Accreditation Evaluation Session
Invitation only

Candidates design for Accreditation Evaluation. All designs must be completed by 10:00 p.m.

Student Competition Orientation

Student Competition
Invitation only

AIFD National Committee Meetings

Regional Chapter Boards of Directors Meetings

"Latin Art Influences"

Featuring:
Kerry Sallabedra AIFD, Wichita, KS
Martin Flores AIFD, San Bernardino, CA
Raul Ramirez AIFD, Seattle, WA

It's hot, it's passionate, and it's the most exciting Symposium opening yet. Feel the heat as AIFD kicks off with a spectacular pre-Partners event that stimulates the rhythm of your designs and put an extra step in your salsa. (Program underwritten with a grant from the AIFD South West Regional Chapter.) Program sponsored by Valley Floral Company.

"Fiesta de los Amigos"

As you exit the Latin Art adventure, you'll find your travel have taken you to a grand festival of friends featuring the many products and services offered by AIFD's outstanding Partners In Education. Explore the AIFD mercado with lots of merchants, entertainment's and delicious food.

Floral Décor: Sam Van Wert

AIFD National Past Presidents Reception
Invitation only

Induction Rehearsal
Inductees Only

AIFD National Membership Committee and Board of Directors Dinner

Hospitality Event
DJ - Dancing

"The American Floral Trends Forecast™ "

Featuring:
Kim Morrill AIFD
J. Keith White AIFD
Talmage McLaurin AIFD

Our desire for organic materials is unrelenting. Growers, scientists, and nature work together to develop new permutations of flowers, foliage and botanicals that provoke our imagination and create strong, healthy commercial demand. No color or fashion program exists without a reference to nature and flowers. The American Floral Trends Forecast™ 2008-2009 presents the trends in floral décor and merchandising that will be most significant in the coming year. Be prepared to be inspired as you explore new ideas and design concepts for the future. (Program underwritten by the California Cut Flower Commission)

"Chic and Chilled Floral Couture"

Featuring:
Geert Pattyn
Belgium

Just what we need in the middle of the desert, in the heat of summer...A stream lined floral designer, with out fuss, with
out clutter, who takes you directly to the high road of Floral style. No bells, no whistles, just ultra cool and calm.

Geert Pattyn is Europe's leading modernist floral artiest, who's work draws clean lines with the purest of visions. Pattyn's sharp and minimalist approach is combined with his feeling for simple powerful design. (Underwritten by Vivaldi Books and Flowers & magazine)

"Visualizing for Success"

Featuring:
Cathy Brunk AIFD
Coon Rapids, MN

A dramatic presentation with strong visual effects will be created on stage. New and unique visual merchandising techniques and displays will come to life before your eyes. Cathy and her team will transform the stage, many times over, with beautiful floral designs, in settings that will inspire everyone. (This program is underwritten in part through a grant from Design Master)

"It's My Party" Luncheon*

Floral Décor: Mike Sinanovic AIFD, Las Vegas, NV

"Tribute...A Celebration of Life!"

Featuring:
Lynne Moss AIFD
Pratt, KS

The importance of sympathy tributes is a blending of past history, traditions and today's trends. We have to rediscover our traditional styles in new and creative settings. AIFD presents one of America's most outstanding, down-to-earth designers, who is dedicated to the advancement of professional floral design education. (This program is underwritten through a grant from Teleflora)

"Exotic Impressions"

Featuring:
Nitaya Emig AIFD
Tulsa, Ok

Beautiful forms inspired by nature are reinterpreted in an artful manner through modern sculptural designs. The emphasis is on the simple beauty of exotic flowers and how a simple impressionable form inspires another design that is just as exciting.

"Holly Days"

Featuring:
Holly Money Collins AIFD
San Francisco, CA

From decking the halls to entertaining family and friends, Christmas is truly the best time of the year. But how does the hectic floral designer keep the holiday fresh and exciting? In this program, renowned floral design educator, Holly Money-Collins will create spectacular arrangements that will delight your clients and keep your artist spirit merry and bright. (Program underwritten through a grant from Knud Nielsen and American Floral Industries Association)

Private Reception for New AIFD Inductees
Invitation only

The AIFD National Board and Membership committee join to salute this year's class of Accreditation Inductees.

