2011 AIFD National Symposium "Imagine"
San Francisco - July 4-9
Symposium Home
Registration | Schedule | Hotel Info | Volunteer/Mentor
July 2 | July 3 | July 4 | July 5 |
July 6 | July 7 | July 8 | July 9
SATURDAY, JULY 2
Noon
PFDE Registration Opens (Professional Floral Design Evaluation)
2 p.m.
PFDE Orientation (Invitation Only)
4 p.m.
PFDE Session (Invitation Only)
4:30 p.m.
PFDE Evaluator Workshop
SUNDAY, JULY 3
8 a.m.
PFDE Evaluations (Invitation Only)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Desk Open / Friends & Family Concierge Desk Open
Need suggestions for a SF restaurant, local points of interest, directions to a museum, shopping suggestions or how to use the public transportation system? Local AIFD volunteers will be staffing the Friends & Family Concierge Desk and are ready to help you.
8 a.m.
AIFD National Board Orientation
(Invitation Only)
9 a.m.
AIFD National Board of Directors Meeting
Noon
AIFD National Board of Directors Luncheon
2 p.m.
PFDE Candidates Private Program (Invitation Only)
4 p.m.
AIFD Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting
5 p.m.
Student Competition Orientation
7-9 p.m.
PFDE Reception (Open to All - Cash Bar Available)
Please join us for this informal, festive reception and meet this year's PFDE candidates. This is an opportunity to view the candidates' designs and congratulate them on their hard work.
MONDAY, JULY 4
8 a.m.
Student Competition (Invitation Only)
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Friends & Family Concierge Desk Open
9 a.m.
AIFD National Leadership Breakfast (Invitation Only)
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
AIFD National Committee Meetings
1:30-3:30 p.m.
San Francisco Bus Tour (Separate Fee - Paid On-site)
5-6 p.m.
First Timers Orientation
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Student Competition Reception (Open to All - Cash Bar)
Please join us for this informal, festive reception and meet the participants in the Student Competition. This is an opportunity to view the student designs and congratulate them on their hard work.
9:30 p.m.
San Francisco Fireworks
TUESDAY, JULY 5
7 a.m.
Regional Chapters Board of Directors Breakfasts
7:45 a.m.
Regional Chapters Board of Directors Meetings
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Friends & Family Concierge Desk Open
9:30 a.m.
Regional Chapters Membership Meetings
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Annual AIFD Members Meeting (Open to all Members)
12:30-5 p.m.
Press Room Open
1:30 p.m.
San Francisco Greeting: Dream - Create - Share
1:45-2:30 p.m.
IMAGINE Kick-off, Bob Farrell "The Pickle Principle"
This highly sought after motivational speaker and author was the founder of "Farrell's Ice Cream Parlours" plus dozens of additional restaurant chains. Bob Farrell has inspired thousands to use a foundation of excellent customer service to build successful businesses. A little known secret about this energetic octogenarian is that he also once owned a flower shop. Be prepared to be amazed, educated, entertained and inspired.
2:30-6 p.m.
AIFD Partners Expo and Book Fair (Cash Bar Available)
Flowers, products, books and services; the best of the best and the newest of the new will be found at the Partners Expo. This unique expo of AIFD Industry Partners offers you a fast-paced opportunity to explore some of the most exciting offerings in the floral industry.
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Induction Rehearsal (Inductees Only)
7-9 p.m.
Opening Reception, Welcome to San Francisco "Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair" Sponsor: Gold Partner - Fitz Design
(Cash Bar Available)
Dig out your old tie-dye T-shirts, dress like a hippy, put some "Flowers in Your Hair" and join your friends, new and old, for this gala opening reception. If you missed San Francisco's "summer of love" in 1967, this is your chance to revisit and relive one of the greatest parties of all time. Fresh flowers and corsage making materials and several surprises will be available. Everyone will want "flowers in their hair." IMAGINE... just imagine...
9 p.m. - Midnight
Afterglow Hospitality, "Dancing in the Streets" Hosted by the Northwest Regional Chapter of AIFD (Cash Bar Available)
The party continues with afterglow hospitality and dancing hosted by the "party experts" from the Northwest Regional Chapter of AIFD. Drink, dance and celebrate; but remember, we have an early morning program. Or just stay up all night...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6
6:30-8:30 a.m.
