The Society of American Florists (SAF) held their 134th Annual Convention this September in Palm Springs, California. Rio Roses has been a sponsor of SAF for more than 20 years, and we were as proud as ever to showcase our finest products at this year’s Convention.

The SAF Convention is always a huge networking and educational opportunity for the floral industry’s most creative and innovative suppliers, retailers and wholesalers, and this year’s Convention was no different. More than 50 educational sessions and programs attracted over 450 floral industry members, including 107 first-time attendees.

The SAF Convention kicked off with the Premier Products Showcase, where expert product promoters provided demonstrations and education on how to make the most of some of the best products from the world’s top growers.

As a firm supporter of this leading floral organization and its educational programs, Rio Roses donates hundreds of flowers each year for the arrangements to decorate the SAF Convention venue, as well as providing flowers for the table arrangements at the American Floral Endowment Annual Fundraising Reception and Dinner. At this year’s dinner, our CEO, Victor Giorgini, received an award for Rio Roses having donated more than $35,000 in product donations.

Another key element of the SAF Convention is the Outstanding Varieties Competition, one of the industry’s largest floral competitions. Judges review more than 5,000 stems of the best flowers and unique plants on the market; dozens of growers and breeders from around the world exhibit cut flowers, greens, potted flowering plants, bedding plants, and foliage for top honors. Expert judges crown one Best in Show, rank 13 Best in Class, and present blue and red ribbons to dozens more.