The AIFD Southern Chapter continues to celebrate a season of education, collaboration, and professional growth within our floral community. From the inspiring programs and competitions at Gather 2026 to the continued success of the David Shover AIFD Mentorship Program, our chapter remains committed to supporting designers at every stage of their journey. These initiatives reflect our dedication to mentorship, creativity, and the advancement of floral design through meaningful educational opportunities and community connection.
Gather 2026: A Weekend of Inspiration, Education, and Community
The AIFD Southern Chapter gathered March 6–8, 2026, at the beautiful FFA Camp in Covington, Georgia, for Gather 2026, a weekend dedicated to inspiration, education, and meaningful connection within our floral community.
This year’s event brought together designers, educators, students, and emerging professionals for a dynamic lineup of programming designed to encourage growth and collaboration within the industry.
One of the highlights of the weekend was the PFDE Mock Test, created to help candidates gain hands-on experience and build confidence as they prepare for the Professional Floral Design Evaluation in Orlando. Participants stepped into a real-time PFDE format, received valuable feedback from AIFD evaluators, and strengthened the skills needed for success.
Gather 2026 also featured an outstanding roster of designers and educators who generously shared their knowledge and creativity with attendees. This year’s presenters included Marlin Hargrove AIFD, PFCI, AAF; Sharon Ivey AIFD, PFCI, AAF, CEJ, CFD, FSMD, GMF; Jolene Powell AIFD, CFD, FSMD, PFCI; Bob Tucker AIFD, CFD, CEJ, FSMD; Pattie Wallander AIFD, PFCI, CFD, ICPF; Terry Godfrey AIFD, CEJ, PFCI, EMC; and AIFD National President-Elect Brent Leech AIFD.
In addition to the workshops and stage presentations, Gather continues to be an important platform for supporting the next generation of floral designers through the SAIFD and FFA student competitions.
SAIFD Competition
Students from Western Kentucky University, under the guidance of advisor Roger Dennis AIFD, participated in this year’s SAIFD competition. A total of nine students competed, including four first-time participants, demonstrating impressive creativity and enthusiasm throughout the event.
Sympathy
Category: Farrah Fawcett starred in movies filmed in Covington, and a statue is being erected in her memory. An arrangement for a memorial reception honoring her was required to include shadowing and a strong focal point.
1st Place – Madeline Gripp
2nd Place – Daisy Machado-Sanchez
3rd Place – Brianna Stewart
Flowers to Carry
Category: The city of Covington is honoring a national treasure—Dolly Parton—with a parade and needed a unique presentation bouquet for Dolly. Designs were required to include grouping, movement, and a shiny element to match Dolly’s sparkling personality.
1st Place – Brianna Stewart
2nd Place – Joe Taylor
3rd Place – Lucy Litchfeld
Flowers to Wear
Category: A wrist corsage for the students of Payson High School to wear to their Footloose-themed prom. The corsage was required to incorporate a decorative wire element and balanced design.
1st Place – Ariel Wolfe
2nd Place – Joe Taylor
3rd Place – Daisy Machado-Sanchez
Arrangement
Category: A welcome party arrangement was needed for the cast members of The Vampire Diaries, who are receiving a star on the Walk of Fame. The arrangement was required to feature a strong vertical line and leaf manipulation.
1st Place – Madeline Gripp
2nd Place – Daisy Machado-Sanchez
3rd Place – Joe Taylor
Overall Winners
1st Place – Daisy Machado-Sanchez (also recipient of a $1,000 scholarship from Floral Design Institute)
2nd Place – Joe Taylor
3rd Place – Madeline Gripp
The SAIFD competition was chaired by Linda K. Speer AIFD, with assistance from Aisha Crivens AIFD and 2026 Body Flower Contest winner Lillian Lombardo.
FFA Competition
Gather also welcomed talented young designers through the FFA Junior Division competition.
Students competed in three categories:
• Modern Budvase
• Arrangement in Foam
• Pocket Square Boutonnière
Winners
1st Place – Kaylee Meis
2nd Place – Marley Akins
3rd Place – Kassidy Hansen
Special thanks to Sharon Ivey AIFD, who chaired the FFA competition and helped guide the students throughout the event.
Thank You
A special recognition goes to Ralph Giordano AIFD, who chaired this year’s Gather event. His leadership, dedication, and countless hours of work helped make Gather 2026 a truly memorable experience for our chapter. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the entire Gather Committee, whose collaboration, creativity, and behind-the-scenes efforts made this weekend possible.
Our generous sponsors whose support helped make Gather 2026 possible: AIFD Foundation, Burge Flower Shop, Inc., Esprit Miami, FernTrust Incorporated, Fitz Design, Floral Chain Group, Floral Design Institute, Giordano’s Floral Creations, Green Point Nurseries, Mayesh, Miss Daisy’s, Montecarlo Gardens, Potomac Floral Wholesale, E.P. Richardson Ferneries, Rosaprima, Smithers-Oasis, Solé Farms, and Teleflora. Their continued commitment to education and the advancement of floral design helps make programs like Gather possible for our community. Your commitment helps ensure that Gather remains a meaningful educational and community-building experience for the Southern Chapter.
David Shover AIFD Mentorship Program
The first 2026 round of the David Shover AIFD Mentorship Program is currently underway and, once again, the program quickly reached full capacity. This initiative continues to support prospective PFDE® candidates by helping designers strengthen their technical and creative skills as they prepare for the 2026 Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE®) at the AIFD® Symposium in Orlando, Florida.
Open to all PFDE aspirants, this program provides expert guidance, personalized feedback, and structured accountability, helping participants build a strong foundation for confidence and success as they work toward their professional goals.
All proceeds from the program benefit the David Shover AIFD Fund, further reinforcing the Southern Chapter’s ongoing commitment to floral education, mentorship, and professional development.
A special thank you goes to Terry Godfrey AIFD and Sue Bain AIFD for their dedication and continued support in helping lead and grow this meaningful initiative.We are grateful to everyone whose time, talent, and support make these programs possible and help strengthen the Southern Chapter community. We look forward to continuing this momentum and hope to see many of you at the AIFD National Symposium in Orlando this summer.
