It’s been about a week since I blogged last and for that I apologize! A headache has incapacitated me for just over a week now, but I feel I MUST blog after my day! Thankfully, my headache subsided long enough for me to attend the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) Heartland Regional Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri! And let me tell you, I’m glad I didn’t miss out! It was a very informative day with lots of awesome presenters including Lacy Branch Events, Engaging Events by Ali, Always a Bridesmaid and Splendid Communications.
LACY BRANCH EVENTS. St. Louis planner, Lacy Branch, kicked off the meeting with a piece on finding your niche and discovering who your bride truly is a.k.a. your “flavor!” Not all event planners are the same and not everyone has the same bride, so it’s important to find out who your “flavor” is and focusing on attracting that type of bride…something I will certainly be keeping in mind for the future!
ENGAGING EVENTS BY ALI. Next up was our first keynote speaker, Ali Phillips from Engaging Event by Ali out of Chicago, Illinois. Ali led us through some of the newest and best design trends in the wedding industry including ceremony and design trends. Plus, she shared lots of great photos from several of her more than impressive events – did I mention she’s done over 250?!?
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID. After an amazing lunch, our next keynote speaker was Xochitl Gonzalez from Always a Bridesmaid in New York City. Xochitl walked us through one of the most important aspects of having a wedding planning business, Public Relationships…not just Public Relations. It’s all about building relationships while getting your name out there and promoting what you do best!
SPLENDID COMMUNICATIONS. The meeting wrapped up with an educational presentation from Liene Stevens from Splendid Communications in Phoenix, Arizona. Liene gave us the 101 on social media with a focus on integrating blogs, Twitter and other social media into your business marketing plan. We learned about the six blog myths plus great tips on building your brand!
All in all it was a great event and a terrific learning experience for me, not to mention I got an opportunity to meet some of my event industry peers from all over the midwest! My hat goes off to Lacy Branch and Lisa Zweifel of St. Louis for putting it all together! I’m just sad I missed the welcome reception which included, from what I hear, an amazing signature margarita!
Now I leave you with my favorite quote of the day, from Shay Freeman (an ABC Master) out of Little Rock, Arkansas – “I would rather apologize for price than quality.” Words to live by the in wedding business!
P.S. In the end, I decided to join the Association of Bridal Consultants too! Good move I think! 
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It was so much fun! The tables were gorgeous, at lunch and breakfast. What a treat.
Is your head full of ideas as well?
Most definitely! Mostly marketing ideas.
Ashley, we are so glad you could attend. Love this post!! I am thrilled that you enjoyed our lineup of speakers. It is so important and beneficial to keep up to date with what is going on.
I hope all of us continue to find our niche. St Louis is an amazing market of talented planners, we just need to remember that all of us are unique just like our clients.
Ps…Sorry about your headache, that is no fun I know
Thanks Lacy! I was so happy to be able to make it. I learned a lot and I am really looking forward to networking with other planners, especially since I am still so new on my own!
And unfortunately the headache is still here, but hopefully gone SOON!!
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you were able to come and hear the amazing speakers. I can’t wait to get started planning our next local ABC meeting. See you there!!
Great blog Ashley! So glad you enjoyed ABC!
Ashley, Great blog post, it was so great to meet you at the ABC conference. Keep up the great blog writing and let me know if you need any help along the way!
Thanks Ali! It was great to meet you too! I see why you’re such a big inspiration to Kristin now!