Awards/Induction Ceremonies

Everyone is invited to be present when AIFD honors this year's awards recipients and inducts its newest class of Accredited Members during ceremonies in a special theater.

Floral Décor: Suzie Kostick AIFD, Rio Rancho, NM
Frank Feysa AIFD, Streetsboro, OH

Awards/Induction Dinner Celebration
Coat & Tie--Ticket required

From the Awards/Induction ceremonies we move to a delightful dinner to celebrate our honorees. (Ticket required for this coat-and-tie dinner. IMPORTANT -- Remember...pre-seating assignments required for this . See "Dinner Seating" information for details.)

Floral Décor: Suzie Kostick AIFD, Rio Rancho, NM
Frank Feysa AIFD, Streetsboro, OH

After the Party – It's More Hospitality

Adjourn from the Awards Dinner and kick-up your heels in this year's post awards hospitality room.

Featuring:
Kathy Whalen AIFD
Nature's Daughter
Naples, FL

From the florist's point of view, weddings are about more than a beautiful bride surrounded by beautiful flowers. They're about profit, too. Kathy will help you focus on the business side of a gorgeous wedding.

Featuring:
Maria McBride
Brides Magazine

With a variety of floral presentations around her, Bride's magazine's wedding style director, will share with AIFD the most contemporary trends for today's bride. Her knowledge and sense of fashion leads the wedding editorial market in the creation of the styles for the bridal market. Maria McBride is a leading expert on weddings having authored such popular titles as "Bridal Flowers" and "The Perfect Wedding."

AIFD Foundation Silent Auction Opens

Each year members and friends of AIFD donate art, books and one-of-a-kind items for silent auction. Between design presentations, be sure to stop by and place your bids. The AIFD Foundation, Inc. is an independent non-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises and invests funds to supply scholarships and finance special projects that impact the future success of retail floristry.

"Let Them Eat Cake"

Featuring:
Sylvia Weinstock
New York, NY

Beautiful! Magnificent! Stunning! Gorgeous! Creative! All words to express the outstanding cakes created by this famous and talented cake designer. Her wedding cake designs make her a designer extraordinaire. She is known worldwide for her beautiful and lavish designs and is in demand to create wedding cakes for clientele such as Donald Trump, Whitney Houston and the Saudi Royal family.

"The Ultimate Wedding"

Featuring:
Preston Bailey
New York, NY

You will be privileged to meet and hear from this exciting artist-designer who has created the spectacular designs and decorations for so many of the beautiful floral weddings that are featured in the fashion and celebrity magazines. Preston Bailey is the premier designer to the stars. When a celebrity wants to celebrate a very special occasion, Preston is the one they call. Among his clientele, for instance, are Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Joan Rivers, Donna Karan, Liza Minnelli, Laurence Fishburne, Bill Cosby, Matt Lauer, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. (This program is underwritten through a grant from Accent Decor )

"Who's Wedding Is It Anyway?" A Bridal Reception*
Ticket required

Coordinator:
Carol Caggiano AIFD
Jefferson, VA

The reception is the show place for many weddings. The opportunity to express personal style and enjoy the friendship of the invited guests. But, whose vision is it anyway? The bride's mother? The bridesmaids? Or, maybe the maid of honor. Beautiful flowers combined with the ambiance of a perfect setting can make the reception of the "Dream Wedding" come true. With special funding from Syndicate Sales, floral design educator Carol Caggiano and her team of artists including Roger Dennis AIFD of Uptown, KY, Ann Jordan, AAF, AIFD of Naples ME, Larry Kramer AIFD of Big Sky, MT and Jennifer Litterst AIFD of Williamsburg VA create wonderful flowers to compliment a bountiful wedding reception. Gorgeous linens provided by BBJ Linens.

