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Wedding Pro Convention
Your New Wedding Business Future Starts HERE!
The wedding industry has changed. Don’t get left behind.
Engaged couples are moving targets. How you sell to them has changed, even since last year. You have new
wedding competitors trying to leap ahead of you. Come to Las Vegas and hear wedding industry giants
reveal cutting-edge secrets of how to sell to brides and grooms and stay ahead of your new competition.
Who Attends?
FLORISTS
VIDEOGRAPHERS
OFFICIANTS
BAKERIES
TUXEDO
CAKES
WEDDING VENUES
FAVORS
BRIDAL GOWNS
INVITATIONS
WEDDING DESIGNERS LINENS DISC JOCKEYS
TRANSPORTATION
WEDDING PLANNERS
DECOR RENTALS PHOTOGRAPHERS CATERERS
Register today for your Early Bird Discount - www.WeddingMBA.com
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2016
BADGE PICK-UP
Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm continuous - Las Vegas Convention Center, South Building, Upstairs
ASK AN EXPERT
NEW THIS YEAR - BONUS FEATURE!
Monday 9:00 - 11:00 am continuous - Las Vegas Convention Center, South Building, Upstairs
Bring your questions. We’ve got answers.
Most experts charge between $150 - $500 per hour, but at the Wedding MBA we’ve got it covered. How does Ask An Expert work? Move in and out of the Ask an Expert rooms to get the most of this bonus content. Write down or ask your question and stick
around for the answers. Information will be unscripted and free-flowing, without a traditional speaker at a podium format. You determine the content.
Monday 9:00 - 11:00 am continuous - Encore Room
Monday 9:00 - 11:00 am continuous - Spruce Room
Hosts: Fred and Allison Jacob, Bridescan
9:00 Meryl Snow, Senior Consultant, Catersource
9:40 Chris Evans, Owner, Bridal Business Bootcamp
10:20 Marc McIntosh, Owner, The Wedding Experience
Host: Scott Faver, Owner, Your Celebration Solutionist
Jason Hennessey, Owner, Hennessey Consulting
WEDDING SALES
SEO FOR WEDDING PROS
Monday 9:00 - 11:00 am continuous - Mandalay Room
WEDDING BUSINESS LAW
Monday 9:00 - 11:00 am continuous - Juniper Room
Host: Erin Osaki, VP of Strategic Development, Wedding Network USA
Rob Schenk, Wedding Lawyer, WeddingIndustryLaw.com
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR WEDDING PROS
Host: The Knot
Anja Winikka, Site Director, The Knot
Monday 9:00-11:00 am continuous - Willow Room
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Monday 9:00 - 11:00 am continuous - Saguaro Room
ONLINE WEDDING MARKETING
Host: WeddingWire
9:00 Alan Berg, CSP - WeddingWire
9:40 Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire
10:20 Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting, WeddingWire Education Expert
Host: Rob Ferre, Owner, Life of the Party Entertainment
9:00 Andy Ebon, Owner, The Wedding Marketing Network
9:40 Keith Kokoruz (KC), Owner, Keith Christopher Entertainment
10:20 Alan Berg, CSP - WeddingWire
WEDDING PLANNERS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Encore Room
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Encore Room
Elect Wedding Pros Who Increase Your Bottom Line
Fashion Finds, Wedding Colors, and Dazzling Décor
POLITICS OF PLANNING
Linnyette Richardson-Hall, Creative Director, Premier Event Management/DIVA Enterprises
When you contract or recommend a wedding pro, they become an extension
of you. That means you share in their glory - or get blamed for their failure.
Identify Trouble Magnets and eliminate Drama Mamas.
. Trouble signs that alert you to wedding pro train wrecks
. 3 questions to test how compatible a wedding pro is with you
. How to gracefully fire a vendor
WHAT’S TRENDING NOW
Tracey Manailescu and Danielle Andrews-Sunkel,
Owners, The Wedding Planners Institute of Coordination
Brides and grooms hire you to create shiny new wedding ideas. Book more
weddings by putting on the glitz.
. Fast fashion from catwalk to aisle
. One-of-a-kind tablescapes, themes, and escort cards
. Rich metallics that excite
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Encore Room
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Encore Room
Create Your Wedding Lifestyle Brand
Finding Your Wedding Planning Identity
PLANNER POSTS
UNIQUELY YOU
Sasha Souza, Owner, Sasha Souza Events
Deborah Moody, Director, Association Of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants
You sell the dream of happily-ever-after. Now create a social media image
that resonates with more couples.
