Bringing FFA to Symposium

Symposium 2025  “Reflection” | Palm Springs, CA

To Engage, Enlighten and Educate – Bringing FFA to the AIFD Symposium

Each year, AIFD® welcomes FFA students nationwide to participate in the Bringing FFA to Symposium experience. This unique opportunity allows the next generation of floriculture superstars to immerse themselves in various educational enrichment experiences.

During their time at the AIFD® Symposium, FFA students and FFA advisors participate in various educational events, from lecture sessions to hands-on workshops and career-building opportunities with direct connections to future employers. Additionally, FFA students participate in the Industry Showcase, where they meet the industry’s leading suppliers, growers, and service providers face-to-face.

The AIFD® Symposium also allows FFA students and their advisors to engage deeper by participating in volunteer opportunities.

If you have any questions or are interested in bringing your FFA students to the AIFD® Symposium for more information on the criteria and application process – please contact:

Lesleighan Cravens | cravensle@missouri.edu

The application process for the AIFD® 2025 Symposium in Palm Springs, CA., will open in mid-December 2024. Check back often or follow along on the official AIFD social media channels.

Donations

If you are interested in donating to the FFA Fund click here and be sure to choose the “Future Farmers of America – FFA Fund” from the drop down.

Thank You to Our Generous FFA Sponsors

Testimonials

“It was so rewarding to bring students to symposium. I’ve been encouraging one of my students to purse a career in floral design for years. After the [main stage] shows, she decided that [floral design] could be her path for the future!” – Jeffrey Stimmell, Advisor of Big Walnut -DACC FFA (Ohio)

“Wow! What an amazing program that teaches the students and advisors all aspects of the floral industry. We have learned concepts and foundations of design but then we went and did everything hands-on and lectures. My students have learned a lot and I have learned how to make my classes better. Thank you … everyone that has been able to make this happen.” – Jason Vandivort, Elsberry FFA Advisor (Missouri)

“Bring FFA to AIFD [Symposium] has truly been a once in a lifetime experience. It has been a true joy to be able to learn from all these incredible florists and designers. I will take home the memories and I plan to [attend] again!” – Meredith Newton, Southern Alamance FFA, Class of 2024

“AIFD has been one of the most welcoming organizations to our students. The students have loved all of the hands-on workshops. AS a teacher I really enjoyed the Career [Fair] where students were able to talk to different businesses and see all the different career paths in the floral industry. Students were asking questions about testing and have been engaged the entire time.” – Elizabeth Bledsoe, Shaffer FFA (California)

“I loved the Career Fair. Not every student is going to be a retail florist and it [is] wonderful for them to see the different aspects of the floral industry. [I] love how welcoming the industry has been to the students and how involved [they are] in their learning.” – Courtney Champagne, Advisor