AIFD Symposium | American Institute of Floral Designers

Each year the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) holds their National Symposium which includes a number of events...

Membership/Accreditation Testing

Florists seeking the coveted CFD and AIFD post-nominals/credentials get to prove their design skill by undergoing a grueling entrance exam.

Partner Expo

Floral industry suppliers and vendors including manufacturers, shippers, wire services, wholesalers and growers have the opportunitly to meet with AIFD members at a special expo event.

New Member Induction

Florists that were tested the previous year and subsequently invited to join AIFD as members are inducted at a special formal ceremony.

Student Design Competition

The competition provides students with a tangible use for their floral design skills and gives their instructors a tool for motivating them. The competition encourages creativity, resourcefulness and focus while giving real-life experience in a high pressure situation... an experience similar to what they will encounter should they one day attempt AIFD certification/membership.

Awards

AIFD awards members (of both the organization and the larger floral industry) for achievement and service to the organization. Some of the awards they present include Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD, Award of Distinguished Service to the Industry, Award of Design Influence, Award of Merit and the Special Award of Recognition.

When

The AIFD Symposium usually takes place over an almost week long period straddling the end of June and the beginning of July, often encompassing the July 4th long weekend.

Where

The AIFD Symposium rotates through a number of different cities that include Chicago, Washington DC and Las Vegas. In Chicago the venue is usually the Chicago Hilton, and in Las Vegas it is usually the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casion. Other cities have included Anaheim & Orange County in California, Denver Colorado, Miami Florida and Seattle Washington.

Photos From The 2015 Denver AIFD Symposium