Friday, March 8th, 2024
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
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1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Hitomi - Friday
Only a few left!
Hitomi Gilliam AIFD, CFD
Friday, March 9, 2023
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sponsor: Teleflora
Sustainable Design Structures and Mechanics for Floral Installations
Step by step instruction on how to complete 6+ floral installations using sustainable mechanics and methods.
Team Flowering allows for each project to be learned and seen created simultaneously to completion.
All the design details explained to achieve the best Economy of Means, to maximize artistry with minimum of materials for the deserving profitability for every hard-working florist.
Floral Chandelier
Vertical Pillar with partial arch
Fireplace Decoration
Elevated Centerpiece - Banquet table
Extended Buffet Decor
Banquet Table Center Runner
Expanding the Powers of Elements & Principles of Design - Friday
Only a few left!
Bill Mckinley AIFD, CFD, ICPF
Friday, March 9, 2023
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
No Term Limits: Expanding the Powers of Elements & Principles of Design
Knowing and understanding the basic design concepts of the elements and principles of design can expand the creative options for any design. No matter whether you are a new designer, or a veteran, elements and principles should be your go-to resource for upscaling day-to-day work and making event designs memorable. Join us for a deep dive into how to utilize the elements of line, form and space as well as the principles of rhythm, balance and contrast.
Designer Of The Year
2024 ISFA Designer of the Year Contest
The contest will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024
2024 DESIGNER OF THE YEAR (DOY) CONTEST - March 8, 2024 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. The entry fee is $150 and includes one dinner ticket to the Banquet/Awards dinner on Saturday March 9, 2024. Registration must be received by February 19, 2024. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE PERMITTED.
Contest Description:
Contestants will be given 2 hours to complete 3 designs on-site. The three design categories will be: Bridal, Sympathy, and Flowers to Wear. The designer with the top combined score will become the 2024 ISFA Designer of the Year.
Prizes:
Certificates and ribbons will be given to first place in each category.
Designer of the Year:
• First Place Overall Winner receives a certificate and the beautiful new Designer of the Year trophy to keep. In addition, the winner will receive paid registration to represent Illinois State at the 2024 Mid America Cup at the Arkansas Florist Association’s Annual Convention. Travel and accommodations will be at the designer’s expense.
• First Runner-Up Overall receives a certificate and second place ribbon.
• Second Runner-Up Overall receives a certificate and a third place ribbon.
If the Designer of the Year is unable to fulfill their responsibilities, the responsibilities will be fulfilled by the first runner-up or second runner-up, in that order.
Rules:
1. ENTRY: Contest is open to any active florist within the floral industry. Employees or family members of the Designer of the Year Chairperson are ineligible to compete. Individuals are not eligible to compete within 1 year of winning Designer of the Year.
2. Contestants must preregister for the competition by February 19, 2024.
3. Contestants must report to the Designer of the Year Chairperson 30 MINUTES BEFORE the start of the contest for a required briefing and instructions. At this briefing, each contestant will draw a sealed envelope containing three identification numbers selected at random, one number for each design category. At 9:00 AM, the designers will be allowed into the design room to check the materials provided. The Designer of the Year Chairperson will retain a master sheet containing each contestant’s name and identification numbers. No one other than the Designer of the Year Chairperson will have access to this document.
4. Contestants may only bring scissors, knife, wire cutters, jewelry pliers, and stem cutters. All fresh flowers, foliage, and supplies will be provided by ISFA. Supplies provided by ISFA may include floral tape, oasis tape, utility wire, wooden picks, oasis, oasis glue and pan glue, and skillet. Any of the supplies may be used in any or all designs. No background or display items may be used on any design, unless provided by ISFA. ANY CONTESTANT USING ANY PRODUCT OR SUPPLIES NOT PROVIDED BY ISFA WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.
5. DESIGN CATEGORY DETAILS: Each contestant will be given identical flowers, greens, accessories, and containers to work with. Contestant may use any of the material provided to complete their designs. Contestant may use as little or as much as they choose. The bridal piece must be designed to be carried by a model and be detachable from the stand for final judging. Additional details for each category may be provided during the Designer of the Year briefing.
