2012 Symposium “Caliente” Schedule of Events

Click on a date to see the activities scheduled.

July 10 | July 11 | July 12 | July 13 | July 14 | July 15 | July 16

 

*Click here to download the schedule (with times and rooms) for the Regional Chapter Meetings taking place at Symposium.

 

TUESDAY, JULY 10

Noon
Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE) Registration Opens

2:00 p.m.
PFDE Orientation and Reception (invitation only)

4:00 p.m.
PFDE Session (invitation only)

4:30 p.m.
Certified Evaluator/Judge Workshop
Become a Certified Evaluator/Judge as recognized by AIFD. Presented by Kathy Whalen AIFD, this education session is free and only for AIFD Members. It provides the necessary knowledge to become an AIFD Certified Evaluator/Judge in your community as well as to be eligible to evaluate in the AIFD PFDE process. Start or continue the process to become certified with our online classes and attending this class. The topic of this class session is the “actual thinking process” that goes in design observation which results in the “translation of the Elements and Principles into numbers.”

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 11

8:00 a.m.
PFDE Evaluations (invitation only)

8:00 a.m.
Registration Desk Open

8:00 a.m.
AIFD National Board Orientation (invitation only)

9:00 a.m.
AIFD National Board of Directors

Noon
AIFD Board of Directors Luncheon

2:00 p.m.
Special Education Program PFDE Candidates Only Featuring Sharon McGukin AIFD
A special floral design education program exclusively for those who participated in the Professional Floral Design Evaluation session on July 10.

4:00 p.m.
AIFD Education Foundation Trustees

5:00 p.m.
Student Competition Orientation

7:00 p.m.
PFDE Reception (Cash bar)
Open to all, an informal time to view the creative works of this year’s PFDE candidates and to enjoy catching up with others.

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THURSDAY, JULY 12

8:00 a.m.
Registration Desk Open

8:00 a.m.
SAIFD Student Competition (invitation only)
SAIFD students vie for numerous trophies and scholarships as well as the bragging rights as best SAIFD Student Chapter.

9:00 a.m.
AIFD National Board Leadership Breakfast (invitation only)

11:00 a.m.
AIFD National Committee Meetings

5:30 p.m.
1st Timers Orientation and Tour
A great opportunity to be briefed on the workings of the AIFD National Symposium and to have a chance to visit the magnificent flower room and behind-the-stage.

6:30 p.m.
SAIFD Students Radiate in Miami (Cash bar)
A wonderful time to gather together to meet old and new friends and view the exciting creative works of the AIFD Student Competition.

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FRIDAY, JULY 13

7:30 a.m.
Registration Desk Open

7:30 a.m.
Regional Chapter Boards of Directors Continental Breakfast

8:15 a.m.
Regional Chapter Boards of Directors

10:00 a.m.
Regional Chapter Membership Meetings

11:30 a.m.
AIFD Annual Members Meeting

1:00 p.m.
A Salute to AIFD Partners
What a fantastic way to open this year’s stage presentations as Jerome Raska AIFD leads a team of 2012 AIFD Member Inductees as they create beautiful floral designs featuring the products offered by many of our Platinum and Gold Elite Partners. Then, following their presentations, it’s off to the always popular Partners Expo (2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) where you can take a close look at products and services offered by AIFD Industry Partners in a casual table-top format. Learn what’s new and exciting for the year ahead.

5:30 p.m.
Induction Rehearsal (Inductees Only)

7:30 p.m.
“Las Flores Caliente en Miami” Featuring the floral creations of Frank Feysa AIFD (Cash bar)
Yes, the flowers will be hot in Miami. They’ll be radiating in a way that motivates and excites all those who attend Symposium. So let’s kick it up a notch with a fun opening reception where you can meet old friends or make new ones.

10:00 p.m.
Hospitality Event Hosted by AIFD’s dynamic Southern Regional Chapter (DJ – Dancing)

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SATURDAY, JULY 14

7:30 a.m.
Registration, Book Store and Technology Room Open

8:45 a.m.
Buenos días “Caliente”
Welcome to the AIFD 2012 National Symposium.

9:00 a.m.
“SHINE – A Journey Toward the Light” Featuring Marie Ackerman AIFD
Sponsored by Silver Elite Partner The Teleflora Education Center
The journey of every floral artist is unique. The common thread is the
movement from the darkness of not knowing or understanding – toward the brilliant light created by learning and experience. Created just for this stage, with designs to illustrate the journey, is this carefully crafted program of inspiring thoughts, ideas and concepts by some of the most enlightened minds of our time. You will discover your own story, a new idea, a fresh perspective or a key phrase to keep your light burning brightly.

