American Institute of Floral Designers Celebrates 60 Years with Palm Springs Symposium

Palm Springs was in full bloom as the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) celebrated its 60th anniversary with the annual National Symposium, themed “Reflection.” Held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, the event brought together florists, educators, and floral enthusiasts from across the country for several days of design showcases, educational workshops, and career development programs.

“This is an annual event for the American Institute of Floral Designers, where we elevate floral artistry to a whole new level,” said one organizer. “Flowers say so much to so many people, and we’re here to show what’s possible when creativity and technique come together.”

The symposium featured large, intricate floral installations, highlighting the skill and innovation of industry experts. From bold color palettes to elaborate constructions, attendees had the chance to witness floral design beyond everyday arrangements.

“What I’m finding more and more is florists around the world want to learn exactly where to place flowers—there’s a real demand for education and training in this industry,” a presenter shared.

The event also spotlighted programs aimed at encouraging young people to consider floristry as a career path. Representatives from Future Farmers of America (FFA) participated, sharing how their floral culture and floral design career development events help students build real-world skills that can lead to opportunities in the floral industry.

“Like every industry, floristry has a learning and educational process,” one AIFD representative said. “We’re here to help cultivate the next generation of floral designers and support their growth.”

With workshops, demonstrations, and networking opportunities, the AIFD National Symposium in Palm Springs served as both a celebration of floral design’s rich history and a look ahead to its future.

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