Columbus, Ohio —The OFA Short Course is the home for horticultural learning for the florist trade. Set for July 14-17 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, this year’s programming encompasses innovative stage shows, hands-on workshops, and world-class vendors. Floral professionals will have opportunities to listen to, learn from, and watch leading designers in action. Attendees will discover in each and every session ways to create new products, new profits, and new customers for their floral business.
Floral Education
Short Course delivers when it comes to educational programming for florists. A combination of hands-on workshops and stage shows reveals the latest tips and tricks of leading floral designers. From capturing profits through floral techniques to maximizing the flower shop’s own potential, sessions help the floral trade kick business into high gear.
Florists can look forward to the following educational components:
Saturday, July 14
1 pm-4 pm—Hands-on Workshop: Building Profits with Body Flowers
1 pm-4 pm—Stage Show: Finishing Touches
Sunday, July 15
9:15 – 10:30 a.m. —Stage Show: Extreme Makeover—Flower Shop Edition
10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Stage Show: Show & Sell
2 – 3:15 p.m. —Stage Show: Are you Surviving or Thriving?
3:30 – 4:45 p.m. —Stage Show: The Proper Wedding
In addition, Florist Roundtable Discussions will take place on Saturday, July 14, 4:30 – 6 p.m. This is a can’t-miss opportunity for floral industry members to voice their thoughts and participate in the discussions about the future of local suppliers.
More Awaits the Floral Pro
What’s a gathering of floral pros without a good ol’ floral competition? The annual OFA Florist Design Contest Design-Off will have five competitors vying for the title of OFA Florist Designer of the Year. This throw-down is not to be missed! The competition kicks of Sunday, July 15, at 1 p.m.
Other opportunities to make the most of Short Course include:
-Florist Expo, where tabletop displays offer lots of take-home arrangement ideas
-Corsage Bar, with volunteers cranking out lovely floral creations
-Keynote Presentation, “Can You Hear Me Now? Voices from Beyond the Greenhouse,” given by national gardening spokesperson and television personality Joe Lamp’l.
Register Now
Plan your experience and register for the 2012 OFA Short Course at ofa.org/shortcourse.
About the organization:
OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals is the leading horticulture educational association in the United States. It is a not-for-profit, all-industry organization and its core purpose and mission is “to support and advance professional horticulture.” Industry segments served include: garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries, retail and wholesale florists, and interior plantscapers. OFA is especially known for its outstanding publications and its annual OFA Short Course, U.S. horticulture’s premier convention and marketplace. The next Short Course will take place on July 14-17, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio USA.
Source: OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals