Every year at our Symposium, attendees are treated to presentations, demonstrations, and workshops by the best of the best in the world! This year, when we gather in Chicago, it’ll be no different. Get a preview of what’s to come from these dedicated designers and educators, before we see them in action. Follow along as we release these Designer Highlights over the coming weeks.

Sandy Schroeck AIFD CFD

Sandy is presenting the AIFD Principles & Elements program entitled Artistic Growth on Saturday July 1^st, at 10am.

When asked what she is most looking forward to for her presentation, Sandy shared “I have a passion for education, both for myself and to share with others to elevate the industry, and I look forward to opening a window into the eyes of an evaluator. I was on the membership committee over 10 years, I will bring that experience to the stage as we discuss how adding creative flair to your designs can help to achieve your certification.”

As Sandy is the first presentation of the GROW symposium, officially kicking it off, she invites everyone to “come early and embrace the opportunity to grow. Never stop learning and trying new techniques. Expose yourself to opportunities to grow as a designer!”

Past Lessons: This is not Sandy’s first time around a symposium, in fact she was inducted in 2003 and has been involved ever since. She is planning to bring the experience from having spent so many hours in the workroom assisting with symposium programs, and what she has learned from behind-the-scenes mechanics of the designs, from base to completion, to her presentation. She believes this will help everyone grow as a designer, as it has helped her.

Preview: Sandy goes on to say that “creating floral arrangements for customers every day is different than creating designs for evaluation. Think about starting with the scoring sheet to determine what characteristics they are looking for. We will be creating some designs with creative flair and explaining how an evaluator would rate them. What are they looking for and how can you elevate your work to be able to achieve AIFD?” This program is a must-see for those that tested, those that are considering testing, and for anyone looking to refresh their skill set. The session is free to attend, and all are welcome!

Partner Plug: Sandy’s fresh product will be sponsored by the Education Committee of AIFD^®. Coming to this program will be an excellent way to connect with those involved in the education branch of our institute.

Best Ways to Follow Sandy:

Facebook @Sandy.Schroeck Instagram @SandySchroeck

Website: www.trendondesign.com

Educational Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@LenBuschRoses/videos

Inspiration Found Here:

David Beahm

AIFD is excited to welcome David Beahm to our Symposium. David is presenting Ok…Here We Are on the Main Stage, Monday July 3^rd at 11am.

David says, “I have heard about the exciting AIFD conference for years and am thrilled that my first conference will include me on stage.”

We asked him to share a bit about what we can expect from his program;” In this world of ‘celebrity designers’ the concept of community quite often becomes discarded in the interest of the individual. I will both discuss and demonstrate the need for WE to maintain viable businesses and, indeed, lives. Prepare to be a part of my community celebration!”

“I believe that every event should have a ‘wow!’ moment – never an eye roll moment. I will endeavor to strike the balance between spectacle and ridiculous. My fingers are crossed!”

Partner Plug: David is being sponsored by Diamond Elite Partner Accent Décor and Gold Elite Partner Alexandra Farms. David says, “Accent Decor makes us look great in almost every one of our events. We are thankful to have someone who can shop the world for us. And Alexandra Farms – is there anything more beautiful than a garden rose? Their fragrance is absolutely intoxicating”. We agree, David!

Best Ways to Follow David, Accent Décor & Alexandra Farms:

Facebook @David Beahm Experiences Instagram: @davidbeahm

Accent Décor on Facebook and Instagram Alexandra Farms on Facebook and Instagram

Inspiration Found Here:

www.davidbeahm.com

Lottie Nys AIFD CFD & Jackie Johns AIFD CFD

Lottie and Jackie are presenting Tropical Heatwave on the Main Stage on Tuesday July 4^th, at 9am. This dynamic duo will be sharing and educating us all about the cultures of 3 different tropical countries.

Past Lessons: Drawing on previous lessons, Lottie and Jackie plan to be successful by “being prepared and having a remarkable team that helps bring a vision to fruition”.

Preview: “We will be taking the attendees on a journey through 3 different countries, showing the cultural differences, yet showing the common denominators, which is tropical flowers. Color, texture, and fashion will be presented as well.”

Partner Plug: Lottie & Jackie are sponsored by Diamond Elite Partner Smithers Oasis, and Gold Elite Partner Hawaiian Tropical Flower Council and Hawaii Floriculture and Nursery Association (HFNA). “Both of these sponsors have always been enormously supportive of AIFD. Working with them is a dream and we look forward to showing their incredible products.”

Best Ways to Follow Lottie, Jackie, Smithers Oasis and HFNA:

Facebook @Lottie Wilkes Nyes & @Jackie Smith Johns AIFD

Smithers Oasis on Facebook and Instagram HFNA on Facebook and Instagram

Inspiration Found Here:

Björn Kroner

Björn is presenting Björn 2.0 on the Main Stage on Wednesday July 5th, at 11:30am.

About joining us in Chicago, Björn says, “I have heard so many stories about Symposium and never have been there, so really looking forward to it. Plus, I have already quite some floral friends over in the US, looking forward to seeing them again, and of course making new ones.”

Preview: Setting the stage for a big reveal, Björn describes what we can expect in this way;

Nobody lets flowers “fly” with such ease as Björn. Each individual flower is given the space and respect to fully unfold its beauty. His floristry is young, unconventional, and sometimes a bit crazy. Let his art, his lightness and his inexhaustible creativity inspire you. Experience how Björn combines materials, color and a wide variety of textures in a balanced combination into floral works of art with a master’s hand.