By: Janet Black AIFD, Historian
Come to Symposium and stay in a dormitory? Please don’t give me the top bunk!
The first ten years were spent on college campuses. From 1968-1972 Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA was the host college. 1973-1977 Symposia were held at California State University, Long Beach, CA. The fee for this experience? All in $95.00!
Dining halls for meals, amphitheater seating for programs, and little, if any, staging. The first Symposia were an intimate exchange of ideas; beginning with a lecture, finishing with a demonstration and explanation about mechanics. A team of designers worked with a commentator whose job was to entertain and inform.
“Final Night” now known as the “Leadership Gala” was open to the public, too, back in the day with hopes to encourage people to be exposed to innovative designs and sell flowers.
Our floral family was born!
Credits for information from; Bob Gordon AIFD fellow, 1965-1991 History and Jan Bjurstrom AIFD fellow. Please share your stories and history of AIFD with janetblackaifd@gmail.com
