Greetings from the Northeast Chapter!
It is my pleasure and honor to serve as your President for the 2026-2027 term. We have many exciting programs and opportunities planned for the coming year, and I hope each of you will join us as we learn, connect, and celebrate our shared passion for floral design.
On November 7, we will be hosting two educational workshops at our valued educational partner, Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pennsylvania. The Floral Design Program at BCCC, led by AIFD member instructors, presents the annual Art That Blooms event each fall. This exciting event showcases the talents of floral design and art students through competitions, demonstrations, gallery displays, the Designer of the Year Contest, and much more.
In conjunction with Art That Blooms, the Northeast Chapter is pleased to welcome Darcie Garcia, AIFD, and Terry Godfrey, AIFD, who will present hands-on educational workshops that bring a professional perspective and valuable industry expertise to this inspiring weekend event.
We encourage you to join us for a weekend of creativity, education, and fellowship. For additional information and registration details, please visit aifdnortheast.com.
Plans are already underway for a Mock Evaluation in the spring. We understand the value of this important educational opportunity and hope to see a strong turnout from members interested in advancing their floral design skills and preparing for AIFD certification. More details will be announced in the coming months, so stay tuned!
AIFD has proudly participated in the Philadelphia Flower Show for more than 30 years, and we are excited to continue that tradition in 2027. The Northeast Region has already begun working on next year’s display, and we look forward to showcasing the creativity and artistry of our members. Presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and longest-running horticultural event, featuring breathtaking exhibits from some of the world’s premier floral and landscape designers. The 2027 show will take place March 12-21 at the Philadelphia Convention Center, located at 12th and Arch Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This past September, Shannon Toal, AIFD, of Shannon Toal Designs, participated in the prestigious Fleurs de Villes event held at Lynnewood Hall in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. The theme, The Gilded Age, was inspired by the popular HBO series. Shannon was assigned the venue’s magnificent grand staircase and created a stunning installation featuring a palette of green and white accented with ferns, orchids, smilax, roses, hydrangeas, lilies, and more. Congratulations to Shannon and her talented team, including Sue Krabill, AIFD, Carolyn Daley-Brady, AIFD, and Mame Broody, AIFD, for representing our region so beautifully. See attached photos.
While attending the Presidents’ Meeting this past March, I very much enjoyed meeting the other chapter presidents and members of the National Executive Board. In addition to that annual gathering, chapter presidents now meet monthly to share ideas, discuss chapter activities, and make plans.
This position has opened my AIFD world and shown me just what it takes to run this organization and host National Symposiums. I have gained a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication of so many volunteers and leaders. Most of all, I am really getting that “AIFD Family” feeling. The more members I meet, the more connected I feel to this wonderful organization.
As a third-generation florist, I grew up in the floral industry, but I was a latecomer to AIFD. I was inducted in 2019, and earning my certification was a goal that took time, determination, and perseverance. The journey was well worth the effort, and I am incredibly proud to be a member of AIFD.
As we look to the future, let’s continue to encourage new members, support CFD’s, and inspire the next generation of AIFD enthusiasts. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and technology continues to transform the way we work, create, and communicate. During Symposium in Orlando, I was fascinated to see many Main Stage designers incorporating artificial intelligence into various aspects of their presentations and design processes. Embracing innovation while honoring the artistry and traditions of floral design will help ensure a bright future for our organization.
Here’s to the future of AIFD. May our membership continue to grow, our creativity continue to flourish, and our organization reach even greater heights.
Thank you to the Northeast Region Chapter Board of Directors and all our members for your support, enthusiasm, and participation. I encourage you to stay connected by following our social media pages, sharing our content, and engaging with our posts.
Facebook: AIFD North East Chapter
Instagram: @aifdnortheast
Warm regards,
Mame Broody, AIFD
President, Northeast Region Chapter
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
