This time of year, many Americans are focused on barbecues, pool time and fireworks, but for hundreds of floral industry members, the Fourth of July week has become a time to gather for the American Institute of Floral Designers’ annual Symposium.

This year’s event kicks off July 6 in Las Vegas. Participants can expect more hands-on education, along with new vendor partnerships — updates that organizers say reflect the industry’s need for more design education.

“The addition of workshops has been definitely influenced by requests from our attendees and also the need within the industry,” said Joyce Mason-Monheim AIFD, PFCI, AzMF, this year’s coordinator. “The past years we have seen a decline in opportunities for beginning and advanced designers to better their skill level and knowledge. AIFD is the right fit to bring floral designers and education together.”

The 2019 event — themed “Awaken”— will encompass nearly 100 different programs and more than 50 presenters. Among the events,  AIFD is offering a number of free hands-on educational activities and several “Bright and Early” sessions that include optional hands-on components.

Another change to this year’s effort:  AIFD has partnered with the Las Vegas Market to host a night at that venue. During the visit, AIFD attendees can visit with vendors, check out local food trucks and see a floral ice sculpture demonstration by Russian World Cup representative, Natalia Zhizhko.

During Symposium, Jenny Scala, SAF’s director of marketing and communications, will also moderate a panel on the association’s Petal It Forward Event and present steps to membership for the group’s Professional Floral Communicators-International during “You Be the Judge.”

Each Symposium takes about three years to plan — a process that begins with the appointment of the events coordinator, said Kristen Philips, the group’s executive director.

“The coordinators work closely with staff and well over 100 volunteers to pull off this incredible event,” she said. “From selecting a theme, to securing appropriate product, to behind-the-scenes hotel logistics, it is truly a full-time job for Symposium volunteer coordinators.”

“I am most excited to see AIFD’s floral family come together,” Philips added. “This is the one time each year that we can all get together and just let the creativity flow.”

As for first-time attendees, Philips has some advice. “Download the app, bring comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Don’t be afraid to get involved and meet new people — there are on-site volunteer opportunities — and soak in all the creativity that you can,” she said.

Last year’s Symposium, held in Washington, D.C., drew a crowd of nearly 1,000 people. Read SAF’s coverage of that event. 

Mary Westbrook is the editor in chief of Floral Management.