July 2-6 Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia
By Janet Black AIFD/ Historic materials provided by David Hope AIFD
As David Hope AIFD down sizes, I have had the honor to capture his many Symposium Binders and Brochures…. boxes of them! I cherish each and every one for our archives, as I learn to cloud and digitize the memories for a lifetime.
In 1994, the American Institute of Floral Designers consisted of eight hundred and fifty distinguished members. Sixty-five members were inducted from all over the world. David Hope AIFD was our National President. Ralph Null AIFD was the Symposium Chair. For the first time there was an invitation to make a proposal to be considered for a Main Stage Program. Lynn Lary McLean AIFD helped with the planning and preparation for Symposium. One of the first days of pre-symposium the Membership Committee would meet to Evaluate Portfolios.
Sue Artus was the featured 1993 Interfloral World Cup Winner, demonstrating Living Interiors sponsored by FTD. Sue was the owner of a shop with her husband and daughter in Gloucestershire, Great Britain. Texture of rust, weathered wood and metal crafted props were enhanced with lush foliage and flowers for her program.
Featured Programs:
- Karen Avenelis AIFD– Marketing Yourself and Your Product
- Holly Money-Collins AIFD/ Matt Wood AIFD– Decorating Eden
- Harvey Bresch AIFD/Johnny Childers AIFD Get Me to the Church on Time- Brunch
- Denise Lee AIFD– Up Close Up Front Programs
- Tracy Proctor AIFD– Tapestries
- Ed Price AIFD– Induction and Awards Ceremony Décor
- Terry Connerly AIFD/ Robbin Yelverton AIFD– Tara Revisited – Induction Dinner
- Hitomi Gilliam AIFD/ John Haines AIFD– Three Spirits
- Greg Block AIFD Dreamtime
- Walter Fedyshyn AIFD– The Endangered World of Animals
- Laurie Lemek AIFD– Home Improvement
- Dean Yale AIFD-Building on an Idea
- Paul Ramirez AIFD Through the Ages
- Rose Mary Agostinucci AIFD and Robert Whitney AIFD– Topical Techniques
- Joe Smith AIFD-Market Orientation
- Jo A Jarvis AIFD and Nina Sherson AIFD– Living Landscapes
- J Schwanke AIFD– 1001 Ideas
- Al Dellinger AIFD I’ll See You in the Rapture
- Sharon McGukin AIFD– Celebration of Life-Luncheon
- Barbara Hann AIFD-Flowers of Columbia
- Ty Leslie AIFD– Presidential Ball
- Gary Curran AIFD-Dessert Buffet
- Bill Taylor AIFD– Staging Chair
- Tom Powell AIFD and Emmett O’Dell AIFD Procurement Chairs.
This was the first year AIFD® Symposium had a very extensive and ambitious programing schedule. The logo included the lamp of knowledge surrounded by gloriosa lilies. Attendees had to choose two out of three programs each afternoon to attend. Design styles were in transition from the contemporary looks of the ‘80s, to more traditional styles coming back into vogue.
Ty Leslie AIFD created a Victorian Garden look with huge urns filled with lush flowers. Carl Lemanski AIFD named himself the Presidential Photographer. David Hope AIFD received the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD®.
A unique memory only known by Patti Pottle AIFD, Thomas Powell AIFD, Ralph Null AIFD and the board was that David had a severe kidney stone attack in the middle of the board meeting. During a lunch break David went to the hospital and took care of his medical issue. The year of 1994 proved to be over the top with dedicated AIFD® members participating in extraordinary education. The friendship and caring of our members became truly evident during this “Educational Extravaganza”, themed symposium.
Matt Wood AIFD
