Society of American Florists seeks nominations for floral industry awards; deadline April 1

The Society of American Florists is accepting nominations for its annual industry awards and applications for the American Academy of Floriculture, recognizing professionals across the floral industry whose leadership, innovation and service have made a lasting impact.

The deadline to submit nominations and applications is April 1.

Award recipients will be honored during the Stars of the Industry Awards Ceremony at SAF Amelia Island 2026, the association’s 141st annual convention, Aug. 18 to 20 in Amelia Island, Florida.

“These honors tell the story of who we are as an industry,” said Renee Tucci, chair of SAF’s 2026 Awards Committee. “When we recognize someone’s dedication, innovation or service, we’re also celebrating the values that move all of us forward. The ceremony isn’t just about applause — it’s about momentum.”

SAF is accepting applications, due April 1, for the following certifications:

• American Academy of Floriculture: Recognizes individuals who have dedicated time and energy to bettering both the floral industry and their local communities.

SAF is accepting nominations, also due April 1, for the following awards:

• Floriculture Hall of Fame: The floral industry’s highest honor, recognizing individuals whose service, leadership and integrity have set a lasting standard of excellence.
• Paul Ecke Jr. Award: Recognizes exemplary devotion to the floral profession, industry and community.
• Gold Medal Award: Honors the originator or introducer of a plant or flower that has achieved wide distribution and significant horticultural and commercial impact.
• John H. Walker Award: Celebrates outstanding association executives whose leadership has strengthened their organizations and the industry.
• Alex Laurie Award for Research and Education: Recognizes achievements that advance knowledge, strengthen education and support the floral profession.
• Century Award: Honors businesses and organizations that have served the floral industry for 100 years or more.
• Rising Star Award: Recognizes young professionals (45 and under) demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation and potential to shape the future of the industry.

“You don’t do this work expecting recognition — you do it because you love the people and the purpose behind it,” said Dianna Nordman, former executive director of the Texas State Florists’ Association and 2025 recipient of the Paul Ecke Jr. Award. “To be acknowledged by colleagues you respect so much is incredibly humbling.”

All award nominations and AAF applications are reviewed by SAF’s Awards Committee. Learn more about SAF's awards and certifications here.

For questions about SAF’s awards and certifications, contact Celeste O'Keefe at cokeefe@safnow.org.