NACE Educational Conference

One of the things that is so vital to the health of a professional in the event industry is continuing education. So, from July 15th - 19th, I had a chance to be a student and learn all of the new trends in food service and event production from some of the best in the business at the National Association Of Catering Executive's Educational Conference in Houston, Texas.

We had two fabulous key note speakers: Marc Summers of Food Network's "Unwrapped" and Scott Corridan of Corridan & Company Designs in Santa Barbara, CA. who also happens to be a cast member for the new season of HGTV's Design Star. Marc's topic was "Passion" and believe me - that is one of the traits you need to be good in this business - you can't just "like" it, you have to "LOVE" it. And Scott - well, what can I say about this absolutely fabulous designer?? He taps into the very psyche and soul of his clients to bring forth the most amazing, touching, spellbinding work I've ever seen -and he's got the most beautiful smile to boot!!! I also got to meet the "Cake Lady of Soho" - the unflappable and totally delightful Sylvia Weinstock - her cakes are gorgeous and her sense of humor is hilarious!!

The workshops were excellent, the food - well, basically we ate all day every day :) I met some great folks, forged new working relationships and even got to meet one of my fellow cast mates from "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" , the dynamic and wonderfully funny Steve Kemble.

If you are an event professional, consider checking out the NACE chapter in your area - to find the one nearest you, log onto http://www.nace.net/ for details.

7/7/07

Was one of the busiest days on record for weddings - and for my company also! We had the pleasure of working with two great couples on pulling together memorable celebrations.....so the team "split up" and worked our magic in two different locations in the state.

Our local CBS affiliate (WJZ-TV) interviewed me about the rush of "triple 7" weddings - here's a link to that clip: http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_188133121.html

Many congrats go out to my two couples who got hitched on this day - Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Chatmon and Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shaw..................it was a pleasure working with all of you and I wish you the best as you travel through the land of matrimony!!!

MIA

Y'all know what that means!! And yes - while I've been "MIA" here on my blog, I most certainly have been everywhere else when it comes to weddings!!!! It's so nice to know that so many of you are reading this blog - I appreciate it so much! With that in mind, I'm going to try and post more often...but there is SO much going on that sometimes, this girl is just done.........and stays away from the keyboard!!

However, I do have some wonderful tidbits and noshes to share with you.....so stay tuned!

Happy Fourth!

Enjoy your holiday!!

Power Course Workshop

I'm not only a wedding planner - but a "teacher" too! I've been offering seminars, workshops and conferences to the wedding consulting industry since 1999, and my latest installment is in the pre-production phase!

If you are aspiring to this profession, just starting out in your business or already a part of this exciting field - you might want to join me in October for my latest "Power Course" workshop. Here are a few details:

The Power Course Weekend
“Business & Design - The Basics Of Efficient Wedding Consulting”
October 6-7, 2007
The Burkshire Marriott Conference Center Hotel
10 W. Burke Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland

Registration: $375 per person before September 6, 2007
$450 per person after September 6th (based on availability - payment in full required)

Payment plans are available

Your registration includes:
All materials
Continental breakfast (each day)
Full buffet lunch (each day)
Mid-morning & Mid-afternoon snacks each day
Pre-Workshop Assignment
"Homework" (Saturday evening)
Certificate of Participation

Day 1 focuses on the "business" intracacies of the wedding planning industry
Day 2 focuses on basic wedding design & decor techniques

Hotel Accommodations:
$129 per night for a one-bedroom suite, complete with living room/dining area and kitchenette. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at (410)324-8101. Please identify yourself as attending the Power Course workshop sponsored by DIVA Enterprises, LLC.

The cut-off date for hotel reservations is September 5, 2007.

Registration forms will be available online at http://www.thebusinessofmatrimony.com/
beginning 7/4/07