6. JUDGING: Prior to judging, the judges will be given an envelope containing the rules and score sheet. The judges will consist of qualified professional floral designers. The judges will only have access to their own tally sheets and will judge each design for its individual merit. Upon completion of judging, each judge will place all his/her tally sheets in an envelope and give it to the Designer of the Year Chairman.
A points system will be used with a possible 100 total points given to each design by each judge. Designs will be judged based on ten categories. A maximum of 10 points may be given for each of the following categories: Interpretation, Creativity, Scale (Proportional), Unity (Harmony and Texture), Balance (Physical and Visual), Focal Emphasis, Line (Movement and Rhythm), Depth, Color Balance (Harmony and Rhythm), and Mechanics. Point scale: 0-2 Poor, 3-5 Fair, 6-8 Good, and 9-10 Excellent. If a tie-breaker is needed, points awarded for the Sympathy category will be eliminated.
7. Results will be announced at the Banquet/Awards Dinner on Saturday evening. Designer’s must be present to receive their award.
8. DISPLAY: The designs will remain in place to be viewed throughout the weekend. Contestants must remove their designs between 12:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday unless otherwise approved by the Competition Chair Person.
9. DESIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC VIEWING AREA. ISFA OR THE HOST VENUE WILL NOT BE RESPOSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR THEFT.
10. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND IF A CONTESTANT DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR COMPETITION
For more information, please contact Courtney Turner AIFD, CFD, EMC, ICPF at
athymelessbloom@yahoo.com or 224-805-2056
Lotus Cup Competition
2024 ISFA Lotus Cup Contest
The contest will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024
2024 Lotus Cup Competition March 8, 2024 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The entry fee is $195.00 and includes one dinner ticket to the Banquet/Awards dinner on Saturday March 9, 2024. It must be received by February 19, 2024. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE PERMITTED.
Contest Description:
Contestants will be given 3 hours to complete 3 designs on-site. The three design categories will be: Wedding, Sympathy, and Surprise Package. The designer with the top combined score will become the 2024 Lotus Cup Winner.
Prizes:
Certificates and ribbons will be given to first place in each category.
Designer of the Year:
• First Place Overall Winner receives a certificate and the beautiful Lotus Cup trophy to keep. In addition, the winner will receive $500.00 toward registration to represent Illinois State at the 2024 Sylvia Cup at the Society of American Florists Annual Convention. Travel, hotel and any remaining registration fees will be at the designer’s expense.
• First Runner-Up Overall receives a certificate and second place ribbon.
• Second Runner-Up Overall receives a certificate and a third place ribbon.
If the Lotus Cup winner is unable to fulfill their responsibilities, the responsibilities will be fulfilled by the first runner-up or second runner-up, in that order.
Rules:
1. ENTRY: Contest is open to any active florist within the floral industry. Employees or family members of the Lotus Cup Chairperson are ineligible to compete. Individuals are not eligible to compete within 1 year of winning the Lotus Cup.
2. Contestants must preregister for the competition by February 19, 2024.
3. Contestants must report to the Lotus Cup Chairperson 30 MINUTES BEFORE the start of the contest for a required briefing and instructions. At this briefing, each contestant will draw a sealed envelope containing three identification numbers selected at random, one number for each design category. At 8:00 AM, the designers will be allowed into the design room and will have one hour to check the materials provided and prepare. The competition will begin at 9:00 AM and will conclude at 12:00 PM. The Lotus Cup Chairperson will retain a master sheet containing each contestant’s name and identification numbers. No one other than the Designer of the Year Chairperson will have access to this document.
4. Contestants may only bring tools and listed materials on the approved tool list. All fresh flowers, foliage, and additional supplies will be provided by ISFA. Any of the supplies may be used in any or all designs. No background or display items may be used on any design, unless provided by ISFA. ANY CONTESTANT USING ANY PRODUCT OR SUPPLIES NOT ON THE TOOL LIST OR PROVIDED BY ISFA WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. Once your paid registration is received, you will receive the tool list and rules via email.
