Jay Schwanke to lead hands-on workshop at AIFD Southern Conference
Jay Schwanke to lead hands-on workshop at AIFD Southern Conference
“Botanical Bliss 2015,” the American Institute of Floral Designers Southern Chapter Conference, takes place April 10-12 in Homewood, AL, and will feature a three-hour, hands-on workshop led by Jay Schwanke, chief executive officer at uBloom.com. Schwanke will discuss his designs; tips and techniques used, and will also share his experiences of traveling the world.
Mandy Majerik, owner at Hothouse Design Studio in Birmingham, AL, and co-chair of the conference told The Produce News that about 100 people are expected to attend the event.
“The show will be very comprehensive,” said Majerik. “A local linen company that serves the southeast [Graceful Tables] will be talking about current trends in table linens; an entrepreneur [Jim Watkins, “Mr. Popsicle Man”] will share business concepts and branding; and our headliner [Schwanke] will be discussing where to source flowers, unique varieties, local sourcing and farm-to-table.”
Other instructor/designers include Jodi Duncan, floral artist from Evansville, IL, a marketing and merchandising specialist; Stacey Carlton, freelance floral artist from Oxnard, CA, showing wedding trends; and Michael Derouin, director of floral design at McArdle’s in Greenwich, CT, teaching techniques for creating dramatic designs and ways to reach corporate clients.
There will also be a student design competition, a cocktail reception, a president’s dinner and award presentations.
For more information, visit www.aifd.org.