If you're planning to do a design demonstration in your town but are terrified of public speaking, Sharon McGukin has a tip for you: Before you take on your first demo, research your audience in advance before you step on stage and meet and greet as many people as possible. McGukin's program, "Keys to Communication" is one of four events SAF is bringing to AIFD's annual Symposium in Chicago this week.
During the event, industry experts will cover a range of topics, from cutting-edge design techniques sweeping Asia and Europe to U.S. wedding and special events trends. Symposium attendees also will get a chance to attend SAF seminars on industry-specific presentation skills, "extra-mile" customer service and leadership techniques for small-business owners. Program highlights include the following:
• The SAF Outstanding Varieties display will feature 25 of the top ribbon winners from competition in 2007. This year's display includes entries from 11 different companies.
• During "Professional Lifesaving Lessons" July 5, Tina Stoecker, AIFD, PFCI, will offer ideas to enhance one's professional image; Deborah De La Flor, AIFD, PFCI, will suggest ways to rejuvenate the shop environment and Joyce Mason-Monheim, AIFD, PFCI, will present advice for becoming a positive leader. The session is hosted by SAF's Professional Floral Communicators-International. Jerome Raska, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, is emcee.
• Kate Penn, Floral Management's editor-in-chief and SAF's vice president of Publishing and Communications, will present "Are You Indispensable?" July 6. During the session, Penn will talk about employees at florists across the country who have gone the extra mile to proactively increase sales, profits and, consequently, their value to the business.
• SAF's PFCI is presenting "Keys to Communication" 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. McGukin will cover how amateur presenters can improve their speaking styles and develop professional presentations.
AIFD expects almost 1,500 floral design artists from around the world to attend its Symposium this week. Registration is open to all floral industry, special events and interior décor professionals. A full schedule of events, along with registration and hotel information, can be found on AIFD's Web site.
--Morgan Schimminger
mschimminger@safnow.org
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