An AIFD question

[SpringCity]

If a designer (me) goes to Kansas City next year and tries out and makes it, what happens since I already know in advance my weekend of the Symposium in 2010 (when you get inducted) is already booked with another convention, non floral related???
Do I have to wait till '11 to even try or do people ever get inducted in absentia?

Of course this is all assuming I'd make it, I may have to wait till '11 anyway.

 

[CHR]

Once you've passed the AES, you do not have to be present at the AIFD induction ceremony to become a member.

 

[SpringCity]

Well that was easy! Thanks Cathy.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

Once you've passed the AES, you do not have to be present at the AIFD induction ceremony to become a member.

Do you have to wait a whole year before you can say you're AIFD???

 

[CHR]

Yes. You can't use the letters or logo until after your induction ceremony, but you CAN send out press releases about passing AES.

 

[shannonlovesflowers]

Thanks Cathy! You're a rock star!

 

[greenfairy68]

Yes. You can't use the letters or logo until after your induction ceremony, but you CAN send out press releases about passing AES.

Cathy,
I've always wondered "why" and no one has explained it to me. It (the one year wait) was the most excruciatingly slowest year of my life!

 

[RWK]

Cathy,
I've always wondered "why" and no one has explained it to me. It (the one year wait) was the most excruciatingly slowest year of my life!

I wrote to Tom Shaner at AIFD Headquarters and asked him. This is what he wrote back.

Ricky.....this has been a long-running issue. Technically, its simply that they have not been inducted. We are considering moving the AES to a March time frame to shorten the time between notification and allowing someone to use AIFD. The Board has held firm on this issue. There is concern that it would take away from the thrill of induction.

Tom​

 

[greenfairy68]

Thanks Ricky...I guess that's why. I don't agree but it's an explanation.

deb

 

[lori042499]

That would make a huge amout of sense as it is all about the pomp and circumstance....I think it would lessen the thrill...

 

[BJBouquets]

Robin, I understand your time conflict with the Boston Symposium, but if I passed AES, I would sure hate to miss induction. There's a formal dinner dance that's all about YOU! All the other members are celebrating your success and welcoming you into the fold. It's a very special night.

 

[SpringCity]

Yeah, that would be a bummer to miss. But I will be in San Antonio that weekend, and that's a firm plan. Well, it's something to think about!

 

[Carol Bice]

Robin, I understand your time conflict with the Boston Symposium, but if I passed AES, I would sure hate to miss induction. There's a formal dinner dance that's all about YOU! All the other members are celebrating your success and welcoming you into the fold. It's a very special night.

BJ stated this very well. Even after all these years, I still revel in the delight of Induction Night. It was so beautiful to see so many people celebrating in honor of us and they seemed genuinely happy for us to be inducted.

I recommend you do everything in your power to be there. I promise, it is worth it.
Carol Bice

 

[SpringCity]

Well if I decide that it'll have to be '11/'12 then. That seems so far away but I know it really isn't. Hey if I open a shop this year it may have to wait till then anyway. I guess I'll keep moving forward and see where life takes me and what's supposed to happen.