A copy is never as sharp as the original. Stop following what other planners are
doing and start leading. Stand above the rest in the crowded planner
marketplace.
. Perfectly crafted wedding cakes, invitations, and decor
. Behind-the-scenes photos that steal the show
. Real-world mishaps and triumphs
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Encore Room
. Brand and expand your business using your strengths
. Convey your talents to your brides and grooms
. How to hire the right wedding pros
THE WEDDING PLANNER
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Encore Room
Kim Moody, Master Planner, Floral Designer
Grace Under Pressure
Wedding planner surveys report that the average planner achieves peak
income after 10 years. Unfortunately, financial realities force many planners
to abandon their dreams too soon.
Inappropriate toasts, inclement weather, and no-show vendors are enough to
give you a migraine.
Add-On Income, Day-Of Planning, Hiring A Clone
. New revenue sources that make money while you sleep
. Why day-of planning can be a money mistake
. When to add an associate
JUST A SPOONFUL OF WHISKEY
Alison Howard, Owner, Alison Howard Events
. Clever alternative solutions
. What to do with last-minute changes and when to charge extra
. When and how to set effective boundaries
WEDDING VENUES
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Cottonwood Room
First Impressions You Don’t Know You’re Making
Media Pitches That Get You In The Spotlight
CURB APPEAL
PITCH PERFECT
BB Webb, Author, Speaker, Coach And Owner, Carl House
Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting, WeddingWire Education Expert
From the front entrance to the back patio, you are sending non-verbal
messages to your brides and grooms. The power of physical space examines
reactions to light, temperature, and seasons.
Communicate a story that resonates with editors. Couples today are discerning.
They want a wedding venue that looks good in print, online, and in person.
Rethink the way you ask for coverage.
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Cottonwood Room
Insider Wedding Show Tips For Wedding Venues
Are Open Houses Worth Your Time
. How to get couples to fall in love with your property
. Tricks to play down your venue’s eye-sores
. How to close the sale on their first visit
CHAMBER OF SECRETS
. Creating newsworthy story ideas with little effort
. Clever tips for putting together a media kit
. Sample pitches that earn top media placement
TRIAL WEDDING
Marc McIntosh, Producer, The Wedding Experience
Meryl Snow, Senior Consultant, Catersource
Wedding show producers want you to succeed. Learn from a top show producer
who has worked with hundreds of venues. Get the answers to questions about
sampling, giveaways, and booth design.
Hosting an open house is time-consuming and expensive. Is there a better way
to maximize profit and make your venue accessible on your terms? Open Mic
Forum - Discuss the pros and cons of Open Houses.
. The best booth size and location
. How to make your show producer work for you
. The most common exhibitor mistakes venues make
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
TRADING PLACES
Venues And The Millennial Couple
Anja Winikka, Site Director, The Knot
VENUE VENDETTA
Choosing the right venue is usually the first and most expensive decision a
couple makes. Through our venue concierge specialists, we spent the last year
learning what moves a couple to make a decision about their wedding venue.
Battle For The Bride
Fred Jacob, President, Pink Bride Guide, Bridescan
The only way to keep score is with your bank account. Booking your 26 Sacred
Saturdays is easy. Filling your off-season takes great planning.
. How to evaluate your price list
. The social media mistake that is costing you money
. Max profit per wedding while staying affordable
. Venue research and booking insights from our annual Real
Weddings Survey
. Top questions couples ask before they schedule a venue tour
. When and where to share venue pricing
DISC JOCKEYS & LIGHTING
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Juniper Room
FIGHT THE FUNK
The Art Of A Wedding DJ
Isaac Dyckhoff, Owner, Bamboo Beats
Nathan Galvin, Owner, The Beat Booth
Do you want to take your DJ skills to the next level?
Do you want to hear couples say at the end of the night,
“That reception was epic; I danced my face off!”
. Techniques for mixing, beat matching, and blending
. Skills for taking your dance party to the next level
. How to read the crowd
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Juniper Room
AFTER THE REHEARSAL
Performance-Based Techniques For Disc Jockeys
Mike Walter, Owner, Elite Entertainment
Not all DJ’s are created equal. With the right entertainment philosophies and
innovative techniques, you will be the most-requested entertainment company
in your area.
. Tips to work with the crowd and create energy at the right moments
. Ways to stand out without stealing the spotlight
. Hidden tactics to generate more referrals
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Juniper Room
SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL
Realign The Bride’s Expectations
Keith Kokoruz (KC), Owner, Keith Christopher Entertainment
Are you burdened with clients who expect you to work on their wedding 24
hours a day? Are their expectations a barrier against your ability to perform
your job?
. Reacting to inundation of social media aspirations
. How to tell her no with compassion
. Charge the most for your time
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Juniper Room
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY
What Your Customer Experience Says About Your Business
Ron Ruth, Owner, Ron Ruth Weddings
The wedding industry is in the midst of a service crisis that has left wedding
couples disenchanted. Rebel against the status quo and give your business the
competitive edge.
. Strategic techniques to customize your client interaction
. How filling the couple’s emotional needs can power your brand loyalty
. 3 sure-fire processes that transform satisfied customers into evangelists
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Juniper Room
DISC JOCKEY MASH-UP
Open Mic Forum
Dr. Drax, President, American Disc Jockey Association
Answers to your most pressing concerns
Disc Jockey Track
sponsored by the
American Disc Jockey
Association
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Juniper Room
THE CHANGE-UP
Connecting Moments To Create Experiences
Randy Bartlett, Wedding Entertainment Director
Every wedding reception is a series of moments. If you don’t connect them
seamlessly, they become disconnected activities, rather than the emotional
experience your couples will remember.
. Transitions from difficult moments, such as acknowledgment of deceased
family members
. Gain the focus of guests after dinner
. Create excitement and applause without actually telling the guests to
clap or “make some noise”
WEDDING CATERING AND CAKES
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Mirage Room
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Mirage Room
Sales Tactics That Don’t Pan Out
How To Hire, Train, And Keep An Excellent Catering Crew
HALF-BAKED
AS THE WORLD TURNS
Meryl Snow, Senior Consultant, Catersource
Roy Porter, Owner, Engage Works
You lost another sale because she said your prices were too high. But the real
reason you lost the sale is more complex.
If every year you process 60 W-2 forms, but you only have 30 current
employees, you might have a turnover problem.
. Why it’s not about price
. A step-by-step exercise to show your value and why you are different from
your competitors
. How to define your features and benefits to close the sale
. Common hiring and leadership mistakes
. Interview questions that predict behavior
. Pay scale strategies that guarantee results
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Mirage Room
SWEET SUCCESS
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Mirage Room
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S
Divergent Themes, Food Presentations, And Wedding Menus
Vijay and Elizabeth Goel, Owners, Bite Catering Couture
Keyed-up expectations that lead to neurosis make your new generation of
clients the hardest to please. With requests for gluten-free, nut-free, and
farm-to-table menus, your creativity can become stifled.
. The 5-step creative process that makes you proud of your product profits
. Develop a balanced portfolio of recipes
. Tricks to take recipes from meek to chic
Profit From Dessert Stations And Inventive Cakes
Dana Herbert, Owner, Desserts By Dana
The wedding cake is the must-obsess-over item. To keep up with Pinterest
addicts, you must be ready to top your last design and reinvent your dessert
stations.
. Innovations in flavors and design
. Stylized glam and metallics
. Bite-sized options that wow
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Mirage Room
SPINNING PLATES
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Mirage Room
TABLE FOR 200
Are Open Houses And Tastings Worth Your Time?
Renee Miner, Chief Event Designer, Empyrean Events
Face-to-face meetings are increasingly difficult to achieve. Online reviews,
planning at work, and accessible price lists discourage couples from meeting
with you. Fight dehumanization and get aggressive.
. If you should charge for tastings
. How weddings inspire real bookings
. Effective closing techniques after a tasting
Wedding Catering and Cake Track sponsored
by Catersource and Event Solutions
Menu Makeovers
Roy Porter, Owner, Engage Works
Master the art of menu writing. If nearly-weds don’t have a clear understanding
of your menu options, they walk away before the contract is signed.
. 100 adjectives and adverbs to use in your menus
. How to motivate your wedding couples to buy your biggest money makers
. The optimal number of food choices
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Saguaro Room
PHOTOSHOP YOUR LIFE PLAN
Edit Your Day-To-Day Tasks
Vanessa Joy, Owner, Vanessa Joy Photography
Consult, shoot, edit, market, email, blog. How can photographers keep up?
Are you ready to breathe easily instead of drowning in tasks, lists, and agendas?
. Ways to keep your task list organized
. How to create a business that adds quality to your life without sacrificing
your salary
. Tricks to getting work stress off your mind
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Saguaro Room
OTHER PEOPLES’ MONEY
Get Your Up-Sells Upfront
Mark Zucker, CEO, Zookbinders
As a photographer, acquisition of a new client is the most expensive thing you
can do. Getting your upsell upfront could make the difference between barely
breaking even and making a killer profit.
. Show what you sell
. Craft your sales presentation to ensure maximum spending per wedding
. When to implement two sales meetings: pre-booking and post-booking
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Saguaro Room
PHOTGRAPHY MASH-UP
Open Mic Forum
Tabitha McCausland, Tabitha McCausland Photography
Answers to your most pressing concerns.
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Saguaro Room
SOCIAL PROOF
Make Your Photos Go Viral
Ken Rochon, Co-Founder, The Umbrella Syndicate
Photographers have the built-in opportunity to create social media buzz and great
partnerships. Learn how to create a viral campaign that makes you the hero.
. 4 key ingredients of a viral campaign
. Double-down through social media
. Which shots you must deliver within 24 hours
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Saguaro Room
I DO’S UNPLUGGED
Ban Camera Phones And Amateur Rip-Offs
Tabitha McCausland, Tabitha McCausland Photography
The guests have been invited to the wedding to share and celebrate. They
weren’t invited to take photos and post images before the professional photos
come out.
. How to politely maintain control of the wedding images
. Selling your value vs. amateur options
. Step-by-step guide to educating your clients
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Saguaro Room
REAL WEDDINGS, REAL BUSINESS
Get Published
Alison Bernstein, Vice President of Marketplace, The Knot
Rebecca Crumley, Weddings Photo Director, The Knot
A real wedding can instantly give credibility and shine a bright spotlight on a
wedding pro. How do you tell a couple’s story to get the attention of a real
wedding editor? Once published, how do you leverage a real wedding across
your paid and owned media to increase your business?
. Tell your couple’s story to get a publisher’s attention
. How social media has changed the way we source real weddings
. How to leverage your real weddings to drive more business and how
Two Bright Lights helps you easily publish to multiple sites
FLORISTS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Bellagio Room
SHE LOVES ME - SHE LOVES ME NOT
Picking And Pricing Floral Packages That Sell
Ryan O’Neil, Founder, Stemcounter
Quoting an accurate floral price 18 months out is like spotting a unicorn.
Brides compare your rose prices to a competitor’s carnations. How do you
not bid against yourself?
. Avoid being price-shopped
. Step-by-step guide to educating your brides and grooms
. Wedding florist price lists and order forms from around the country
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Bellagio Room
BLISSFUL BLOOMS
2017 Floral Trend Forecast
Kelli Walker, Owner, Country Bouquets Floral
Organic designs that still look polished. The latest in wearable floral
accessories. Waterfall bouquets with an avant-garde twist.
. How to make a floral crown, demonstrated live on stage
. Herbs, fruits, and edibles
. Field to vase details revealed
Brides and grooms are a hard sell. They pin everything they see and demand
your floral art at a ridiculously low price.
. How to craft beautiful proposals that impress
. Vast flower encyclopedia with the touch of a mouse
. Best ways to integrate technology into your floral business
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Bellagio Room
FLORAL LUXURY
Designing Walls, Chandeliers And Installations
Sarah Campbell, Intrigue Designs
A behind the scenes look at how to add the growing luxury trend of floral walls
and chandeliers to your design. This visual explosion will stretch your concept of
what is possible for weddings.
. Tips to inspire your couples and sell these luxury looks
. Tips to design a floral wall from concept to completion
. Tips to creating a lightweight floral chandelier that will wow your clients
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Bellagio Room
CHAMBER OF SECRETS
Insider Bridal Show Tips For Florists
Marc McIntosh, President, The Wedding Experience
Wedding show producers want you to succeed. Learn from a top show producer
who has worked with hundreds of floral designers. Get the answers to questions
about booth location, giveaways, and booth design.
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 PM - Bellagio Room
FLORAL-PRENEURS
Margins, Overhead, and Suppliers
Renée Roberts Kopp, Owner, Best Wedding Showcase/Celebrations
Open-Mic Forum. Answers to you most pressing concerns.
