A new year for AIFD is officially underway, and so is the celebration of our 60th Anniversary! In mid-July, members and industry friends gathered in sunny Palm Springs for Reflection—a spectacular symposium filled with inspiration, education, and floral fellowship.
Huge congratulations to coordinators Lori Novak AIFD and Frank Feysa AIFD for assembling an all-star team of designers, committee chairs, and key volunteers. Their leadership, combined with the dedication of hundreds of tireless volunteers, made this unforgettable event possible. As we often say during Symposium… we can sleep later!
During the week, I had the incredible honor of receiving the official gavel, marking the beginning of my term as President of the AIFD National Board of Directors. I’ve been truly overwhelmed by your support, and I’m energized by what this Board can accomplish for our members and for the floral industry in the year ahead.
As I step into this role, I’ve been reflecting on how I got here—and the honest answer is… peer pressure! A handful of people saw something in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. They nurtured my design skills, welcomed me into the AIFD community, and encouraged me to pursue leadership. I suspect many of you have similar stories—moments when you were nudged outside your comfort zone, challenged to take a leap, and ultimately rewarded for it.
To everyone who is serving on a Chapter Board, a committee, or the National Board: THANK YOU. Words can’t fully express my gratitude for your commitment, but let this be the start. You are the leaders AIFD needs right now—to keep our mission front and center, to help bring our upcoming strategic plan to life, and most importantly, to discover and lift up the next generation of leaders.
Seek them out. Mentor them. Encourage them. Dare I say—apply a little peer pressure! Let’s create a culture of belonging and leadership that extends beyond our membership. Engage in your local communities, influence the floral industry in both quiet and bold ways, and share what being AIFD means to you. Be the spark—and I promise that spark will grow.
I hope you’ll keep the lines of communication open with me and the rest of the Board throughout the year. We’re here to listen, support, and serve. Your ideas, questions, and concerns are always welcome.
Finally, I’d like to spotlight our Emerging Professionals Committee, led by Chairperson Melissa Bohl AIFD. This team is developing exciting new initiatives to support those just beginning their AIFD or industry journey. Whether you know someone who could benefit from their efforts—or you’d like to get involved yourself—we invite you to attend one of their upcoming Zoom meetups. Scan the code below to join us!
Here’s to a year of growth, gratitude, and just the right amount of peer pressure.
In Flowers and Friendship,
Renee Tucci AIFD PFCI AAF
