FTD Boot Camp - Agenda

FTD University is pleased to offer our member florists a fun-filled and informative three-day workshop at FTD Boot Camp. The following schedule (subject to change) is a snapshot of the exciting opportunities for business and design knowledge to help enhance your skills.

Business and design sessions are led by FTD Education Consultant Ann Jordan AIFD, unless otherwise noted in the schedule. Pete Samek AIFD, FTD Quality Services Representative, assists during the hands-on design class.


Monday

8:00 AM Check-in at FTD
Meet at the entrance to FTD's 4-story building. Pick up your meeting materials, then enjoy some coffee and a snack while you get settled in for an exciting day of education.
8:15 AM - 10:15 AM Business Session

Consumer Trends
Understanding consumer trends is crucial to your success. We will review the influences and facets that pave the way to success.

American Floral Trends Forecast
Knowing the current trends in color and floristry will help guide the way you design, purchase merchandise, create wedding styles and craft displays in your shop.

10:30 AM - 12:15 PM Business Session

Training & Motivating Employees
A key factor in employee retention is providing the opportunity for proper training and job skill enhancements. These important motivators benefit both your employees and your business.

Branding
Profitable companies know image is their number one asset and that branding creates customer loyalty. This session will walk you through creating or fine-tuning your brand.

12:15 PM Lunch
Enjoy a tasty lunch from a local restaurant while enjoying casual conversation with your fellow classmates and several FTD staff.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Design Session

Everyday Design
Challenge your abilities as you focus on arrangements that are trendy with vast consumer appeal.

The first session will introduce the elements of color and form as well as the principles of harmony and unity. Techniques including layering, veiling and the proper use of common floral tools will also be incorporated. (Design tools provided.)

Followed by design evaluation.

3:15 PM - 5:15 PM Design Session

Sympathy Design
You'll learn graceful ways to express wishes of peace, strength and sympathy through flowers while remaining mindful of a budget.

The elements of form, line and space will be explored, along with the principles of proportion and balance. Techniques will include grouping, framing and basing.

Followed by design evaluation.

5:30 PM Depart FTD
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Networking Dinner
Enjoy a casual, relaxing dinner at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton - Downers Grove across from FTD while networking with your fellow classmates and FTD staff.

Tuesday

8:00 AM Check-in at FTD
Meet at the entrance to FTD's 4-story building. Enjoy some coffee and a snack while you get settled in for an exciting day of education.
8:15 AM - 10:00 AM Business Session

Effective Sales Techniques and Customer Service
Our world is filled with competition. Mastering key selling skills is more important than ever, and will set your shop apart and boost your bottom line.

Wedding Consultations
Successful wedding consultations are all about connecting with the bride-to-be. Learn strategies to gain her confidence and trust.

10:15 AM - 12:15 PM Business Session

Marketing
Explore various marketing opportunities and craft a strategy to give you the greatest possible advantage for success.

Email Marketing
Discover how email marketing can help you promote your shop, website and products. You'll gain valuable insight on who to contact, how to contact them and what to offer.

Social Media
Discover simple ways to utilize social media as an inexpensive, instantaneous marketing tool for connecting with your customers.

12:15 PM Lunch
Enjoy a tasty lunch from a local restaurant while enjoying casual conversation with your fellow classmates and several FTD Staff.
1:15 PM - 3:15 PM Design Session

Designing for Young Professionals
This design session will challenge you to mix up your design style to appeal to a younger, trendier customer base.

You'll explore the elements of color and texture and principles of harmony and rhythm. Techniques used will include sheltering and zoning.

Followed by design evaluation.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM Design Session

Wedding Designs
Staying current is key to winning wedding business. You'll be encouraged to think outside the box to satisfy even the most particular of brides.

Incorporated elements will include color and balance, along with the principles of harmony and emphasis. A wide variety of techniques will be utilized, including hand-tied spiral, lacing, banding/binding, detailing and reflexing.

Followed by design evaluation.

5:30 PM Depart FTD
Dinner is on your own.

Wednesday

8:00 AM Check-in at FTD
Meet at the entrance to FTD's 4-story building. Enjoy some coffee and a snack while you get settled in for an exciting day of education.
8:15 AM - 11:45 AM Business Session

Profitability and Cost of Goods (COGS)
Surviving and thriving as a small business requires being focused on your bottom line. In this session, you'll explore strategies for being a profit-minded florist without sacrificing quality.

Quality
FTD recognizes and rewards florists who embrace industry best practices. In this session, you'll master quality, care and handling and proper substitution for FTD branded bouquets.

12:00 AM - 12:30 PM Design Demonstration

Body Flowers
Body flowers for weddings and proms have truly become works of art. The latest techniques to wow your customers will be demonstrated.

12:30 PM Lunch
Enjoy a tasty lunch from a local restaurant while enjoying casual conversation with your fellow classmates and several FTD Staff.
1:15 PM Tour of FTD Headquarters
Take a quick tour of FTD's headquarters, including our own on-site photo studio. Meet briefly with your FTD Marketplace representative and your FTD Flower Exchange representative. View the latest holiday and everyday Marketplace containers.
2:00 PM Depart FTD for home
2:00 PM SEO 101 (Optional Session)
Learn tips and tricks for improving FREE traffic to your website.

Schedule of Events:  Click Here to view a full agenda and course description.

If you have questions regarding FTD Boot Camp, please contact us at education@FTDi.com.