The Society of American Florists (SAF) is now accepting entries for its 32nd Annual Marketer of the Year Contest, recognizing innovative and results-driven marketing efforts from across the floral industry.
SAF member businesses across the industry — including retailers, wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, and growers — are invited to apply. The deadline to enter is May 31, 2026.
The winning entry will receive a $5,000 cash prize, sponsored by Design Master, a division of Smithers-Oasis, along with a featured cover story in the September/October issue of Floral Management magazine.
Recognizing marketing that delivers results
From employee-driven social media strategies to nationwide campaigns that capture consumer attention, SAF's Marketer of the Year Contest highlights creative approaches that help floral businesses stand out and succeed.
The contest honors marketing initiatives that demonstrate originality, innovation, and measurable success. Eligible entries may include a single promotion or a comprehensive campaign spanning multiple efforts — from digital marketing and in-store promotions to community outreach and advertising strategies.
Previous winners have included:
- Kennedy's Flowers and Gifts (Grand Rapids, MI) – Created a refillable vase program that increased foot traffic and customer loyalty
- Tiger Lily Florist (Charleston, SC) — Leveraged the charm of historic Charleston to build a community-driven digital marketing strategy
- California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers (CalFlowers) — Created the "Flowers. Self-care made easy." campaign to support industry-wide marketing
- Jet Fresh Flower Distributors (Miami, FL) — Used an employee-first marketing approach to elevate brand visibility and engagement
Inspiration from past winners
Last year's winner, Kennedy's Flowers and Gifts, earned national recognition for its marketing efforts — and the impact extended beyond the award.
"Our team felt proud to be recognized for something that we work so hard on, and which brings so much joy to our customers," said co-owner Holly Haveman, CF, PFCI.
She also emphasized the value of sharing ideas with peers across the industry.
"It takes time and effort to submit for Marketer of the Year, however sharing your great idea with the rest of the industry is so rewarding," she said. "We have received much positive feedback from other florists who have been inspired by our idea and are excited to try it themselves."
Haveman encourages businesses to submit their work — even if they've entered before.
"Persistence is key!" she said. "We knew our campaign was having a positive impact on the lives of our customers, and on the bottom line for our company, so we kept submitting it. When you believe in what you do, keep sharing."
How to enter
- Eligibility: Businesses must have been in operation for at least two years and be in good standing with vendors
- Who can enter: SAF member businesses, including retailers, wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, and growers
- Campaign criteria: Any successful marketing campaign from the past five years
- Judging: Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry professionals and at least one non-industry marketing expert, based on originality and results
- The deadline to enter is May 31, 2026.
For full contest details and submission instructions, click here. For questions, contact Amanda Jedlinsky.
