11/10/2021
For those coming ... advanced notice of the delegate letter!
Greetings .... I can't believe I am writing this but we are ONLY a few days away from the first UK event for florists since this whole ghastly pandemic started.
Personally, I can’t wait to see you all and just so thrilled we are going to have such a fabulous turnout for what I think is going to be a fabulous, fun, and very informative gathering.
However, there are a few things I need to flag, one of which I need your feedback on.
FOOD!
Now supper on Saturday (if you’re booked in for the party) is included as is lunch on Sunday. Both are buffet style with plenty to go round but it would help chef to get a feel for any special dietary requirements.
So, if you are vegan, vegetarian or anything else is important on the scoff front (like allergies/food intolerances etc) please can you let me know by replying to [email protected] and I can let them know so they can be on standby.
However, if you don’t have any special scoff requirements, PLEASE DON’T REPLY otherwise I shall drown in emails!!
STAYING SAFE
Obviously, there are no formal restrictions but we need to be sensible. The room is big enough to give us air/space and comfort and the hotel will have all the best practices in place. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask that’s fine and if you don’t want to wear one that’s fine too.
If you want to take a LFT beforehand that’s your call (I do them simply because I go into Dad’s care home every week … still makes me gag!!) but it is not a requirement … I am going to assume everyone is sensible and conscious not to come in if you are concerned.
However, refunds can only be given on the production of a positive PCR test and absolutely no refunds will be possible after Wednesday 13th as I have to put in my final numbers in then and from that point on I will be charged for any no shows. Sorry to be tough but the hotel sets the rules and I can’t take the hit.
BEING SOCIABLE #1
Ian Lloyd and his team are going to be creating a rather lush photo booth and we’ll also have roving picture frames for you to use as well. We’d love you to share and show yourselves off so if you can use the hash tags and (because you will be!!) that would be fab!! You are going to be part of the very first national gathering … let’s make a big thing of it!!
BEING SOCIABLE #2
Don’t worry if you are coming on your own or don’t know anyone. The team of GFG Buddy Bubble Bosses will be looking out for you and making sure you get introduced to other delegates … after the first 20 mins you will know loads!
DRESS CODE
Florist Event is very informal …. If you want to wear a party frock on Saturday that’s cool … think disco/Austin Powers … if you just want to wear jeans that’s fine as well … me I’m thinking a sequin/jean combo!! However, we do want to see some fabulous floral creations so don’t forget to be at the Flower Bar, with flowers generously sponsored by FlorismartDirect, at 5.00pm to get creative.
We’ll have the other bar open too so if you want some ‘preees’ it will all be happening between 5 and 7 before the party kicks off.
The Sunday is equally informal … we’ll all be in the round, there will be moving around and at the end some fun hands on so again don’t think you have to dress up unless you want to.
The full programme and aimed for timings are below …. as always it is subject to tweaks and refinement on the day … not least because if questions run over so will the programme but Ian will keep you … and me … n check so it should all go to plan … and if it does … hey we’re all friends!!
Hopefully that covers everything but holler if any queries … you are unlikely to get an instant answer simply because there isn’t a huge team doing this … it’s me so bear with and I’ll get back to you ASAP.
Can’t wait to see you all.
Kindest regards,
Carrie
Programme at a glance
Saturday 16th October
14.30 GFE officially opens – registration starts - welcome tea, coffee and pastries
15.00 Hands on Masterclass #1: Perfect pictures and videos on your phone!!
17.30 Make your own 'wearable' flowers at our special Flower Bar - prizes for the best!
19.00 Meet and Mingle drinks
19.30 Saturday Night Party including supper and Disco
Winner of the 30 under 30 Trophy announced
Sunday 17th October
09.00 Registration opens with tea, coffee & pastries - regular top ups through the day!
09.30 Official Open and welcome
09.45 Seminar: Pricing for Profit ... making every design pay
11.00 Seminar: All things electric – plugging delivery costs
12.00 What I learned from Covid ... how a pandemic changed the business
13.00 Working Lunch - Four course Carvery Buffet
14.15 Keynote Speaker - Claire Mitchell - Social Media and More
15.30 Hands on Masterclass #2: Looking Good ... Doing Good – Packaging Special
16.30 Closing remarks and Good Florist Event closes
Throughout the sessions we'll also be covering marketing, buying, sustainability, what works for members in their shops, general hints and tips and anything else anyone wants to discuss because GFE really is an ideas pooling event!
