Gather recap!

This year AIFD Southern Chapter came together for the first time in 3 years for an educational, hands-on fun filled weekend and to gather as a Southern family once again. Gather was held in Birmingham, AL at Davis Wholesale, Feb 24-26, 2023.

On Friday night we started with a hands-on class taught by Jeanne Ha AIFD. Students learned practical tips and how to prepare to take the PFDE test. Each student received one on one from Jeanne on how to improve their design and what their strong points were and what to be mindful of. Each participant in the workshop also received Jeanne Ha’s book “Ready, Set, Design! Your Guide to Becoming an Award Winning Designer”.

Saturday, we started off the morning with hands-on leaf manipulation with James Ross AIFD. He invited us to stretch our imagination when it comes to using an Aspidistra leaf in everyday design work. By the end of the workshop, we had at least 20 different examples of leaf manipulation with just an Aspidistra. Who knew it could be manipulated in so many ways!

Shortly after that, Ursula Gunther CFD presented a leadership session "Harnessing the power of social media". It was a very insightful program about social media and how to navigate around Instagram and its many different features. She gave us great tips on how to take good quality photos and why they are so important. The biggest take away was to show up often and to be your authentic self.

Jody McLeod AIFD presented the next leadership session on “Communication with Flowers”. He gave us a test to help us determine our individual communication styles. Jody walked us through each of the four styles of communication along with a flower design to show visually how they work, the pros and cons of each and why we need each other to create a balanced team.

Martha Whitney Butler CFD was next with an inspiring program about her success on being published in several major magazines. It takes time, but once you get started it gets easier. She encouraged us to not be afraid to put ourselves out there. Reach out to editors and let them know you are interested in being a part of their magazines.

We concluded our Saturday programs with Samantha Bates AIFD as she presented “Expanding your basics into event design”. Samantha showed us easy ways to use basic mechanics and create show stopping backdrops for weddings and events. Along with stunning bouquets, she used everyday flowers in an upscaled way. Who knew you could make a carnation into a very upscaled bridal bouquet!

Mandy Majerick AIFD Hosted us at her Prophouse rental and floral space, and it was magical. She has over 4000 items available to rent to customize any event into whatever your wildest dreams can imagine. Thanks Mandy hosting the AIFD Southern Family!

Past Presidents in attendance

Not pictured Jim DelPrince AIFD, Roger Dennis AIFD, Robyn Arnold AIFD, Carol Inskeep AIFD, Terry Godfrey AIFD, Aisha Crivens AIFD, current Jody McLeod AIFD.

Student competition

7 students from Western Kentucky University competed in the student competition on Saturday morning. They competed in 4 categories: sympathy, flowers to wear, flowers to carry and arrangement. The students did a wonderful job and they received feedback from AIFD members and the judges and gained insight on what they can do to continue to grow as emerging designers.

Congratulations to our overall winners. We hope to see you at symposium!

1st place Hailey Baumann

2nd place Ella Hailey

3rd place tie Wyatt Ingram and Arin Stewart

We had 4 participants for the Mock trial PFDE. Participants were timed, judged, and given one on one guidance on each of their arrangements and gained valuable insight on what evaluators are looking for when being evaluated. They were given practical tips on how to pass the PFDE evaluation and first-hand experience on what it is really like to take the PFDE test at symposium.

"Art of Color" with Lori Himes AIFD, Jeanne Ha AIFD and Aisha Crivens AIFD

These three ladies explored the importance of color and how it can communicate feelings and emotions. They covered 4 different color schemes: complementary, split complementary, analogous, and monochromatic. Each color scheme can convey a different feeling or emotion, so choosing the right color scheme for the occasion can have positive or negative effects on the event. That's why it is so important to be mindful of color as you design.

Iron florist competition was hosted by Mandy Majerick AIFD and our 4 contestants were:

Carol Inskeep AIFD

Roger Dennis AIFD

Marcela López-Vallejo AIFD

Alejandro Figueira AIFD

The contestants were given a surprise package and asked to create an arrangement for the opening of a Floriculture building on a college campus. Halfway through the design, they were given a twist to also include an armature. It was a tight race, and all of the designers did a fantastic job. In the end, Alejandro was declared the winner.

Michael Smith AIFD, FDI, FSMD ended the weekend with a spectacular show of over 30 arrangements showing us how to simplify our everyday designs to help make them more profitable and reminded us to shine our light no matter what and to always believe in yourself. Hard work and dedication will always pay off in the end.

This weekend was filled with magical moments, education, laughter, tears of joy and plans for the future.

Special thanks to Davis Wholesale for having us in Birmingham, AL and to all of our sponsors: DV Flora, Flower Link, La Terre Farms, Fern Trust and Esprit Miami.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next GATHER!