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.
Laura Dowling
Laura is presenting the Main Stage program entitled A Floral Adventure on Tuesday July 4th, at 2pm.
We asked Laura for a preview of what we’ll be seeing and she said, “I’ll create a series of vignettes — from enchanted woodlands and golden sunshine to the purple palace, signature elements, and Christmas in July — that are designed to tell the story of my floral adventure with a focus on lessons learned and practical tips for reaching one’s potential and achieving great things.”
“I’m really looking forward to spending time with my friends and colleagues in the floral world and always come away from these experiences with a renewed sense of excitement and possibility. In addition, I always enjoy the behind-the-scenes time in the workroom with other presenters and volunteer teams — this is where the magic happens! The opportunity to work with AIFD designers — both at the White House and since then on special projects has been such a joy and a privilege. It’s an honor to count them as my friends and I can’t wait to see everyone in July!”
Past Lessons: Laura says, “I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned over the years of attending and participating in AIFD programs is just how much time, energy and talent goes into designing these main stage productions. I’m in awe of the amazing designers who produce these programs and am very honored to participate this year.
Preview: “Over the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the country to give talks about my White House experience and floral style inspired by my studies in Paris. In my AIFD main stage presentation, my goal is to synthesize all of these experiences and studies in order to distill some key lessons and practical advice for how to create a signature style that can lead to achieving special (and seemingly impossible) dreams. I hope to bring some fresh insights, some inspiring designs — and a bit of humor — to hopefully inspire attendees to achieve their own floral dreams.”
Partner Plug: Laura is being sponsored by Gold Elite Partner Winward and Silver Elite Partner The Elite Flower. About her partners, Laura shares, “I’m grateful for the support of all of the sponsors; their generosity will help me create a strong artistic vision that will hopefully inspire attendees to incorporate new techniques, design concepts and color combinations in their own work. In particular, I’m very excited to collaborate with Winward and plan to use their beautiful silk flowers, ribbons, and holiday decor in my presentation designs.”
Best Ways to Follow Laura, Winward & The Elite Flower:
Facebook @Laura Dowling Instagram: @lauradowlingtheflorist
Winward on Facebook and Instagram The Elite Flower on Facebook and Instagram
Inspiration Found Here:
Jenny Thomasson AIFD CFD
Jenny is presenting Path to Creativity on the Main Stage, Monday July 3rd, at 1:15pm.
Jenny is bravely tackling a very unique program. When asked her to tell us more about it, she says, “The concept of the program is one that we as florists face every day, either in a shop or event design, where our procurement list is modified and out of our control. I am taking this idea to the extreme in a way where I will not know anything that has been procured. I’m giving myself permission to create unapologetically, and to share my steps to concept and ultimately creation. This program will be intertwined with motivational ideas I have gathered over the years, as well as step by step photography of all the compositions and settings.”
Preview: What can we expect from Jenny? Out of the box designing, and an insight into a creative process to inspire unapologetic artistry.
Partner Plug: Jenny is being sponsored by Teleflora. She says, “Being with the team and the company for a while now, I know that they support me, my vision and mission in floristry, and I am excited to represent them on the main stage.”
Best Ways to Follow Jenny & Teleflora:
Facebook @jennyt.floristry Instagram: @jennyt.floristry
Teleflora on Facebook and Instagram
Inspiration Found Here:
Steven Santos AIFD CFD
Steven is leading the designs for the Awards and Induction Celebration and Dinner Dance entitled Le Prix Nouveau. You’ll see his designs on stage on Monday July 3rd at 6pm, followed by his dinner décor at 7:30pm. Steven shares, “I am excited to work with my team and create a spectacular experience for the award honorees, new Inductees and guests”.
Le Prix Nouveau means “The New Race”. Steven chose this title as a nod to the celebration of the accomplishment of accreditation, and the amazing possibilities for the future of the careers of our inductees.
Past Lessons: Steven was asked to design for this event for the 2020 Symposium, but as we know, that was not able to take place. He has been planning and planning, getting ready for this very minute!
Preview: “I really expect the new Inductees and guests to be dazzled, and to feel comfortable to celebrate such a great accomplishment.”
Partner Plug: I am working with Accent Decor, Sun Valley Farms, and Galleria Farms
Best Ways to Follow Steven, Accent Décor, Sun Valley Farms & Galleria Farms:
Facebook: @Steven Santos AIFD CFD Instagram: @Steven_the_botanical_engineer TikTok: @stevensantosaifd
Accent Décor on Facebook and Instagram Sun Valley Farms on Facebook and Instagram
Galleria Farms on Facebook and Instagram
Andy Hopper AIFD CFD
Andy’s designs will be seen bedecking our final evening ballroom, and dressing our dining tables, for the Leadership Salute on Wednesday July 5th, at 8pm. The evening is entitled Jeter la prudence au vent, and all are invited to do just that…Throw caution to the wind!
Andy says, “I look forward to creating a lasting memory for those in attendance. We often speak on how we are in the business of creating lasting memories. We are often side by side, celebrating mostly wonderful times in our clients/customers lives. This dinner will hopefully help all in attendance to remember to create memories amongst ourselves. The goal of the dinner will be the creation and execution of one of those everlasting memories.”
Past Lessons: “I am an organized person, but this undertaking is on a different level regarding processes. There are many rules/regulations that must be adhered to or completed, while simultaneously executing a wonderful show/event.”
Preview: We asked Andy for a peek into more of what we can expect, and he shared, “Like the title of the dinner, I shall be throwing cation to the wind! Personally, I deeply enjoy hosting and entertaining, be it within my own home, or creating events over the years. The dinner that has been envisioned will be focused on entertaining all of the senses and leaving a lasting impression on each and every one of the guests.” A tip from Andy…. “Make you sure you secure your ticket for this wonderful dinner!”
Partner Plug: Passion Growers is sponsoring this event. Andy says, “Passion has the best roses across the industry. I design with their product on a daily basis. Their product and corporate team always help me elevate designs and maintain being an industry leader. I recently traveled to Passion Growers farms in South America where I was able to hand select product. The ongoing working relationship with Passion Growers has not only helped grow my career but has fueled growth for the industry as a whole. I am looking forward for all the attendees to see what we collaborated on to create, for what will be a most memorable dinner.”
Best Ways to Follow Andy & Passion Growers:
Facebook: @Andy Hopper AIFD Instagram: @AndylHopper
Passion Growers on Facebook & Instagram
Inspiration Found Here:
