SAF 141st annual convention honors industry leaders

The Society of American Florists’ (SAF) 141st annual convention, SAF Amelia Island 2026, brought together nearly 500 floral professionals from across the country, Aug. 18–20 in Amelia Island, Florida.

On Aug. 20, the Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations who have made a lasting impact on the floral industry. The Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education was won by William “Bill” Miller, Ph.D., while Marlin Hargrove, AAF, AIFD, PFCI took home the Tommy Bright Award. The Paul Ecke Jr. Award went to Russ Barley, AAF, AIFD, CFD, FSMD, and the Rising Star Award was presented to both Erin Bruno, AAF, and Christine Guenther, AAF, PFCI. Ian Prosser, AAF, AIFD, NDSF, PFCI, was inducted into the Floriculture Hall of Fame, and the San Francisco Flower Market received the Century Award. Additionally, 15 floral professionals, six American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and nine Professional Floral Communicators, International (PFCI), were inducted into their respective honor societies.

© Society of American Florists

The Outstanding Varieties Best in Show award went to the ‘New Moon’ Spray Rose, presented by Rosaprima. Arizona Flower Market was named Marketer of the Year, and Cindy Hall, AIFD, CF, won the Sylvia Cup Design Competition.