Focal Points: An AIFD Blog

AIFD History Recognizes An Exceptional Japanese Designer

AIFD History Recognizes An Exceptional Japanese Designer

By Janet Black AIFD, Historian 2026-27 ‘ The year was 1987, and the American Institute of Floral Designers held its Symposium at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. The theme was Flor/Expo. Teresa Riddle AIFD Life Fellow, was the President at the time. AIFD was…

September President’s Message

September President’s Message

Greetings Everyone! I hope you’ve all had an amazing summer and are looking forward to a fun filled Labor Day weekend. I remember my Grandmother and Mother saying “Wait until you get older and you’ll see how fast time flies” and boy were they right!…

President 1992-1993: Holly Money-Collins, AIFD

President 1992-1993: Holly Money-Collins, AIFD

Get to know the President- Highlights during Presidency  Holly grew up in California and graduated from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. There, she earned a degree in Horticulture with a concentration in Floriculture and worked on a Masters Degree in Agriculture Education. Holly…

President’s Letter

President’s Letter

I’d like to start my first Focal Points letter by thanking our immediate Past President, ReneeTucci AIFD for her incredible dedication , immaculate attention to detail and her unwaveringfriendship to not only me but our entire organization. As I mentioned in my speech at the…

Student Competition Orlando – ELEVATE

Student Competition Orlando – ELEVATE

In this year’s competition, we had 27 students representing 7 schools:  SAIFD Students showed up and showed out at this year’s Student Competition. This year’s theme was “WICKED” and the students stepped up to the plate and created some amazing designs. Arrangement Students were asked…

Alan Thompson, AIFD Life Member, Takes Us Down Memory Lane

Alan Thompson, AIFD Life Member, Takes Us Down Memory Lane

By Alan Thompson As I think of AIFD History, I think of the people who led me to AIFD! Mary Lee Evans AIFD from Tulsa, Oklahoma, was an instant friend who took me under her wing and introduced me to everyone! Mary Lee was fearless…

AIFD Southern Chapter June Blog

AIFD Southern Chapter June Blog

As Symposium season approaches, the AIFD Southern Chapter is excited to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and educational growth happening throughout our floral community. From recognizing our 2026 Inspire & Empower Scholarship recipient to announcing our newly elected board, honoring outstanding chapter members, and gathering in…

President-Elect’s Letter

President-Elect’s Letter

I hope everyone is as excited as I am about our National Symposium, Elevate in Orlando, Florida!! Vonda LaFever AIFD and Randy Wooten AIFD have put their heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears and three years of their lives getting us ready to be…

When we elevate each other, we elevate ourselves – Scholarship Winners

Elevate Symposium Scholarship North Central Chapter Brittany Nichole is the Owner and Principal Floral Designer of Dressed in Details, where she creates floral designs rooted in meaningful storytelling and intentional artistry. Her work is known for transforming flowers into experiences that celebrate life’s most important…