By Gerry Toh AIFD
The intoxicating enchantment of flowers have many people enthralled. A whole industry and culture of floral artists, designers and flower shop owners has given life to organizations like ours culminating in the annual international Symposium held in various cities throughout the country. This gathering of talented designers and their presentations are the height of knowledge, inspiration and trend setting. To put together this gargantuan undertaking, takes not only a whole village but the resolve and organizational skills of a leader. That is the job of the Symposium Chair. Many would jump at the chance to head such a group of talented creative people to create such an event as well as many of us who, I’m sure would cringe at it. I hope this series will demystify the process a bit and, who knows, we might all then, want to do it too! Suffice it to say, let’s celebrate the heroes that have made it possible to bring us so floral inspiration.
We often take for granted how smoothly the operations of this convention run, but in this series of articles we are going to take a look at the behind-the-scenes work done from the eyes of the symposium chair and how it all comes together.
Lori Novak AIFD CFD was the symposium chair for 2016, held in the Southwest region. She gained much experience when she was chosen as the program chair by Derrick Vasquez AIFD in 2007 and again in 2013 by Tom Simmons AIFD, all also in the same region.
Focal points connected with Lori to learn from her memorable experience in running this incredibly well managed operation.
FP: Who were the presenters and how did you chose them?
2007 The Edge of Paradise
Life3 were new and upcoming from Europe, Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock celebrity designers, local designers and AIFD designers
2013 Passion Las Vegas
Tomas De Bruyne for international designers, as well as Ariak Galastyn. Amazing designers from AIFD like Joyce Mason-Monheim doing a spectacular runway show of dresses made of flowers.
2016 Inspiration
Tom and I collaborated on which designers would be best for the program. Jacob McCall doing his magic as a previous employee of Disney we felt his presence would be magic in the magic kingdom Anaheim, Leopoldo Gomez new from Mexico, Paul Jarvis, Brenna Quan and Suzanne from Canada, along with a cast of talent from AIFD designers.
FP: What was your first step in this process (budget, choosing presenters, committees etc.)?
First steps of process for planning of course, budget is most important. We want to present the best possible programs for attendees, but need to make sure we can provide profit for future years of symposium to continue. (The association) Management company and treasurer helped us with guidelines to maintain a secure budget for the programs. Choosing presenters is always the fun part, programs submitted and reviewed, some were really fun to look at. Committees are formed from your friends that will always say yes when you ask, and hate you later. This organization has taught me that my friends that I have made along the way will sustain me from whatever challenges and problems arise when doing this type of presentations. These friends are truly my heroes, they will not say no, always come to the workroom (even when something better is going on), and help make this happen
FP: What was your biggest challenge in this process?
The biggest challenge is always procurement. We have amazing sponsors, and they are always willing to give and give. The challenge sometimes is the understanding of what products are available and which are not. Also, all products are procured by our sponsors, so the designers sometimes are unhappy with some substitutions. This past year was a challenge because of the supply chain still recovering from Covid at the farm level and production of hard goods. It is a long process but with the help of many sponsors we managed to make all the designers happy with their requests.
FP: What, in your opinion, are the key elements in creating a remarkable symposium?
Amazing designers with educational content to their programs. Committee chairs that always step up and go above and beyond. Coordinators that work really well together with the same mind set and goals. Location sometimes helps the attendance, and having value to the programs presented
FP: Is there any committee or individual position you thought was indispensable?
Volunteers, and our new ambassador program, are essential to the success of symposium. We are a volunteer run organization, so these volunteers are the key when trying to get all things done and to the stage. Procurement, processing and staging are all really important in the success. We have been fortunate for many years to have the Wyatt group as our staging company, and they know exactly what is necessary to make the symposium a great one.
FP: Do you have any advice for someone thinking about being a symposium chair?
It is one the most amazing experiences to be part of symposium. It is the pulse for our organization and for the floral industry. I would recommend the experience highly
FP: Can you recall a truly inspirational moment when you thought this was all worth it?
I think the moment you see all the programs come together in the workroom, and then seeing it on the stage, you know that hard work has paid off. It is easy to take all the accolades for being the chair, but it is always a group effort with committees, leadership and co-chair relationships that become your best friends.
Is there anything you would have liked to have changed?
Of course, minor things could have changed here and there, but overall no, I would not change anything.
FP: Was there anything that you would have liked to have initiated that would make operations smoother?
That is a hard question certainly there are challenges along the way, but I really think that with the right co-chair and committee chairs these challenges are very minor and things run very smoothly.
FP: What was your take-away from this whole experience? Again, all experiences related to symposium or program chair were amazing and I had the best time working with everyone. It strengthens friendships, creates new friendships, and provides a floral presentation that truly represents the talent we have within our membership. I cannot emphasize what a great experience I have had, being part of the symposium committee 3 times!
