"The Sky's the Limit"
2009 AIFD National Symposium, Kansas City, MO
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2009 Symposium Schedule
July 9 | July 10 | July 11 | July 12
July 13 | July 14 | July 15 | July 16
Thursday, July 9
| 12 p.m. | AES Registration Opens |
| 2 p.m. | Accreditation Evaluation Session Orientation (Invitation Only) Candidates seeking to become Accredited Members of AIFD meet to be briefed on the specific design categories to be evaluated this year. |
| 3:30 p.m. | AES Candidates' Reception with the AIFD Board & Membership Committee |
| 4 p.m. | Accreditation Evaluation Session (Invitation Only) Candidates design for Accreditation Evaluation. All designs must be completed by 8 p.m. |
| 4 p.m. | Membership Evaluators Workshop |
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Friday, July 10
| 8 a.m. | Registration Desk Open |
| 8 a.m. | AES Evaluations (Invitation Only) |
| 8 a.m. | AIFD National Board Orientation (Invitation Only) |
| 9 a.m. | AIFD National Board of Directors Meeting |
| 12 p.m. | AIFD Board of Directors Luncheon |
| 1 p.m. | AIFD Board of Directors Meeting |
| 2 p.m. | Special Education Program for AES Candidates (Invitation Only) |
| 4 p.m. | AIFD Education Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting |
| 5 p.m. | Student Competition Orientation (Invitation Only) |
| 7 p.m. | AES Reception (Cash Bar) Open to all. An informal time to view the creative works of this year's Accreditation candidates. |
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Saturday, July 11
| 8 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 8 a.m. | Student Competition (Invitation Only) |
| 9 a.m. | AIFD National Board Leadership Breakfast (Invitation Only) |
| 11 a.m. | AIFD National Committee Meetings |
| 1 p.m. | AIFD National Committee Meetings |
| 3 p.m. | AIFD National Committee Meetings |
| 5 p.m. | 1st Timer's Orientation and Tour So it's your first time to attend an AIFD Symposium. Here's a great opportunity to learn the inside ropes as well as a unique chance to be escorted behind-the-scenes. Join the newcomers group at the beginning and get to know what makes the AIFD Symposium tick or join the group at 5:30 p.m. for the tour and be mentored by some of the Institute's most enthusiastic members! (You don't have to be a first timer to attend this session.) |
| 6:30 p.m. | "Sky's The Limit" - Welcome to Kansas City AIFD's National Symposium gets underway with a wonderful cash bar reception featuring the students from our SAIFD chapters and their competition pieces. Mingle with old friends or get acquainted with new ones before heading out into the city to enjoy its nightlife. |
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Sunday, July 12
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:30 a.m. | Continental Breakfast - Regional Chapter Boards of Directors |
| 8:15 a.m. | Regional Chapter Board of Directors Meetings |
| 10 a.m. | Regional Chapter Membership Meetings |
| 11:30 a.m. | AIFD Annual Members Meetings |
| 12:45 p.m. | Partners Appreciation Event (Invitation Only) |
| 1:30 p.m. | "Bar-B-Que and Blues" Celebrate the afternoon visiting with AIFD's outstanding Partners. Stroll the many displays of products and services as you enjoy a lite Kansas City-style Bar-B-Q. (Cash bar) |
| 5:30 p.m. | AIFD National Former Presidents Reception (Invitation Only) |
| 5:30 p.m. | Induction Rehearsal (Inductees Only) |
| 7 p.m. | AIFD National Membership Committee and Board of Directors Dinner |
| 9 p.m. | Hospitality Event (DJ - Dancing) Hosted by the AIFD South Central Chapter |
Monday, July 13
| 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. | Coffee Bar Open Hosted by Florigene |
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:30 a.m. | Early Bird Workshop - "Unlimited Influence Online" Featuring: Cathy Hillen-Rulloda AIFD Learn how to leverage your professional credentials (such as AIFD), your floral design skills and your knowledge as a professional florist to bring more traffic to your Web site and drive more direct in-store and online sales. Cathy will share simple and effective steps to hone your site and to harness the power of free and low-cost web resources to help you be seen and heard as a leading floral designer in your market. |
| 8:30 a.m. | "The Sky's The LImit Welcome" |
| 8:45 a.m. | "Sellabrate the Season" Featuring: Michael Jarvis AIFD Link Johnsten AIFD Jimmy Threatt AIFD David Shover AIFD Commentating: Carol Caggiano AIFD A dynamic team of AIFD members help open the 2009 Symposium in a spectacular way that sets the course for the entire three-day education exploration. With the July sun radiating its summer heat on Kansas City, the team will walk you through the doors of each season's celebrations to help make your shop stand out like only and AIFD designer can do. Get creative, inventive, inspired and ready to "sell" not just your products but your brand... everyone! (Program underwritten through a grant from Plus One Imports/Pete Garcia Company.) |
| 10 a.m. | "From Concept to Creation" Featuring: Corey Harbour AIFD The creative design director for the program underwriter, Corey will lift your spirits into the sky with the conceptional development and implementation of products in today's retail floral environment. While many items are driven by trends and need to be cutting edge, Corey will also demonstrate ways to perfect and work with existing items and concepts that will help you reinvent and increase sales. (Program underwritten through a grant from Teters.) |