San Francisco Flower Mart Tour
Featuring Tour Guide, Holly Money-Collins AIFD Sponsor: Gold Partner - San Francisco Flower Mart
One of the few remaining grower-owned flower markets in the United States, the San Francisco Flower Mart is famous for its wide selection of high quality flowers plus unique novelty floral material and products found nowhere else in the world. Nearly 100 years-old, today's market houses over 100 separate vendors in 135,000 square feet of floor space. The merchants are distributed between three warehouses and a mall, referred to as "the street." Yes, it's early, but the "Market" will have coffee ready and you don't want to miss this opportunity.
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Desk
Press Room
Technology Room
Want to set up a Facebook page? Need help updating your profile on the AIFD website? You don't know what Twitter is? Your iPhone doesn't work? Throughout IMAGINE, a group of AIFD volunteers will be available to assist you in the Technology Room.
Book Room Open
Friends & Family Concierge Desk Open
8-8:45 a.m.
Coffee with the AIFD Ambassadors
Sponsor: Gold Partner - Hawaii Tropical Flower Council
Each morning, a coffee service will be available for all IMAGINE guests. And, since coffee is the best with friends, the "AIFD Ambassadors" will be present to greet you. The Ambassadors are AIFD board members, officers and past presidents. They have been to enough Symposiums to know the ropes. Feel free to ask questions and share comments.
"AIFD Has Talent" Master of Ceremonies, Talmage McLaurin AIFD
The IMAGINE Symposium has the luxury of a wonderful "grand assembly" outside of the main stage ballrooms. Before and between design programs the grand assembly will be filled with activity. There will be floral designs to view, a video monitor displaying even more floral design and "AIFD Has Talent." What's this, you ask? AIFD members will be performing on a second stage in the grand assembly. It could be a pianist, an a capella group perhaps an acoustical guitar player, a violinist, or even an accordion player.
8:45-9 a.m.
IMAGINE today, just imagine...
9-9:45 a.m.
"Design Through the Centuries" Featuring Rene van Rems AIFD Sponsor: Gold Partner - The San Francisco Flower Mart
"To be a successful designer, it's essential that one understand the history of design." International designer and educator, Rene van Rems AIFD is one of the most popular floral design presenters in America. In his first program on the AIFD Symposium stage since being awarded the AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, Rene will explore the important periods of design and the significant floral styles that emerged from these periods as he punctuates his lecture with breathtaking floral designs.
9:45-10:30 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
Following each program, the audience is invited to join us in the Grand Foyer to meet the presenter, view floral designs, video clips and be entertained at the Second Stage by "AIFD has Talent." Yes, each presenter will be available outside of the main stage ballroom after their program for autographs and photos. Many, will also have books for sale.
10:30-11:15 a.m.
"Influences" Featuring Jim Hynd AIFD, with Guest Presenters Rachelle Nyswonger and Philip Rice Sponsor: Gold Partner - Syndicate Sales
As designers our work is continuously influenced by our surroundings and our peers. Nature has always held the greatest influence on my design work, even the beauty of a single flower holds such great power. My influences come from music, sunlight on the workbench, the designs of a protégé and the memories of lessons form a mentor. I believe that we all learn from, and are influenced by, one another. Join me as we Dream, Create and Share together.
11:15-11:45 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
"Namaste" Luncheon Featuring Designs by Sue Bal AIFD and Stacey Bal AIFD Sponsor: Silver Partner - Florists' Review
Namaste [nuhm-uh-stey]: the spirit in me recognizes the spirit in you. Soulful - Thoughtful - Inspiring; this mother and daughter team has the perfectly themed luncheon prepared for you. Enjoy their interpretation of the poses of yoga as floral art. Namaste is about connection; a connection between the designer and nature as well as a connection between all of us as we dream and create.
1-1:45 p.m.
"Inspiration in Sogetsu" Featuring Soho Sakai AIFD Sponsor: Gold Partner - The San Francisco Flower Mart
"Ikebana reflects the person who created the arrangement." A much loved and respected teacher with a large and devoted following of students, Soho Sakai AIFD holds the prestigious title of RIJI, the highest teaching rank of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. In this program, Soho will explore the components of Ikebana and how those components fold and blend to form one large expression of beauty from the mind of the designer.
1:45-2:15 p.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
2:30-3:15 p.m.
"Exuberant Floral Art on a Large Scale" Featuring Natasha Lisitsa, with Guest Presenters Carla Parkinson and Daniel Schultz Sponsor: Gold Partner - Design Master
A protégée of Soho Sakai AIFD, Natasha Lisitsa is one of the most exciting and daring floral artists in America. Commissioned by major museums to create larger-than-life floral art installations, her work has been featured in major international magazines. Natasha's engineering background brings a unique sense of space and structure to her creations as well as an audaciousness that pushes the limits of innovative construction and leaves the viewer breathless.
