NC State Florists Association

North Carolina State Florists Association

Join us for Origin 2025: Passion, Purpose, and Partnership—a convention dedicated to exploring leadership, business, and design education. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of purpose, confident in the pursuit of your passion and having developed new partnerships with fellow florists and industry leaders. NCSFA is committed to advancing your professional development in all these arenas.
 
Our programs and breakout sessions will cover essential topics such as leadership strategies, business practices, AI advancement and inspiring design education, ensuring you gain invaluable insights and a fresh perspective on your passion for floral design. 
Accommodations
Convention Registration
Competition/Workshop Registration - Coming Soon!
Full Schedule
Map of Hotel
Follow Us on Social
2025 E-Program - Coming Soon!
Trade Show Vendor Purchase - Coming Soon!

Registration:

Gala and Awards Only tickets start at $149.
Saturday Only tickets start at $179.
Sunday Only tickets start at $249.
Full Convention Weekend tickets start at $399.

Our Speakers:

Dr. Brianna Clark

Chair for the Department of Event and Hospitality Management at High Point University in High Point, NC

Jody McLeod, AIFD, NCCPF, CFD

Teleflora Educational Specialist, Mayor of Clayton, NC and Owner of Annie V’s Florist in Clayton, NC

Heather Miller, NCCPF

Owner & Creative Director at Eclectic Sage in Raleigh, NC

Abby Chick

Floral Designer, Educator and Owner of Blakemore’s Flowers in Harrisonburg, VA

EW Fulcher

Lead Designer and Manager of BloomWorks in Raleigh, NC

Accommodations:

Reserve Your Room Now!

Please mention NCSFA Membership status at reservation to receive room rate of $129/night.

Schedule:

Friday, August 8

Royal and Crown set up for workrooms

4:00 – 6:00 | Origin to Installation Workshop Part 11: Creative Decor and Impactful Installations with Joseph Barnes, AIFD | Lobby 

Workroom Setup in Crown and Royal

Gallery Setup Auditorium Pre-Function Area:
Come and view stage presentations and get up close images.
Question and Answer with the Designers
Pre-Function of Auditorium

9:30 – 11:00 | NCCPF Hands-On Testing | Crown

10:00 – 11:00 | Origin to Installation Workshop Part 2: Creative Decor and Impactful Installations with Joseph Barnes, AIFD | Lobby 

11:00 – 1:00 | Designer of the Year Competition | Crown

2:00 | Sweetheart table assembly to begin (Must be completed by 3:30) | Location is TBD

 

Program 1:

3:30 – 4:30 | The Art of Leadership Program with Jody McLeod AIFD, NCCPF |Empire ABC
Join us as Jody McLeod guides us through the Art of Leadership, a floral program aimed at helping attendees identify their personality types and leverage them for business success. Jody will share valuable tips and strategies for developing effective systems and mindsets to thrive in the challenging floral industry. Don’t miss this inspiring experience focused on leadership and growth!

3:00 | Headdress entries in place for judging | Bull Durham A

3:00 | Body Flower entries in place for judging | Bull Durham A

3:00 | Bouquets in place for judging | Crown

3:00 | Boutonnieres in place for judging | Bull Durham A

3:30 | Sweetheart tables ready for judging | Location is TBD

 

Program 2:  

4:30 – 5:30 | Coming Soon! | Auditorium

6:30 | Cocktail Hour | Pre-Function Empire

7:00 | Welcome Party: Passion, Purpose and Partnership. Join us for an evening of inspiration, food and fun. | Empire A, B, C

7:30-8:00 | Floral Elegance on Display Part 1. A runway showcase of Headdress and Body Flower competition entries | Empire A, B, C

8:00 – 8:15 | Break

8:15-8:45 | Floral Elegance on Display Part 2. A runway showcase of Bouquet and Boutonniere competition entries on display. | Empire A, B, C

8:30 – 9:00 | Breakfast Buffet | Pre-Function Empire

 

Program 3: 

9:00 – 10:15 | Designer of the Year Program with EW Fulcher | Empire ABC

10:00 | Jim Treadaway Briefing | Pre-Function Empire

10:15 | Miniatures in place for Judging | Registration Desk

10:30 – 12:30 | Jim Treadaway Competition | Pre-Function Empire

 

Program 4:

10:40 – 11:40 | Styled Environments: Artful Backdrops for Retail, Studio and Public Installation | Heather Miller | Empire A, B, C
Join us for an inspiring design program featuring Heather Miller from Eclectic Sage in Raleigh, NC, at Origin 2025! In this unique session, Heather will guide participants through the transformative process of using recycled and accompanying materials to create stunning artful backdrops suitable for retail spaces, studios, or public installations. Discover how to harness the power of creativity while exploring the principles and elements of design. Heather’s engaging presentation will showcase innovative techniques and provide practical insights that inspire attendees to think outside the box and embrace sustainable practices in their design endeavors. This is a don’t-miss event for anyone passionate about creativity, design, and sustainability! Come ready to learn, create, and be inspired by Heather’s artistic vision and expertise. Mark your calendars and prepare to elevate your design game!

10:40 – 11:40 | Designer of the Year Program with EW Fulcher | Empire A, B, C

12:00 – 1:30 | Business Meeting with Lunch |  Empire A, B ,C
Candidates Speak for Slate of Officer Positions
Business Meeting
Memorial
Pinning of NCCPF students

 

Program 5:

2:00 – 3:00 | Rethinking Tradition:  Infusing Fresh Technique into Classic Floral Design | Empire A, B, C
Sponsored by Teleflora

 

Program 6:

3:15 – 4:15 | Transforming Profitability: Selling Value Over Cost, Branding, and Anchor Statements with Abby Chick | Auditorium

Join Abby Chick, owner of Blakemore’s Flowers in Virginia, for an insightful keynote on how selling value over cost can transform your bottom line. She will delve into anchor statements, branding tips, and essential elements that can elevate your sales strategy. By creating effective systems, you can sharpen your sales expertise and elevate your business to new heights.