10:15 a.m.
“A Fresh Look at Christmas” Featuring Paul Miller AIFD
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Nature’s Flowers
Taking a Fresh LOOK at the ordinary and making the season extraordinary with the use of fresh flowers in every element of Christmas. From trees to the table and more, with a touch of fashion and interior design, all tied up in one spectacular extravaganza. From traditional favorites to the whimsical fantasies of childhood memories exploring new ideas to make the holiday a memory you will never forget.

11:15 a.m.
“A Lot of Hot Air” Luncheon Featuring the floral decor of Tracy Proctor AIFD
Sponsored by Silver Elite Partner Burton & Burton
Balloons, balloons and more balloons to festively greet you and stimulate not only your appetite for a delightful lunch, but also for your creative talents to increase sales. Also enjoy the dynamic remarks by balloon marketing guru Peggy Williams who will help make certain you leave this program inflated and inspired to sell.

12:45 p.m.
“Hot Topics – From the Field to the Home” Featuring Designs Created by Laurie Lemek AIFD
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Elite Flowers
Join the beautiful blossoms of the fields as they make their way into homes across the world. Enjoy a thought provoking journey as it challenges you to re-think much of what you do routinely today. Explore innovative twists on lucrative floral designs and merchandising and capitalize on expert marketing tips from some of the industry’s most innovative leaders. Discover new ideas in color blocking, arrangement upgrades and QR code promotion from a designer’s perspective. Prepare to create your own personal style with the impact of color and display.

1:45 p.m.
“Nature’s Way” Featuring Dan Firth AIFD
Sponsored by AIFD’s Gold Elite Partner Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and Silver Elite Partner Florida Leatherleaf Growers Alliance
This program focuses on understanding design through the examination of the natural growth of vegetation. Being an outdoorsman who lives in rural Pennsylvania, Dan has spent many hours observing nature and is acutely aware of how all the elements of nature interact to produce a landscape. Through Nature’s Way you’ll explore nature’s inspiration and how it affects space, proportion, colors, textures, line and movement.

3:00 p.m.
“News Flash – Live at 3” Featuring Ted Bruehl AIFD and a panel of International designers
Sponsored by Gold Elite Partner Colombia, Land of Flowers
See how it’s done! A panel of International designers including the wonderful talents of Karen Barnes AIFD (United Kingdom), Heather de Kok AIFD (Canada), Yutaka Jimbo AIFD (Japan), Eun-Ok Jang AIFD (Korea), Roberto Riviera AIFD (Mexico) and Alex Torres AIFD (United States) will demonstrate live on stage for you! Join Ted Bruehl AIFD as he hosts these talented artists. The program will start with pre-made designs from these worldly artists, sharing with you the design style representing their respective countries. As the arrangements are reviewed, each of the designers will be working to create a second design. They will all be given the same product to work with, giving you the excitement of seeing different interpretations come together in front of you. Everyone always asks, “How did you do that?” Here is your opportunity to learn how!

5:00 p.m.
Private Reception for New AIFD Inductees (invitation only)

6:30 p.m.
“Ho’olaule’a” Featuring the floral creations of Kevin Coble AIFD
Flowers provided by AIFD Gold Elite Partner Green Point Nursery
It’s time to honor AIFD’s class of 2012 Inductees and to present awards to those who have distinguished themselves as promoters of flowers and AIFD. Join us as we salute these wonderful florists and be inspired by their achievements.

8:00 p.m.
“Ho’olaule’a” Awards/Induction Dinner and Dance Featuring the floral creations of Kevin Coble AIFD
Flowers provided by AIFD Gold Elite Partner Green Point Nursery of Hawaii
Join AIFD for a grand dinner and dance as we celebrate our awards honorees and the newest inductees as AIFD members. (IMPORTANT – Remember: pre-seating assignments required for this event. For details, see “Dinner Seating” information on the registration form.)

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SUNDAY, JULY 15

7:30 a.m.
Registration, Book Store and Technology Room Open

7:30 a.m.
Body Bar Buffet Opens Coordinated by Jesica Parker AIFD and SAIFD Student Members
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Fitz Design
Open until 5:00 p.m., AIFD’s Body Bar Buffet is there for you to use to create your body flowers for the evening’s Leadership Gala. Proceeds from the Body Bar go to support the SAIFD Chapters of AIFD. SPECIAL DESIGN CONTEST – Use provided Fitz Design products to create your body adornment and then enter a contest for the best men’s and lady’s floral (winners to receive a complimentary Education Only registration to the 2013 National Symposium in Las Vegas).

8:00 a.m.
Kick It Off The Early Bird Way – Enjoy one of two excellent education programs before the main stage opens at 9:00 a.m.