3:15-3:45 p.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
5 p.m.
Private Reception for AIFD Inductees (Invitation Only)
6:30 p.m.
"Strawberry Fields Forever" Awards, Induction Dinner and Celebration Featuring Designs by Jenny Tabarracci AIFD, Steven Brown AIFD and Michael Daigian CFD Sponsor: Gold Partner - Greenleaf/Kitayama Brothers
In the spirit of the 1960s San Francisco Flower Children, Jenny and her team of designers will take you back in time to the era of the Beatles. You will enter through iron garden gates into the lunch fanciful world of "Strawberry Fields Forever." Just IMAGINE: multi-leveled centerpieces, designs created with rustic iron and birch branches, intermingling vines of berries, broken pomegranates and pillows of herbaceous mosses and roses. Once you enter this elegant and sophisticated garden, you will never want this magical evening to end.
THURSDAY, JULY 7
7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Registration Desk Open
Friends & Family Concierge Desk Open
Press Room
Technology Room
Book Room Open
7:30-8:45 a.m.
Coffee with the AIFD Ambassadors
Sponsor: Silver Partner - Flowers& Magazine
7:30-8:15 a.m.
Roundtable Seminars
Did you ever wonder if we really read the surveys that you send us after a Symposium? Well we do! And last year you said loud and clear "more education please, more training that I can take home that will help me to be more successful." In addition to a greater "business" focus on the main stage, we have scheduled six different seminars, each offered three different times. And they are included in your registration. You get to pick and choose. Enjoy!
"Social Media for the Wedding Florist" Featuring Kristi Serrano Sponsor: Silver Partner - The Knot
We're on the cusp of yet another revolution. Social Media - not just blogging, but even Facebook and Twitter - are already changing the way brides plan their weddings. Explore this changing landscape with Internet marketing expert, Kristi Serrano. Learn how and why you need to stay on top of this online revolution, hear the results of our first ever Technology & Social Media survey, and tour some of the most intriguing Social Media outlets.
"Elements of Value" Featuring Gay Smith Sponsor: Bronze Partner - Chrysal
When money is tight, consumers stop and think before they buy. They ask themselves, do I need it or do I just want it? And, is it worth it? For today's consumer value translates to eye-popping aesthetics and longevity. Just as design trends and variety awareness have evolved light-years in the past two decades, so have handling methods. Are you ready to implement fact-based protocols that maximize base performance while satisfying your customer's expectations? Let's go!
"Floral Industry Trends" Featuring Bob Williams Sponsor: Platinum Partner - Oasis Floral Products
Bob Williams will present key findings that will help you grow your business, including top retailer trends, demographic and purchasing trends, floral purchasing by channel, price points and how the customer defines value when purchasing flowers. By understanding the consumers' perception of floral "Value," successful strategies for retailing can be readily identified. Don't miss this exciting and revealing presentation that will likely change the way you view holidays and events -- for the better!
"The Art of Buying Locally Grown Flowers" Featuring Kasey Cronquist Sponsor: Gold Partner - California Cut Flower Commission
Have you ever considered how to capitalize on the "locally grown" movement within your community? California Cut Flower Commission CEO/Ambassador Kasey Cronquist will be presenting research, ideas and examples on how to strategically fulfill your customers growing desire to "buy local" when it comes to their flowers.
"Marketing Body Flowers" Featuring Dan Fisher Sponsor: Gold Partner - Fitz Designs
Dan Fisher (aka: The Prom King) knows the floral industry; from driving a silk truck from shop to shop in Indiana to executive corporate leadership to ownership of Fitz Design. You will enjoy Dan's passion and positive outlook for the future of the floral industry. One thing is for sure; he will help generate more sales and profits for your next prom season.
8-8:30 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
8:30-8:45 a.m.
IMAGINE another day, just imagine...
8:45-9:30 a.m.
The Power of Social Media" Featuring Milena Regos Sponsor: Silver Partner - BloomNet
Social media may be the opportunity of the decade for professional florists. Through social media, floral designers are able to connect with customers on an emotional level and establish strong, long-lasting relationships. Award winning marketer, Milena Regos is passionately committed to social media and in-bound marketing. You will leave this valuable program with the information you need to start and to improve your social media marketing.
9:45-10:30 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
10:15-11 a.m.
