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.
YPC members participate in online and in-person meetings, webinars, and other networking opportunities to share ideas, collaborate with influential industry members, and help promote careers in the floral industry.
The YPC webinars promote personal and professional growth with topics including career advice, networking tips, leadership, and more.
UPCOMING WEBINARS
PAST WEBINARS
Returning to In-Person Events: Networking Tips and Tricks for Industry Events
April 14th, 2022 at 4PM (EST)
Speakers: Laura Shinall and Melanie Spilbeler, Managing Partners at FreshPath Marketing
Description: Learn how to make the most of trade shows, conferences, and more as a budding young professional in the floral industry. Nervous about returning to events after the lull during COVID-19? Optimize your next in-person event with pointers from this webinar whether as a first-timer or a regular attendee. This session will discuss networking tips and tricks from making a strong introduction and putting your best foot forward to follow-up post-event. Learn how to create and maintain lasting connections to aid in both your personal and professional development moving forward.
Marketing and communications experts, Laura Shinall and Melanie Spilbeler, Managing Partners of FreshPath Marketing, will lead a fully interactive session for young professionals to answer questions on networking and making the most of industry events. During this session, attendees will participate directly with the speakers and ask questions to prepare for attending upcoming events
Career Insights: Survey Results and Advice from Both Industry and Academia for Young Professionals
November 16th, 2021, at 4:00 PM EST
Panelists:
Megan Bowman, Ball Horticultural Company
Kimberly Williams, Kansas State University
Michael Wijesinghe, Bell Nursery and YPC Member
In August and September of 2021, the American Floral Endowment created two informal surveys for professionals in the industry and academia about their experiences and advice to help young professionals interested in pursuing a career in floriculture/horticulture. The surveys include insights on the job market, career development, application advice, background on how professionals attained their current roles, and more. The surveys were released to AFE’s community of faculty, donors, and industry members.
Preparing for Success – Challenges and Opportunities for Young Professionals Post COVID-19
May 26, 2021, at 5:00 PM EST
Panelists:
Art VanWingerden, Metrolina Greenhouses
Krystal Snyder, Penn State University
Moderator:
Megan Bowman, Ball Horticultural Company
Do you have the necessary skills to succeed in today’s floral industry? Join us for a 40-minute interactive discussion hearing directly from floral business owners and faculty on the challenges and changes brought by COVID-19. Learn what the new floral industry looks like, and what young professionals must do to prepare for a successful career in the industry and/or university system.
