When Christi Lopez president of the Mid-Atlantic Florists Association wanted to organize the groups' 75th annual convention she worked with Dottie Harrigan as convention chair, project coordinator, and admin for the project.

Dottie was entrusted to produce ten hands on workshops - finding qualified instructors, procuring all flowers and supplies, and running the workshop rooms. As admin Dottie established and maintained the convention website, produced advertising documents, and kept all details in order and participants on task.

The two-day event boasted a full schedule with ten workshops, four stage presentations, trade fair, design contest, corsage bar, and meals.

When John Shuey of Northern Virginia Wholesale Florist decided to offer design shows and workshops in his Alexandria facility to broaden his client base, assist his retailers with a venue for continued education, and build strong relationships with his customers. He hired Dottie to:

• Select the design show topics
• Determine the workshop projects
• Find and hire the design show presenters
• Assign & schedule the teachers
• Create the marketing materials
• Work with his staff to promote the project

On the night of the first design show over 100 of his clients and potential clients were in the audience. More than 25 of those attendees began taking workshops following the design show.