Stars of the Industry Honored at SAF Amelia Island 2026
September 1, 2026 | 2 min to read
ALEXANDRIA, VA. — The Society of American Florists’ (SAF) 141st annual convention, SAF Amelia Island 2026, brought together nearly 500 floral professionals from across the country, Aug. 18–20 in Amelia Island, Florida.
On Aug. 20, the Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on the floral industry.
Press releases with additional details on each of the 2026 Stars of the Industry honorees listed below are available to download here.
- Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education Winner: William “Bill” Miller, Ph.D.
- Tommy Bright Award Winner: Marlin Hargrove, AAF, AIFD, PFCI
- Paul Ecke Jr. Award Winner: Russ Barley, AAF, AIFD, CFD, FSMD
- Rising Star Award Winners: Erin Bruno, AAF & Christine Guenther, AAF, PFCI
- Floriculture Hall of Fame Inductee: Ian Prosser, AAF, AIFD, NDSF, PFCI
- Century Award Winner: San Francisco Flower Market
- American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) & Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI) Inductees: 15 floral professionals — six AAF and nine PFCI
More winners:
- Outstanding Varieties Best in Show: ‘New Moon’ Spray Rose, presented by Rosaprima
- Marketer of the Year Award Winner: Arizona Flower Market
- Sylvia Cup Design Competition Winner: Cindy Hall, AIFD, CF
About The Society of American Florists
The Society of American Florists is the association that connects and cultivates a thriving floral community through training, education, marketing resources and advocacy. Our vision: The power of flowers in every life.