Submitted by: Renee Tucci AIFD
In six short weeks, our AIFD family will be hosting a blockbuster event again at long last!
After two years of having to cancel our annual Symposium, and with it, the very important Professional Floral Designer Evaluation, the institute is proud to be hosting a short but oh, so sweet, Summit October 14th and 15th in Orlando Florida.
A speedy sell-out happened when the limited PFDE spots were announced. Those that have been waiting patiently are ready to try their hand at the accreditation process on Thursday October 14th. Although not happening under our traditional circumstances, this PFDE will be carried out with all of the same stringent requirements as are usually undertaken. The National Board will be on hand to assist the Membership committee with set-up and evaluations. Come July 2022 in Las Vegas, we will be welcoming the long-awaited stage walk of the 2020 class, and our new inductees from this upcoming October test. Best of luck to all of the testers!
The main event is taking place on Friday October 15th. The Education Day will feature world-renowned designers, flashy flowers and abundant inspiration.
Let’s take a look at what we can expect from our MAIN STAGE PRESENTERS:
At 9am Brooke Raulerson AIFD, CFD will present a program entitled Foliage Artistry
Sponsored by Accent Décor and the Floral Green Farmers of Florida, here’s what we can expect from Brooke:
Foliage is all the rage and has moved to the forefront alongside flowers in design. Demonstrate to your clients just how trend savvy you are! Learn the latest tips and tricks to blend incredible foliage together and add creative flair with exceptional artistry to every design.
Brooke generously shared this sketch sheet, giving us a peek at what we can expect:
At 10:30am Thaddeus Servantez AIFD, CFD will present a program entitled Embrace the Seasons
Sponsored by Baisch & Skinner and Mellano & Company, here’s what we can expect from Thaddeus:
Embracing the artistic beauty nature bestows with a season, each presenting an opportunity for something new, something bold and something beautiful. Celebrating our favorite times of the year as spring awakens the earth, enjoy the summer fun, creating autumn adventures and, of course, celebrating winter.
This program will feature a fusion of permanent botanicals and fresh cut flowers.
At 1pm, Tom Bowling AIFD, CFD, PFCI & Jody McLeod AIFD, CFD will present a program entitled Pivoting Perspective
Sponsored by Teleflora, here’s what Tom & Jody shared about their show:
Pivoting Perspectives takes each viewer on a personalized journey to explore the perceptions of what is and explores the possibilities of what may be. Floral design is a journey that is as individual as the viewer wants it to be. We examine what is, make our own personal evaluations and assessments and create a new appreciation for what our experience may be. What is embraced by one viewer may be totally different than the person in the next seat. Our journey will challenge you to examine the endless possibilities in our floral world. It is magical, it is mystical, it is filled with endless possibilities for the viewer to contemplate.
Join us as we examine and challenge your current levels of perception to new and greater appreciations for what you may currently see. We will combine organic and inorganic materials to form floral compositions that will stretch your design imaginations!
At 2:30 pm, Jacob McCall AIFD, CFD, AAF, FSMD will present a program entitled Designing with Creative Flair!
Sponsored by FTD and Cal Flowers, here’s what we can expect from Jacob:
The term creative flair is explained by renowned floral artist Jacob in this fun and interactive show. Jacob explains how to raise the bar on truly cutting-edge floral creations! The true trademark of a floral artist is their signature use of creative flair, detail matters and Jacob will explain the importance of always elevating ordinary designs into extraordinary! Color, technique, exaggeration, and professional application are the key to success of standing out.
After taking in all of the inspirational programming, attendees will be treated to a viewing of the PFDE designs, followed by a dinner and networking event.
Our host hotel, the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort, is not only a stone’s throw from the entrance to Walt Disney World, but it’s also our host hotel for the 2024 Symposium. Treat yourself to a sneak peek of the site and the many, many amenities that it has to offer, before we head there in just a few short years.
Registrations are still available. If you don’t already have your ticket, head to AIFD.org/2021pfde_floralsummit/ to secure your spot. Safety First! To see the many safety measures in place for this event, click here.