"So...Whadda Ya Colors?"

Featuring:
Randy Baehre AIFD
Ty Leslie AIFD
Charleston, SC
Carolyn Shepard AIFD
Charlotte, NC

Tired of pink? Sick of sage? Got a rash from red? Explore the unlimited possibilities of color as we go from tired and predictable to terribly posh! Six vignettes based on five individual color palettes that fall into colors not usually associated with weddings as well as breathe life into colors that have become predictable and passé. Everything must be considered from the time of day to menu and then development, lighting and lines. Of course, last but not least, floral selection and containers will be highlighted during this presentation. (This program is underwritten through a grant from Pete Garcia Co / One Plus Imports ) (Flowers provided by Flower Transfer)

"Architecturally Sculptured Floral Art -- Events for Success"

Featuring:
Kevin Coble AIFD
Memphis, TN

AIFD's Southern Regional Chapter presents one of its own as he builds a sure-fire successful special event featuring – what else? – the beauty of flowers. When planning events, choosing your floral décor is the most important decision you'll have to make. Experience a collection of modern sculptural, organic and large scale designs...Imaginative, bold and eclectic interpretations sure to generate reaction and inspiration. (Program underwritten through a grant from the AIFD Southern Regional Chapter)

"Let Flowers Soar"

Featuring:
Cory Lonsert AIFD
Bellefountaine. OH

A wonderful ending to a perfect day...This is a program you will want to see. Young and exciting and full of creative energies, Cory Lonsert will keep you enthralled. With you, he will soar to new heights of exuberance and enthusiasm with his floral presentations. (Program underwritten through a grant from Smithers Oasis and Fitz Designs)

AIFD Foundation Silent and Live Auction Wrap Up

Check if you had the winning bid in the silent auction and pick up your item. Hang around as we close out the event with a few exciting "live bid" items -- don't miss your chance!

Dinner on your own

Intimate Cocktail Party with Preston Bailey
Special ticket required

Be one of only 30 people who have an opportunity to enjoy an intimate cocktail party with Preston Bailey. Special tickets are required ($300/each)

AIFD Foundation Hospitality Night
Cash bar

"Hawaiian Honeymoon"
After a day of weddings, weddings, weddings - time for some fun! Wear your loudest Hawaiian shirt and favorite flip-flops and relax with industry friends. Admission is one AIFD Foundation Raffle ticket (which you were buying anyway!) Be one of the first 150 to arrive and receive a special gift from the foundation!

“Florals for the Home"

Featuring:
René Van Rems AIFD, Vista, CA
Matt Wood AIFD, Alameda, CA
(pictured right)

Interior design and the embellishment with flowers are synonymous with the staging of a beautiful home. Today, two of our fondest raconteur designers will present their interpretation of floral designs that will create for you an aura of excellence in taste and style that will leave you asking for more. (Program underwritten through a grant from Winward Silks and sponsored by California Protea
Association)

"The Journey"

Featuring:
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, Mission, BC (pictured right)
Paul Jaras AIFD, Calgary, AB
Donald Yim AIFD, Richmond, BC

Be prepared to see designs that will motivate and stimulate your mind. Designs with creative skills, which will fill you with awesome wonder. Designs which will inspire a new level of creativity within you. This program will take you on an outstanding journey into the world of flowers and art. (Program underwritten through a grant from AIFD's North West Regional Chapter)

"Flowers with Seoul"

Featuring:
Kim Young Ju AIFD
Seoul, Korea

She's the most creative florist in Korea and she's bringing her talents to AIFD's Symposium stage with a style that will touch your "Seoul." Radiating with beauty and charm, you're sure to be enthralled.

