The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) concluded its Reflection Symposium, held from July 12-15, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel, Palm Springs, CA. This year's Symposium welcomed 767 registered attendees from 23 countries (from Australia to the United Kingdom) and 43 U.S. states and the District of Columbia – a remarkable gathering as this year's event also celebrated the 60th anniversary of the American Institute of Floral Designers.
The Reflection Symposium featured an array of enriching activities, including 10 Main Stage presentations, numerous hands-on workshops, and engaging lectures. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and be inspired by designers from throughout the United States, Australia, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Singapore, and Sweden, all while exchanging ideas and exploring the latest trends and techniques in floral design.
© American Institute of Floral Designers
The Symposium also hosted the annual AIFD membership meeting, where newly elected directors and officers were sworn in. The 2025-2026 AIFD executive leadership team includes: President Renee Tucci AIFD, CFD from Pennsylvania; President-elect Brent Leech AIFD, CFD from Arizona; Past-President Laurie Lemek AIFD, CFD from Connecticut; Vice President Rhonda Lynn-Moeckel AIFD, CFD from Missouri; Secretary Aisha Crivens AIFD, CFD from Tennessee; and Treasurer Todd Bussey AIFD, CFD from Georgia.
© American Institute of Floral Designers
Additionally, new directors joining the seated board members are Director at Large Marcela Lopez-Vallejo AIFD, CFD from North Carolina.
One of the symposium's highlights was the annual Induction and Awards Celebration, where the American Institute of Floral Designers welcomed the following individuals into the ranks of accredited AIFD members: Samantha Barber AIFD, CFD from Ontario, Canada (not able to attend in person); Kimberly Brannan AIFD, CFD from Missouri, USA; Rhoda Burke AIFD, CFD from Maine, USA; Siu Ting Chan AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Chia-Chen (Lydia) Chang AIFD, CFD from Macau (not able to attend in person); Bik Yan (Jacqueline) Choy AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Hyerim Go AIFD, CFD from South Korea; John Grayson Henderson AIFD, CFD from Mississippi, USA; Wing Shan (Carmen) Ho AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Victoria Howle AIFD, CFD from Nevada, USA; Xeuting Huang AIFD, CFD from China; Callie Hutson AIFD, CFD from Oklahoma, USA; Christina Ignatius AIFD, CFD from Arizona, USA; Jeungeun Jang AIFD, CFD from South Korea; Karey Kelly AIFD, CFD from Mississippi, USA; Yunkyoung Kim AIFD, CFD from South Korea (not able to attend in person); Tae Ho Kim AIFD, CFD from South Korea; Michele LaPorte AIFD, CFD from Arizona, USA; Mandy Lau AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; King Fa (Maggie) Law AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Kiabek Lee AIFD, CFD from South Korea (not able to attend in person); Lina Leung AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Yin Yin Li AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Zi Ling Liang AIFD, CFD from China; Kuachin (Vivian) Liu AIFD, CFD from New Jersey, USA; Pak Yin (Michelle) Lo AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Kin Ka Loo AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong (not able to attend in person); Yanhua Lu AIFD, CFD from China; Masami MacPhee AIFD, CFD from Washington, USA; Amy McCord AIFD, CFD from Oklahoma, USA; Marie Miyashiro AIFD, CFD from California, USA; Leanne Muenstermann AIFD, CFD from Illinois, USA; Stephanie Navas AIFD, CFD from New York, USA; Eun Sook Noh AIFD, CFD from South Korea; Seunghee Ok AIFD, CFD from South Korea; David Parker AIFD, CFD from Louisiana, USA; Colby Peters AIFD, CFD from Louisiana, USA; Julia Prokhorova AIFD, CFD from Texas, USA; Jennifer Rupnow AIFD, CFD from Indiana, USA; Kailey Russell AIFD, CFD from Missouri, USA; Stephanie Rutherford AIFD, CFD from Michigan, USA; Elisabeth Stover AIFD, CFD from Texas, USA; Rebecca Sullivan AIFD, CFD from Texas, USA; Shuk Man Tong AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Teresa Ka Bik Tsui AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; Faiber Vargas Medina AIFD, CFD from Florida, USA; Tanna Victory AIFD, CFD from Michigan, USA; Yin Kum Wat AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong (not able to attend in person); Anje Williams AIFD, CFD from Louisiana, USA; Wei Xu AIFD, CFD from China; Renee Younger AIFD, CFD from Maryland, USA; Wah Yuk Yung AIFD, CFD from Hong Kong; and QiuYi Zhang AIFD, CFD from China.
AIFD also honored several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the floral design community, celebrating their dedication and positive impact on the industry. These distinguished recipients are as follows: Tom Bowling AIFD, CFD received the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD, Tina Coker AIFD, CFD also received the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD, Melinda Lynch AIFD, CFD received the Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry, and Laura Dowling was honored with the AIFD Award of Merit Industry.
© American Institute of Floral Designers
The 2025 AIFD Reflection Symposium was a resounding success, fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence in floral design. The AIFD looks forward to continuing its mission to inspire and educate floral designers worldwide. The next AIFD National Symposium, titled "Elevate," will be held from July 2-6, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
For more information:
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
www.aifd.org
