Young Professionals Council Webinars
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AFE hosts regular webinars for our Young Professionals Council (YPC), which are open to the public. Established in 2015, the YPC offers leadership and networking opportunities for young industry professionals while getting involved in volunteer opportunities within the floral/horticultural industries.
New in 2026! Young Professionals Council (YPC) Professional Development & Leadership Webinar Series
With the generous support of the Demaree Family Floriculture Advancement Fund, AFE is excited to launch a new Young Professionals Council (YPC): Professional Development & Leadership Webinar Series created specifically for the next generation.
Developed with direct input from YPC members, this series brings together experts from across academia and the floral industry to cover topics like career development, grant funding, leadership, industry challenges, and professional branding. Each session will be offered live and recorded, so you can join in real time or access the content later as part of an on-demand resource library.
Upcoming Webinars
17 de septiembre de 2026
1:00 p. m. EST
Construcción de su marca profesional: Estrategias para la visibilidad, el networking y el crecimiento profesional
Orador: Dr. Brian Jackson, Universidad Estatal de Carolina del Norte
Establishing a strong professional brand is increasingly important for young professionals looking to build credibility and expand their network. The September session will focus on practical ways to communicate your expertise, highlight your work, and create meaningful connections within the floral industry. Topics will include developing a professional online presence, using social media strategically, promoting research or professional achievements, and navigating networking opportunities at industry events. Attendees will leave with actionable tips to strengthen their professional visibility and position themselves for future opportunities.
12 de noviembre de 2026
1:00 p. m. EST
Exploración de trayectorias profesionales entre la academia y la industria
Orador: Dra. Alicain Carlson, Syngenta Flowers; Dr. JC Chong, SePRO Corporation, y Dr. Jim Owen, Profile Growing Solutions
Career paths in floriculture often span both academia and industry, offering a range of opportunities for professionals with diverse interests and expertise. The November session will feature a panel of speakers who have navigated careers across both sectors and will share insights into their experiences. Panelists will discuss how their careers evolved, what influenced their transitions between roles, and how young professionals can evaluate potential career directions. The session will provide perspective on the different professional landscapes within academia and industry, while offering guidance to those considering new career opportunities. A live Q&A will allow participants to engage directly with the speakers.
Moderator: Laura Barth, American Floral Endowment
Past Webinars
July 23rd, 2026
1:00 p. m. EST
The Pursuit of Purpose: A Journey of Leadership and Perseverance
Orador: Lane DeVries, CalFlowers
What does it take to turn humble beginnings into extraordinary success? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lane DeVries, a Dutch-born flower farmer and accomplished author who began his journey on a small family farm in Holland and went on to build Sun Valley Floral Farms, once the largest cut flower producer in the United States. As part of our Professional Development & Leadership Webinar Series, this motivational session is designed especially for young professionals interested in developing strong personal leadership skills. Lane will share the defining moments, hard lessons, and breakthrough opportunities that shaped his path — many of which are highlighted in his new book, The Pursuit of Purpose. Through stories of setbacks, resilience, and determination, he reflects on the challenges he faced and the leadership mindset that helped him stay focused on purpose while building something meaningful.
May 12th, 2026
1:00 p. m. EST
Grant Writing for Government and Industry Funding Opportunities
Orador: Dr. Erik Runkle, Michigan State University & Dr. Mary Wildermuth, University of California, Berkeley
Securing research funding has become increasingly competitive for researchers and faculty entering the field. The May session will provide an overview of strategies for successfully writing and submitting grant proposals for both government agencies and industry programs. Speakers will discuss the key elements of strong grant applications, common pitfalls to avoid, and the differences between applying for federal funding versus industry-supported opportunities. Attendees will also learn about current funding opportunities supporting research and innovation in floriculture. The session will include time for audience questions.
Moderator: Laura Barth, American Floral Endowment
April 23rd, 2026
1:00 p. m. EST
Industry Leader Panel: Stories, Challenges, and Advice for Young Professionals
Orador: John Burk, DVFlora, Laura Shinall, FreshPath Marketing, & Art Van Wingerden, Metrolina Greenhouses
The April session features an interactive panel that brings together experienced leaders from across the floral supply chain to share their career journeys, key lessons, and perspectives on the evolving industry. Panelists will speak candidly about the realities of building a career in floriculture, including challenges they have navigated, pivotal moments that shaped their paths, and the opportunities they see ahead for the next generation. Participants will gain practical insights on navigating early-career decisions, building meaningful professional relationships, and positioning themselves for long-term success in a rapidly changing industry. The session will conclude with a live Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with panelists and continue the conversation.
Moderator: Melanie Spilbeler, Choice Farms
Webinar Recordings and Professional Development
May
26
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AFE se compromete a apoyar la investigación que impulsa a la industria y combate los desafíos actuales. Esta investigación beneficia a todos los segmentos de la industria. Aceptamos nuevas solicitudes de propuestas de investigación antes del 1 de agosto de cada año.
Otorgar becas a estudiantes de floricultura y horticultura es una función principal de AFE. ¡Entendemos la carga financiera que enfrentan los estudiantes y estamos haciendo nuestra parte para ayudar! Las solicitudes para nuestras más de 30 becas vencen el 1 de mayo de cada año.
AFE cree firmemente en financiar programas educativos para promover y fortalecer la industria de la floricultura. La mayoría de los programas financiados tienen un gran alcance y se centran en atraer a los jóvenes a la industria, o bien son iniciativas educativas para identificar y resolver las necesidades y/o desafíos de la misma.