2023 CONVENTION
Join Fellow Arkansas Florists Association Members From Around the State for Our Annual Convention.
August 24-27 • Wyndham Riverfront Hotel • Little Rock, AR
2023 President’s Welcome
A warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you to the 71st Annual Convention and Vendor Showcase! I am truly honored to serve as your president. My journey in the floral industry began in 1990 when I started working at a flower shop. Over the years, my daughters grew up amidst the beauty of flowers, and now my sweet grandchildren, Jax, Hazel, and Laura, also visit the shop with their “Gigi”. They are my world, and I’m thrilled to introduce them to all of you at the Saturday evening banquet.
This year, our convention theme is “Revolution” – a floral education extravaganza. I have chosen this theme because as florists, we are in a time of change – a revolution. The onset of the pandemic has brought challenges such as product shortages, price increases, higher shipping costs, longer shipping times, and staffing shortages that many of us have experienced firsthand. However, amidst these challenges, I believe that education is the key. It is my passion, and I am honored to serve as the chairperson and instructor for the Arkansas Master Florist and Advanced Arkansas Master Florists classes. On Friday night, you will have the opportunity to see some of the incredibly talented students from these programs take the stage. I am immensely proud of them.
Our weekend is packed with an array of programs and classes that are designed to inspire your creativity, elevate your design skills, and boost your profit margins. It’s a time to celebrate our floral revolution – a time to connect with old friends, make new ones, and share our unwavering love for flowers. I am confident that this convention will be an unforgettable experience, filled with camaraderie, learning, and a renewed passion for the floral industry.
Once again, I extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you. Let’s come together to make this convention a resounding success. Here’s to a weekend of inspiration, education, and friendship!
2023 Membership Dues MUST be Paid to Attend Convention.
If you have not paid your 2023 Membership Dues – Please Click Here.
Are you a vendor looking to showcase in our 2023 Trade Show at the Annual Convention?
2022 Convention Highlights
2023 Convention Information
Hotel & Travel Information
2023 AFA Convention Hotel
Wyndham Riverfront North Little Rock
2 Riverfront Pl
North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone: (501) 371-9000
The Arkansas Florist Association rate is $100 per room per night.
Always book your hotel stay using the information posted above.
If you receive a phone call from any company claiming they are responsible for booking hotel rooms for the AFA Annual Convention, it is a scam.
If you have any questions about hotel rooms for our events, please contact AFA at arfloristsassociation@gmail.com
Flight Arrangements
Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) is 10 minutes (7.3 miles) from the hotel.
Please contact the hotel concierge desk to inquire about additional transportation options and fees.
Why Should You Attend?
Florists looking to expand their knowledge, network with industry professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques should attend the 2023 Arkansas Florists Association Convention. This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from experts in the field, discover new products and services, and connect with other florists from around the state. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in the industry, the annual convention is a valuable resource for anyone looking to grow their business and improve their skills.
Join us for a fun weekend in Little Rock celebrating the floral industry in Arkansas. By attending our annual convention you can walk away with:
- Networking: Industry conventions provide a great opportunity to meet and connect with florists in your area.
- Education: Our annual convention offers a range of educational opportunities, from workshops and seminars to keynote presentations and panel discussions. You can learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in our industry.
- Exposure to New Products & Services: Our convention features a vendor exhibition where our partner vendors showcase their products and services. Attending this trade show exhibition can help you discover new and innovative solutions that can benefit your business.
- Professional Development: Attending our annual convention can help you develop professionally by providing access to resources, training, and mentorship opportunities. You can learn from industry experts, gain new skills, and stay current on emerging trends.
- Inspiration & Motivation: Our annual convention is a source of inspiration and motivation for florists in our state. Step outside of your daily routine and immerse yourself in the industry. You will return to work with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for your profession.
We would be thrilled for you to join us at our 2023 Arkansas Florists Association Convention.
2019 Convention Highlights
About Our 2023 Convention
Join us for an extraordinary floral education experience at Revolution, happening from August 24th to 27th, 2024, at the Wyndhan River Front Hotel in Little Rock. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with a stellar lineup of designers, engaging programs, and hands-on classes that will leave you inspired and eager to elevate your floral artistry. And don’t miss the opportunity to support the Arkansas Florist Association by visiting the vendor showcase featuring companies who are proud sponsors.
The excitement begins on Thursday evening with the President’s welcome reception, where you can mingle with fellow attendees, meet the competition designers, and extend a warm welcome to another fantastic convention. On Friday morning, prepare to be amazed as Arkansas’ and the country’s most talented designers compete in the prestigious Arkansas Cup Competition and the Mid America Cup Competition. In the evening, we will honor the Scholarship competition winner, Jennifer Jones CFD, AMF, and recognize the graduates of the esteemed Arkansas Master Florist program, including Amber Bates CFD, AMF, Tara Crotty CFD, AMF, Bonny Gregory CFD, AMF, and Lance Singleur. And as the night unfolds, be captivated by the dazzling floral decor by John Lechliter AIFD of East McKeesport, PA, following the theme of “PEACE, LOVE, AND FLOWERS.” Dress in your groovy disco attire and get ready to dance the night away at the disco dance-off!
Saturday is packed with exciting activities, including hands-on classes, captivating programs, and abundant opportunities for learning and growth. In the evening, get ready to be transported to the iconic Studio 54 with the banquet themed in black, gold, and silver. Witness the artistic prowess of Kathy Rodocker AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF, and Michelle Red AIFD, CFD, AAMF, AMF, as they bring our floral decor vision to life. The night will also feature the graduation ceremony for Arkansas Master Florists and Advanced Arkansas Master Florists, a momentous occasion to celebrate their achievements.
Sunday morning kicks off with early classes, more enriching programs, and the thrilling Nick Shembra AIFD Memorial Iron Designer Competition, a fun-filled event that you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on our schedule of events, programs, and designers as we get closer to the competition time, as we will continue to update and enhance the experience.
If you’re interested in being part of the action and helping with competitions, programs, back stage work, or convention preparation, please contact Kay Schlaefli at 479-459-8034 or kay@expressionsflowers.com. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated!
Get ready for an unforgettable floral extravaganza at Revolution. We can’t wait to welcome you and create lasting memories together!
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