Each summer, the AIFD Symposium brings the floral world together to celebrate design, education, and connection. Held July 12–15 in Palm Springs, California, the 2025 Symposium, Reflection, was a joyful and immersive experience that brought the industry’s top talents together under one roof. As a Diamond Sponsor and the official procurement software partner, we look forward to this event long before the plane tickets are bought or the hotel rooms are booked.
Every year, it’s incredibly rewarding for us to support the procurement team in making sure that every product needed for the Main Stage presentations is accounted for—and this year was no exception. Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the planning that happens before the big event—and a look at our experience throughout the week in Palm Springs.
Behind the Beauty: The Power of Procurement
Well before the first flower was placed on stage, the AIFD Procurement Team was hard at work orchestrating one of the most complex aspects of the entire event—floral sourcing. Lori Novak and Frank Feysa worked tirelessly to ensure every single stem was accounted for. With designers submitting detailed recipes and product requests months in advance, the team coordinated with floral and hard goods partners across the country to ensure timely deliveries, accurate quantities, and proper processing.
This year’s procurement effort supported 73 total events throughout the Symposium, powered by contributions from 16 floral partners and sponsors, and resulted in the distribution of 52,762 stems and 14,208 hard goods—each one contributing to the remarkable visual storytelling seen throughout the week.
To help streamline the logistics, the team used Details Flowers Software to consolidate recipes and manage the behind-the-scenes flow of products. Details served as a tool that helped bring order and clarity to an otherwise massive operation—supporting the real-world expertise and dedication of the team on-site. In the months leading up to the event, we also provided hands-on training for all Main Stage designers and worked closely with them through every step of the planning process to ensure they had what they needed to execute their programs with confidence.
Main Stage Brilliance
At the heart of every AIFD Symposium is the Main Stage—and this year’s lineup for Reflection delivered an unforgettable series of presentations that celebrated both the tradition and future of floral artistry. Designers from across the country and around the world brought their boldest ideas forward through intricate installations, technical mastery, and deeply personal creative narratives.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the week was seeing the transformation of the Main Stage as each presentation came to life. From early planning conversations and recipe development to the final, show-stopping execution, it was an incredible journey to watch unfold. With thoughtful preparation and the right resources in place, every designer was empowered to bring their vision to full bloom—and the results were nothing short of breathtaking.
Each of these presentations offered a unique window into the artistry and heart behind floral design. Collectively, they reflected the depth, diversity, and innovation that define the AIFD community.
Sponsor Suite Highlights: Creative Corners & Immersive Moments
In addition to the dynamic main stage programming, the sponsor suites offered a variety of immersive experiences that allowed attendees to engage more deeply with brands and creativity throughout the week. These thoughtfully created spaces served as extensions of each sponsor’s personality and mission—inviting guests to learn, explore, and connect in meaningful ways.
Teleflora offered interactive hands-on design classes, giving floral professionals a chance to experiment with new techniques and take home their own creations. Smithers-Oasis transformed their suite into a museum-style exhibit honoring their legacy in the floral supply industry, while FTD created a comfortable lounge environment where guests could learn more about their offerings and enjoy a moment of rest during the busy week.
We embraced the retro theme with a colorful ’70s-inspired lounge, complete with engaging DIY stations like paint-by-numbers, temporary tattoos, dreamcatcher making, flower headband crafting, and custom magnets.
Together, the suites added an interactive layer to the Symposium experience—showcasing the creativity and collaborative spirit of AIFD’s valued sponsors outside of the normal trade show setting.
A Week of Connection and Celebration
Beyond the flowers and formal programming, Reflection was filled with the kind of human moments that make the Symposium so special: laughter between old friends, inspiration sparked in a workshop, impromptu selfies in sponsor lounges, and heartfelt conversations over shared meals.
Attendees embraced the retro theme in full force at the ‘80s-style Partner Reception, followed by the high-energy Disco in the Desert Gala and the sparkling finale of the Shine Bright Like a Diamond Leadership Gala, which celebrated AIFD’s remarkable 60-year journey.
See You at Elevate
As the floral community reflects on another unforgettable year, one thing is certain: the AIFD Symposium continues to be a place where creativity, education, and community thrive.
We’re already looking ahead to the 2026 AIFD Symposium in Orlando: Elevate. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime member of the AIFD family, we hope to see you there. For updates and announcements, be sure to follow @aifd_official.
To stay connected with the Details team throughout the year—and to explore tools that support your creativity and business—follow @detailsflowers or join our community of thousands of florists and experience how we’re helping florists bloom brighter, one detail at a time!
