2011 AIFD National Symposium ‘Imagine’ San Francisco, July 4-9

DREAM – CREATE – SHARE…

During the summer of 1967 thousands of people came together in San Francisco to share a magical, cultural phenomenon. Their simple goals were to dream, create and share. Their icons were flowers and they were known as "Flower Children." Forty-four years later we will gather in San Francisco, where we will "Dream, Create and Share."

HOW TO GET THERE…

You have two options when flying into San Francisco: The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the Oakland International Airport (OAK). We recommend that you check out the flights to both airports in your search for the best fares. The two airports are nearly equal in distance from the IMAGINE hotel and both are served by mass transit (BART). Yes, it is relatively easy and inexpensive ($8-$10) to take BART from either airport to the Symposium Hotel. However, if you have lots of luggage, it may be best to take a taxi (approximately $40-$60). For complete directions and instructions visit the Bart website. From either airport take BART to San Francisco City and exit at the Powell Street Station, look for the Fourth Street exit sign. You will exit onto Market Street about 1/2 block from Fourth Street. The hotel is at 55 Fourth St., about two blocks away. Check the link to the Powell St. Station for a map and information.

SYMPOSIUM ATTIRE

If you're coming to San Francisco, be sure to "wear some flower in your hair" and bring a jacket too. While July daytime temperatures are very pleasant and usually sunny, nighttime temperatures do drop into the 50s. Bring warm clothing if you plan to explore the city.

Proper attire for most symposium programs is "comfortable, business casual." There are several events where other clothing is appropriate. Suggested attire for the Awards and Induction Dinner is cocktail dress and coat & tie. Suggested attire for the elegant Leadership Gala Dinner is black tie and evening gown. Be sure to dress as a "Hippy from the Sixties" for the Opening Reception. And, you will want a warm jacket for the early morning Flower Market Tour.

FRIEND & FAMILY CONCIERGE DESK

A special feature in the IMAGINE symposium is the "Friends and Family Concierge." San Francisco is a very popular destination city for vacations, and many of you will be bringing friends and family with you for a "working" vacation. A group of Bay Area AIFD friends under the leadership of Dianna Vigil AIFD have volunteered to maintain a "Friends and Family Concierge." This is a desk where you can ask questions and gather information about where to eat, sights to see, shopping suggestions, directions to a museum, fun things for kids to do as well as how to use the public transportation system. Yes, there will be fireworks in San Francisco on July 4. Your "Friends and Family Concierge" can suggest the best viewing spots, as well as special tours and cruises on the bay. Need advice now? E-mail us: jimvigil05@comcast.net.

SYMPOSIUM PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

Photography and videotaping of any kind are not permitted during any of the main stage presentations. There will be an allotted time directly after each presentation for autograph signing, video and floral design viewing.

Source: American Institute of Floral Designers