Hi all! So as many of you know, Melinda was gone this past week; up in San Francisco at the 2011 AIFD Symposium and National Student Competition with her student team from Cal Poly. She and her students were immersed in the floral design industry each day- seeing shows put on by the nation's foremost designers, participating in industry mixers, new product fairs, AIFD dinners and award receptions, the student competition, and helping designers prepare for their shows backstage! It's quite an experience for these young ladies who are considering a future in this industry! Plus it's just so inspiring to be surrounded by all of these creative and talented people!! She took a LOT of photos, so here's a selection I thought you would enjoy!
The madness as aspiring AIFD designers create their work to hopefully acquire their accreditation.
Melinda with her team before they compete!
After the competition, the students' work is put on display for all to be impressed by!
A good looking group!
The lobby decor for these events is always spectacular!
Melinda, her past student and now AIFD member Christine Henderson, J Schwanke from JTV, current SAIFD member Darci Malone, and Melinda's past student Audrey Chaney!
Fab hydrangeas backstage ready to be used!
Love the name of this variety!! : )
Peonies anyone?
After the shows, the designers put their work into the hallways for people to photograph and see up close!
A shot of the stage from the wings!
Christine, Audrey, Melinda and Katie
We always take a picture of the beautiful dessert...it's like art, you almost feel bad eating it! Almost.
The girls posing with some of the chic purses from the purse auction- “Haute Couture on Union Square”
Hope you were a little inspired! These people are really designing on a level that we just don't get to see every day. As a designer, this is like our Vegas....a place that we get to think outside the box and really flex our creative muscles! So fun!
