By Gerry Toh AIFD
When it comes to passion, I can imagine no other than the profession of the floral artist. I was once told I was shallow in personality and character because all I could and would talk about was flowers: the business of running a flower shop, the appreciation of the art of floral design, and everything that had to do with the industry of flowers. Indeed, it seemed like that, but there would be nothing I would change about my life for this passion. It is this same passion that drives Tom Simmons in his quest to become that floral enthusiast and artist extraordinaire. Today Focal Points talks to him about his stint as the Chair of an AIFD® national symposium. This prestigious position is not taken on by the weak of heart. It carries a heavy load of responsibility and requires a certain level of organizational skills, all of which Tom possesses in large amounts.
Here are some of his lighthearted insights into memorable experiences of this position, and how his passion played a vital role in making it an incredible success.
Tom was Symposium Chair in 2013 for PASSION and 3 years later the Program Chair for INSPIRATION
For his co-chair he chose his friend Lori Novak. He says of her: “Lori Novak was my co-chair. Lori is a great friend and we work together so easily. We are both very dedicated to any task we are asked to do, and we both love the challenge.”
The region the symposium he chaired was in the South West, in Las Vegas (the best region, of course!! he interjected)
FP: Who were the presenters and how did you chose them?
The program presenters included Derek Woodruff – Ron Mulray – Alex Jackson & Lorraine Cooper – Cindy Anderson – Gerry Toh – Jim Dempsey – Kenneth Snauwaert – Brad Schmidt – Jackie Lacey & Sandy Schroeck & Ted Bruehl & Donald Yim & Anthony Swick – Tomas DeBruyne – Araik Galstyan – Yutaka Jimbo – Svenja Brotz & Katharina Stuart – Julie Reed – Sharon Sacks with Deb Schwarze, Jacqueline Davis, Jenna Naylor, Marisa Guerrero & Tammy Gibson
The title “PASSION” was an easy one for Lori & I. So many floral designers talk about the passion they have for working with flowers. Many designers also say to truly be a floral artist, you should have a passion and love for the flowers and the passion to search for new varieties and techniques to rise above the normal. Passion is energy and the power that comes from focusing on what excites you to make anything happen.
FP: What was your first step in this process (budget, choosing presenters, committees etc)?
Number 1 was choosing the name. Budget was also very important to us, as AIFD had some very slim years prior to 2013. Fiscal responsibility was a primary focus which led to look for creative presenters who would be a draw for our attendees. Committees that needed to be part of the PASSION team where very important to us, as they are the gears that make Symposium turn and fulfill all the responsible needs to have a successful event
FP: What was your biggest challenge in this process?
Bringing on new partners could be considered a challenge. We have been very lucky with the many companies who have supported us over the years. But we need to continually reach out to other industry players as we need to open the way for new ideas and projects to create new and exciting programs that we need to grow as an organization.
FP: What in your opinion are the key elements in creating a remarkable symposium?
Communication – volunteers, partners, staff, attendees
Dedication
Willingness to change and grow
Gratitude to those that assist us
Creating a memorable experience
FP:Is there any particular committee or individual position you thought was indispensable?
Procurement – Fresh & Hard Goods
FP: Do you have any advice for someone thinking about being a symposium chair?
Find the right person to be your program chair. Someone to be the Ying to your Yang. Someone with ideas and a good working relationship. Make sure you have the time for the responsibility, and the focus to multi-task with patience and determination.
FP: Can you recall a truly inspirational moment when you thought this was all worth it?
Inspiration Moment………..??? When you see the attendees smiling and clapping at the finale of a program, and then coming up to you and hearing them say
…”This was such a great experience and I loved every moment of Symposium. Thank you for all your hard work!!”
Is there anything you would have liked to have changed?
My hotel room!!! Ha Ha!
Was there anything that you would have liked to have initiated that would make operations smoother?
More space for the procurement & processing area in the hotel in Las Vegas.
FP: What was your take-away from this whole experience? Working with the best Program Coordinator who was still a good friend after it was all over is Number 1, and Number 2 is all the people who came to experience our PASSION!!
