Design competitions

[lori042499]

I am really interested in the design competitions. Years ago there used to be an FTD or TF sponsored design competition in Boston every year, but hasn't been in quite a few. Most of the competitions are very far away from me and I can't afford to, number one, be away from my business that long, number two, the expense in flying or staying overnight or two.

Does anyone know if there are any one day design competitions in the MA, NH, RI or CT area? I am in MA and can close for one day or get someone to babysit shop for a day for something business related..

 

[RWK]

There are always competitions as part of your local state associations - check with them first.....If you don;t know if your state has a florist association, then call other shops within your state and talk with them...sooner or later you will find a member florist within that state.

Secondly - there are the regional associations - Southern Retails, OFA, National Florist Association

There may be other opportunities: In 2004 - AIFD National symposium in New York - They had a design competition - " The Holland Cup" - Grand prize was a trip for two - all expenses paid - trip to Holland.

 

[lori042499]

There are always competitions as part of your local state associations - check with them first.....If you don;t know if your state has a florist association, then call other shops within your state and talk with them...sooner or later you will find a member florist within that state.

Secondly - there are the regional associations - Southern Retails, OFA, National Florist Association

There may be other opportunities: In 2004 - AIFD National symposium in New York - They had a design competition - " The Holland Cup" - Grand prize was a trip for two - all expenses paid - trip to Holland.

Here in MA, we do not have a state assc. I did however find out that AIFD will be here in Boston in 2010...My goal will be to get ready for that...I would like to get a few competitions under my belt and brush up on the stuff I learned in College design wise. I still have all my books.. I do have some friends here that can help critique me and give me tips on my weak areas...Now just to find some competitions close by...

 

[Rhonda]

Maine State Florists and Growers Association will be having two such competitions. One Sept 16th? (Sunday) in Bangor Maine as part of our Annual Fall Show featuring James Miller AIFD "The Magic Of A Designer's Hands" (James is the "hands" that show you the how to's in Florists' Review Magazine).......assisted by Talmage McLaurin AIFD and Ann Jordan AAF AIFD mmfd. At the Bangor Motor Inn in Bangor Maine. There will be a design competition with the winner of the judges choice named "Designer of the Year". I can send you the information if you would like. We currently have two member shops from Massachusetts and they both have designers currently taking our Maine Master Floral Designer course for certification.
Our spring show will be in April 2008 in Rockport Maine (tentative as of today) and there will also be a design contest at that show. Bangor is probably 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Boston, Rockport probably about 2 1/2 hours to 3 hours.
Again, if you wish more info, please let me know and I'll email you a flyer on the Fall Show and/or info on MSF&GA.