We hope this message finds you flourishing in your floral endeavors. The AIFD National Board gathered in Denver, Colorado, in October 2024 for an impactful meeting filled with important discussions and decisions that will shape the future of our organization. Here are the key highlights from the meeting:
Setting the Stage
The National Board of Directors for AIFD is charged with tackling the substantive work of the organization to meet the mission of the organization:
“The mission of AIFD® is to advance the art of professional floral design through education, service and leadership, and to recognize the achievement of excellence in this art form.”
Organizational Business Highlights
Treasurer’s Report and Financial Updates
Treasurer Todd Bussey presented the current financial report and end of fiscal year 2023-2024 financials to the board of directors, outlining the fiscal year’s successes and challenges. Following a discussion of the status and the organization and its finances as it relates to the discussions of the AIFD Finance Committee, the board finalized a discussion of moving the fiscal year to align with the calendar year. The effort and change will be a positive for AIFD in accurately tracking and managing the investment of member dues in an ongoing manner. The great news is that AIFD is making strides in a financially responsible way and is netting out positive at the end of the fiscal year!
Symposium Developments
The board reviewed the 2024 Symposium budget and results, led by Vice President Brent Leech and AIFD staff member and Symposium Director, Suzie Kostick. Significant progress has been made, and updated policies and procedures were shared. Plans for the 2025 Symposium were also reviewed, and discussions for the 2026 and 2027 Symposium teams are underway. There are exciting schedules and programs being put together and the 2025 Symposium in Palm Springs, July 12-15, 2025, is coming together. The staff and Symposium are working on a new effort for members to be able to pay for registration over time and looking to open early – hopefully AIFD members and attendees will take advantage of this great program and opportunity! Stay tuned for exciting announcements!
Membership Initiatives
Membership Chair Loann Burke introduced updates to PFDE policies, fees, scoring language, and associated costs, all of which were approved by the board. These changes aim to enhance the PFDE experience while maintaining the highest standards of floral artistry. The new changes that were adopted are now presented on the AIFD website, www.aifd.org.
Committee Updates and Strategic Proposals
Foundation and Awards
AIFD Foundation CEO Lynn Lary McLean provided an update on the AIFD Foundation, highlighting its continued support for education and advancement. The Awards Committee shared updates to policies and procedures, ensuring a streamlined process for recognizing excellence in the floral industry.
International Taskforce
Exciting developments from the International Taskforce were presented by AIFD President-elect Renee Tucci, including recommendations to expand AIFD’s global reach. The board recognizes that AIFD members come from throughout the world and the efforts to support and engage all members, regardless of where they come from is critical. AIFD is excited to be working with international leaders and members to increase education and engagement for everyone.
AIFD Strategic Planning Update
The staff and leadership, along with the Board of Directors, members of AIFD, and the floral design community, more broadly, have entered and effort to guide the future of the American institute of Floral Designers. The planning process is recognizing the history and heritage of AIFD as it starts its 60th anniversary in 2025, and seeks to engage member’s perspectives and work to gauge all aspects of the floral world including mass florists, freelance designers, market/retail floral, wholesalers, and more, to truly roll up their sleeves and chart a path forward for driving world-class floral design education for everyone. The efforts in the fall include a series of surveys, focus groups, an environmental review of the industry, and more and will lead to a lot of meetings and efforts in the Winter and Spring of 2025 by a diverse workgroup and lead to a plan that AIFD will be sharing with everyone this next year! Please make sure to engage, when asked, and help chart a path to the future for everyone, together!
Moving Forward
The day concluded with a recap of the discussions and a renewed commitment to AIFD’s mission of advancing the art of professional floral design through education, service, and leadership. We’re excited about the progress made and look forward to continuing this momentum in the months ahead.
As always, thank you for being an integral part of the AIFD community. Your passion and dedication drive our collective success. Let’s keep growing and inspiring together!
