Bringing FFA to Symposium

Bringing FFA to AIFD®

Inspiring the Future of Floral Design

Symposium 2026 “Elevate” | Orlando, Florida

Each year, AIFD® proudly welcomes FFA students and advisors from across the nation to participate in the Bringing FFA to AIFD® Experience — a one-of-a-kind opportunity that connects education, inspiration, and industry innovation.

Held during the National AIFD® Symposium, this immersive experience invites the next generation of floriculture leaders and their mentors to explore the artistry, creativity, and professionalism that define the floral design industry. Participants engage in a wide range of educational and career-building opportunities, including:

• Dynamic lecture sessions led by world-renowned floral designers and educators
• Hands-on design workshops offering creative exploration and skill development
• Networking events connecting students and advisors with AIFD® members, mentors, and industry professionals
• Behind-the-scenes experiences that reveal what it takes to produce one of the floral industry’s premier events

For FFA students, the program provides an unforgettable chance to expand their knowledge, explore career pathways, and discover their potential within the floral community. For FFA advisors, it offers valuable professional development, fresh educational insights, and opportunities to build lasting connections that can enrich their local programs.

More than just an educational event, the Bringing FFA to AIFD® Experience is a celebration of collaboration, mentorship, and the shared passion that drives the future of floriculture.

Criteria for Participation

• Instructors and Students must be members in good standing and participating in the Floriculture activities within their FFA program.
• Instructors must complete and submit the required application prior to April 15, 2026. Submit Application, or for a PDF version click here.
• All students must be a minimum of 16 years of age at the time of Symposium and may be up to Seniors who graduated in the spring semester of the current year.
• All students must be accompanied by a qualified instructor/chaperone.
• While preference will be given to groups of between 2 to 6 students with accompanying instructor(s), all applications will be given equal consideration to ensure everyone can participate. Although participation as an advisor–student group is encouraged, advisors may also apply independently to take part in the program.
• Availability to attend educational events between July 1 through July 4, 2026.
• Complete and return the Application and Release & Waiver of Liability agreement upon application being accepted for each participating student.
• Program limited to 100 total participants.

What are the Costs?

• The cost for registration is $579 per person (discounted from the standard $1,099) 
• Upon the application being accepted, instructors will be provided with registration instructions for completing all registrations at the discounted price. Registrations must be completed prior to May 15, 2026
• Advisors and Students are responsible for all travel, lodging and meals.
• Advisors and Students will have access to the special “AIFD group rate” at the host hotel. Standard discounted rate for double occupancy is $199.00 ++ per night.

Click here to book your room today!

What can we expect from this experience?

• Two and a half days of specialized programming and hands-on workshops geared to the FFA student.
• Two and a half days of specialized workshops and sessions exclusively prepared for the FFA instructor.
• Special private FFA Meet and Mingle allowing students and instructors to gather and connect other FFA members from around the country.
• Dedicated volunteer experience where students will go behind the scenes and work alongside industry icons on a special project.
• Access to all the amazing Main Stage programs and several breakout lecture sessions. Also includes access to the Industry Showcase with dedicated time for students to meet face-to-face with industry professionals.
• Option to purchase additional hands-on experiences that do not conflict with the scheduled FFA sessions.
• Educational supplies and handouts that students and advisors can take home to continue their educational experience.
• All flowers and supplies for educational purposes. (Available floral supplies can be taken home allowing students and advisors to continue to practice skills they learned during the Symposium.)
• Each qualified FFA instructor will receive the AIFD Guide to Floral Design (Third Edition).
• Certificate of Completion for each participant.

For more information on all the events happening during the 2026 Elevate Symposium click here.

The official dates of for 2026 AIFD® National Symposium taking place in Orlando, FL, are July 2 – 5, 2026. Required FFA educational events may begin as early as July 1 and will conclude by end of day on July 4.

COMPLETE APPLICATIONS BY April 15, 2026

To Submit Application Click Here

If you have any questions or are interested in bringing your FFA students to the AIFD® Symposium, for more information please contact:

Lesleighan Cravens – Career Development Committee/FFA Chairperson
cravensle@missouri.edu or info@aifd.org