Focal Points: An AIFD Blog

 Honoring the Legacy: AIFD NW Members from 1971 & 1981

 Honoring the Legacy: AIFD NW Members from 1971 & 1981

By Shamay Andrich AIFD CFD, President NW Regional Chapter When asked to highlight a past AIFD Northwest member, I immediately reached for our Membership Book — my personal bible for connecting with our members. Within those pages lies our history, our artistry, and the foundation of…

Reflections of the Past That Influenced My Future

Reflections of the Past That Influenced My Future

By J Ross Railey, AIFD, CEJ, CFD, President Southern Chapter AIFD As I reflect on my journey with AIFD, I think about all the men and women who laid the groundwork for where we are today — and where we will go in the future.…

Elevate: A Source of Inspiration

Elevate: A Source of Inspiration

By Vonda LaFever AIFD, 2026 National Symposium Coordinator Where do you get your inspiration? Really think about that for a moment. Is it a quiet walk outside, surrounded by the textures and rhythms of nature?Is it the lines and light of a beautiful building on…

How to Nominate an Individual for the Award of Merit Industry

How to Nominate an Individual for the Award of Merit Industry

By Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI Active members in good standing of AIFD, have the opportunity to nominate AIFD members forawards. Take precaution to read the criteria of each award and nominate the right person for the correct award. Offer specific details as to why…

The Future in Action

The Future in Action

By Renee Tucci AIFD PFCI AAF I had the pleasure of accepting an invitation from Leslighann Cravens AIFD to attend the National FFA Convention on October 29th to be  a judge in the Floriculture competition. In all, ten AIFD members were on hand to help…

Step Into Action and Become an AIFD® Symposium Ambassador

Step Into Action and Become an AIFD® Symposium Ambassador

Each year, the AIFD® Symposium welcomes floral designers and enthusiasts from around the globe for an unforgettable celebration of creativity, innovation, and artistry. Behind the magic of this world-class event is a dedicated team of Ambassadors—passionate volunteers who help bring every detail of the Symposium…

AIFD at Fleurs de Villes

By Soula Baltas AIFD Cfd CAFA Inspired by the fluid elegance of Keith Walker’s sculpture “Biota”, we designed our piece to look alive and in motion, her dress and hair flowing with energy, while still honoring the artistry above her. We choose to keep the bolder colors…

How to Nominate an Individual for the Award of Merit Non-Industry

By Sharon McGukin AIFD, AAF, PFCI Active members in good standing of AIFD, have the opportunity to nominate individuals for anaward. Take precaution to read the criteria of each award and nominate the right person for the correct award. Offer specific details as to why…

2028 Symposium Coordinator Team Named

By Rhonda Lynn-Moeckel AIFD, CFD, Vice President of the National Board AIFD is proud to announce that James Ross Railey AIFD and Bradly Shane Cranford AIFD, have been appointed to serve as the Symposium Coordinator Team for the 2028 AIFD National Symposium happening in Palms Springs California.…

South Central AIFD Heads to Belgium

South Central AIFD Heads to Belgium

By Tricia Won AIFD EMC IMF, South Central Region Member I had the honor last month to participate as a designer in the 26th years festival Hoogstraten in Vegetables and Flowers. The festival was held in Hoogstraten Belgium ion September 19-22, 2025.  The creative team…