Indianapolis and Eventology

The earlier part of last week found me in the Circle City - Indianapolis, gearing up for an intense two days with fellow industry professionals at Eventology 10. This information-packed conference, hosted by the fabulous Katasha Butler of KSherrie +Company, was an excellent chance for wedding creatives to get together and immerse ourselves in the "science" of the wedding business.

I was honored to deliver the opening address with Ali Phillps of Engaging Events By Ali (Chicago). Instead of doing the same old routine of welcoming guests, we decided to take the "tag team" approach and utilize our unique skills to round up the troops and get things started in a big way! My "first impressions" exercise was designed to show people the "face" they're displaying to those they meet for the very first time. Enlightening? Yes. Hilarious? Even more so. Defining? Most definitely. Judging by the remarks and commentary I received - I think it was a great way to break the ice and give folks a chance to take another look in their proverbial "mirrors".

For the next two days, we had the pleasure of hearing from such luminaries in the business such as Harmony Walton, Saundra Hadley, Terrica Skaggs, Lara Casey, Nashara Mitchell and Sasha Souza. Each presenter brought their own brand of magic and reasoning to the table for all to share, peruse and ponder. I think we all have so much to review and implement in our respective businesses...I know that I do!

Many thanks to Katasha and her team for putting together such a polished event. I had a great time meeting everyone and getting to know some of the people behind the online profiles. If you are in the wedding industry, make sure to put Eventology on your 2011 calendar. It's just that good!

**photo credit: Jen Badalamenti

Whirlwind...

is an apt title for the past week and a half! Between the "I DO Brunch" and Eventology 10, to say that things have been waaaay interesting in Casa DIVA is an understatement!!

This year's "I DO Brunch" was a smashing success..judging from all of the positive feedback and commentary we've received from our attendees and vendor partners. For me, it was the culmination of a few months of meetings, planning, sweat, brainstorming and hard work. I am so grateful and thankful to have had the most amazing group of women on this planet, TeamDIVA - work with me closely on this project. Our collective energy and efforts pulled off a fabulous event for our peers and colleagues..so there are simply no words that can express my deep gratitude. The phrase "Thank You" is so common, but in this case, extremely heartfelt and true.

Within 24 hours after the start of the "I DO Brunch", I was on a plane, winging my way towards the Circle City - Indianapolis, for Eventology 10 - a professional conference for the wedding industry. Katasha Butler of K Sherrie + Company, was the incredible organizer and gracious hostess for this energetic, informative gathering. Planners and other industry professionals came from all over the country to spend two days learning, assimilating and sharing best practices and concepts. I was honored to bring the Welcome Address along with my colleague from Chicago, Ali Phillips of Engaging Events By Ali - and in our own unique styles, we "tag-teamed" the room and got the party started!!! I had a blast in Indy - it was so good to finally meet people "IRL" (in real life), that I'd only been communicating with online...nothing like putting a face to a name (or Twitter handle!).

Over the next few days, I plan to share some non-pro pics from each event along with my thoughts and insight. To be honest, I haven't had an adrenaline rush like this in a minute - and I've loved every second! Stay tuned for all of the lovely details!!!