2019 Symposium Additional Featured Programs

Early Bird Program

“Awaken Your Design Success” – July 5 
Presented by Jody McLeod AIFD, CFD
Sponsored by the AIFD Education Committee
Open to all! Design success is created on a solid foundation of the principles and elements of design. Awaken your success as a floral artist with this innovative program. We will explore and learn how to soar into an amazing future with this enhanced design program. Are you ready to spread your wings far and wide and have your designs soar to a new level?

Support the AIFD Foundation

AIFD Silent Auction – “Awaken in Las Vegas” – July 7-8
Net proceeds to benefit the AIFD Foundation.
AIFD will Awaken to the AIFD Silent Auction with net proceeds to be contributed to the AIFD Foundation! We invite all who attend to stop by and view the abundance of items and circle a bid in support of education! Chair Todd Sweeden AIFD, CFD invites the members of AIFD and the AIFD Partners to contribute to the success of this event. Please help us all “Awaken in Las Vegas” by bringing the auction items directly to Symposium or ship to the noted address to receive no later than June 15, 2019. Denise Gehrke AIFD, CFD will receive the items and requests email notification when items are shipped: denisegehrkeaifd@gmail.com.

The Empty Vase – July 9
Net Proceeds to benefit the AIFD Foundation SAIFD Fund.
CFDs showcase their style during this fundraising event where you can browse vintage and handmade vases available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit SAIFD providing opportunities for students to study hands-on during AIFD Symposium workshops while adding to the recently established SAIFD Fund held within the AIFD Foundation.

Main Stage – Foundation Live Auction – July 10
Net proceeds to benefit the AIFD Foundation.
Doors open for Gregor Lersch’s presentation seating, and it’s the AIFD Foundation’s 40th Anniversary! Let the Celebration Begin! Just as a kaleidoscope spins colorful elements together to create a vision of artistry, the AIFD Foundation has come full circle in its 40 years to expand an artful vision, providing a lifetime of learning through the generosity of many. Join in as we launch this year-long celebration with a Live Auction filled with opportunities that are all about Gregor!

World Class Design Experience – “Awaken the Possibilities Within You” – July 11
SOLD OUT
Presented by Gregor Lersch
Net proceeds to benefit the AIFD Foundation
Awarded numerous National and International Awards, he is known as the Master of all Master Florists. Renowned across the globe in the field of international floristry, Gregor Lersch has presented in thirty-two countries. His floral concept to combine styles, architecture, social components, design trends and the personality of the artist continues to be successful throughout the world. Having authored thirty floral design books, he believes that floristry must be suitable for forming a part of our lives, and should be in line with the diversity of the environment. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned designer, you will not want to miss this opportunity to Awaken the Possibilities Within You when Gregor Lersch instructs this world class experience.

An additional tuition of $349.00 by May 15 or $399.00 after May 15 is required. Lunch will be on your own. Limited registration is accepted for this World Class Design Experience.

*Important: Please bring your tools.

Las Vegas Market Experience

Ice and Fire – July 8
Featuring Natalia Zhizhko
Underwritten by Diamond Elite Partner Las Vegas Market
The emotional contrast in any creative work is what attracts attention and causes various impressions. The beauty of flowers, so fragile and delicate, near transparent ice makes the design unique. How to combine this!? Explore the properties of ice and how to combine ice figures with flower frames and learn how this unique art form combines organic forms of vases with the freedom and naturalness of flower lines. See Natalia’s gallery showing at the Las Vegas Market, a world-class experience that brings designers and sellers the opportunity to connect on a state-of-the-art complex, offering brands both familiar and unexpected. Market Vendors will be open and transportation will be provided to and from the hotel to the Market beginning at 4 p.m. and refreshments will be available on site!

AIFD Book Store

The AIFD Book Store will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on July 8 – 10. 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.

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.

Young Professionals

Young Professionals, FFA & SAIFD Chill & Chat – July 7
Are you a floral designer under the age of 40 and looking to connect with like-minded florists? Then join your fellow YPs, SAIFD students, and FFA participants as they gather to share ideas, brainstorm, and develop new concepts.