Should I Join a Floral Association? If So, Which One?
Take a peek at the websites of florists or growers you admire. You may notice that some of them claim affiliation (usually with a cute logo) with one or several floral associations.
These associations could be local, national, or even international groups that charge a membership fee for various benefits.
So, how can you know if joining a floral association is right for you? And then how do you choose which one(s) to join?
National vs. Local Floral Associations
There are many benefits to joining various floral associations, so research and explore which one would be best for you.
It’s worth your while to start exploring the websites of floral associations and florist organizations relevant to you, even if you aren’t yet ready to pay the membership fee.
Many states and regions have their own floral associations or florist professional groups—like the Texas State Floral Association or the San Diego Floral Association—and you can even find organizations devoted to specific flowers (for example, the American Rose Society).
Local floral association groups have the benefit of understanding particular needs or challenges of a given area, such as climate or pest issues or business laws. They may also sponsor small conferences or speaker events nearby or have useful information on their websites or blogs.
Truly, there are too many local groups to profile in this article, but do a quick search and see what is available near you and what they have to offer.
In this article, you’ll get profiles of several of the most active, larger, and practical groups, along with a summary of their purpose, audience, and benefits that they offer to their members. But remember, check directly with the floral association’s website for the most current information.
Generally speaking, all of these organizations offer networking opportunities and access to educational information, though they each have a unique approach and mission. Because prices and policies are subject to change, I have not listed membership fees.
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers
Who is this floral organization for?
People who grow cut flowers (on a plot of any size)
why join?
The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers is probably the most useful national group to plug into for growers. Members can connect through an exclusive Facebook group and bulletin board.
The group also sponsors in-person meetings and conferences. Members have access to a password-protected website with searchable current and back issues of Cut Flower Quarterly (see a current issue here) and floriculture research reports, pricing guides, speaker slideshows, and videos from ASCFG events.
Finally, members have the opportunity to list their business on localflowers.org, a marketing website meant to connect customers to local growers.
See a video here.
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
Who is this floral association for?
Floral Designers seeking a recognized certification
why join?
Florists look to the AIFD for education and certification. In the United States, you do not need any degree or specific education to start a floral design business in most instances. The AIFD aims to provide florists with an official certification of their skills. Members (called “candidates”) participate in courses and a final exam.
Depending on how successfully candidates pass this exam, they will be awarded the title “Certified Floral Designer” or the more prestigious “Accredited Member of the AIFD.” Both certifications must be kept current through continuing education requirements every five years.
Read a Team Flower article about the AIFD here.
Discovering a floral community that shares your passion within the larger industry offers more than just shared knowledge, it offers camaraderie.
Slow Flowers
Who is this floral organization for?
Local Growers and Florists looking to prioritize local flowers
why join?
In the words of Slow Flowers itself, this organization aims to “promote domestic flowers and connect consumers with farmers, florists, designers and retailers.”
Members can use the Slow Flowers logo to boost their brand and advocate for more sustainable growing practices.
Membership in Slow Flowers makes sense for any local grower, but florists should also take note. Any designer who is ready to incorporate a greater percentage of local and domestic flowers can take the “Slow Flowers Pledge” and join as well.
The group offers connection to a like-minded community, your business listing in their directory, and opportunities to advertise your sales events on their website. They also use a portion of membership dues to spread the news about the Slow Flowers movement in various media outlets.
Society Of American Florists (SAF)
Who is this floral association for?
All participants of the U.S. Florist Industry
An act of Congress chartered this group in 1884. Still, today it claims to be “the face and voice of a strong, unified floral industry in Washington, D.C.”
SAF aims not only to connect and educate its members, but also to represent them and their needs to the government. Their website is robust, with sections that include Events and Education, Resources, Industry News, Advocacy, Local Marketing, and Career Connection. If you are interested in educating yourself about numerous issues related to the floral industry at large, spend some time exploring the site.
why join?
SAF offers a broad range of benefits to its members, from free images to use in your marketing and radio scripts to working with lawyers. Check out their FAQ page for a larger sampling of their benefits.
AmericanHort
Who is this floral organization for?
Anyone in any part of the horticulture industry can participate in this group. According to their website, “AmericanHort truly represents the entire horticulture industry, including breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscapers, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry market chain.”
why join?
This group is similar to SAF but broader and also has more general goals. On their website, you’ll find information about the science and business of growing and selling plants. You’ll also find information about legal and social issues related to farming and ways to advocate for them locally and nationally.
This is a great group to explore if you want to understand how your work fits into a much bigger picture across the U.S.
They offer three levels of membership as well as discounted rates for students, retirees, and researchers.
Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association
Who is this floral Association for?
As the name suggests, this group serves wholesalers and their suppliers. You are a wholesaler if you sell products to people other than end-users.
why join?
WF&FSA offers networking, education, industry information, and business discounts. If you are a wholesaler, you play a crucial part in the floral supply chain, and this is the place to find answers and support for your specific challenges.
Team Flower Community
Who is this professional floral group for?
Anyone from any experience level and sector in the floral industry can benefit from the connections to be made this group, but it’s primarily made up of floral designers, cut flower growers, and floral industry support companies.
why join?
The Team Flower Community is us! And as the writer of this article, I’m a part of that community. It’s a warm, welcoming, and safe place to share ideas, ask for feedback on designs and business-related questions, discover new resources and tips and tricks, and more.
You can get free lifetime access to the community when you join an online floral design class, or you can also get lifetime access for a small one-time fee. There are no yearly dues and fits easily into the budget of a small business owner or someone who is just beginning out on their floral journey, so it’s a great place to start building relationships and learning about the industry.
Even if you decide not to join any of the aforementioned associations, you’ll find great benefit in perusing their various free resources!
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive. It is just a start!
Whether or not you decide to become a member of any of these groups, you can benefit from exploring their websites and all their free resources.
The more you research, the more you’ll understand which groups will serve you best and where YOU can serve by contributing your own expertise!
Photography: Heather Payne Photography