Every year at our Symposium, attendees are treated to presentations, demonstrations and workshops by the best of the best in the world! This year, when we gather in Chicago, it’ll be no different. Get a preview of what’s to come from these dedicated designers and educators, before we see them in action. Follow along as we release these Designer Highlights over the coming weeks.
Charlie Groppetti AIFD CFD
Charlie is presenting the opening Main Stage program entitled Flower Farmer on Monday July 3rd, at 9am.
When asked what he is most looking forward to for his presentation, Charlie shared “presenting a narrative story that reminds designers the importance of the emotional component of floral design, and presenting a program that is reminiscent of programs of the past combined with today’s technology.”
“I wish to extend my personal invitation to everyone to attend the AIFD Symposium, “GROW” in Chicago. You will never know how it can change your life if you don’t attend. I look forward to seeing old friend, meeting new friends, and answering a lot of questions!”
Past Lessons: “This is my second program. My last AIFD Symposium program was 22 years ago! Editing is so important. It takes a lot of pre-planning to consider what is important to cover and what not to cover. Prevent making anything too heavy! The best advice I received 22 years ago was from Derrick Vasquez. He told me, ” just be yourself”.
Preview: “Flower Farmer will cover the three most important things to me; my family, flowers and old movies. I will show how all three have so much in common as expressive outlets, and how those elements are part of the lifestyle branding for the Porch View Home line. To highlight the “GROW” theme of symposium I plan to grow many of the materials I use.”
Partner Plug: “Periodic video updates of the process leading up to symposium will be posted on the AIFD Foundation website at aifdfoundation.org. The program will be a nostalgic look back, and a look forward, about the creative future of design.”
Thanks to our partner in Educational Funding, the AIFD Foundation, for sponsoring Charlie’s program, and the many, many, other ways that they support our Symposium every year.
Best Ways to Follow Charlie and the AIFD Foundation:
Facebook @Charlie Groppetti, AIFD Foundation & Porch View Home
Inspiration Found Here:
Ty Leslie AIFD CFD
Ty is presenting The Influencers Main Stage program on Monday July 3rd, at 3:15pm.
Ty is most excited to share his love of flowers and the propel that influenced my life in the floral industry.
“Symposium is the most inspiring event a designer can attend. If it’s your first, no other symposium will ever compare! I remember my first symposium: the programs, designers, but most of all, the friendships made that week! It’s truly a homecoming of sorts, everyone picks up the conversations, laughter, and yes, tears! I was one told ‘it’s not symposium until you’ve laughed and cried’!”
Past Lessons: “Stay calm! No matter how many times you present, especially for an AIFD National Symposium, you have to remain calm, keep your nerves in check, and strive to do your best, creating a program that’s relatable and hopefully inspiring.”
Preview: “Life before the ‘internet’ was more challenging. Knowledge was passed ‘person to person’ via printed publications, design shows, and friendships built along the way. When you were able to participate in a ‘hands on workshop’ it was understood that you were not there to become a copy of that designer, but to learn techniques and how to apply them to your particular style. Most often for me, it was their ‘words’ that were the monumental force behind me, learning who I was and what I needed to ‘become’.
Partner Plug: Ty is being sponsored by Diamond Elite Partner Pete Garcia Company/FloraMart
Best Ways to Follow Ty and the Pete Garcia Company/FloraMart:
Facebook @Ty Leslie
Instagram @Ty.Leslie @floramartatl
Inspiration Found Here:
Andreia Muller AIFD CFD & Jorge Uribe AIFD CFD
Andreia and Jorge are presenting a runway floral show Main Stage program entitled Mythical Creatures on Tuesday July 4th, at 11:15am.
When asked what they are most looking forward to Jorge shared, “We are looking forward to sharing our vision and passion for the floral industry by doing it in a fun and entertaining way”.
Past Lessons: “One of the essential factors during a presentation is the interaction with the audience; keeping the momentum, anticipation, and excitement going for the spectators will contribute to feeling more comfortable and natural on stage.”
Preview: “Mythical Creatures is all about implementing numerous techniques of translating colors, textures, and forms, into fashion and fantasy.”
Partner Plug: Andreia and Jorge are sponsored by Diamond Elite Partner Syndicate Sales. They are looking forward to designing with some of the dry botanicals provided by Syndicate
Best Ways to Follow Andreia, Jorge and Syndicate Sales:
Facebook @Syndicate Sales
Instagram @urbanfloralllc, @theflowerstudioaltamonte, @theflowerstudiooxford, @SyndicateSales
Inspiration Found Here:
Per Benjamin
Per is presenting The World of Colour According to Per Benjamin Main Stage program on Tuesday July 4th, at 4:15pm. He’s also leading a hands-on workshop by the same title on Wednesday July 5th, at 4pm.
Per is most looking forward to the interaction with colleagues, and spreading my approach on colour.
Past Lessons: As a world-renowned educator who spends his time presenting and teaching, Per has a lot of past lessons to lean on to set himself up for success. His most important preparation mantra is “Planning, planning and more planning! “.
Preview: An educating show where Per’s very own and unique colour theory comes to life! Laughter, thoughts, facts and inspiration will belnd into an irresistible message for all senses. You will hear, see, smell, read and feel it! The goal is change, to rock your thoughts and perceptions on colour, and to have you rethink and discover new ways and possibilities! All presented in a wide range of designs.
Partner Plug: Per’s Main Stage presentation is being sponsored by Diamond Elite partners Accent Décor & FTD, Platinum Elite partner Marginpar, and Educational Funding in part by the AIFD Foundation.
Per’s workshop is being sponsored by Platinum Elite partner Marginpar.
Best Ways to Follow Per and Partners:
Instagram @Perbenjamin Facebook @Per Benjamin Flowers
Instagram @Accentdecorinc, @FTD, @Marginpar, @AIFDFoundation
Inspiration Found Here:
