PFCI Updates
Exciting Changes for the PFCI Application Process
We’re thrilled to announce that the Trustees are working diligently on a new PFCI application video. This update aims to streamline the application process, making it more accessible and user-friendly for prospective members.
Upcoming Initiatives and Future Plans
1. PFCI Yearly Trends Community Call: Mark your calendars for our new yearly community call. This call will gather all members to discuss floral industry trends and introduce new varieties. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest advancements and developments in our field.
2. SAF Education Videos Collaboration: PFCI is teaming up with the Society of American Florists (SAF) to produce educational videos. These resources will be invaluable for floral professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills.
3. Expanding Membership Horizons: We are exploring ways to broaden our membership to include professionals beyond the design realm. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive platform for all who contribute to the floral industry.
4. PFCI Application Workshop at Convention: We’re proposing an application workshop during our annual convention, potentially as an additional day of learning. This workshop will provide an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage with the application process and gain valuable insights.
In conclusion, our primary focus remains on why joining PFCI is beneficial and how we can keep our current members engaged and invested in our community.
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Sylvia Cup 2024 Highlights
The Sylvia Cup 2024 showcased some of the finest talents in floral design. The day began with the contestants being briefed on the unique and exciting designs they would need to create. The competition featured three distinct challenges:
– Nightclub Design: Contestants created vibrant floral designs for a Miami nightclub, reflecting the city’s lively energy.
– Bridal Bouquet: A cascading bouquet was crafted for a serene beach wedding, embodying the ocean’s tranquility.
– Casket Spray: Designers crafted a tribute for a nature enthusiast, with a design inspired by the natural world.
The live audience was not just present, but truly engaged and captivated by the event. Many expressed their admiration for the contestants’ exceptional talent and creativity, their applause echoing the appreciation of all the contestants’ hard work. The level of artistry on display made it incredibly difficult for the judges to select a winner. In the end, the title of 2024 Sylvia Cup Champion was awarded to Jackie Lacey AIFD, PFCI. Sharon Ivey AIFD, PFCI, earned the title of First Runner-Up, while Jenny Thomasson AIFD, PFCI, was named Second Runner-Up. Despite the rankings, all contestants were recognized as winners for their incredible work and the creativity they brought to each design.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, Smithers-Oasis, for their generous contribution of hard goods and prize money. We also want to thank Certified American Grown for their invaluable support in providing fresh floral and foliage products. Your contributions allowed our contestants to work with the finest materials, and they truly showcased their talents through their breathtaking designs. We immensely appreciate your support and look forward to collaborating with you again.
Finally, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, sponsored, attended, and supported the event. Your involvement made this year’s Sylvia Cup a resounding success. We eagerly anticipate seeing you all again in 2025!
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PFCI Resources
SAF Educational Opportunities
Did you know SAF offers a wealth of resources and online courses for both members and non-members? Explore their offerings through the following links:
– Home Page: Society of American Florists Connecting the Floral Industry (safnow.org)
– Learning Hub: Society of American Florists: Saf-Now Accessed Homepage (safnow.org)
Utilize these resources to stay updated and informed about the latest industry trends and educational opportunities.
Video Resource
Check out this insightful interview with Donald Yim AIFD PFCI: https://youtu.be/x0bU8s4vihI?si=DRqCITjOA7VA0GLg
New Products
– BoutStix™: Revolutionizing boutonnières with stronger, versatile magnets. Learn more at BoutStix™
– Wristix™: A new addition for creating wrist corsages, now available at BoutStix™
Industry Reports
Stay informed with the latest market trends:
- US Floriculture Market: Expected to reach $52.13 billion in 2024. Read more.
- Global Cut Flowers Market: Expected to grow to $35.73 billion in 2024. Read more.
- Global Floriculture Market: Projected to reach $101.79 billion by 2030. Read more.
- US Cut Flowers Market Trends: Expected to grow at a 3.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. Read more.
