Submitted by: Suzie Kostick AIFD, CFD
The Society of American Florists (SAF) pulled out all the stops for its annual convention held September 21 through the 23rd in Orlando FL. After having to cancel last years convention, members were ready to gather and share stories, ideas and discuss the many changes happening throughout the industry. Many AIFD® members took part in the convention as attendees, program presenters, committee members, design contest contestants and award recipients.
Staying with tradition, the PFCI Board of Trustees again hosted the annual Sylvia Cup Competition. Of the twelve contestants, nine were members of AIFD®. Members participating were: Patience Pickner AIFD, Hallie Morrison AIFD, Jeanne He AIFD, Rey Rodriquez AIFD, Alejandro Figueira Fernandes AIFD, Marcela Lopez-Vallejo AIFD, Bob Tucker AIFD, Jenna Naylor AIFD, and Varito Vasquez AIFD. Jenna Naylor AIFD took home the grand prize while Alejandro Figueira Fernandes AIFD was named as first runner-up and Patience Picker AIFD second runner-up. Tim Farrell AIFD, Deborah De La Flor AIFD, and Rene Tucci AIFD acted as judges for this years competition.
During the convention AIFD® partnered with SAF to provide an inspiring mini design program for the attendees to enjoy. Sharrai Morgan-Faulkner AIFD represented AIFD® during her program “Designs Worth Sharing.” Several other educational breakout sessions featured the talents of AIFD® members. Ian Prosser AIFD, Tim Farrell, Derek Woodruff and Vonda LaFever AIFD shared their expert and profession tips for business and design.
Always a highlight of the SAF convention, lovely floral designs scattered around the hotel and program areas were inspiring to view and added to the festive atmosphere. The design team lead by Ian Prosser AIFD certainly did a fabulous job creating hundreds of floral designs that were displayed in lobbies, during the celebrations, presented to speakers and sent to attendees rooms. The hard working team included, Corey Harbor AIFD, Sylvia Bird AIFD, Robyn Arnold AIFD Lorraine Cooper AIFD and Patience Pickner AIFD.
The convention concluded with the annual awards gala where the stars of the industry were honored. Several AIFD members were on hand to be formally welcomed as members of Professional Floral Communicators International (PFCI). Jodi McShan AIFD, Marcela Lopez-Vallejo AIFD, Patricia Fowler AIFD and Sharrai Morgan-Faulkner AIFD were all presented their plaques during the champagne toast. Those unable to attend who were welcomed as members are Abel Gonzalez Mencio AIFD, Alan Masters AIFD and Dr Solomon Leong AIFD. Also being honored were AIFD members Dr. James DelPrince AIFD and Jenny Thomasson AIFD who became members of the American Academy of Floriculture during the evenings festivities. During the awards portion of the evening, AIFD® Past President Kevin Ylvisaker AIFD was presented with the Tommy Bright Award for his lifetime achievement in floral presentation.