5. DESIGN CATEGORY DETAILS: Each contestant will be given identical flowers, greens, accessories, and containers to work with. Contestants may use any of the materials provided to complete their designs. Contestants may use as little or as much as they choose. The bridal piece must be designed to be carried by a model and be detachable from the stand for final judging. Additional details for each category may be provided during the Lotus Cup briefing.
6. JUDGING: Prior to judging, the judges will be given an envelope containing the rules and score sheet. The judges will consist of qualified professional floral designers. The judges will only have access to their own tally sheets and will judge each design for its individual merit. Upon completion of judging, each judge will place all his/her tally sheets in an envelope and give it to the Lotus Cup Chairman.
A points system will be used with a possible 100 total points given to each design by each judge. Designs will be judged based on twenty categories. A maximum of 5 points may be given for each category. Point scale: 1 Poor, 2 Fair, 3 Average, 4 Good, and 5 Excellent. If a tie-breaker is needed, points awarded for the Sympathy category will be eliminated. A score sheet will be sent out to all competitors one week prior to the competition.
7. Results will be announced at the Banquet/Awards Dinner on Saturday evening. Designer’s must be present to receive their award.
8. DISPLAY: The designs will remain in place to be viewed throughout the weekend. Contestants must remove their designs between 12:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday unless otherwise approved by the Competition Chairperson.
9. DESIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC VIEWING AREA. ISFA OR THE HOST VENUE WILL NOT BE RESPOSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR THEFT.
10. THERE WILL BE NO REFUND IF A CONTESTANT DOES NOT SHOW UP FOR COMPETITION
For more information, please contact Courtney Turner AIFD, CFD, EMC, ICPF
at athymelessbloom@yahoo.com or 224-805-2056
Judi Borah Land of Lincoln Competition
2024 Judi Borah Land of Lincoln Cup
The contest will be held Friday, March 8, 2024
2024 JUDI BORAH LAND OF LINCOLN CUP- March 8, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The entry fee is $100.00 and includes one dinner ticket for the Banquet/Awards Dinner on Saturday March 9, 2024. Registration must be received by February 19, 2024. NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE PERMITTED.
Contest Description:
Each contestant will assemble their own unique design on-site in the 2 hours provided based on a pre-determined theme. All contestants will be given the same theme and will receive their theme requirements on February 20, 2024.
Prizes:
• First place – receives a certificate and the new beautiful Judi Borah Land of Lincoln Cup trophy to keep.
• First runner-up – receives a certificate and second place ribbon.
• Second runner-up – receives a certificate and third place ribbon
Rules:
1. ENTRY: Contest is open to all active florists within the state of Illinois.
2. Contestants must preregister for the 2024 Judi Borah Land of Lincoln Cup by February 19, 2024.
3. Contestants must provide all materials, supplies, and tools needed to complete their design, including flowers, greens, and props. Props and accessories are permitted but should not be larger than 1/3 of the overall design.
4. Advanced construction of structures is permitted; however, no floral insertions can be made prior to the competition. Items shall not be added to containers before the contest begins, including floral foam and water tubes. A member of the Land of Lincoln Committee will inspect each work area prior to the official start of the competition. Entries that do not comply with the rules will be disqualified.
5. The Land of Lincoln Committee will select the required number of spaces for the competition and will number each space. The size of the design must not exceed 96” in height, 48” in width, and 48” in depth. It must be made within the given space provided. Any design, including props, table or stand, not within the given dimensions will be disqualified. The committee will place the number for each space in a sealed envelope. Each contestant will draw a sealed envelope containing a numbered space. A master sheet containing each contestant’s name and selected number will be retained by the Land of Lincoln Committee. No other person outside the committee will have access to this document. Employees and family members of the Land of Lincoln Committee are ineligible to compete.
6. Contestants must report to the Land of Lincoln Committee Chairman 30 minutes before the time of the contest for briefing.
7. JUDGING: Prior to judging, the judges will be given an envelope containing the rules and score sheet. Judging will be immediately following the competition. The judges will consist of qualified professional floral designers. The judges will only have access to their own tally sheets and will judge each design for its individual merit. Upon completion of judging, each judge will place all his/her tally sheets in an envelope and give it to the Land of Lincoln Committee Chair.