“Lights, Camera, Snap” Featuring Scott Acevedo AIFD
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner FTD
Symposium attendees will travel through the lens of a camera as it captures images of flowers and arrangements. It will present tools of the professional photographer and ask, “Why are you taking pictures of your floral arrangements? Is it to keep an album of your designs or is it to market yourselves via your own website or E-mail campaigns to your clients?” Learn to create a photo studio in your design room; how to properly light your subjects; what back-grounds work the best; and how to photograph designs on locations. Most importantly, learn how to copyright your images.

“Up Selling the Wedding – Part I” Featuring Dan Fisher
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Fitz Design
Are you getting the most out of the wedding budget or are you just settling for what the bride has left over after the gown, etc.? Marketing enthusiast Dan Fisher will challenge you with ways to expand your wedding sales income while providing superior service to the bride.

9:00 a.m.
“Made In America – The American Floral Trends Forecast 2012-2013” Featuring Talmage McLaurin AIFD
Sponsored by Gold Elite Partner Garcia Group and Silver Elite Partners Florists’ Review Magazine and California Cut Flower Commission
Join Florists’ Review publisher, Talmage McLaurin AIFD, and the brightest talents from the students of the SAIFD chapters as they present a multi-media presentation of the American Floral Trends Forecast. These five imaginative looks are sure to inspire compelling and successful flower arrangements, merchandising decisions, retail atmospheres and wedding and event themes.

10:15 a.m.
“A New Day” Featuring Randy Wooten AIFD and Chris Collum AIFD
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partners NORCAL/California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers and Syndicate Sales
Sympathy is rapidly changing with the rise of cremations, and for many the feeling is that night has set in on their sympathy sales. But a new day is dawning – a day filled with wonderful and amazing opportunities. This program will open the windows to your mind to let in the light of the new day. It will help you to embrace the change and to better understand the sympathy market as well as introduce you to a whole new market for sympathy designs: pet cremations and memorials. This program is to motivate and inspire you to ignite passion for your sympathy designs again.

11:15 a.m.
Creating A World-Class Service Organization Featuring Dennis Snow
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Bloomnet
World-class customer service is not simply a matter of smiling employees who say “please” and “thank you.” Everything your customer sees, hears or touches impacts their experience. “Everything speaks.” This program highlights how delivering world-class service requires careful orchestration of the entire customer experience.

12:15 p.m.
“Sand In My Shoes – Customer Service Challenges” Luncheon Featuring the floral decor of Michael Whaley AIFD
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Bloomnet & NAPCO
Enjoy a delightful lunch and learn how to deal with customers who seem determined to ruin your day. Learn to convert them to the best customers you’ve ever had.

1:45 p.m.
“Art Deco – Miami, the American Riviera” Featuring Ruben Consa AIFD and Yola Guz AIFD
Sponsored by Gold Elite Partner Garcia Group, sponsored in part by Quality Wholesale Florist Supply of Miami
Get ready for an electrifying floral-sculptural program exploring the art deco movement and architecture whose neon lights cast an alluring glow on Miami and Miami Beach.

3:00 p.m.
“Objects – Be the Best Designer You Can Be” Featuring Pim van den Akker
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partners The AIFD Foundation and Smithers-Oasis
Back by an overwhelming request, Holland’s Pim van den Akker returns to AIFD’s Symposium stage with his elegant design styles and gracious personality. Be the best you can be!

6:30 p.m.
Leadership Gala Reception (cash bar)

7:30 p.m.
“Translucence” Leadership Gala and Dance Featuring the floral creations of Rich Salvaggio AIFD
Sponsored by AIFD Platinum Elite Partners Teleflora and Queens Flowers/Benchmark Growers
Join us for an evening of food, fun and glowing excitement as we honor the leaders of AIFD for their hard work and dedication. Just as light passes through a piece of glass and suffuses it with an inspiring brilliance, this evening of celebration is to honor our AIFD President, Tom Bowling, as well as all the other AIFD members who together have taken on the roles of leadership for our association. (IMPORTANT – Remember: pre-seating assignments required for this event. For details, see “Dinner Seating” information on the registration form.)

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MONDAY, JULY 16

7:30 a.m.
Registration, Book Store and Technology Room Open

7:30 a.m.
Kick It Off The Early Bird Way – Enjoy one of two excellent education programs before the main stage opens at 9:30 a.m.

“Parties That POP!” Featuring Chris Norwood AIFD
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner FTD
Okay, so it’s a party. Now let’s make it an event that won’t be forgotten. Master planner Chris Norwood AIFD shares his tips and techniques to make every party POP! You know, the one that just says “WOW!”

