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August | 2022
Feature
T
"ROOTS"
A I F D 2 0 2 2
National Symposium
By Nita Robertson, AIFD, CFD
he 2022 National Symposium of the American
Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), "ROOTS," took
place July 4-8, at the Caesars Forum Conference
Center in Las Vegas, Nev. e event provided world-
class fl oral design education and inspiration, trend
research, networking and new-product sourcing
opportunities to more than 900 of the fl ower
industry's leading business owners, fl oral artists,
event professionals and suppliers.
e theme "ROOTS" represents AIFD's mission of advancing the art
of professional fl oral design through education, service and leadership,
and recognizing achievement of excellence in this art form: "When a
seed takes root, growth begins. To ensure a plant grows to its full
potential, it requires special care, nourishment and attention."
Hitomi Gilliam, AIFD, CFD, coordinator of this year's Symposium,
says of the event, "It's all about building a strong supportive community,
all in the spirit of volunteerism. is event would not have been possible
without the great leadership of AIFD's headquarters staff ; the executive
offi cers and board of directors; and all of the committee appointees,
with their volunteers and ambassadors. It takes an amazing team to
create an event of this caliber."
e excitement for this event has been building since the last National
Symposium in 2019, also in Las Vegas. e energy was high and full of