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Artificial Intelligence for Florists
Did you know that artificial intelligence is helping businesses worldwide become more productive, and the floral industry is no exception? But we can’t only rely on AI for marketing, finance, or inventory management; today, we can also see how it can assist us in the artistic side of the business.
Through image generation platforms, we can find inspiration to create more precise designs tailored to the required theme and align the client’s vision with the final result. By simply providing a well-crafted instruction text, you can receive a specific guide on flower types, color harmonies, and design shapes suitable for your theme, as well as an image exemplifying the theme.
Imagine you have a client who wants a casino-themed birthday party decoration. Instead of spending hours searching for inspiration on Pinterest, you provide a text instruction to one of these platforms, and within seconds, you get an accurate and precise response for your request. Think of what you can do with the time you’re saving.
Some platforms that can help you generate images include:
- Craiyon
- Deep Dream
- Nightcafe Creator
- Artbreeder
- Runway ML
- Wombo Dream
Don’t fall behind; the time is now. We can’t let technology intimidate us. Let’s take advantage of what we have at hand. If you need more information on this topic or related courses, you can contact Brady Ferrer at brandy@bloomwithbrandy.com.
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Mentorship Panel Launches at PFCI’s “Emerge” Workshop PFCI’s New Program Helps Rising Floral Communicators
PFCI has launched a new mentorship panel to help up-and-coming floral speakers. This program connects experienced PFCI members with those looking for guidance and advice on presenting, and exposing what it means to be a member of PFCI.
The program was introduced at the recent PFCI workshop at the AIFD Symposium “Emerge,” where over 30 individuals expressed interest learning more about PFCI. Potential applicants learned that mentors could offer support, feedback, and tips as they prepare presentations and videos.
Michelle Headrick, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, former Chair of the PFCI Board of Trustees, said, “We wanted to create a program that would be a resource for the next generation of floral speakers, and help them reach their full potential.”
The mentorship panel is structured to be flexible and accommodating to both mentors and mentees. There is no formal assignment process; potential mentees can reach out to a mentor directly to discuss their needs and set up a schedule that works for both of them. Mentors can help with presentation preparation, share their own speaking techniques, and provide helpful feedback. Engaging with a mentor does not guarantee automatic membership invitation to PFCI.
- Mentors and mentees decide how often they meet and how they communicate.
- Mentors offer guidance, share their knowledge, and provide feedback.
- Initial panel members serve from two to four years and are not current or incoming members of the PFCI Board of Trustees to avoid any conflicts of interest.
- The goal is to have four to five mentors available at any given time, with staggered terms to ensure continuity.
Each with many years of speaking experience, the mentor panel is a diverse mix with a wide skill set, and are all passionate about sharing their knowledge.
The inaugural panel includes:
- Jenny Behlings AIFD CFD PFCI (Custer, SD)
- Heather de Kok AIFD CFEJ AAF PFCI (Edmonton, AB, Canada)
- Tim Farrell AIFD CFD AAF PFCI (Drexel Hill, PA)
- Marcela López-Vallejo AIFD EMC MBA PFCI CFD (Wendell, NC)
When asked if he would be willing to help launch the panel, Tim Farrell AIFD CFD AAF PFCI, a longtime PFCI member, said, “I am totally onboard with this mission. Count me in!”
Having a Canadian member and bilingual Spanish-English speaker on the panel puts the “International” portion of PFCI into play. Marcela Lopez-Vallejo AIFD EMC PFCI believes that having Spanish-speaking mentors could be especially helpful for potential applicants. “If Spanish speakers know there are mentors available in Spanish,” says Lopez-Vallejo, “they’ll be more likely to apply.”
The launch of the PFCI mentorship panel is a big step forward for the organization. By providing guidance, support, and feedback, mentors can help emerging speakers grow and succeed in their careers and keep PFCI membership standards high.
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Thank you for staying connected with PFCI. We appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out!
Until next time,
The PFCI Board of Trustees
