Celebrate...it's what we do!-NC State Florists Association Convention

About every year since the 1920’s, North Carolina has held their annual floral convention all over the state bringing in the most talented and sought after designers near and far to share their knowledge and skillset with everyone.

This year’s convention was held in Greensboro, NC at Embassy Suites by Hilton on August 11-13. Before we dive into all the juicy details about this great flower association and it’s big event, let’s recognize those who sponsored many programs, lunches and dinners such as Lihmil Inc., Mayesh, The Cleveland Plant & Flower Company, KD & Company and Smithers-Oasis just to name a few. Without the sponsorship and kindness of our peers, we simply could not do this alone and convention would not be what it is today.

On Thursday the 10th many designers started to unload flowers, hardgoods among other materials if they had not done so earlier that week into the workroom. Others started setting up tables and information by registration desk getting the swag bags ready for all who will attend convention. By Friday afternoon all Designer of the Year competitors are eagerly waiting for the competition to begin which starts with a briefing at 12:30, then design from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Alicia Springfield, AIFD and her husband Donny were the chairpersons of the competition and what a fabulous job they did. As a competitor, I must say I vouch for this dynamic duo to take this position yearly. It was fun and refreshing but they also meant business when it came to the rules, guidelines and making sure once time was called, not a flower nor tool was touched. During the Friday night welcome reception, we kicked it off by having all those who participated in Mask, Headdress and Full body floral competition, grace us with their presence modeling their floral creations.

Saturday, August. 12, 2023 happened to be a jam-packed day so we all started off with breakfast on our own, followed by watching the Jim Treadaway Cup competitors in the atrium design their interpretation pieces. Each contestant is to provide a wholesale list of materials used and must not exceed a wholesale value of $650.00. The first design program was on silk creations for all four seasons sponsored by Regency International. Just before lunch, David Patterson spoke about planning for retirement which is crucial because let’s face it many of us are not going to be working forever. As we age performing at the level, we once did will eventually slow down some, therefore planning for that time is of great importance. By afternoon, once entries were in place for the miniature and bouquet competition, Reverend Chesley Kennedy spoke about mental health in the workplace. It’s so great to have a diverse group of events and workshops during the convention because there is something for everyone.

For the second design program, Jerome Raska AIFD, AAF, PFCI, CF taught us tips and shared his secrets on elevating your sympathy designs. From casket garlands to posy bouquets the loved one of those who passed can take home with them, it was an eye-opening program. He mentioned many viewings are shorter in today’s world as they were years prior where you’d have a few hours with your loved one who passed. Memorials are being held in other places besides funeral homes. Bars, parks and community centers are filling with family and friends to mourn the loss or celebrate the life of their loved one. Floral designs are looking more modern and clients are spending more money as they want a show-stopping creation.

Saturday night is the big night during the convention that you don’t want to miss! It’s the Past President’s dinner where awards are given, and many artists are honored here. I always look forward to the blessing given by Jeff Freeman followed by a delicious meal with my flower family sharing stories and listening to laughter all around. It’s a time to reconnect with those you may have not seen in awhile and meet new designers who maybe have not attended a convention before. All are welcome here, so don’t be a stranger. After dinner, many designers hustle together to clear the room for the next day’s program and luncheon. If it’s one thing designers can do best, is work hard together. The room was cleared out, water emptied in under an hour. FFA students and other designers created hand-tied bouquets with the remaining flowers for those in hospitals and hospice.

Once everyone has caught some shut eye after all the festivities, Sunday morning comes bright and early. During breakfast you could view the competitors during the Dogwood Cup, a live floral competition. Jody McLeod, AIFD is a seasoned designer who was up against Alicia Springfield, AIFD in this exciting and thrilling competition. Jody walked away with a trophy as the winner! Congrats!

For Ellen Meachum she was ready to present her show on “Horizons: Celebrating Life’s Precious Moments” She spoke about her life in the mountains, cherished memories with her husband and how floral design is an integral part of her life. Before we left, everyone got duck #duckingjeeps and she explained her love of going jeeping, having hobbies outside the floral industry doing something you love in other mediums. My ducks are now a part of my daughters toy collection and she knows they came from “Ellen’s program”.

During lunch additional awards were given and those who completed the North Carolina Certified Professional Florist program were pinned. Stephanie Garrett, AIFD, NCCPF is the instructor and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the floristry. She is a strong leader and takes her role very seriously helping fresh designers find their place with the floral industry. Lyn Graves, owner of Fresh Affairs in Raleigh, NC is the new president for the North Carolina State Floral Association and he spoke on the theme for next years convention and his amazing plans he has in store to prepare for yet another successful and incredible convention. You can find more information and stay up to date by going to www.ncsfa.site or follow-on social media through Instagram and Facebook. I’m so excited for the convention next year, you will not want to miss this!

We ended the 2023 convention with a program given by Jackie Lacey AAF AIFD CFD PFCI, sponsored by BloomNet & Floriology Institute. I loved being in the workroom with Jackie to assist with some of the designs as it’s been awhile since we’ve designed along side each other. We joked and said it almost seems like a lifetime ago. His program was nothing short of spectacular. Jackie spoke about generational designs, providing great customer service and trends for 2024 weddings and events. He started off presenting about Barbicore and I don’t blame him because it’s what everyone is talking about today; the billion dollar movie. I loved his section about house plants and creating a designated plant area in your shop or studio. This generation is looking for the next best pot or covering for their plant, they want to purchase 5 or more plants at a time even if they do not know how to properly care for them. It’s our job as the professional to educate our clients in doing so and in the ways that Jackie spoke about. The gorgeous blooms for his program were sponsored by KD & Company located here in Raleigh, NC. We learned about different styles of wrapped bouquets for customers, color trends, elevating a dozen rose arrangement using the Bossa Nova vase and so much more. Jackie is an educator, very personable and an incredible floral artist. We loved having him here in North Carolina to present and wrap up a great convention for us. Everyone took away more than one piece of advice or lesson from all the presenters at convention and are hard at work applying all that we’ve learned.

Donna Pittman, AIFD, CFD, NCCPF won Florist of the Year for her shop Flowers on Broad Street, while Jaclyn Pline, CFD left as the 2023-2024 Designer of the Year. Countless other artists including Caitlin Chappell won first place in the body flower category and first timer Ansley Averitt left with a first-place trophy in the bridal bouquet competition. North Carolina is surely the place to sharpen your competitive skills and learn from other like-minded individuals.

Mark your calendar and tell your friends, family and neighbors for next August 10-12, 2024 at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree. The most exciting flower convention you’ll attend right here in North Carolina; I’ll see you there!

Jaclyn Pine CFD

Jaclyn Pine CFD is a member of the AIFD Southern Chapter. She owns The Skinny Vase in Raleigh, NC.