. How to make the show producer work for you
. Pros and cons to the fashion show floral presentation
. How to design a booth using less than $100 in flowers
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 PM - Bellagio Room
JUST ADD WATER
Grow Your Floral Business
Corrine Heck, Owner, Details Flowers
DÉCOR - RENTALS - LINENS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Mandalay Room
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Mandalay Room
Invest In 2017 Trends That Will Last
Large Scale Rentals and Décor
TRENDSCAPE
BEYOND BACKDROPS
Kate Patay, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Creative Coverings
Tina Moran, Owner, Oh So Swank!
Buy new inventory today that won’t be outdated tomorrow. If you weren’t
born clairvoyant, don’t worry, we do the hard work for you.
Creating a transformational space within the wedding requires big items that
rent for big dollars. Is it worth your initial investment and increased storage
overhead? How do you know when the time is right to buy more inventory?
. Globally-inspired linens
. The new vintage
. Backdrops, mirrors, and glam
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Mandalay Room
STYLIZED PHOTOSHOOTS
Details, Details, Details
Heather Benge, Owner, Heather Benge Events
Gone are the days of sharing generic wedding photos. To communicate
your creative vision to your wedding customers, you must dazzle them
with possibilities.
. Inspired themes that get you bookings
. The Do’s and Don’ts to organizing a successful shoot
. How to build relationships with wedding vendors
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Mandalay Room
CANDY COLORED DREAMS
2017 Wedding Themes
David Caruso, Owner, Dynamic Events
Our wedding trend curators collect and remix looks that resonate with
wedding couples. They shape and mold what brides and grooms think they
want into something even fresher and more innovative.
. Palm Beach Chic
. Wacky and Whimsical
. Over-the-top opulence
. When to follow trends
. ROI breakdown - How many rentals does it take to pay back items that
are purchased
. Unique décor that rents for more
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Mandalay Room
ELECTRIC KARMA
Your Guide To East Indian Weddings
Therese Cole-Hubbs, President, Electric Karma
Do you dream of planning an opulent affair? Do you have what it takes to
orchestrate a magical three-day event? Create the rich beauty of India with
wedding traditions that are famous worldwide.
. The latest trends in East Indian Weddings
. Lighting, favors, décor, and color that will dazzle your senses
. Ancient customs that are timeless
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Mandalay Room
DÉCOR MASH-UP
Open Mic Forum
Ginia Lucas, Manager, Y-Knot Party Rental
Answers to your most pressing concerns.
BRIDAL GOWNS AND TUXEDOS
. How to analyze your current lines and to make smart buying decisions
. Are your designers working with you or against you
. How to find hidden gown lines that yield your highest gross profit
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Aria Room
SALES MISMATCH
Advanced Sales Techniques
Misty Ceriello, CEO, Cameo Events
Selling is paramount to your business. It keeps the lights on, pays your staff,
and sends your child to college.
. Sales planning and preparation
. Start strong and close the bride on her first visit
. Get into her buying psyche
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Aria Room
GOWN / TUXEDO MASH-UP
Open Mic Forum
Misty Ceriello, CEO, Cameo Events
Answers to your most pressing concerns.
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Aria Room
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Aria Room
THE RUNWAY
TOO BIG TO FAIL
Create Inspired In-Store Events
Competing Against Big Box And Online Retail
Wendy Rivera, Bridal Shoppe Coach, Do You Speak Bride
Wendy Rivera, Bridal Shoppe Coach, Do You Speak Bride
Every bride wants a couture experience without paying a couture price. How do
you avoid being used and discarded before she even takes out her credit card?
. How to stand out in a crowded marketplace
. Marketing on a limited budget
. Social media that works
Have you considered an in-store fashion week? Do you have a florist,
photographer, caterer, bartender, and DJ on speed dial? Construct an
experience unlike your competitors.
. Are trunks shows profitable
. How to get TV crews to feature your business
. The everything guide to inspiring an on-the-spot sale
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Aria Room
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Aria Room
PRÊT-À-PORTER
SUITS ME JUST FINE
Don’t Drown In Inventory
When And Why To Add Menswear
Erin Bouchard, Co-Owner, The Boss Society
Janice Yoder, Co-Owner, The Boss Society
Tim Moran, Sales Manager, Jim’s Formal Wear
Overstocking your store can undervalue what the bride really wants. Most
bridal store owners fall into the trap of allowing the manufacturer to decide
how much inventory they should have in their stores.