"EVENTFLASH: Successful Happenings In Floral Trends and Technology" Featuring Kristine Kratt AIFD and Bill Schaffer AIFD Sponsor: Gold Partner - FTD
The floral industry SHIFT is to "See How I Fit Today." Shift your thinking and learn what it takes to turn a client's vision into reality. Explore the latest in interactive experiences to make your events more impactful and memorable. EVENTFLASH will lead you on a visual journey through some of today's hottest trends in the world of event design.
11:30-11:30 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
"Haute Couture on Union Square" Luncheon Coordinated by the AIFD Foundation Lou Lynn Moss AIFD and Eddie Payne AIFD Sponsor: Platinum Partner - The AIFD Foundation
Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, AIFD Foundation. What do they all have in common you ask? Why couture and designer handbags of course!! You won't want to miss this exciting handbag fashion show and luncheon featuring an auction of one-of-a-kind handbags created by some of AIFD's top designers. And flowers? IMAGINE, just imagine...
1:45-2:30 p.m.
"Signals" Effective Messaging Strategies Featuring Jerome Raska AIFD and Robbin Yelverton AIFD Sponsor: Platinum Partners - Accent Roses & David Austin Roses
Jerome and Robbin will present a multi-faceted program featuring display, design, visual, audio, print and social media focused on "getting the right message out." As "Brick & Mortar" retailers in arguably the roughest economically challenged area of the United States, Jerome and Robbin are extremely aware of the challenges of sending the most effective message to the correct audience in an effort to command the desired response. Attend this outrageously candid and over-the-top look at driving sales through the art of getting noticed!
2:30-3 p.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
3:15-4 p.m.
"California Natural" Featuring Gerry Gregg AIFD Sponsor: Platinum Partner - Norcal
Gerry Gregg AIFD grew up in Northern California in Chico, the center of some of the greatest wilderness areas in the world. It was his exposure to this wild lush and raw world of nature that motivated him to a career in floral design. Gerry still lives in Chico, hikes the wilderness nearly every day and still draws his inspiration from nature. Gerry will amaze you with wilderness-inspired designs like you have never witnessed before.
4-4:45 p.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
4:45-5:30 p.m.
"Flowers in Your Hair" Featuring Jouni Seppänen Sponsor: Platinum Partner - The AIFD Foundation
The guiding principles in my work are "less is more" and "simplification gives mastery." I approach each design with the questions: What is the best way to present this material? Does it enhance a face, a hairstyle, a fashion?" Breathtaking, unbelievable and ingenious are just a few words used to describe the designs of Finnish Master Florist Jouni Seppänen. Be prepared to be astonished as this gifted floral artist presents his interpretation of "Flowers in Your Hair."
5:30-5:45 p.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
6:30-9 p.m.
Public Floral Exhibition
San Francisco Bus Tours (Separate Fee - Paid On-site)
7:30-9 p.m.
AIFD Foundation Private Reception with Jouni Seppänen (Separate Fee - Proceeds Donated to the Tom Powell Foundation Fund)
This is your opportunity to meet one-on-one with Finnish Master Florist Jouni Seppänen in a small intimate setting. Jouni will be available to autograph his books and for photographs. Register early, attendance is strictly limited.
FRIDAY, JULY 8
7-8:45 a.m.
Coffee with the AIFD Ambassadors
Sponsor: Silver Partner - Flowers& Magazine
7:30 a.m. - Noon
Registration Desk Open
7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Body Flower Bar
Technology Room
Book Room Open
Friends & Family Concierge Desk Open
7:30-8:15 a.m.
Roundtable Seminars
"Social Media for the Wedding Florist" Featuring Kristi Serrano
"Elements of Value" Featuring Gay Smith
"Marketing Body Flowers" Featuring Dan Fisher
"Floral Industry Trends" Featuring Bob Williams
"The Art of Buying Locally Grown Flowers" Featuring Kasey Cronquist
"Making Social Media Work for You" Featuring Milena Regos
8:15-8:45 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
8:45-9:30 a.m.
Roundtable Seminars
"Social Media for the Wedding Florist" Featuring Kristi Serrano
"Elements of Value" Featuring Gay Smith
"Marketing Body Flowers" Featuring Dan Fisher
"Floral Industry Trends" Featuring Bob Williams
"The Art of Buying Locally Grown Flowers" Featuring Kasey Cronquist
"Making Social Media Work for You" Featuring Milena Regos
9:30-10 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
10:15 - 11 a.m.
Program Greeting
10:15-11 a.m.
