/annual-convention.
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The Society of American Florists is the leading organization representing all segments of the floral industry. SAF is proud to provide marketing, business and government services to its members, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers,
importers, educators, designers and allied organizations. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884.
Source: Society of American Florists