| 11:15 a.m. | "It's Not Your Mother's Color Wheel" Featuring: Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD Neon, day-glo and fluorescent are everywhere! The colors of the 60s are back and they are just as groovy as ever. So, how does today's successful floral artist use these bold expressions and who is the target market? Well, let down your hair, open your mind and get ready for a thrilling flight as Kevin pilots you through the skies on a trip that will take you back to the future. (Program underwritten through a grant from Teleflora.) |
| 12:15 p.m. | "In Living Color - Crayola Café - Luncheon" Floral Décor: Tom Simmons AIFD This playful luncheon will feature the impact of COLOR on all generations. From the coloring book "daze" to the Facebook generation, enjoy the creative concepts and lots of fun facts on how color, through crayons, has affected people around the world...and wait until you read the menu!!!! From a gorilla grilled cheese to a mango tango smoothie, even for the Big Kids! (Meal ticket required) (Program underwritten through a grant from Syndicate Sales) |
| 1:30 p.m. | A European Exploration A team of AIFD Designers inspired by European styles and trends building an exhibition demonstrating the similarities and peculiarities that respective designers experience. They will explain techniques from each individual point of view and explore their own separate European design influences. |
| 2:45 p.m. | "An Uncommon Exploration" Featuring: Coby Neal AIFD Beth O'Reilly AIFD Having searched for a common thread to identify and relate the interconnectedness of all life, creative floral design starts Beth and Coby will bring their findings together as they relate them directly to flowers. This journey will reconstruct intense human emotions along with a new awareness of the natural world. (Program underwritten through a grant from Mayesh.) |
| 4:30 p.m. | 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. |
| 6 p.m. | Awards/Induction Ceremonies Floral Décor: Susan McKnight AIFD Kerry Sallabedra AIFD Everyone is invited to be present when AIFD honors this year's awards recipients and inducts its newest class of Accredited Members during the highly anticipated ceremonies. (Program underwritten and floral décor by Valley Wholesale.) |
| 8 p.m. | "All That Jazz" Awards/Induction Dinner Celebration Floral Décor: Susan McKnight AIFD Kerry Sallabedra AIFD 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 event. For details see "Dinner Seating" information on the registration form.) (Program underwritten and floral décor by Valley Wholesale.) |
Tuesday, July 14
| 7:15 - 8:15 a.m. | Coffee Bar Open Hosted by Florigene |
| 7:30 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 7:45 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 8 a.m. | "In Style for the Holidays" Featuring: Richard Hampton AIFD Soaring through the sky with his cutting-edge imagination, Richard will create a beautiful trendy setting that will lift your spirits and open your day with awe. With his passion for construction and creative use of materials he'll inspire and amaze you unlike anything you've seen before. (Program underwritten through a grant from Regency International.) |
| 9:30 a.m. | "The WOW Factor - Space, Structure & Style" Featuring: Leighsa Montrose AIFD Jenny Tabarracci Both working the special events industry, creative talents Leighsa and Jenny will help clear the air in a program from "going green" to "urban sophistication." They will offer fantastic ideas to help you take the clouds out of your mind. (Program underwritten through a grant from Accent Décor and product by Petalista.) |
| 10:45 a.m. | "Ode to An Urn" Featuring: Talmage McLaurin AIFD The most classic of gard containers takes us on a journey that explores the history of the vessel, experiences the current forms that this ancient container has assumed and expounds on the limitless possibilities for design. (Program underwritten through a grant from Florists' Review with product from Transflora.) |
| 12 p.m. | "Unleash the Picasso in You" Featuring: Chef Ray Duey, CEC Chef James Parker CEC Chefs Duey and Parker will take you on an exciting flight into their creative world of fruit and vegetable sculpturing. Awaiting you is a universe of possibilities. These superb talents share a passion to unleash the Picasso or Dali in all of us whether it be edible or decorative with flowers. (Program underwritten through a grant from Petalista.) |
| 1 p.m. | "Platinum Wedding Brunch" (meal ticket required) Featuring: Cindy Anderson AIFD Jackie Lacey AIFD Julie Reed AIFD Kicking off a spectacular wedding afternoon and the annual AIFD Foundation Silent Auction, this wonderful event (meal ticket required) will feature creative décor showcasing California flowers. It will help you truly make flowers part of any special moment in life. (Program underwritten through a grant from the California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers.) |
| 2:30 p.m. | "Illusions" Featuring: Lori Novak AIFD Derrick Vasquez AIFD Lori and Derrick will pull out all their magic touches and creative flair as they transport you into a floral fantasy world. TAke your seats and buckle up as you prepare for a delightful whimsical flight of fancy. (Program underwritten through a grant from the AIFD Foundation with product from the California Association of Flower Growers and Shippers.) |
