Focal Points: An AIFD Blog

Southern Chapter Members Supporting Hurricane Victims

Southern Chapter Members Supporting Hurricane Victims

To all our Southern Chapter members in the hurricane-affected area, we are here for you. The devastation of both Hurricane Helene and Milton is unimaginable. We send you our love, prayers, and support. Several of our members have come together to help collect items for…

The Body Flower contest is ON

The Body Flower contest is ON

To honor a life well lived and to support and endow the David Shover AIFD Fund, AIFD Southern Chapter, in collaboration with OASIS Floral Products North America, is excited to introduce the third edition of our Body Flower Contest. The Grand Prize Winner receives a…

AIFD Reflections 2025 Social Media Luggage Tag Contest: Join the Fun and Share Your Adventures

AIFD Reflections 2025 Social Media Luggage Tag Contest: Join the Fun and Share Your Adventures

Are you ready for a social media contest that combines travel and the chance to win a surprise gift? We invite you to flood social media with photos of yourselves traveling to different locations and flower events with your Reflection 2025 luggage tags! How to…

AIFD Members Represent at the Gateway to the Americas Cup in Panama

AIFD Members Represent at the Gateway to the Americas Cup in Panama

By Brenna Quan AIFD In September of this year, the biggest floral design competition in the Americas took place at the Westin Playa Bonita in Panama City, Panama. It was the largest, three-day competition held since its inception in 1996 by founders, Deborah and Gus…

President’s Message: A Season of Gratitude

President’s Message: A Season of Gratitude

By Laurie Lemek AIFD Dear Floral Readers, I cannot believe that it is already November.  For me, this time of year is a time for reflection and a time to count my many blessings. I try to practice daily “Gratitude”.  I am grateful for so…

HFNA 2024 Fresh Look Expo: Designing with Hawaii-Grown Flowers

HFNA 2024 Fresh Look Expo: Designing with Hawaii-Grown Flowers

By Nita Robertson AIFD The Hawaii Floriculture & Nursery Association (HFNA) successfully concluded its highly anticipated 2024 Fresh Look Expo in Hilo, Hawaii. Set against the lush backdrop of the islands, this immersive event highlighted the vibrant diversity of Hawaii’s native flora. The Expo began…

New Terminology From the AIFD Guide to Floral Design

By Janet Gallagher AIFD CFD The AIFD Education Committee is excited to provide concepts and examples of the terminology provided in the Third Edition of The AIFD Guide to Floral Design: Terms, Techniques, & Traditions. Please see examples of two (2) of the principles below,…

How to Make an AIFD Award Nomination

How to Make an AIFD Award Nomination

By Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI A highlight of the American Institute of Floral Designers symposium each year is the presentation of awards. This important AIFD tradition allows the membership to honor outstanding AIFD members and industry associates whose efforts have created a greater awareness…

Remembering the AIFD Presidents of the 1960’s

Remembering the AIFD Presidents of the 1960’s

By Janet Black AIFD, 2024-2025 Historian With the exciting Designs of the Decades Floral Competition in full swing we must remember our AIFD Presidents of the 1960’s who were true visionaries.  From left to right; Arthur F. McKee AIFD    1965-1966 Arthur was involved in industry…

Gearing up for an Exciting Fall for the AIFD Southern Chapter

Gearing up for an Exciting Fall for the AIFD Southern Chapter

By Angelyn Tipton AIFD CFD GMF PFCI Exciting things are going on in Southern Chapter. We are gearing up for a busy fall. We are making exciting plans for endow the David Shover Fund by Symposium 2025. Please stay tuned for all of the design…