This summer’s HOTTEST Floral Happening!

Florabundance took Miami by storm to make Caliente even hotter at this year’s AIFD symposium. Caliente was the first time AIFD had been to Miami in the history of symposia and it was very well received! Floral designers from all over the world converged and convened for a 4 day conference showcasing all the best in floral design and product support from the leading vendors and suppliers in the country!
Caliente started off with a product showcase that was presented by Jerome Raska AIFD and numerous students from several SAIFD student chapters. They did an excellent job of featuring the products for the Elite Partners that support the stage programs for all to enjoy. After an hour of well executed and presented floral art, the attendees were then brought to the much anticipated Partner’s Expo. Here over 40 table top displays were presented with the newest and finest products available in the industry. From floral products from all over the world to containers, services and there was even a floral fashion show showing the latest in wedding and prom accessories.
Florabundance showcased beautiful blooming flowers from California, Holland, and South America. The attendees were fascinated with the beautiful choices that they may not have been exposed to prior to attending the Partner’s Expo. Not only did the attendees see the products up close and personal, they could also place orders for future deliveries. It was great having so many of the attendees stop and visit at the tables.
After a full Friday of Partner’s, Saturday started off the design portion of Caliente with a moving motivational and design program presented by Marie Ackerman AIFD, PFCI. Everyone who attended was challenged to look inside themselves to find the ‘Little Light of Mine and Let it Shine’. There was not a dry eye in the house after the presentation was given! Beautiful floral designs and wonderful motivation graced the stage from the beginning of the day until the very end. We were treated to Christmas in July featuring design themes suitable for every type of décor!
Textures tangoed across the design stage as did flowers and foliages from all corners of the world! Tropical flowers were in abundance this year being shown in sympathy, wedding and event work. From small to large scale and everything in between, it was all about mixing and layering textures, forms and colors.
One of the most popular programs is always well anticipated and that being the Trends Forecast presented by Talmage McLaurin. Talmage along with several students brought us the color and decorating themes that we will be seeing in the next two years. While some colors disappear all together to allow for those newly embraced colors to take center stage, others are slightly modified in value and combined with additional options for a brand new fresh appearance. Since color is the first element in design that customers recognize and react to, it is important to stay current on all these trends.
The symposium concluded with an over the top wedding extravaganza presented by Ian Prosser AIFD of Tampa FL. Not only did Ian wow us with themed venues and décor, he also presented over 90 bouquets and headpieces to inspire all those in the audience. Grace Ormonde shared her vision of her magazine and reiterated just how important floral décor is at an event and pledged to keep the consumers eye focused on the flowers!
If you would like more information on AIFD, Caliente or to watch a short recap of the week, go to AIFD.org to visit their website. You can even order the DVD’s of programs you might have missed or those you want to watch again and again. Watch for additional information as AIFD presents Passion next year in beautiful Las Vegas! It too will be a week to remember, so register early; you won’t be disappointed!