| 4 p.m. | "Platinum Wedding Champagne and Candlelight Reception" Featuring: Cindy Anderson AIFD Jackie Lacey AIFD Julie Reed AIFD Our Brunch design team will bring our wedding day to a perfect and memorable experience. They will create an ambiance with the transformation of light. This elegant affair will feature the spectacular cakes of artist Natasha Goellner and enhanced with floral accessories and décor by AIFD 2009 inductee Erica Smail. (Program underwritten through a grant from the AIFD Foundation with product from Creative Candles.) |
| 6:30 p.m. | Dinner on Your Own |
| 9 p.m. | Hospitality Night "Bridezilla at the Altar" Sponsored by AIFD Foundation Every florist who has ever done a wedding knows her (or him)...Bridezilla. Well, it's your turn to have some fun saluting this "special" customer. Wear the tackiest wedding attire and be a part of a night that will feature a fun-filled live auction to benefit the AIFD Foundation. |
Wednesday, July 15
| 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. | Coffee Bar Open Hosted by Florigene |
| 8 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks |
| 8:30 a.m. | "No Leaf Unturned" Featuring: Ralph Null AIFD There's no limit to the sky and there's no limit to what the creative artist can do with floriculture and/or horticulture. Master floral design education Ralph Null will help prove this as he takes original plant material, adds his artistic touch and expounds on new ideas. (Underwritten through a grant from Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association and the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition with product from Accent Décor.) |
| 10 a.m. | "Imagine" Featuring: Deborah de la Flor AIFD Tanus Saab of Brazil Paulo Perissoto of Brazil So you think that July is hot in Kansas City? Well just wait until you see the heat that this dynamic team will bring you from the land of Rio. With AIFD's Deborah de la Flor, Brazilian floral design educators Tanus and Paulo will astound your imagination. "Turn the Beat Around" for all attendees. (Program underwritten through a grant from FTD.) |
| 11:15 a.m. | "Messages From Nature" Featuring: Keiko Okada Assisted by: Kiko Zimmerman The chief designer and instructor at the renowned Mami Kawasaki Flower Design School in Tokyo, Japan, Keiko approaches botanical materials wanting to spend as long as possible with them; even after they begin to fade away. She delicately expresses her feelings and love toward flowers in her mesmerizing designs, recognizing each one's character from the tiniest bud to the cultivated exotic blooms. (Underwritten through a grant from Bloomnet.) |
| 12:30 p.m. | "A Floral Revolution is Coming!" Grab your horse Paul Revere. Sound the Alarm of Delight! AIFD is coming to Boston with its 2010 National Symposium "Revolution." Sit back and watch as we show you what's in store when AIFD visits Boston, July 3-7, 2010. |
| 1:15 p.m. | AIFD National Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch |
| 2 p.m. | 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. |
| 2 p.m. | "Creating Your Style" |
| 6 p.m. | President's Reception (Cash bar) Gather for a cocktail prior to the Final Night Dinner and Dance |
| 7 p.m. | "An Evening in the Garden" Floral Décor: Howard Silver AIFD AIFD's traditional Final Night Dinner and Dance brings home the concept of "The Sky's the LImit" as it wows and inspires your creativity. Don your tux or fancy dress and help celebrate the conclusion to another outstanding National Symposium. (Ticket required for this black-tie event. IMPORTANT - Remember: pre-seating assignments required for this event. See "Dinner Seating" information for details) (Program underwritten through a grant from Everflora.) |
Thursday, July 16
| 8 a.m. | Southern Regional Chapter Board of Directors |
| 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. | AIFD Foundation Presents "Giving Soul to Nature" |
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OUTSTANDING VARIETIES
Again this year, AIFD will feature a display of "Outstanding Varieties." Floral artistry starts with the right materials. Here is your chance to see, smell and touch award-winning flowers and plants. Critics recognized them as Best in Class and with Blue Ribbons during the Outstanding Varieties Competition held during the Society of American Florists convention.
Special Post-Symposium Hands-On Workshop featuring Tomas De Bruyne
"Giving Soul to Nature" (additional fee required)
Tomas de Bruyne is a native of Belgium. His work is about giving soul to nature, in particular to flowers. He looks for ways to visualize and capture the mystery of beauty. His original style and personal drive for everything that is beautiful make his creations extraordinary. He gives nature a voice and lets her speak through his hands. With his vast international experience, he dares to be innovative and revels in the power of imagination. Tomas' design work includes immense weddings, parties and special events as well as large floral art displays for both the public and industry. However, of all his achievements, Tomas still finds that teaching floral design is one of his greatest passions.
Tomas de Bruyne has given workshops in Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, Japan and Taiwan. He is invited regularly by Far-Eastern countries who have taken a special interest in his work. He teaches classes at his own flower schools in Antwerp and Knokke. He has contributed to various flower arrangement publications and published an art book, Flowering Imagination. Tomas is the Belgian champion, and came in fifth at the World Championship 2, where he also won the Quality and Freshness Award for the Best technical work.
1999: Art Book "Flowering Imagination"
2001: Belgian Champion
2002: Fifth place on the World Championship
Quality and Freshness Award
