FLORISTS GATHER AT FTD 2005 FLORAL EXTRAVAGANZA

DOWNERS GROVE, IL. (August 8, 2005) - Thousands of florists across North America recently gathered in Dallas, TX for the FTD 2005 Floral Extravaganza, the largest floral event in the industry. The Convention shared FTD's strategy, positioning retail florists to increase their revenues and reduce their costs. The event also featured incredible deals at the trade fair, technology, business and design programs presented by insightful educators, and networking opportunities.

"I truly enjoy being able to network with other florists and discuss the good and bad things that are happening in our industry across the country," said John Morrissey of Rich Mar Florists in Allentown, PA. "I also felt FTD had a great mix of design shows, business seminars, optional tours and sports personalities that made the convention even more enjoyable."

Highlights of The FTD 2005 Floral Extravaganza

Industry Trends
FTD CEO Michael Soenen provided florists with the opportunity to learn about several key trends occurring in the floral industry. These new trends in today's industry include consumers wanting single-stem bouquets and lower price points, as well as the consumers embracing the boxed floral programs.

"Our primary goal at FTD is to provide programs that are designed to increase revenue and reduce costs," said Soenen. "We are making investments in our business to help our members prepare their shop for the future."

Specific examples of FTD's initiatives that are designed to help increase revenue and reduce costs are the FTD Flower Exchange and the Flower Shop of the Future. FTD Flower Exchange representatives were on-hand to walk members through the online process, which provides florists with access to 2,500 different varieties of flowers offered by hundreds of sellers at farm direct prices. The Flower Shop of the Future provided FTD Members a sneak preview of the new technology initiatives that will take florists into the future.

Quality Technology, Business and Design Seminars
FTD provided a strong schedule of quality education programming featuring a wide variety of business-related subjects specifically designed to meet each attendee's needs. FTD Mercury Technology presented programs on Mercury Delivery, Mercury Marketing, Mercury Advantage, FTD Mercury and Zoning, Mapping and Reporting. Technology users received training on specific applications of each of the platforms through seminars, showcases and hands-on labs.

Other winning business programs included a sales seminar by Bob Negen from Whiz Bang! Training, a human resources program by Donald Cooper of the Donald Cooper Corporation, marketing seminars by Marty Grunder of martygrunder! Marketing, Management & Motivation and Steven Chuck of Yahoo!, and business programs presented by Gaylon Pyle of Quality Advantage Training and FTD Design Instructor John Klingel AIFD, AAF, PFCI.

Creative design programs included "Thinking Outside the Container: Turning Inventory Into Cash" presented by FTD Design Instructor Jeff Corbin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, "Holiday Magic or Mayhem" presented by FTD Design Instructor Toomie Farris AIFD, AAF, "A Profitable Wedding Story" presented by FTD Design Instructor J. Keith White AIFD, "Everyday Designs in Home Décor" presented by FTD Design Instructor Deborah De La Flora AIFD, and "Little Shop…Little Shop of Flowers" presented by FTD Design Instructor Tina Stoecker AIFD, PFCI.

"This was the best floral convention we have ever attended. Everything was first class. The business programs were meaningful and well presented," said Ivan Seppell of Jonlee Flowers in Aurora, IL. "Those meeting rooms were nearly filled at every session I attended. This event was worth every penny that it cost and the time spent there. We will be sending our managers to the next Convention."

The Trade Fair
Florists shopped at FTD's Trade Fair filled with quality industry vendors including growers and suppliers featuring show specials and new products. Vendors in the trade fair were selected as an FTD Preferred Vendor, allowing customers to charge purchases through the FTD Clearinghouse Statements.

FTD Members also enjoyed a "Texas Size" party in the Trade Fair on Friday night which featured a mechanical bull and country personality impersonators such as Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and Toby Keith. Other highlights in the Trade Fair included autographs by Merlin Olsen, Texas Rangers baseball player Mark DeRosa and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.

Other Key Highlights
FTD recognized dedicated partnership through the presentation of the landmark anniversaries and industry leadership through the prestigious FTD Member Awards at a luncheon presentation held and at the FTD Gala Dinner. The FTD Member Anniversary and Awards Luncheon also featured special guest speaker Michael Abrashoff, the former Commander of U.S.S Benfold and author of It's Your Ship!

Other highlights included the gathering of the FTD Past Presidents, a Texas Rangers baseball game, a tour of Dallas and a Grapevine Wine Tasting Tour.

Photos of the 2005 FTD Floral Extravaganza are now available at the Company's web site, www.FTDi.com/pressroom.

About FTD Group, Inc.
FTD Group, Inc. is a holding company for FTD, Inc., which is a provider of floral services and products to member florists and a direct marketer of flowers and specialty gifts

Press Contact
Megan Pettit
FTD Inc.
3113 Woodcreek Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Tel: 630-724-6540
Email: mpettit@ftdi.com

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