Hollywood has the Oscars. Sports has the Olympics. And the Floral Industry has the AIFD National Symposium. As you may know AIFD recently concluded its 2004 National Symposium, "Fusion," in New York City (July 3-7). The event was a resounding success with first rate educational floral design programs and unparalleled networking opportunities enjoyed by well over 1,200 floral industry professionals in attendance.

AIFD is busy making final preparations for its 2005 Symposium, "Balance," which will take place July 2-6 in Seattle, Wash. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers and Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

Monday, July 4
Tuesday, July 5
Wednesday, July 6
Thursday, July 7

AIFD National Committee Meetings
(Sheraton)

• Finance
• Marketing
• Student Membership
• Education Partners
• Industry Partners
• AIFD Across America
• Flower Shows
• Awards

Welcome Reception
(cash bar)

What a wonderful time to meet and greet old friends and to make new ones as AIFD welcomes you to Seattle. Enjoy a breathtaking view from this year's exciting venue in the Seattle Convention Center.

AIFD Regional Chapter Membership Meetings (Sheraton)

Accredited Members of AIFD along with those who will be inducted into AIFD on July 5 are invited to attend their respective Chapter's business meeting.

AIFD Picnic With the Partners
(Sheraton)

Enjoy a light picnic lunch spread out amidst a blanket of exhibits featuring the products and services offered by the Industry Partner Members of AIFD. Catch up on some great reading at the Book Fair and meet the Education Partners at the Education Connection. This always popular program will be open until 4 p.m., but lunch will close at 2:30 p.m. too. (Ticket Required for lunch)

AIFD Industry Partners Breakfast
(Sheraton)
Invitation only

A special breakfast to thank AIFD's Industry Partner Members for their support.

"2006 American Floral Trends"

From it's inception during the 2003 National Symposium in St. Louis, this exciting forecast program has proven to be a useful tool for designers, manufactures and merchandisers of floral goods. It is a uniquely floral perspective of Trend and is the culmination of information gathered by a distinguished group of extensive world travelers who are involved in product development. The Trend team includes: Talmage McLarin AIFD of Florist's Review Magazine, Kim Morrill AIFD of the California Cut Flower Commission Education Outreach Team, Michelle Perry-White AIFD of DA Direct, Maureen Welton of 18 Karat International Product Sourcing Inc., and Leatrice Eisman of the Pantone Color Institute.

(Sponsored by California Cut Flower Commission)
Featuring commentator: Kim Morrill AIFD
Featuring designers: Charlie Gropetti AIFD & Keith White AIFD

"Viva Voce"

Designs inspired by the word and words inspired by the designs. Coupling the creative expressions of literature and flowers, our design will share his knowledge of the art of visually interpreting tropical and contemporary arrangements inspired by some of his favorite texts and poems.

(Program underwritten in part through a grant from Smithers-Oasis)
Featuring: Phil Rulloda AIFD, AAF, PFCI

"On Search for Inspiration"

Design process for floristry and floral art.

(Sponsored by FTD)
Featuring: Gregor Lersch

"The European Influence"

Whether you are a beginner or experienced in floral design, a review of European design styles and techniques is always beneficial and enjoyable.

Featuring: Els Hazenberg AIFD

Lunch on your own in Seattle

AIFD National Board Salutes the Membership Committee Luncheon

"ARTFLOR"

Art influence as a primary source of inspiration for floral design - a creative process based on elements and principle of design. Explaining various art medium and its possible application with flowers. Exploring collaboration with artists of other medium.

(Jointly underwritten through a grant from Flowers & magazine and Floralife)
Featuring: Hitomi Gilliam AIFD

"A Yellow Brick Road"

Snapshots of past travel and future vistas from one of America’s most dynamic designers.

(Jointly underwritten through a grant from Design Master and Queens Flowers)
Featuring: John Haines AIFD

"A Collaboration of Influence"

All of the masters who have been featured independently this day converge on stage to celebrate their remarkable influences on the flowers you design.

Featuring: Hitomi Gilliam AIFD; Charlie Gropetti AIFD; John Haines AIFD; Els Hazenberg AIFD; Gregor Lersch; Phil Rulloda AIFD, AAF, PFCI; Keith White AIFD

AIFD Inductees Reception
(Seattle Conv. Ctr.)
Invitation Only

AIFD's National Board, Membership Committee and Past Presidents welcome those who will be inducted as Accredited Members during a delightful wine and cheese reception.