"A New Generation" Featuring Hitomi Gilliam AIFD with Guest Presenters Lois Hiranaga AIFD, Scot Hasty AIFD, Jim Martin and Brooke Raulerson AIFD Sponsor: Platinum Partner - Teleflora
Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal point in the history of the floral industry. It is the end of an era for the Traditional Style and the dawning of a New Generation of Fashion Floral Ateliers and Event Designers. Join me and my colleagues as we explore the consciousness of the New Generation, a new way of dynamic thinking, a fresh eco-friendly lifestyle and a New Style of Design.
11-11:30 a.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
11:45-Noon
"Caliente" Symposium 2012, Miami
Get Ready! AIFD Symposium 2012 in Miami, Florida is going to live up to its name "Caliente" - (hot and fiery)!! Symposium 2012 will be HOT, exciting and hot-blooded--a hot-bed of creative design. We're going to heat up your interest in next year's symposium and inspire you. Everyone should hot-foot it to Miami. We are going to create a heat-wave of interesting topics and ideas.
12:15-1 p.m.
"The Power of Passion" Your Passion - Their Wedding Featuring Pim van den Akker Sponsor: Platinum Partners - Oasis Floral Products and David Austin Roses; Silver Partner - The Knot
"As florists we have the power to translate emotions through flowers. Our designs connect people and emotions." Born in Westland, the flower capital of the Netherlands, Pim van den Akker ranks among the top international florists and designers. In this high energy, fast-paced wedding program, Pim will talk about passion and creative design techniques as he creates wedding bouquets on stage. Join Pim on a marvelous journey into his floral world where everything is possible.
1-2 p.m.
AIFD Second Stage, Autograph Signing, Video and Floral Design Viewing
Wedding Reception, "The Passion Continues" Sponsor: Platinum Partners - Oasis Floral Products and David Austin Roses; Silver Partner - The Knot
2:30-3:30 p.m.
SAF, You on in 3, 2, 1 (Separate Fee - Contact SAF - 800.336.4743)
A public speaking workshop featuring PFCI members.
2:30-4:30 p.m.
San Francisco Bus Tours (Separate Fee - Paid On-site)
3:45-4:15 p.m.
In Step with AIFD
Learn the steps to CFD designation and AIFD membership
SAF, Taking the Fear out of PFCI Membership (Separate Fee)
Becoming a member of PFCI
5-6 p.m.
"Private Reception with Pim van den Akker" (Separate Fee)
This is your opportunity to meet one-on-one with Floral Master, Teacher and Designer Pim van den Akker in a small, intimate setting. Pim will be available to autograph his books and for photographs. Register early. Attendance is strictly limited.
6 p.m.
"FLOURISH" Leadership Gala Reception (Cash Bar Available)
6-7 p.m.
"FLOURISH" Leadership Gala Featuring Designs by Michelle Perry White AIFD and "The Pearl Sisters" Sponsor: Gold Partner - California Cut Flower Commission (Cash Bar)
As the week of IMAGINE comes to an end, we complete the axiom, Dream - Create and Share with FLOURISH. Just as small seeds grow into mighty trees, our dreams, our creations and our friendships of this week will flourish, making each of us stronger. Join us for a spectacular evening featuring a virtual forest of magical, flower-filled trees enhanced with crystals and fabric covered lanterns.
10 p.m. - Midnight
"Caliente" Hospitality Night Hosted by the Southern Regional Chapter of AIFD
CALIENTE!! Miami 2012... Let's start the party now! Join the Southern Regional Chapter of AIFD for a late night party that's sure to be Hot & Fiery.
SATURDAY, JULY 9
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
"Innovations" Special Post-Symposium Hands-On Workshop Featuring Jouni Seppänen
In keeping with the tradition of spotlighting the greatest floral designers in the world, this year's AIFD Foundation Workshop features Finnish Master Florist Jouni Seppänen.
INNOVATIONS
"Is there anything more beautiful than a flower? Anything simpler? More complex? There is greatness in this world that we are all a part of. It is a vast and overwhelming inspiration that breathes in everything I create. From the very roots of the earth we begin, and it is also that to which we return. The beginning and the end, the journey in between gives me stories to tell. I hope to share with you, that which inspires me, moves me and causes me to create my floral art."
The Hands-On Workshops organized and sponsored by the AIFD Foundation have become one of the most popular programs at every AIFD Symposium. What a wonderful opportunity to study with some of the greatest masters of floral design in the world. There is an additional fee of $295 to attend this six-hour workshop. The fee includes all flowers, products and materials. There is an hour lunch break and lunch will be provided. You much have a Full or Education Only registration to qualify for this workshop.
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