Dear Southern Chapter Members and Friends,
The Southern Chapter of AIFD has been extremely busy preparing for our upcoming body
flower competition, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone’s creative entries.
Registration will be opening soon, so please keep an eye on our social media platforms for the
official announcement.
For this competition, we encourage you to stretch your imagination and create any form of
wearable floral art—whether it is a hairpiece, corsage, ring, bracelet, lapel boutonniere, or shoe
accent. You are welcome to submit a brand-new design or a piece you have created in the past.
In addition to the competition, our chapter is hard at work planning GATHER 2027 in partnership
with Western Kentucky University in Louisville, Kentucky. Please mark your calendars for March
5th through 7th, 2027, for an exceptional weekend of learning and fellowship. The event will
feature a mock PFDE, FFA and SAIFD competitions, hands-on classes, and an inspiring lineup
of main stage programs to bring fresh ideas back to your everyday work.
Finally, we are actively looking for members to get involved. There are numerous volunteer
opportunities for both AIFD and CFD members. You truly get out of an organization what you
put into it, so if you are interested in contributing, please reach out to any of our board
members, and we will be happy to get you connected.
Best regards,
J Ross Railey, AIFD, CEJ, PFCI, CFD
Past President, Southern Chapter AIFD
