The Society of American Florists 28th Annual Marketer of the Year contest recognizes original, successful marketing efforts and is open to any SAF retailer, wholesaler, importer, manufacturer, or grower. The deadline to apply is May 31.
Any floral company that is a SAF member with a marketing campaign executed in the last five years is eligible to enter the contest. That includes marketing tactics that helped businesses through the pandemic, the use of video on social media, or even in-store events designed to draw in customers — and more.
Here are examples of winning marketing campaigns from previous years:
- A wholesaler who developed a marketing campaign to encourage consumers to buy from local florists.
- A grower who thrust proteas into the national spotlight, elevating the flower's popularity.
- A retailer who rolled out an app to engage and build a loyal customer base.
The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Design Master, a division of Smithers-Oasis, a cover story for the September/October issue of Floral Management Magazine, and complimentary registration to SAF's annual convention SAF Orlando 2022.
Dwight Larimer, AAF, PFCI, executive director of Design Master, says he and Smithers-Oasis chose to continue Marketer of the Year after a two-year hiatus because they believe in the power of grassroots marketing.
"Marketing is a cornerstone of success," Larimer says. "With recent business disruptions and challenges, stellar marketing is how your business separates itself from thousands of other businesses — inside and outside the floral industry — vying for the consumer dollar."
Larimer thinks of the contest as a "success multiplier." Not only does great marketing help your business, he says, but sharing your marketing ideas through the contest also inspires other floral business owners.
The contest is judged by a panel of floral professionals and at least one non-industry marketing expert, who evaluate entries based on originality and success. The winner is announced at SAF Orlando 2022.
For more information:
SAF
safnow.org