A points system will be used, with a possible 100 total points given to each entry by each judge. Designs will be judged in nine categories:
20 points maximum for the following category: Interpretation of Theme Point Scale: 0-4 Poor, 5-10 Fair, 11-15 Good, and 16-20 Excellent;
10 points maximum for each of the following categories: Creativity, Scale (Proportional), Unity (Harmony and Texture), Balance (Physical and Visual), Focal Emphasis, Line (Movement and Rhythm), Color Balance (Harmony and Rhythm), and Mechanics. Point scale: 0-2 Poor, 3-5 Fair, 6-8 Good, and 9-10 Excellent. The Land of Lincoln Cup will be awarded to the contestant with the highest total number of points across all categories. The contestant with the second highest number of points will be first runner-up, and the contestant with the third highest number of points will be the second runner-up.
The Land of Lincoln committee will tabulate the results of the judges’ scores and will retain the information until the awards presentation.
8. DISPLAY: The designs will remain in place to be viewed throughout the weekend. Contestants must remove their designs between 12:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday unless otherwise approved by the Competition Chairperson.
9. No electricity can be used, but battery-operated props are allowed.
10. DESIGNS WILL BE DISPLAYED IN A PUBLIC VIEWING AREA. ISFA OR THE HOST VENUE WILL NOT BE RESPOSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE, OR THEFT.
For more information, please contact Courtney Turner AIFD, CFD, EMC, ICPF at
athymelessbloom@yahoo.com or 224-805-2056
Saturday, March 9th, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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Adaptable Wedding Mechanics - Saturday
Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Saturday March 11, 2023
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sponsored By: Floriology
In today’s market, we hear the buzz words pivot, adapt, and adjust. Wedding installations can be the single reason some designers shy away from weddings in general. With a challenging economic climate, it is important to be adaptable and provide options without starting over at reinventing the wheel. In this intense four-hour class, we will look at adaptable mechanics for some of the larger design elements for weddings that are also great options for other events.
The Arch, Moon gate, and Pergola often mark the spot for weddings and other ceremonies. Draping can soften the look of any area. Combine these with ideas for how to use designs for multipurpose areas and centerpieces from low budget to high end with a single concept and everyone wins. Join us for this incredible opportunity to spend the weekend sharpening your skills and your pencil on how to increase not just your knowledge but your event revenue.
The Everyday Grind - Saturday
Sold out
Courtney Turner AIFD, EMC, ICPF
Saturday, March 11, 2023
2:00 PM - 5:00PM
Are you feeling burnt out by the everyday grind? Feeling frustrated by the competition? Join me to shake things up and learn how to set yourself apart in a diverse market. Think outside the box by elevating your design style with less product, greater impact, and increased profitability. In this 3-hour hands-on class, we will discuss improving the bottom line while training your customers to buy what you
want them to buy, learn new ways to reinvent the wheel of design, and learn from each other through open discussion. Come open-minded and ready to learn!
Botanical Jewelry - Saturday PM
Françoise Weeks
Saturday, March 11, 2023
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Botanical materials have all the sparkle, movement and gesture of gems and metals. Learn to innovate jewelry design using wire as a base for rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Piece together the tiny and often overlooked bits of texture occurring in seedpods, tendrils, succulents, herbs and tropical greenhouse favorites. These adornments stun at galas, weddings and on the catwalk.
Sunday, March 10, 2024
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Gregor Wedding Bouquets - Sunday
Gregor Lersch
Sunday, March 12, 2023
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lunch: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Join Gregor for an intimate hands-on experience as he dives into the intricate world of detailed bridal bouquets. Learn how to make one-of-a-kind works of art that your bride and guests will be talking about for years to come.
Botanical Headpieces - Sunday AM
Françoise Weeks
Sunday, March 12, 2023
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Françoise is known for her avant garde headpieces. Her dedication to unfailing mechanics and materials exploration is the key to these pieces of sculpture. Her knowledge will be shared as you construct flexible armatures and your creativity expands as you build intricate and cascading arrangements from foliage, bark, bundles of berries, succulents and flowers. These dramatic headpieces show off all the tools and tips of the trade that Françoise imparts.
