Florists fill in a surprising amount of paperwork: class sign-ups, competition entries, certification applications, vendor and sponsor forms for trade fairs. Official forms always come from the organizer of a given event, and they change every year, so arflorists.org does not host or accept any of them. Instead, this page collects the checklists and guides that help you get each one right the first time.
Certification
State master-florist programs and national credentials usually ask for proof of experience, a list of completed courses and an exam fee. Read our certification guide for what each step involves and how to prepare for the written and practical parts.
Classes and Workshops
Hands-on classes fill up quickly because seats are limited by bench space and flower orders. The classes and education pages explain what to expect and what tools to bring.
Competitions and Scholarships
Entry forms for design cups and student scholarship contests normally ask for the category, a short statement about your design and agreement to the rules. See the competition page for typical rules and judging criteria, and awards for how recognition programs work.
Conventions, Trade Fairs and Vendors
Convention registration often comes in several versions: full attendance, single day, hands-on classes and vendor booths. Our registration checklist lists the details to gather before you start, and advertising covers program ads and sponsorship packages.
Membership
If you are weighing whether to join a florist trade group, the membership page compares what local, state and national associations usually offer.
Before You Fill In Anything
Most entry and registration forms in the floral trade ask for the same core details: your name and shop name, a mailing address, a phone number and e-mail, and sometimes a resale or tax certificate number for wholesale purchases. Keeping these in a single document saves time and avoids small mistakes, such as a misspelled shop name that later ends up printed on a certificate or a convention badge.
Competition entries add their own requirements. Designers are often asked to choose a category in advance, confirm that they will supply their own containers and mechanics, and accept the judging rules without appeal. Student and scholarship entries may require a short essay or a letter from an instructor. Read the full rules before signing, because a missed requirement can disqualify an otherwise strong design.
After You Submit
Confirmation usually arrives by e-mail within a few days. If it does not, contact the organizer before the deadline rather than after it. Put the event date, set-up time and any material lists in your shop calendar straight away, and plan staff coverage for the days you will be away from the shop. Busy seasons such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and prom weekends rarely overlap with conventions on purpose, but local wedding work can, so check your order book first.
Finally, keep copies of everything: the submitted form, the receipt and the confirmation. Certification programs in particular may ask you to show proof of completed classes years later, when you move on to the next credential level.
- Keep your business name, address and tax details in one place before filling in any form.
- Check the deadline and the cancellation policy of each event.
- Save a copy of every confirmation e-mail.