7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.     Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.     Introductions

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.   RETAIL LANDSCAPE REDEFINED

Speaker: Al Meyers, Retail Forward

The economic shocks of the past two years have created new marketplace realities retailers must understand and respond to now. In this essential session, you will learn the fundamentals of the post-recession retail landscape and their implications for suppliers and retailers, including:

• Who - new roles for Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and Millenials in the recovery.
• What - new reasons for purchasing and new success requirements for products and services.
• Why - behaviors and attitudes that will survive the recession and underpin new shopping norms.
• Where - changes in shopping patterns and emerging competitive dynamics for mall-based retailers, off-mall superstores and multi-channel providers.

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.    Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon   TALK BACK. DISCUSSION AND Q&A WITH AL MEYERS

So things have changed. What does that really mean to you? Explore opportunities and talk about how the new retail landscape impacts florists during this powerful, give-and-take discussion. 

12:00 Noon - 1:00 p.m.    Lunch and Brainstorming

Continue your conversations with fellow retailers and build on the morning's ideas over lunch.

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.    CAPTURING THE GEN Y CONSUMER

Speakers: Kate Penn, SAF Floral Management magazine and Jenni Sparks, SAF Consumer Marketing

Flowers are ageless, but marketing them is not. Today's 20-somethings think about and buy flowers very differently than their parents and grandparents. If you want to reach them, you have to think differently too. Learn how to target merchandising, messaging, media and design to appeal to this younger generation. Explore results from SAF's Generations of Flowers Study and learn what other retailers are doing to connect with Gen Y customers.

2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.    Refreshment Break

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.    GENERATING THE NEW ROI — RETURN ON INVOLVEMENT

Retail Panelists: Art Conforti, Beneva  Flowers & Gifts; Robbin Yelverton, AIFD, PFCI, Blumz by...JR Designs; and Kris Wittenauer, Diehl Florist, Inc.

More than ever before, engaging your customers - getting them actively involved with your business - is a critical element of success today. But how do you make it happen and how do you generate a return on that involvement? Learn how to use loyalty programs, social networking, couponing and more to engage and captivate your customers.  Find out what others are doing to build powerful, long-term relationships with consumers - profitably!

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.    Drawing Conclusions

Share the day's best "take-aways" with your peers and talk about how you might put them to use.

6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.    Networking Reception and Dinner

Sponsor: Hortica Insurance and Employee Benefits

Take time to relax, make friends and enjoy a delightful dinner.

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.     Continental Breakfast

Wake up and smell the coffee! Two more eye-opening sessions await you after breakfast.

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.   ATTRACTING AND KEEPING CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR ONLINE SHOP

Speaker: Renato Sogueco, SAF Chief Information Officer

Your salespeople are the heartbeat of your shop as they interact with customers every day. But does your online store have a pulse?  Your ability to drive customers to your online store, get them to buy and come back for more, will determine your success in the post-recession climate. Learn how to make it happen. 

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.    Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon   HANDS ON ONLINE WORKSHOP

You've heard about key trends. You know more about generational attitudes.  You've talked strategy, and objectives and purpose.  Now it's time to get your hands dirty and actually do some work.  Bring your laptop and get hands on experience with SEO, Google Analytics, setting up a blog, social networking site, or loyalty program. Learn what works and what doesn't as you share ideas you can put to use back at your business.