Thinking About Attending Management Institute?

Danna Avsec, Smithers-Oasis North America

Last August, I had the terrific opportunity to attend my first Emerging Leaders Road Trip/Management Institute in Rosemont, IL. This program gave me the chance to connect with several other individuals in the floral industry. In fact, it was great to reconnect with many of the people I had met in Rosemont again in Miami at the annual Floral Distribution Conference!

Last year’s event got underway with the Emerging Leaders Road Trip. As we made our way through the streets of Chicago, Harrison “Red” Kennicott III spoke about his experience in the floral industry. Red’s commentary was insightful and enjoyable. It was fascinating to learn how much the industry has evolved throughout the years.

On last year’s trip, we visited Mariano’s, Gowder Designs, Everflora Chicago and Kennicott Brothers. It was extremely beneficial for me to observe the floral industry from these various perspectives – mass market, event planning and wholesale. It certainly broadened my perspective of the industry and how it is impacted in so many ways.

Additionally, all of last year’s speakers at the Management Institute were very knowledgeable, sharing valuable information that has remained with me in my career. Everything from driving profits and closing a sale, to running a florist operation were all topics that further enhanced my knowledge of the industry. It was great to look around the room and be among manufacturers, wholesalers and growers – what a remarkable industry we all work in!

I would highly recommend this program to anyone in the floral industry. I took home so much helpful information from the three days I spent in Rosemont. I am really looking forward to participating again in this year’s program, August 1-4, 2017. You can register here if you have yet to do so. I look forward to seeing you in Denver!