Cascade Bouquets - Sunday
Carolyn Minutillo AIFD, CFD, EMC
Sunday, March 12, 2023
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sponsor: AIFD North Central Chapter
Today’s Cascades: Flowey, Dreamy, Bloom-Filled Perfection
Learn how to Design, Price and Sell them better.
Join Carolyn in learning techniques for creating stunning and technically sound cascade wedding bouquets. We’ll talk flower choices, mechanics, pricing and making the sale with today’s couples.
Profit First - Sunday
Carolyn Minutillo AIFD, EMC, PFCI
Sunday, March 12, 2023
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Sponsor: AIFD North Central Chapter
Getting to ‘Know your Numbers’ better by implementing the Profit First Approach
If you want to get a better handle on understanding where all your money should be going so bills are paid, you have a better paycheck and there’s profit at the end of the day- join Carolyn in this ‘Intro to Profit First’ class.
The goal of Profit First is to ‘Eradicate Entrepreneurial Poverty’ - because small business people are busy working in their business we sometimes overlook the details that help us to be a profitable business.
Carolyn is not only a shop owner and floral educator, she is in the process of being certified as a Profit First Professional. She already implements the Profit First approach in her own business - making a definite positive change in her bank account and paycheck. She will share how you can get started - The first step is coming to this class. Hope to see you there.
Sympathy - Sunday
Helen Miller AIFD, CAFA, CF
Sunday March 12, 2023
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Sponsors: Syndicate
Today’s sympathy market is increasingly focused on the celebration of life.
Telling their life story, florist can help families through those difficult times
with artistic and meaningful floral arrangements. In this class, Helen will
guide you through creative and modern sympathy stylings. Learn how to
incorporate keepsakes and new alternative mechanics and techniques that
will make your tributes stand out!
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Adaptable Wedding Mechanics - Sunday
Jackie Lacey AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI
Sunday, March 12, 2023
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sponsored By: Floriology
In today’s market, we hear the buzz words pivot, adapt, and adjust. Wedding installations can be the single reason some designers shy away from weddings in general. With a challenging economic climate, it is important to be adaptable and provide options without starting over at reinventing the wheel. In this intense four-hour class, we will look at adaptable mechanics for some of the larger design elements for weddings that are also great options for other events.
The Arch, Moon gate, and Pergola often mark the spot for weddings and other ceremonies. Draping can soften the look of any area. Combine these with ideas for how to use designs for multipurpose areas and centerpieces from low budget to high end with a single concept and everyone wins. Join us for this incredible opportunity to spend the weekend sharpening your skills and your pencil on how to increase not just your knowledge but your event revenue.
The Everyday Grind - Sunday
Courtney Turner AIFD, EMC, ICPF
Sunday, March 12, 2023
2:00 PM - 5:00PM
Are you feeling burnt out by the everyday grind? Feeling frustrated by the competition? Join me to shake things up and learn how to set yourself apart in a diverse market. Think outside the box by elevating your design style with less product, greater impact, and increased profitability. In this 3-hour hands-on class, we will discuss improving the bottom line while training your customers to buy what you
want them to buy, learn new ways to reinvent the wheel of design, and learn from each other through open discussion. Come open-minded and ready to learn!
Botanical Jewelry - Sunday PM
Françoise Weeks
Sunday, March 12, 2023
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Botanical materials have all the sparkle, movement and gesture of gems and metals. Learn to innovate jewelry design using wire as a base for rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Piece together the tiny and often overlooked bits of texture occurring in seedpods, tendrils, succulents, herbs and tropical greenhouse favorites. These adornments stun at galas, weddings and on the catwalk.
If ISFA cancels an event, registrants will be offered a full refund.
Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of an event, ISFA has the right to either issue a full refund or transfer registration to the same event at the new, future date.
Transfer Policy: ISFA members may transfer the financial value of their registration to a co-worker for no charge if written notification (to illinoisflorists@gmail.com) is given 30 business days before the event – unless specifically stated on registration materials. After that point, the transfer service fee is $25.
Cancellation Policy: Full refunds will be given with written notification (to illinoisflorists@gmail.com) outside of 30 business days before event. No refunds will be given within 30 business days of event; please plan accordingly.