I finished my last wedding at the top of the North Peak Lodge, viewing stunning foliage surrounding Sunday River Ski Resort in the Western Mountains of Maine. I rushed to pack and get ready for sunny Orlando Florida. No, I wasn’t looking for that Famous Mouse but Heading instead to The Bonnet Creek Hilton, for Education and the Floral Summit.
Our National Board Meeting, was held in person for the first time in two years! A face-to-face conversation certainly makes a world of the difference. New members were in attendance which provided fresh ideas. A 127-page board packet and aggressive agenda was accomplished by late afternoon.
The Bonnet Creek Orlando Hilton, which will also be hosting us in 2024 was our destination for The Floral Summit. A mini testing opportunity took place for PFDE candidates that arrived from all over the world. Having candidates arrive from as far as South Korea in this climate to test is extremely humbling. It made me realize the importance of our organization in peoples lives. The energy and excitement filled the lobby. I imagined what the 2024 Symposium would look like with the cool crystal clear, Lazy River pool filled with Floral Designers! Oh, the Fun we are going to have.
The hotel was bustling with anxious candidates waiting for that moment to be invited into the testing room. Cheering and clapping, an AIFD tradition surrounded the candidates as they entered. Emotional is an understatement as I started to recount the day, I took my Test. Do you Remember how you felt? Anxious about the unknowns; what flowers will I be given, what are they going to ask me to create? Will it be good enough… This Time?
Education, from start to finish was outstanding. I scribbled designs on a pad to remember those special techniques shared. Brooke Raulerson AIFD CFD, Thaddeus Servantez AIFD CFD, Tom Bowling AIFD CFD, Jody McLeod AIFD CFD, Jacob McCall AIFD CFD as they showered us with floral inspiration. If you missed the programs look forward to enjoying them virtually in the near future. Aifd.org
The National Board members and other AIFD members in attendance volunteered to clear the testing room, help in the designer area, prep for the dinner décor and clean up. All hands-on deck as everyone pitched in.
Laura Parker AIFD, Deborah De La Flor AIFD, Jackie Lacey AIFD, Damon Samuel AIFD and Stringfellow Staff made the event come together effortlessly. Many thanks to all our Elite Partners, Sponsors and Contributors for your generous donations we could not have done it without you.
I look forward to my next trip to Las Vegas where I will be joined by the ROOTS team. Start your 2022 calendar with July 4-9 Harrah’s for lodging and the new Creasers Convention Center for programs and so much more.
It’s an honor and privilege to serve as President of AIFD. Thank you for your continued support.
Janet C. Black AIFD, CFD, PFCI, AAF
(left to right back row) Sharrai Morgan Faulkner -NW rep. Thaddeus Servantez-Director at Large, Rachelle Neal- Secretary, Laurie Lemek-Director at Large, Sandy Schroeck- Director at Large, Kenneth Snauwaert-SW rep, Jackie Lacey Past President, John Hosek-Director at Large, Bradley Shane Cranford-SC rep, Robyn Arnold S rep, Renee Tucci-Director at Large, Jorge Uribe NE rep.Pete Samek NC rep. not shown (front row left to right) Damon Samuel- Membership Chair, Laura Parker- Treasurer, Janet Black-President, Todd Sweeden-President Elect, Theresa Colucci- Vice President, Ann Jordan- Symposium Coordinator.
