Next Gen LIVE! 2026
GROW | CONNECT | LEAD
Why Attend Next Gen LIVE!
Join floral pros age 45 and under from all segments — retail, event, wholesale, importer, grower, and manufacturers — at an event designed for the next generation of industry leaders.
Benefits for Young Floral Industry Professionals
- Participate in interactive educational sessions and experiences led by floral experts and emerging Next Gen members of the floral industry.
- Connect with vendors at the Supplier Showcase.
- Take advantage of numerous networking opportunities during breaks, lunch, and receptions, designed to help you meet new peers and make valuable connections.
More information and schedule coming soon!
Hotel and Travel Information
Event Dates: February 22-24, 2026
Next Gen LIVE! Location
Raleigh Marriott City Center
500 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 919-833-1120
Hotel Website
Room Rate
- $209 per night
- Room block closes: January 19, 2026
Always book your room using the booking link on this page. If you receive a phone call from any company claiming they are responsible for SAF housing, it is a scam. If you have any questions about hotel rooms for SAF’s events, please contact SAF’s Laura Weaver at 703-838-5221 or lweaver@safnow.org.
Travel information
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is 14.9 Miles from the Raleigh Marriott City Center
Early Bird Registration Rates Listed Below
Prices increase on January 20, 2026
SAF Grower/Wholesaler/Supplier Members
$610
SAF Ultimate Level Retail Members
$610
SAF Premium Plus Level Retail
Members
$660
SAF Premium Level Retail Members
$710
SAF Standard
Level Retail
Members
$760
Non SAF
Members
$1,060
Plus-One À La Carte Registration Options
Welcome Reception Tickets
Sunday, February 22
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m
Children (under 12) $35
Guests $95
Next Gen LIVE! Happy Hour
Monday, February 23
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Guests $39
Registration Rates Include
- 10 different educational sessions
- Supplier Expo Viewing
- Networking Dinner and Team Design Competition (Sunday)
- Continental Breakfast (Monday & Tuesday)
- Lunch (Monday & Tuesday)
- Next Gen Networking Happy Hour (Monday)
- NC State Tour & Transportation (Tuesday)
Registration Refund Policy
15% cancellation fee: Written cancellation requests postmarked before Feb. 10 will be refunded less a
15 percent handling charge. No refunds after Feb 17.
Next Gen LIVE! Event Testimonials
“Next Gen LIVE! exceeded my expectations! It helped my employee step out of his comfort zone and make connections that have provided him with ongoing support and fresh ideas.”
Monty Pereira,
Watanabe Floral, Honolulu, HI
Employer of Next Gen LIVE! Attendee
“I feel rejuvenated and refreshed after attending Next Gen LIVE! I loved learning from my peers and feel more connected than ever with my floral community.”
Sarah Gillespie
Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, IN
Next Gen LIVE! Attendee
“My employees came back from Next Gen LIVE! with a broader perspective of the floral industry that absolutely blew them away – and their excitement was contagious, which inspired the entire team.”
Lisa Hays Holmes,
Tiger Lily Florist, Charleston, SC
Employer of Next Gen LIVE! Attendee
“We discovered innovative approaches, practical solutions, and newfound inspiration that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of our business.”
Claudia Muñozz
Fresh-o-Fair, Coral Gables, FL
Next Gen LIVE! Attendee
Next Gen LIVE! 2026 Sponsors
Crown Mogul
Bouquet Big Shot
Corsage Commander
