2018 Symposium Main Stage Designers

2018 Symposium Main Stage Designers

“Going to the Chapel” Presented by Holly Heider Chapple
Sponsored by Premier Partner Syndicate Sales
Program Date: Monday July 2, 2018
Known for her lush floral stylings and her innovative approach to business, Holly Heider Chapple has carved out a niche in the floral industry that is unique, trend setting and motivated by the drive to uplift and encourage the floral community. Join Holly for an intimate look into what inspires her, what motivates her and what keeps her on top of the trend-setting ladder during a lavishly designed, widely creative runway bridal show.

“Inspired to Succeed” Presented by Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, CFD, Tomas de Bruyne, Agna Maertens EMC, Julia Schmitt AIFD, CFD, EMC and Monica De La Torre EMC
Sponsored by Premier Partner Smithers-Oasis and Platinum Partner Design Master color tool, inc.
Program Date: Monday, July 2, 2018
This remarkable program can be best described as a floral journey for creative minds. Built on the foundation of the European Master Certification program these five immensely talented floral artists will share core skills, inspirational exercises, and insight into what makes the EMC experience so unique and challenging. AIFD is proud to partner with EMC in bringing this innovative, encouraging and uplifting educational opportunity to the Symposium stage.

“Less is More” Presented by Alex Choi AIFD, CFD – Interflora World Cup Champion
Sponsored by: Platinum Partner FTD
Program Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Consider the idea that less is more. That by doing less or including less you can actually achieve more. More depth, more texture, more movement, more transparency, more creativity! Known for his complex and dimensional design style, Alex will share with the AIFD audience his philosophies for creating impactful, intricate floral art through the process of doing less.

“The Flower Shop of the Future” Presented by Vonda LaFever AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Sponsored by Platinum Partner Teleflora
Program Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Join Vonda for a creative look into the future of the floral industry. Vonda’s unique professional background provides much insight into what the flower shop of the future will look like, how it will conduct business and how this evolution will impact the next generation of floral professionals.

“A Passion for Parties” Presented by Derrick Vasquez AIFD, CFD
Sponsored by Diamond Partner CalFlowers and Diamond Partner Accent Decor
Program Date: Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Renowned for his innovative use of products, creative stylings, and over-the-top themed events, Derrick will share his tricks and techniques for over-the-top event decor from development to realization. Throughout his illustrious career, Derrick has become known for pushing the envelope with his event designs and decor. AIFD is excited to bring Derrick to the Symposium main stage for a lively and inspiring look inside what ignites his passion for parties.

“Discovering the Art of Leadership” Presented by Jody McLeod AIFD, CFD
Sponsored by Premier Partner Syndicate Sales
Program Date: Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Not only is Jody a leading floral designer, he is also a leader in his community. This unique perspective has allowed Jody to explore the similarities between creative leadership and professional leadership. In this innovative program, Jody will uncover the characteristics and disciplines that are evident in both beautiful design and in great leadership.

“Trend Archetypes: Unconscious Motivations” Presented by Talmage McLaurin AIFD, CFD
Sponsored by: Platinum Sponsor FloraMart
Program Date: Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Harnessing a trend can revolutionize a product. From the color of the car you buy to the graphics on a tissue box, trends infuse products with relevance that can tip the scale toward impulse purchasing. Join Talmage, and explore the unconscious motivators that inform today’s trends – finding deeper meaning in the basic human needs that change the stories we tell to sell flowers.