This event recap will be a bit different this time around. At the AIFD Symposium this year, we had the opportunity to host a Hospitality Suite, and we took the chance to model it after our favorite show in the office--Bridgerton! We thought it would be a fun idea to create our own version of the Society Papers to give the latest gossip about the event. It was a hit with attendees, and we wanted to bring "Lady Blossomdale" back to give her final thoughts about the Symposium! Here are her remarks about AIFD Emerge:
Dearest Gentle Reader,
As the bright summer sun shone, the much-anticipated twenty twenty-four AIFD Symposium delivered a bouquet of activities that excited our beloved society. Gather 'round as I give my final thoughts on the esteemed event.
July 1 - A Blossoming Beginning
The festivities commenced at the stroke of dawn with hands-on workshops featuring Julia Rose’s Color Popalicious. Afternoon engagements included a session on Principles and Elements of Design led by the pristine Patience Pickner and the astounding Ace Berry, along with a business lecture on controlling costs by Dr. Delphinium himself, Charles Ingrum.
All the while, Elite Sponsors were setting up their Hospitality Suites and ensuring every detail was shown to impress all attendees waiting to visit the following days. Details Flowers Software's trusted partners Jet Fresh and BBJ Tavola Linens helped make the suite beautiful. I heard some of my papers were posted in this room. I do hope the lovely ladies at Details kept my persona a secret!
The day concluded with an open AIFD Foundation Auction, offering treasures to the highest bidder. The AIFD Foundation is dedicated to a most noble pursuit. Their mission, you see, is to bestow financial support for educational endeavors, scholarships, and a myriad of projects and programs. These efforts are designed to advance and disseminate knowledge in the enchanting world of floral design and its related disciplines. How delightful to witness such a commendable commitment to support talent and expertise in this blooming industry.
July 2 - Business & Brilliance
Rising with the dawn, dear members, we enjoyed another day filled with florals and learning. The Elite Sponsor Suites opened their doors, promising a haven of activities until late evening. Which partner had the most exquisite room fit for a queen? Whispers abounded that these suites would astound even the most discerning eye. The Details Flowers Software team had a busy suite decorated with teal parasols and seating to relax and unwind from the day's busy activities. The room was bustling with excitement from meeting dedicated Details members and new floral friends.
The paint-by-numbers were a wonderful touch, bringing attendees together to create a masterpiece that will live in remembrance of this event. The most delightful gathering took place, graced by none other than Sarah Campbell, the beautiful Jenny Thomasson, the ever-charming Jena Gizerskiy, and bright students from FFA programs nationwide. Also in attendance were the lovely Christina Brown from Violets in Bloom, the esteemed Kate Penn from the Society of American Florists, and the distinguished Ian Prosser.
All esteemed guests were graciously summoned to visit Details’ tradeshow booth during the Industry Partners' Showcase from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. It was wonderful to see all the attendees together and make connections that will last a lifetime. Everyone who attended the Details booth contributed to the thumbprint tree to win a basket fit for the most dedicated florist in the ton. They bestowed a free year subscription to their services and other prizes upon a fortunate florist. Congratulations to Mary of Haines City Flowers for winning this exquisite basket sure to take your skills to new horizons.
New Attendees were taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of AIFD's interworkings. An outsider has no idea how much time and effort is put into creating this event year after year. Volunteers help make this event run smoothly. Much love was shown from procuring fresh products and hard goods with Details Flowers Software to coordinating a design team to help put all the designs together, which had taken months of planning. Well done to everyone involved!
The evening ended with a secret event just for AIFD partners. I heard the speakeasy was certainly a hit with attendees. I am quite certain the libations and company were well needed after the first day of the event!
July 3 - Glamour & Grace
The day bloomed with activities: workshops and educational sessions galore. A highlight included the Main Stage Program on Weddings Unveiled by the inspiring father-daughter duo of Ian Prosser and Zoë Gallina of Botanica Design Studio. I was quite astonished by the beautiful pieces created by the design team. Ian Prosser is legendary, and I still find myself speechless when I see his designs.
I was exceptionally excited to see the Floral Pricing Knockout lecture by the charismatic Corrine Heck and jovial Jackie Lacey. With his extravagant shoes, Jackie, Corrine, and the Jet Fresh Gerber Guy certainly made the Floral Pricing Knockout Presentation a knockout of a session. I even learned a tip or two about how to price my work if I go into the floral business.
Even more floral friends gathered in the Details Elite Hospitality suite to paint, relax, and chat. Williee Armellini came by to paint fresh off his book launch. If you have not read it, I highly recommend it if you are interested in the history of the floral industry. You might see some familiar faces in the book! Sahid Nahim with New Bloom Solutions was there, documenting every aspect of what was happening at this event. I do look forward to reading his recount of the symposium!
The night concluded with Awards and induction Ceremonies, capped with a Gala Dinner and Afterglow Ball. Congratulations to all awarded their prestigious AIFD Letters and those recognized for their excellent service in the floral industry. I heard J Schwanke was among the few recognized. There were many beauties of the night, but I would love to hear who you think was the evening's sparkling diamond!
July 4 - A Fourth to Flourish
On this day of national pride, there were lectures on today’s talent and the power of immersive floral art. The afternoon offered a luxurious journey through floral design led by the spirited Sarah Campbell. I can confirm that she wore her signature apron! Tom De Houwer stunned the attendees with this art installation meticulously created to evoke emotion through every petal.
Evening workshops, including AI for Flower Shops by the bright Brandy Ferrer. Who knew AI could help florists? I heard she will be the Details University Guest on August 20th. Be sure to register, as Brandy is a wealth of knowledge and can help simplify your business with her hard research and tips. Details has created a blog that explains all of the applications Brandy reviewed in her class. Be sure to read the article, Leveraging AI for Your Floral Business.
The Society of American Florists had two informative panels. One was about tapping into today's talent and adapting to the changes of the next generation of workers. The next was Discovering Careers in Floriculture. Both were stupendous and enlightening. They gave a glimpse into the programming SAF will provide at its Annual Conference in August this year.
One special event that I want to mention was Blooms Over Orlando. Leftover flowers and volunteers created bouquets for the surrounding retirement communities, churches, and hospitals. It was beautiful to overhear numerous attendees excited about giving back to the community. What a wonderful way to repurpose the life of the flowers and spread happiness to those who need it most.
July 5 - Farewell with Florals
As we bid adieu, the final day ensured a spectacular send-off. Workshops powered by AI and parametric design led the morning, followed by floral trends and procurement sessions.
I attended the Procurement Perfection: Navigating Success in Floral Design presentation hosted by Details’ Founder and CEO, Corrine Heck. Rumor had it she revealed an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the event's orchestration. From seeing the behind-the-scenes tour earlier that week, it is incredible to see how one software can help organize an event of that magnitude.
Details Flowers Software hosted many giveaways featuring fantastic products provided by their partners, Jet Fresh Flowers, Ball SB, BloomTV, Rosaprima, Haus of Stems, Alexandra Farms, and Alaska Peony Cooperative. I even put my name in the running to be chosen! Congratulations to all the winners; I hope to see all the wonderful creations you make with these prizes.
I hope to see you in Palm Springs next July for the next symposium, Reflection, to celebrate flowers again. Until then, dear readers, may your days be as vibrant as the blossoms at this grand symposium.
Yours Truly,
Lady Blossomdale