Flower shows just seem like the perfect time to chit chat with florists from your area and even some from far away. Being a little bit of  a social butterfly, this prospect definitely appeals to me.

Just think about it. You get to discuss what you love with people who share your passion. You learn, grow and develop your passion and your talents while making new friends. You get to take a break from the rush-rush-rush of the office but you’re not far from the action. With all this in store, who wouldn’t love a flower show?

Network coordinators from Flower Shop Network recently made their trip to the Florida State Florists Association Convention. They returned with great stories. I must admit, I was a bit jealous after hearing what some of the florists at the show had to say! Everyone came back with a smile that was twice as large as when they had left. In light of everything going on today, I find this chance to be inspired by other florists very appealing. I’m ready for the next flower show!

What’s on the agenda for this summer? Flower shows taking place in June/July 2009:

• June 5-7, 2009: The Florida State Florists Association Convention will be hosted at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bay Front in St. Petersburg Florida. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.
• June 10-12, 2009: The Super Floral Show will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta Georgia. Florists, gift shop managers, gardeners and floral industry professionals will enjoy attending.
• June 18-24, 2009: The World Rose Convention will be held at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia. Florists, gardeners, and anyone who likes roses will enjoy attending this show.
• June 19-21, 2009: The World Rose Festival will be held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Center in Vancouver, British Columbia. Florists, gardeners, and anyone who likes roses will enjoy attending this show.

• July 11-14, 2009: The annual Ohio Florists Association Short Course will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus Ohio. Florists who are members as well as non-members will enjoy the OFA Short Course.
• July 11-16, 2009: The 2009 AIFD Symposium will be held this year in Kansas City Missouri. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.
• July 24-26, 2009: The Texas State Florists Association will host the 96^th TSFA Annual Convention & Trade Show at the Doubletree Hotel in Dallas Texas. Florists who are members as well as non-member florists are invited to attend.

What do you think of flower shows and florist association conventions? Ever been to one? Tell us your favorite stories from the trip!