2018 Additional Featured Programs

Early Bird Programs
Underwritten by Smithers-Oasis

Three exciting education opportunities will be available for those planing to arrive early. Certainly worth attending, each of these programs will provide unique opportunities and countless ideas and resources. *Are open to all Symposium registrants.

Discovering the Principles and Elements – June 29 
Presented by Patience Pickner AIFD, CFD, PFCI and Ace Berry AIFD, CFD
Creative inspiration brings out the artist in all of us, but a clear understanding of the Principles and Elements is what moves a “designer” to become a “flora artist”. Join Patience and Ace for a better understanding of the P&E’s and how you can use them to enhance your designs.

 

Be A Better Buyer – June 30
Presented by Beth O’Reilly AIFD, CFD and Tony Graaf
Join Beth and Tony as they give you an insider’s look into the art of buying flowers and supplies. Gain a better understanding of the ever changing cut flower market and discover best practices for sourcing new products that stretch your budget and make cents.

 

The Art of Flower Care- June 30
Presented by Loann Burke AIFD, CFD, PFCI
No matter what segment of the floral business you are in, freshness matters. Join Smithers-Oasis Design Director, Loann Burke as she discusses the latest in care and handling practices and helps you weed through all the processes to help you find what works best for your business.

 

An Evening with Laura Dowling: Author & Former White House Florist- July 1
It has been years since an event such as this has been offered.  Share a story or two with author and former White House Florist Laura Dowling while celebrating lifelong friendships and newly made acquaintances.  Join members of the AIFD Foundation and floral industry friends at the beautiful home of David Hope AIFD, CFD for a lovely and memorable evening.

8:00pm – 11:00pm
Registration: $100.00
Tickets are limited to the first 75

 

A World Class Hands-On Design Experience – July 5
Presented by World Cup Champion Alex Choi AIFD, CFD 
Alex will instruct attendees on his unique perspective outlining design applications, masterful techniques and structural intricacies that earned him world-wide notoriety.  This day-long design experience includes a lecture with demonstration followed by a hands-on workshop.  The day will conclude with an evaluation, Q&A and photo opportunity with Alex.

9:00am- 4:00pm
Registration: $175.00 before May 15, $195.00 after May 15
Space is limited and a sell out is expected
With support from FTD

 

In-Step Programs

Steps to Membership: Becoming a CFD and/or a Member of AIFD – July 1
Presented by AIFD Membership Committee
Discover the steps you’ll take on the road to earning the acclaimed professional designation of CFD (Certified Floral Designer) or to becoming an accredited member of AIFD. Join the AIFD Membership Committee as they share tips on preparing for the test, give you an insider’s view on what to expect from the process and provide you with the resources to help you as you step your way to success.

Steps to the Stage – July 4
Presented by Jackie Lacey AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Take the fear out of the AIFD Main Stage by attending a step-by-step program that reveals the most important details you’ll need to consider if you anticipate submitting a program for the AIFD Symposium. Jackie and a team of Symposium experts will share tips on preparing your proposal, working with the production company, staging your program and many more details that will help you take the fear out of the process and have you stepping onto center stage.

 

Trend Lounge

Looking for a place to sit back, relax, meet with colleagues and be inspired? A new feature to Symposium, the Discover Trend Lounge is the perfect place to unwind, rejuvenate and catch up, while getting a glimpse into what’s predicted to be trending in 2019. Displays created by AIFD members using Elite Partner products will forecast what innovative products will inspire and impact 2019 Wedding, Holiday, Giftware and Millennial trends.

 

AIFD Book Store

Located in the Trend Lounge is everyone’s favorite place to shop – The AIFD Book Store, open from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on July 2-4. With hundreds of books on a wide variety of topics, a stop by The AIFD Book Store is certainly something to add to your list of “must do” Symposium activities.

 

Young Professionals

Are you an AIFD or CFD member under the age of 40 and looking to connect with like minded floral artists? Then AIFD wants you to get involved with the Young Professionals Group. The 2018 AIFD Symposium will feature two exciting opportunities for Young Professionals to get involved and make a difference.

YP Chill and Chat
On June 30, Young Professionals will hold their second annual Chill and Chat. Join your fellow YPs as they gather for a little chill time to share ideas, brainstorm, develop new concepts and discover new activities.

Art For a Cause: Young Professionals original art exhibit
Join a select group of AIFD Young Professional emerging floral artists for the unique opportunity to display your very own works of art during the Meet, Mix and Mingle Hospitality on July 3. Participation is limited so sign up early. Come share your talents, discuss your inspiration and be ready to meet, mix and mingle all for a great cause. For more information contact: Sharrai Morgan AIFD, CFD hollysfineflowers@hotmail.com, 360-385-5428.

 

First Timers

If it’s your first time attending the AIFD Symposium this is a great opportunity for you to get acquainted with fellow first timers and be introduced to some of the Institute’s most enthusiastic members. We’ll answer all your Symposium questions, give you an overview of what to expect and take you on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of all the key Symposium activities. Open to anyone who has never attended Symposium.