As the world is slowly emerging from COVID lock downs and mandatory masking, your AIFD® National Board of Directors met face-to-face in Chicago on March 28th. A day of leadership interaction led to some exiting and interesting discussions on all of the education and activities AIFD® has planned for the next several months. It is an exciting time at AIFD®.
- The four-part virtual Summit Design & Trend Presentations, and accompanying Master Class series, wraps up on May 22 with Designing with Creative Flair presented by designer Jacob McCall AIFD, CFD, AAF, FSMD. All free presentations and paid master class recordings are available on AIFD®’s website. Master class attendees receive 3 CEUs. Learn more
- Election results for Directors at Large, Regional Representatives, and Chapter Board of Directors were shared with the national board. The board enthusiastically welcomes these great leaders to their rolls in 2022-23 and thanks them for their service and dedication to AIFD® and the floral industry. Learn more.
- Early bird registration for Symposium closes on May 16. The ROOTS team has an amazing lineup of Main Stage and hands-on designers ready to display their artistry. As part of the institute’s strategic plan, a portion of each session includes practical items you can implement right away. Learn more
- For the first time ever, AIFD® is offering a Live Stream option for all main stage events at Symposium. Register for live stream and receive 12 hours of artistry and practical take aways with access to recorded content until early October. Registrants receive 10 CEUs once they complete the post test. Learn more
- The much-anticipated AIFD® Guide to Floral Design Terms, Techniques, and Traditions, 3rd edition will be released later this summer. We will have a limited number of copies available for purchase at Symposium. As well as a signing event during the Book Fair (July 5). Note that pre-orders are available on Amazon, but the publisher will not ship those until after Symposium.
- The AIFD Foundation has awarded their 2022 scholarships and grants. The Foundation was pleased to award the Disaster Assistance, Students of Floral Design, and Advancement of Professional Floral Design grants, as well as Symposium, AIFD® Workshop, Lifetime of Learning, and SAIFD Student scholarships this year. As a separate entity, the AIFD® board applauded the Foundation for their continued support of the floral industry and forwarding educational opportunities within the industry. The Foundation will start accepting 2023 scholarship and grant applications this fall. To learn more about AIFD Foundation Scholarships and Grants click here.
- With the end of AIFD®’s fiscal year approaching, the board has started preparing the 2022-23 budget. (AIFD®’s fiscal year runs July 1 – June 30.) A positive net income is projected. AIFD® Treasurer, Laura Parker AIFD will share more at the annual membership meeting on Tuesday, July 5th.
- Although Symposium has not occurred the past 2 years, AIFD®’s Award Committee has been hard at work preparing to recognize those that have stepped up to meet the challenges the floral industry has faced with creativity, strength, and perseverance. At “Intertwined” on Thursday, July 7th in Las Vegas, AIFD® looks forward to honoring awardees for the last three years. If you are attending Symposium you won’t want to miss this exciting event. But mum’s the word as we can’t reveal all the deserving recipients until then!
- On Tuesday July 5th, contributors to AIFD®’s 2022 publication Artistic Floral Design will hold a book signing during the Book Fair in Las Vegas. Bring your copy, purchase ahead of time, or onsite. Learn More
- AIFD® is proud to honor the 2020 & 2022 Inductees during the 2022 ROOTS Symposium at “Intertwined” on Thursday, July 7th. Congratulations to all! AIFD® is honored to be a part of your professional advancement. Achieving your CFD and AIFD designations show your creativity, perseverance, and dedication to your craft as a floral designer. Learn More
Jalene Bowersmith, CAE
Executive Director