Cocktails Anyone?
(Seattle Conv. Ctr.)

A perfect time to enjoy a libation prior to the AIFD Awards and Induction Dinner.

AIFD Awards and Induction Celebration and Dinner/Dance
(Seattle Conv. Ctr.)

Be sure to be on time for this year's spectacular Awards and Induction Celebration and Dinner/Dance. Take your dinner seats and help salute this year's honorees. Dinner will be served immediately at the conclusion of the ceremonies. (IMPORTANT -- Please be sure to remember.....dinner seating is by assignment. See "Dinner Seating" highlight for details.)

Floral Creations: “Elegance in the Emerald City”

Look beyond the rain drops and discover a city sparkling in crisp white and vivid greens, where accents of crystals in glass and emerald shimmer in the evening light.

By Lori Novak AIFD & Tom Simmons AIFD

Dinner is Served

"Balance: Form, Color and Clarity"

From the Great North (Canada) comes six dynamic designers who will use their floral design talents to feature Seattle's blown glass.

Featuring: Kevin Young AIFD; Kathy Goh, AIFD; Debbie James AIFD; Katarina Lidvigsson AIFD; Lea Romanowski AIFD; Donald Yim (inductee)

"Timeless to Trendy.....Weddings in Perfect Balance"

Something old, something new. Every successful wedding balances tradition and trends. Classic styles and techniques take on new dimensions when energized with the latest fashion.

(Program underwritten through a grant from Teleflora, Inc.)
Featuring: Carol Caggiano AIFD, PFCI

AIFD’s Marketing Committee Presents “A Word About Flowers"

AIFD's Marketing Committee helps unveil what is sure to be a "must have" for your floral library -- AIFD’s new and complete guide to floral terms, techniques and traditions.

(Program sponsored by the AIFD Marketing Committee)
Featuring: AIFD Marketing Committee

“Designer Denim" - A Luncheon

AIFD’s Foundation presents a wonderful luncheon featuring a fashion show of denim jackets creatively adorned by our industry’s most talented artists. Live and silent auction items will be offered to benefit the Foundation.

"A Delicate Balance"

Seasonal merchandising and display trends and lifestyles.

(Program underwritten through a grant from Pacific Rim)
Featuring: Doug Brooks AIFD

"Equilibrium"

Different aspects of balance of floral design as it impacts our style.

(Program underwritten through a grant from Australian Flower Export Council)
Featuring: Richard Go AIFD

"Simple Elegant Tabletops and More"

Using Nature as the inspiration. Color to Balance your occasion to the environment and take simplicity to the max and elegant to the beyond.

Featuring: Paul Miller AIFD, PFCI

A Night to Enjoy Seattle.....

Catch a fantastic dinner at one of Seattle's many restaurants.....but be sure to come back for the hospitality room friendship.

AIFD Hospitality Happening at Schooner's
(Sheraton)
cash bar

Stop by and enjoy a night cap (cash bar) and some good old AIFD friendship.

"Balance the Art and Science of Style"

Watch as their renown designer creates high perceived skillful combinations of uncommon materials of botanical foliages and new flowers.

(Underwritten in part through a grant from the California Protea Association)
Featuring: René van Rems AIFD, PFCI

"The Abandoned Garden"

Join on a fantastic voyage as our designer explores the ever-perennial influence Nature infuses into floral design.....from the sublime to the undisciplined.....it's all about Nature!

Featuring: Bill Harper AIFD

"Unbalanced Body Couture"

Floral fashion like you've NEVER seen before.

Featuring: Ron Mulray AIFD

"Balance from Sea to Shining Sea" Luncheon

AIFD Goes to Washington in 2006 and the Southern Regional Chapter is ready to welcome you in Southern style. Get the insight on what awaits you next year in Washington, D.C.

AIFD National Board of Directors Luncheon
(Sheraton)

Steps to PFCI Membership
(Seattle Conv. Ctr.)

PFCI -- you've seen those four letters next to the names of some of the industry's best commentators. Professional Floral Communicators -- International, an honorary group of the industry's leading educators. Established by the Society of American Florists, PFCI includes those who have demonstrated professional expertise and strong commitment to the industry. PFCI members present programs to the industry and public. Do you have what it takes to earn the PFCI designation? Here's your chance to find out when members of PFCI explain the Steps to PFCI Membership.