“Up Selling the Wedding – Part II” Featuring Dan Fisher
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Fitz Design
Part II continued from yesterday – – Are you getting the most out of the wedding budget or are you just settling for what the bride has left over after the gown, etc.? Marketing enthusiast Dan Fisher will challenge you with ways to expand your wedding sales income while providing superior service the bride.

8:15 a.m.
“PFCI’s You’re On In 3, 2, 1 … Episode 2”
During this presentation consultation, seize the stage and get immediate, expert feedback from Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI). We’ll give pointers first, and then it’s your turn on the mic. For session details, contact the Society of American Florists at 800-336-4743; pfci@safnow.org or visit www.safnow.org/pfci. This program is not included with the Symposium registration. PFCI members fee: complimentary. Seminar fee: $75 before June 27; $100 after.

8:30 a.m.
“In Step with AIFD”
You’ve been wowed! It’s now time to learn how you, too, can become a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) and a member of AIFD. Join members of AIFD’s elite Professional Floral Design Evaluation team as they answer your questions and encourage you to aspire to be among the best.

9:30 a.m.
“Emotions” Featuring Deborah De La Flor AIFD and Jacob McCall AIFD
Sponsored by Gold Elite Partner Design Master color tool, inc. and Silver Elite Partner Transflora/Delaware Valley Flowers
To see Color is to feel it through Emotions. As individuals we are connected to color, some more powerful and intense than others. Emotions run deep for all who work with color each day. Let’s make color work for you and your designs.

10:45 a.m.
“Texture of Tango” Featuring Miguel Figueroa AIFD and Mario Antonelli
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner The AIFD Foundation
Ah, the romance, the passion of the tango. Your partner for this exciting dance is the flower. How do you increase her exposure in the small and great events of our lives? Through exciting music, dance and poetry, we’ll set a dynamic pulse to elevate the charm of flowers.

11:45 a.m.
“Afternoon Tea With Friends” Luncheon Coordinated by the Platinum Elite Partner AIFD Foundation, Adriene Presti AIFD and Ron Mulray AIFD
Floral Product Provided by Platinum Elite Partner NORCAL/California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers
You are invited to afternoon tea with friends. Wear your fanciest hat, fascinator, or top hat and join friends old and new for lunch. You won’t want to miss this exciting fashion show and luncheon featuring a live auction of one-of-a-kind hats and men’s neckties created by some of AIFD’s top designers. To raise money for our student scholarships as well as showcase the talents of our members.

1:30 p.m.
“Some Like It Hot” Featuring David Denyer and David Ragg
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner Accent Decor and Silver Elite Partner Reineri of Holland
Join the United Kingdom’s hottest designers, David Ragg & David Denyer, on their amazing floral adventure “Some Like it Hot!” Drawing on over 40 years of experience between them, this design spectacular is packed with exciting and innovative techniques, creating a non-stop action packed program that will thrill and amaze! Be prepared for a dazzling journey into the minds of these innovative floral showmen. “Some Like it Hot!” will be fast paced, vibrant, sexy and perhaps a little risque… let your imagination run riot with D&D!

3:00 p.m.
“Les Saisons des fleur de Mariage” Featuring Ian Prosser AIFD
Commentary by Grace Ormonde
Sponsored by Platinum Elite Partner FTD
Ah, the grandeur and beauty of the wedding. Sit back and enjoy the masterful creations of Ian Prosser AIFD as he works with the renowned Grace Ormonde, editor-in-chief of Wedding Style Magazine, to present to you a show to take your breath away. (See below for opportunity to enjoy private reception with Grace Ormonde.)

4:15 p.m.
A Tease for “Passion”
There will be no rolling of the dice to know if you’re a winner or not. When AIFD unveils its 2013 National Symposium “Passion” in Las Vegas, June 28 – July 4. Get a small taste of what awaits you.

4:30 p.m.
Pim 101 Featuring Pim van den Akker (optional registration event)
Get up close and personal with internationally acclaimed design artist Pim van den Akker as he offers a 101 minute special program to benefit the scholarship work of the AIFD Foundation. Yes, an additional registration fee of $101 is required to attend this highly educational opportunity – – but it will be well worth the investment.

6:30 p.m.
Private Reception with Grace Ormonde (optional registration event)
Enjoy a quiet limited-attendance wine-and cheese reception with Grace Ormonde, editor-in-chief of Wedding Style Magazine. Cost to attend – $75.

6:30 p.m.
Enjoy South Beach
What’s a trip to Miami without at least one venture to the art deco and beautiful bodied world of South Beach. Take a trip to the beach and dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

9:00 p.m.
Viva AIFD! Viva Las Vegas! Hosted by AIFD’s South West Regional Chapter
A fun final hospitality event to close out this year’s dynamic AIFD National Symposium. Let’s do it Vegas style and remember, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

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