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January Market Events
The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD)
The Chicago Market is thrilled to welcome AIFD’s North Central chapter’s regional meeting to our January market.
Established in 1965, The American Institute of Floral Designers is, today, the floral industry’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to establishing, maintaining and recognizing the highest standard of professional floral design.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21
Mandy Majerik, AIFD, PFCI
Saturday, January 21 | 1 p.m.
“Flirting with Boundaries”
Come prepared to look, listen and learn about flirting...Flirting with traditional concepts and transforming them, breaking normal boundaries. Make sure you, your brand and your business attract attention. As a third generation florist, Mandy Majerik tells the story of the past, present and promise for the future of the floral industry. At the age of 30, this Birmingham native has achieved many goals and experienced aspects of the floral industry seen across the world. Mandy is Mayesh’s new “Design Star” and the face of Mayesh Wholesale Florist.
Floral Design Competition
Saturday, January 21 | 2:30 p.m.
The North Central Chapter of AIFD will sponsor a design competition amongst 6-8 of their members using products from our showrooms & exhibitors. AIFD members will be judging the contest and the winner will be announced during market! Make sure to check out their extraordinary creations.
Fresh product sponsor for the Floral Design Competition: The Roy Houff Co.
Supply sponsor for the Floral Design Competition: Oasis Floral Products
Tim Farrell, AIFD, PFCI
Saturday, January 21 | 4:30 p.m.
FLOWERS...The Life of the Party!!...
Exploring principles and elements of design.
Since 2006 Tim has been a member of the Oscars design team assembled by Charisma Designs, which creates the floral designs for the Red Carpet and the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, CA for the Annual Academy of Motion Pictures Awards Show. In 2007, Tim was honored to represent the United States in the Teleflorist of the Year Competition held in Tokyo, Japan.
Fresh product sponsor for Saturday’s presentations: Baisch & Skinner Wholesale Floral Distributor
Shop Late Night
Saturday, January 21 | 6-8 p.m.
A special silent auction will be held during The Chicago Market's "Shop Late Night" on Saturday, January 21, in an effort to raise funds and awareness for Gift for Life. The Chicago-themed Shop Late Night will be held on floors 13 and 14 at The Merchandise Mart and will offer attendees Chicago-style street food and snacks while they shop the permanent showrooms and bid on silent-auction items to raise funds for Gift for Life. These include products ranging from accessories to a fully outfitted Christmas tree with a retail value of $750. Additionally, a portion of proceeds from the cash-and-carry showroom run by HCI will go towards Gift for Life. For additional details, please visit
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22
Bob Williams PFCI, AAF
Vice President, North American Operations, Smithers-Oasis Company, President, Society of American Florists, 2011-2013
Floral Industry Trends
Sunday, January 22 | 10 a.m.
Bob Williams will present key findings that will help you grow your business, including top retailer trends, demographic and purchasing trends, floral purchasing by channel, price points and how the customer defines value when purchasing flowers. By understanding the consumers’ perception of floral “value”, successful strategies for retailing can be identified. Don’t miss this exciting and revealing presentation that will likely change the way you view holidays and events – for the better!
LUNCH AND LEARN! Enjoy lunch while learning how to grow your business.
Jodi Duncan, AIFD
Sunday, January 22 | Noon
As a sought after social media savant, Jodi presents numerous programs for florists & retailers. She is a regular designer & contributor to Fusion Flowers, an international floral publication. This past March she was privileged to serve as their Royal Wedding correspondent, live-tweeting the wedding from London.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23
LUNCH AND LEARN! Enjoy lunch while learning how to grow your business.
Visual Merchandising Tips & Tricks with Bethany Lowe & Mick Santiago
Monday, January 23 | Noon
Bethany Lowe & Mick Santiago
Creating a Story by Design:
Learn how successful retailers tell their story through displays & artful merchandising.
Following the presentation please join Bethany in her showroom, Max Bentley’s Rusty Blades, showroom 13-100, where she will be signing a small gift for market attendees. Mick will also be available to answer questions and provide tips on visual merchandising.
Bethany Lowe, a self-taught artist, Founder and Creative Director of Bethany Lowe Designs, Inc., works with some of the most innovative and creative folk artists and brings their handmade designs and her own designs to the broader public. Originality and creativity continues to keep Bethany Lowe Designs, in the forefront of the marketplace, featuring the collectibles of today inspired by holidays past.
Bethany Lowe Designs was named Country Business “Vendor of the Year” for 2009.
