In July, AIFD inducted 67 floral design artists from around the world as Accredited Members of the Institute.
Stunning floral designs. New leaders. Major awards. And more than a little fun in the California sun. These were just some of the high notes of The National Symposium of the American Institute of Floral Designers, held July 5 in Orange County, California. More than 860 people attended, taking in 11 main stage programs that represented some of the latest trends in design.
During the event, AIFD inducted 67 floral design artists from around the world as Accredited Members of the Institute. That number, along with the overall attendance, is about on par with recent years, according to AIFD.
The group also used Symposium as a platform to announce changes to its leadership and honored industry members — and one high-profile flower lover from the celebrity world.
Anthony J. Vigliotta, AIFD, CFD, of Anthos Design in Los Angeles, California, AIFD president
Highlights include:
Anthony J. Vigliotta, AIFD, CFD, of Anthos Design in Los Angeles, California, was installed as AIFD president. He succeeds Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, PFCI, CFD, of Designer Destination in Tucson, Arizona. Read about other leadership changes.
Kristen Philips, CAE, IOM, was named AIFD’s new executive director. Philips replaces longtime Executive Director Thomas C. Shaner, who is retiring after serving the Institute for more than 35 years.
AIFD also announced five 2016 award winners at the Symposium:
- Jim DelPrince AIFD, PFCI, CFD, was recognized with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry.
- Lori Novak AIFD, CFD, received the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD
Kristen Philips, CAE, IOM, AIFD executive director
René van Rems was recognized with the Award of Design Influence. This is an award that is presented to floral design visionaries whose creative body of work has national influence and constitutes a legacy of innovation.
- Fiesta Parade Floats was recognized with the Award of Merit – Industry. This award is presented to professionals in the floral industry who are not a member of AIFD, but who are serving a crucial role in advancing the industry.
- Ellen DeGeneres won the Award of Merit – Non-Industry. This award is presented to individuals outside the floral industry who are selected because of their personal or professional use of fresh flowers in such a manner as to be a credit to the floral profession. (DeGeneres was not able to attend Symposium.)
The 2017 National Symposium “X” will be held in Seattle, July 1 to July 5. (The “X” theme, according to AIFD, centers on the idea that the event will be covering lots of ground: “Because One Word Just Doesn’t Describe It!”) Cindy Anderson AIFD, CFD, will be next year’s Symposium coordinator.
For more about the event, including information on AIFD’s Professional Floral Design Evaluation program and student competition, visit AIFD.org. Visit the group’s Facebook page for photos from 2016 Symposium.