"Hip Hyper and Happening"

Featuring:
Life 3 (pictured right)
Tomas de Bruyne of Belgium
Per Benjamin of Sweden
Max van de Sluis of Holland

LIFE3 is a trio of talent from Belgium, Holland and Sweden. This pool of versatile florists come to the stage with buckets of excitement, vigor and passion. Max, Per and Tomas are trend setting floral designers in Europe. They intend to fill the house with their signature combination of craftsmanship, knowledge of materials and influential style that will leave you in a state of admiration and amazement. (Underwritten through a grant from FTD and the AIFD Education Foundation)

"Chicago - Collaboration"

The "Windy City" becomes "Flower Central" when AIFD takes its 2008 National Symposium "Collaboration" to Chicago (July 3-7). Here's a brief look at what's in store.

AIFD Steps to Membership

Now that you've been totally blown away with an overload of creative designs, isn't it time for you to find out what it takes to become an Accredited Member of AIFD? AIFD's National Membership Committee will show you the way.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Featuring:
Sharon McGukin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI
Carrollton, GA

Unlock your ability to be an effective speaker by learning the technical keys of communicating that professional floral presenters use. Sharon McGukin, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, shares solid strategies to strengthen your speaking skills. She’ll also talk about PFCI, Professional Floral Communicators – International. Established by the Society of American Florists (SAF), PFCI is a prestigious professional designation and serves as the industry’s speakers bureau. Learn about PFCI membership benefits and walk through the application process. For additional information, visit www.safnow.org/pfci or contact SAF’s PFCI at (800) 336-4743; PFCI@safnow.org.

Powerful Presentations with Powerpoint
By SAF’s Professional Floral Communicators-International.
This seminar is not included with Symposium registration. PFCI Members: Free; Non-PFCI Member price before June 21: $50; On-site registration: $75

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Featuring:
Tina Stoecker AIFD, PFCI
Designs of the Times Florist, Inc.
Melbourne, FL

Unleash your inhibitions of computer technology with a step-by-step workshop using PowerPoint. This visual tool enables users to create high-impact, dynamic presentations while communicating not just verbally but visually. Participate in creating an actual PowerPoint slideshow. Learn how to format slides, use pictures and color and how not to overwhelm audiences with visual overload. In addition, you will learn the dos and don'ts of how to present professionally using this visual tool. Leave your “right brain” behind, pretend to be a “computer geek” and follow along with or without your laptop. (This seminar is presented by the Society of American Florists’ Professional Floral Communicators-International. For additional info, visit www.safnow.org/pfci.)

"A Desert Evening in Paradise"

AIFD's traditional Final Night Dinner and Dance will wow and inspire you. Don your tux or fancy dress and help to celebrate the conclusion to another outstanding National Symposium. (IMPORTANT -- Remember...pre-seating assignments required for this black-tie affair. See "Dinner Seating" information for details.)


Floral Creations:Kelly Marble AIFD, Lubbock, TX

AIFD Foundation Present's "Learning with Life3"

Featuring:
Life3

A dynamic special event (separate $245 registration fee is required) presented by the AIFD Education Foundation. This "hands on" design seminar will be taught by one of the world's most creative and acclaimed design groups. See box below for more details.

(Limited seating available only to Full and Education Only Symposium Registrants)

AIFD FOUNDATION PRESENT'S "Learning with Life3"


What happens when you combine the teaching skills of three of the best flower artists in Europe, with AIFD? You get a "hands on" workshop that will leave participants with an overwhelming learning experience, which focuses on creativity, originality, craftsmanship and beauty. This is what Per Benjamin, Max van de Sluis and Tomas De Bruyne can offer you at the AIFD Foundation "Hands On" workshop immediately following National Symposium.

Together the Swedish, Dutch and Belgian champions will bring their collective flower views to a special all day "hands-on" class. Share in the expertise and ideas of these world wide floral artists as they personally instruct the participants in their own, recognizable and individual styles of floral design.

Event Co-Chairs: Holly Money-Collins, George Mitchell, Jim Morley

$245.00 per person
(No-Host Lunch)

(Limited seating available only to Full and Education Only Symposium Registrants)

Submit registration to:
American Institute of Floral Designers
Email: aifd@assnhqtrs.com
Phone: 410-752-3318
Fax: 410-752-8295