"Creating Brand You"
(Seattle Conv. Ctr.)
Additional fee required

As a floral designer, you're constantly selling yourself and your work. "Creating Brand You" will show you how to enhance your image & brand, sales & profitability, time management and marketing skills. This optional program is presented by the Society of American Florists' Professional Floral Communicators-International.

To register, contact the SAF at 800-336-4743; PFCI@safnow.org. The cost is only $50.

"Professional Florists Meet the Garden Club"
(Seattle Conv. Ctr.)
Additional fee required

A delightfully entertaining program especially focused on the National Garden Club members of Washington State. The program will feature the work of professional floral designers along side that of Garden Club members. It’s a consumer marketing effort of AIFD.

Registration available on site for only $25.

President's Reception
(Sheraton)
Cash bar

Gather for a cocktail prior to the wonderful Final Night Dinner and Dance.

Seattle Shines!!!

AIFD's traditional Final Night Dinner and Dance will wow and inspire you. Celebrate the conclusion to another outstanding National Symposium. (IMPORTANT -- Remember....pre-seating assignments required. See "Dinner Seating" information for details.)

Floral Creations: Link Johnsten AIFD

Grand March

"A Day with Damien"

The AIFD Foundation is offering a one-day "hands on" design seminar featuring the internationally acclaimed floral artist Damien Koh AIFD. Many will recall Damien from his wildly successful design program "When Rice Met Fries" presented during the AIFD National Symposium in New York.

Damien, the owner of Fleur Connection & Floral Design School of Singapore, will lecture, demonstrate and instruct attendees in creations inspired by his unique floral design style. Damien has designed, lectured and demonstrated throughout the world. His most recent achievements include teaching and designing in China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and The Netherlands. Space is limited on a first-come/first serve basis for this special opportunity.

THIS SEMINAR IS SOLD OUT

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

AIFD Symposium activities, including the Accreditation Evaluation session, will take place in the Seattle Convention Center as well as the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers. AIFD has arranged a discounted rate of $143 (single or double) for Symposium participants. The cutoff date for this rate is June 5. As always, hotel rooms will likely sell out before this date so plan in advance!

Nestled in the heart of Seattle's bustling downtown, the Sheraton Seattle Hotel and Towers is located within one mile of historic Pike Place Market, Seattle Art Museum, the Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Seattle Center and a host of other exciting attractions. See a show at the Fifth Avenue or the Paramount. Experience the Opera or Ballet at Mercer Arena. Enjoy the Symphony at Benaroya Hall.

If you consider shopping a recreational activity, consider spending an hour or a day browsing in nearby stores like Ann Taylor, Escada, St. John, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Banana Republic, The Bon Marche, FAO Schwarz, Furla, Barneys New York and many more.

To make your reservations call 206-621-9000 ext. 5, fax 206-621-8441. Make sure to mention you'll be attending the AIFD Symposium. CLICK HERE to make online reservations.

SYMPOSIUM REGISTRATION

Advance registration is now closed. Please register on site in Seattle

While we always recommend the "full" registration package, this year's National Symposium offers several great options. From our traditional "Education Only" (includes all programs July 3 - July 7, but no meals) to the "Single Day" opportunity. Enjoy all or part of the floral industry's most spectacular floral design program in a plan that fits your budget and your time commitment.

FULL REGISTRATION
Includes all listed meals and programs, except those noted with an * or "by invitation only", starting Saturday, July 2 at 5:00 p.m. and running through the Final Night Dinner and Dance on Wednesday, July 6.

SINGLE DAY REGISTRATION
Attendees may register for any single day(s) of programs. Such registrations include the day's design programs, but it does not include the evening meal function.

EDUCATION ONLY
Includes all design programs but no meals; does include access to Sunday, July 3 Partner's Reception, but not picnic lunch.

A DAY WITH DAMIEN
A one-day "hands on" design seminar featuring the internationally acclaimed floral artist Damien Koh AIFD. The cost does not include lunch. You must be registered to attend Symposium for a Full or Education Only to be able to take advantage of this offer. Limited attendance. Cost: $200

INDIVIDUAL MEALS
AIFD makes every effort to accomodate attendees who have special friends wishing to join them for a specific meal or meals or for any single day attendees who wish to add a dinner. Individual meal tickets, however, often sell out, so advance reservations are encouraged. The fee for this year's meals are:

# CANCELLATION POLICY - Full refund if canceled by June 1. A $100 charge will be applied to any cancellations between June 2 and June 20. There will be no refunds made after June 20.

Advance registration is now closed. Please register on site in Seattle