AIFD Southern Chapter:
2010 Southern Conference
Everyone who attended the 2010 Southern
Conference in Chattanooga can testify that
it was a spectacular weekend.
The Conference opened with a fun-filled
tour of the Tennessee Aquarium, where we
sampled Swiss pastries and listened to musician,
Dan Landrum on dulcimer. One of
our members even accepted a betrothal of
marriage in the butterfly house!
Several of our Southern Designers showcased
magnificent floral sculptures that set
the mood for the unbelievable weekend that
followed. Special thanks to Janet Frye CFD,
Marlene MacDonald AIFD, Aisha Booker
AIFD, Madeline Presler-McDonald AIFD,
and Kevin Hinton CFD, for their spectacular
contributions.
Early arrivals at the conference on Saturday
morning were able to view the entries
from the SAIFD Mississippi State student
competition from the previous day. We all
are so proud of these young designers who
will soon grace our profession with their
talents and artistry.
The first event on Saturday morning was
the opening of the Trade Fair. Companies
attending were Green Valley Farms, Accent
Décor, Transflora, Smithers Oasis,
Florigene Flower Shop Network, Bloomnet,
Unlimited Containers Inc. and Western
Pulp Co. In addition to their table displays,
each company contributed a generous supply
of product for the use of the featured
designers in their stage programs. Other
companies unable to attend, sent product:
Syndicate Sales, Mayesh Wholesale Florist,
EPI Containers, Mike's Finest Wholesale
Flowers, Martonio Inc., Cut Flower Wholesale,
Fitz Co., Amy's Orchids, Flowers Direct
Inc, Rainbow Protea, and Ensign the
Florist. We all owe these gracious companies
a big thank you. Without their generous
support, we would not have the educational
opportunities we do at Southern Conferences.
Very special thanks is owed to Flowers
Direct Inc., who not only sponsored a complete
program, but contributed additional
product, opened their warehouse to us, coordinated
and accepted all of our deliveries
and helped with the production. Thank you!
Thank you!
The only disappointing moment of the
whole conference was when we heard of
the absence of Regina Berryman AIFD
who could not attend and present her program
because of a blocked kidney stone
that forced her into the ICU. Regina was
sadly missed, but her co-presenter, Linda
Robinette AIFD, gave an outstanding olopresentation
of "PHI, the Golden Proportion."
Larry Kramer AIFD from Big Sky, Montana
captivated the crowd with "Natural Botanicals." Larry dazzled us with his program
of armatures of various styles and materials.
Kesami Holmes AIFD delighted us with
her ikebana influence in the table displays at
lunch in the Rotunda.
"Green I$ the Color of Money" was
presented by Greg Brown AIFD and Larry
Hammack. Their expert advice on 'green'
solutions in shop design and management
was complemented by Greg's outstanding
floral displays.
Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, CFD,
AAF, PFCI, AzMF gave us an entertaining
and clever program entitled "Inspiring
Steps to AIFD." With Roger Dennis blindfolded,
Joyce guided him through a comedic
exercise in "designing in the dark."
Carol Inskeep AIFD and David Powers
AIFD gave us a teaser of what to expect
at next year's conference in Charlottesville,
Virginia. So all of us need to plan to attend
next March 25-27.
Late Saturday afternoon, the silent auction
was closed and many treasures changed
ownership in the quest for funds for foundation
scholarships.
The Presidential Black-Tie Dinner was
very elegant with the green and white table
setting by Russ Barley AIFD. The Gala
honoring our Southern Chapter President,
Wendy Childress AIFD, was an enchanted
evening of conversation and dancing.
Sunday morning, we were greeted at
breakfast by the fragrance of garden roses
set in beautiful table presentations by John
Hill AIFD.
Next was "Sharon the Joy," a delightful
program by Sharon McGukin AIFD, CFD,
AAF, PFCI and Joyce Mason-Monheim
AIFD, CFD, AAF, PFCI, AZMF. Creative
techniques, new products, and inspiration
were featured in this double-duo program
of bridal bouquets and body flowers.
At noon most of us parted company inspired
and regenerated by the experience
of Southern Conference. A few lucky people
stayed for a very rewarding hands-on
workshop. All agreed that the weekend was
a wonderful experience.
Thanks to Mandy Maxwell of flower
shopnetwork.com, we can all visit her blog
and share in her pictures of all the activities
at this year's conference by going to:
http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/
blog/2010-aifd-southern-conference.
Make sure that you click on the bottom,
where it says 'view all of our photo album
from the trip on facebook.' Thanks, Mandy,
You Rock! You can also find a slideshow of Southern Conference
photos submitted by a member below.
I would like to thank all the many friends
that helped me in the execution of this conference
over the past four years. Thanks to
all my fellow board members that guided
and encouraged me. Thanks to all the many volunteers and attendees, who, despite hard
economic times, came to Chattanooga to
share their talents and explore a greener perspective.
A very big thanks goes out to my
co- chair, Roger Dennis AIFD, who was my
right hand and my sounding board. Thank
you, Roger!
See you in Boston!