The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) is adding business education to its historically design-dominated National Symposium, and SAF is a part of the new lineup.

"We wanted to offer a well-rounded assortment of educational programs," says Kim Oldis, 2008 Symposium Coordinator. "After all we are in the business of flowers and it was decided that it was time to bring together the two sides of the industry, creativity and business. And what better place to do it than at AIFD Symposium?"

The lineup includes more than a dozen floral design educational programs and a few business-building programs from SAF.

"Collaboration ... Floral Education," July 3-7, 2008, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, will cover a wide range of topics from cutting edge design techniques sweeping through Asia and Europe to forecasting wedding and special events trends taking place throughout the United States. AIFD anticipates almost 1,500 floral design artists from around the world will attend.

"Featuring an impressive lineup of programs and presenters from around the globe, we've tailored the program to amaze, inspire and rejuvenate our attendees' passion for design," says Tom Simmons, AIFD president.

The lineup also includes these programs presented by SAF:

• The Outstanding Varieties display throughout the Symposium will feature some of the "Best in Class" and "Blue Ribbon" winners from the Outstanding Varieties Competition held during the last SAF convention.

• The July 5 Symposium luncheon program, Professional Lifesaving Lessons, features Tina Stoecker, AIFD, PFCI, who will offer ideas to enhance one's professional image; Deborah De La Flor, AIFD, PFCI, will address ways to rejuvenate the shop environment; and Joyce Mason-Monheim, AIFD, PFCI, AzMF, will present advice for becoming a positive leader. The session is hosted by SAF's Professional Floral Communicators-International. Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, CAFA, MCF, is emcee.

• Kate Penn, Floral Management editor-in-chief and SAF's vice president of publishing and communications, will present "Are You Indispensable?" during the Symposium luncheon on July 6. She'll divulge successful strategies from shops across the country on how to go the extra mile to proactively increase sales, profits and, consequently, their value to the business.

• SAF's PFCI is presenting "Keys to Communication" on July 7. Sharon McGukin, AIFD, PFCI, AAF, will share tips and techniques to make better presentations to garden clubs, business groups, school career days, staff and customers. It covers how to improve your speaking style and develop a winning presentation.

A full schedule of events, along with registration and hotel information, can be found on AIFD's Web site. Symposium registration is open to all floral industry, special events and interior décor professionals.

--Morgan Schimminger
mschimminger@safnow.org

 

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