With her experience collaborating with Flower Clique and her recognition as a Mayesh Design Star, Abby’s fresh perspective is sure to enhance your profitability.

 

Program 7:

4:30 – 5:30 | Breakout Session – Blooming with AI: Transforming the Modern Florist’s Workflow with Dr. Brianna Clark, Vosco LLC |  Auditorium
Discover how artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Claud and Copilot can revolutionize your floral business operations. This session explores practical applications of AI assistants in daily florist work. Learn how these accessible AI tools can handle routine tasks, allowing you to focus more time on your artistic creativity and customer relationships. Whether you’re a solo florist or managing a shop, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to integrate AI assistance into your workflow while maintaining the personal touch that makes your floral business special.

5:30 – 6:00 | Past Presidents Reception

6:30 – 7:30 | Cocktail Hour and Vendor Showcase | Pre-Function, Empire A-E

7:30 – 10:00 | Gala – Origin 2025: Passion, Purpose, Partnership | Empire A-E
Awards
Installation of officers

 

View Full Schedule
Sign Up for Competitions and Workshops

Please note that ALL convention competitions are for NCSFA members only. 

Interested in Sponsoring the 2025 Convention?

For all sponsorship inquiries, please email the NCSFA President, Stephanie Garrett AIFD, presidentncsfa@gmail.com

Email NCSFA for Sponsorships

Our 2024 Sponsors

Platinum Patron

Silver Patron Sponsor

Rhododendron Recognition

Carnation Contributors

Dogwood Donors

Azalea Alliance

Petunia Patronage

Sign Up for Important Updates!

Note:  Mail frequency may vary but usually no more than once a month. You may unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time.  Members are automatically subscribed.

P.O. Box 53231
Fayetteville, NC 28305

ncflorists@gmail.com

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© 2024 NC State Florists Association, Inc., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

© 2023, NC State Florists Association, Inc.,
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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BOTANICAL BODY FLOWER WORKSHOP
.....artistic design in real time with a unique perspective
3:00 - 4:30 pm Inquire at Registration table

This hands-on workshop will give you mechanical concepts and skills to easily construct intricate and impressive floral accessories to offer beyond corsages. These techniques will set you up to create designs that are updated, fashion-forward and artful while remaining mechanically strong and wearable.
* Please bring your own tools, i.e. clippers, scissors, wire cutters, and knives.

Grab Your Ticket

Heather Ann Miller, NCCPF is the creative director of Eclectic Sage, a Raleigh based event design and floral studio. While spending many years working in the interior architectural design field, Heather also explored product and textile design. During these explorations, she realized she loved the studio experience and started contributing her artistic eye for colors, trends, and design to a wide variety of projects. Her venture with Eclectic Sage bridges her various art forms and allows her to lend a unique perspective to every design. To see some of her work check out her website www.eclecticsage.com and follow her on Instagram where she often shares behind the scene stories. @eclecticsage

Sponsored by the NCSFA Education Committee

FREE to observe for Weekend Ticket Holders - $25 to Participate
Please pre-register so we'll know how many flowers to provide.

CONVENTION 2019 FRIDAY BOTANICAL BODY FLOWER WORKSHOP

FFA WORKSHOP - Impress your AG Department
presented by former NCSFA President
Friday   4:30 - 6:30 pm in the Mendenhall Room
Sherri Suttle, Bostic, NC

Whether you are making arrangements for an FFA banquet , prom, etc. , learn how to make designs with an unexpected twist that will leave students and teachers alike in awe of what just came from the Ag Department! We will be using a variety of flowers, floral products and non traditional design products to create beautiful centerpieces that are sure to be a hit. Sherri will be showing you design tips, tricks and ideas, but this is a hands on class as well. So……. let your creative juices start flowing now!

$15 Discount Coupon for Members in the Members Zone

Purchase Your Ticket

CONVENTION 2019 FRIDAY FFA WORKSHOP CHECKOUT

DESIGN II PROGRAM - "Will You Marry Me"
secrets will be revealed from a pro .....
Saturday - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm in the Chimney Rock Room
Purchase a Ticket

Flowers are much more than flowers in the 21st century, and to separate yourselves from the competition, you need to do much more than just flowers.  This program will open your eyes to possibilities that have worked well for Fresh Affairs and Michael will share some of their secrets that will help you take a different approach to your consults and services that you should be offering!

Michael Whaley Aifd Cfd has over three decades of experience in the floral industry and has been involved with every aspect during his career. He has a passion for continuing self-education and, more importantly, sharing that acquired knowledge with other designers in the industry. Over the years he has studied with some of the greatest designers in the world including Gregor Lersch, Hitomi Gilliam, Tomas De Bruyne and Per Benjamin among others.  Michael has been awarded NCSFA Designer of the Year and Southern Retail Florist Association Designer of the Year.  His love of interpretive design led him to The Jim Treadway Cup for interpretive design and after winning this coveted competition three times he was inducted into the Jim Treadway Hall of Fame.  He was also a regional representative for Americas Cup, Great American Design Competition.  Michael was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers and has been heavily involved with programs presented at AIFD National Symposium. He is currently the chairman of the National Education Committee, serves as vice president of the Southern Chapter of AIFD, and is an AIFD certified evaluator/judge.  Michael currently works as Creative Director for Fresh Affairs, an upscale wedding and special events studio based in Raleigh, NC. 

Get Your Brand New 2019 NCSFA Member Lapel Pin

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Name on Credit Card:(Required)
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Price: $14.95
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