Inspire Smart Success Experience

I am always eager to learn how to grow my business and make it better for my clients and myself. So I regularly attend conferences and networking events.



Last week, I attended Inspire Smart Success produced by Stacie Francombe. It was more than just a conference, it was an Experience. Look at all the great speakers that we got to learn from. They are top wedding and event industry planners, designers, caterers, producers, publishers, and owners of their own businesses who have been in front of or behind the scenes of television and magazines.



We took several breaks throughout the day to eat breakfast, lunch, and network with the speakers and each other.



The speakers lounged on white leather couches while taking turns telling us about their experiences and answering lots of questions from the attendees.



The view from our W Hotel ballroom was a breath taking view of Midtown Atlanta.



Towards the end of the day, we were delighted to indulge in the dessert bar.



I was so glad that I was able to be a part of this Experience!

David Tutera & Diann Valentine

Over the past few weeks I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet two very talented wedding and event designers while they were in Atlanta. To say they are only designer would be an understatement though, because they are each accomplished authors and television personalities.



First up in September was David Tutera who spoke to his audience at Che'ne Rouge about creating a wedding with personal style. He also talked to us about his TV show My Fair Wedding. It was great seeing pictures from his many past events and hearing funny stories about upcoming episodes of his show.



Last weekend it was Diann Valentine. One thing I noticed about her was that she never stopped smiling. Anyone near her could see how excited she was about what she does for a living. She gave the crowd great entertaining tips and told us about some of her celebrity clients such as Usher and Toni Braxton.



It was wonderful meeting two people that I really admire. They gave us a chance to ask as many questions as we liked and it was fun taking pictures with them.



David shared exciting news about his wedding gown collection and Diann showed us samples from her invitation collection. I can't wait to see what they each have planned next!

ABC Regional Conference

Last weekend, I traveled to Huntsville, Alabama to attend the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) Southeast Regional Conference at the Westin Hotel. I am proud to be a member of ABC, which is the oldest and largest group of wedding professionals in the world.

We enjoyed two days of wonderful activities starting with a book signing and networking session, a welcome reception, and a priceless round table discussion in our pajamas Saturday night!

Sunday's session was jam packed full of great food and wonderful speakers. First up was David Wood the President of ABC. We also heard from Shinar Hurd, Shay Freeman, and a representative from Sandals Resorts. Our headline speakers were the very talented author and wedding planner Mary Dann and author and magnificent designer Sasha Souza.

I had to take a picture of this adorable cake before they cut it. It was the perfect end to an exciting experience.

Blogging Bootcamp Atlanta

Yesterday, Nicole from Your Champagne Wishes Events, LLC marched off to bootcamp! Well not exactly marched, but I had the pleasure of attending Blogging Bootcamp and listening to Liene Stevens of The Smart Planner and Blue Orchid Designs speak.

I had a nice time learning from Liene and discussing strategy with some of the other Atlanta wedding professionals that attended. We listened, learned, had a couple break out sessions, lunched, and asked great questions.

Here is a picture of me and Liene after the conference.

Eventology 2009

Earlier this week, I hopped on a plane and headed to the Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana for Eventology 2009. Eventology is a business conference for wedding planning professionals produced by Katasha Butler of K Sherrie + Company. Knowledge is power and I am always eager to learn more to enhance my business.

The conference had three very successful wedding planner speakers. First up to speak to the group of attendees was Liene Stevens of Blue Orchid Designs and The Smart Planner.

Next we experienced the energetic Saundra Hadley of Planning Forever Events and her famous Chuck Taylor's.

Last but certainly not least, was Terrica Skaggs of Fabuluxe Inc. and iWED.

The first annual Eventology was also a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow iWED and blogger colleagues in person. A great time was had by all and I was delighted to be a part of it.