MORE THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!
What a week it was at AIFD’s national symposium in San Francisco! Not only were there flowers in the hair, they were EVERYWHERE! The Marriott San Francisco never looked so great. Guests were greeted with flowers in the lobby, behind the registration desk and flanking escalators, elevators and tucked into all the shelves, bookcases and lounges! Thanks to Wil Gonzalez and a crew of many for all the beautiful décor to share with the AIFD members and all the guests that were so fortunate to book the stay while AIFD had their convention.
The symposium started off with a bang with the AIFD much anticipated Partners Expo where the top industry partners showcased their wares for the attendees to view. Florabundance made a huge impact with a beautiful display of floral product designed by Michael Quesada AIFD. Large urns overflowing with fragrant summer blossoms that cascaded over to a table of vases filled to showcase just a sampling of the best Florabundance has to offer. Florabundance product could also be seen on the Syndicate Sales table designed artistically by Derek Woodruff AIFD and Tom Bowling AIFD. The fabulous presentation did not stop there. Fitz Designs incorporated the wide selection of Florabundance finest sharing ideas for proms and weddings. Live models displayed their product on table top while strolling models strolled the room for everyone to see what great ideas there were. Thanks to Jackie Lacey AIFD, Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, Vonda LaFever AIFD, and John Hosek AIFD, everyone at the Expo got a good look at Florabundance!
The week continued with excellent programs from designers from the United States, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, Ukraine, and Finland. Since we are such a global world, it is so important to show the diversity in floral presentations. Not only does it broaden the opportunity for flowers to be enjoyed in unique and different styles of presentations, it allows your customers to see and share in your styling diversity. The designers shared ideas on visual merchandising, event work, prom marketing, post harvest care, flower purchasing, trends forecast for business, wedding ideas and using social media to make your presence known around the globe. As you can see, it was a wide and diverse collection of ideas to be shared and absorbed.
For all 800+ who were able to attend, it will be a week to remember for sure. For all those who were not able to attend, you can share the in the education by logging onto AIFD.org and ordering a DVD copy of the main stage programs so you too will be able to gain the knowledge that was disseminated.
The American Institute of Floral Designers is known for their high level of design, product knowledge and being leaders in the floral industry. They are recognized around the world for their contributions to the floral industry, and product development. In these ever changing times, it is important to take advantage of every opportunity for learning. Without learning, we cease to move forward. If we are not moving forward, then we will passed by by those who are. Don’t fall behind. Make plans now to be a part of AIFD’s Caliente in Miami Florida!