The men’s formal wear industry is fighting the battle against new online
competition. To effectively compete and win, you need an expert on your side.
. Current threats and solutions
. How to create the millennial experience
. Buying vs. renting
INVITATIONS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Venetian Room
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Venetian Room
Embellishments, Textures, and Trends for 2017
Bridal Luxury Ideas
INVITATION INSPIRATION
STATIONERY BLISS
Tifany Wunschl, Owner, Gourmet Invitations
Eddy Martinez, Owner, Stationery Bliss
Invitations are the window into the wedding. Get a peek into wedding invitation
trends for 2017.
Wedding couples that want a standard 5x7 invite go online and order. Clients
that demand different; call you. Design what other retailers cannot and create
what has not been done before.
. What a custom invitation client really wants
. Suppliers that can make any dream come true
. How to incorporate acrylic, metal, mirror, wood, and velvet
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Venetian Room
. Modern, interactive, and trend-forward designs
. How to win celebrity clients
. Add-ons for weddings, parties, and Mitzvahs
SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Venetian Room
Erin Burkhard, Owner, Be In Love Designs
Get Engaged Eyeballs To Your Website
From conception to completion the process of designing an invitation can be
grueling. Lay down the framework to save yourself time and money.
Kerri Sydell, Owner, Nora Belle Custom Designs
Advanced Guide To Closing The Invitation Sale
. What your clients should pay before they see your custom design work
. How many changes should be included in your fee
. What you need to add to your contract now
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Venetian Room
THE EYES HAVE IT
Online invitation competition is fierce. Once you’ve attracted an engaged
couple to your website, you only have moments to impress them.
. How to differentiate your invitations from the rest
. Which key words really drive traffic to your site
. What you can do that the big companies can’t
CUT TO THE CHASE
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Venetian Room
Josh Eisen, Owner, Mountaincow
Open-Mic Forum
Stay ahead of your competition with laser focus and insider perspective. The
wrong printer or invitation software can cost you precious profit potential.
Erin Burkhard, Owner, Be In Love Designs
Best Printers, Cutters, Techniques, and Software
. Affordable, reliable printers for invitations
. Software comparison pros and cons
. Techniques you’ve never seen before
INVITATION MASH-UP
Answers to your most pressing concerns.
BEAUTY
. How to identify and manage a troublesome bridesmaid or mother
. Excessive demands, changes, or even being asked to start over…how to
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Cosmopolitan Room
TRIAL MARRIAGE
keep your cool no matter what
Closing The Sale After The Hair & Makeup Trial
Amanda Perry, CEO, Lou Stevens Glam Squad
Selling keeps your makeup bag and bank account full. Learn from sales
blunders that are all too common in the beauty industry.
. Verbiage that will get her to book on the spot
. Techniques to lock in her entire wedding party
. Serendipitous challenges and solutions
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Cosmopolitan Room
BEAUTIFUL STRANGER
Turn New Leads Into Customers
Lou Stevens, Owner, Lou Stevens Glam Squad
Everyone wants to look stunning on their wedding day, but are they willing to
pay top dollar for your packages? Do your brides ask for prices, then slink
away into the sunset without another word?
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Cosmopolitan Room
. How to know your value and what to charge
. In-person, phone, and email phrases that pay off
. How to convert bridal show leads into bookings
INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY TRENDS
Hair And Makeup Must-Haves of 2017
Megan Garmers, Owner, MG Hair And Makeup
Brides always say, “I want to look like myself, only better.” Learn how to
translate her beauty vision into a version that matches her unique look.
. How to incorporate vibrant shades and brands that flatter any skin tone
. How to give your bride the ‘wow’ factor without going over the top
. Learn about the latest hairstyle trends and accessories straight from the
runways of NYBFW
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Cosmopolitan Room
THE UPDO DO-OVER
A New Twist On 2017 Looks
Jordan Segna, Owner, Hair By Jordan
Romance and whimsy top her must-have list. Finding a style you can both
agree upon can be a challenge.
. The newest face-flattering hair styles
. Intricate techniques shown step-by-step
. Time-saving tricks
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Cosmopolitan Room
MAKE ME LOOK LIKE TAYLOR
Managing The Bride’s Expectations
Jennifer Trotter, Owner, Lip Service Makeup
A successful beauty team needs to navigate a unique set of issues beyond just
painting faces or styling hair. On the wedding day, emotions and expectations
run high. At times, you are expected to be a makeup artist, a mind-reader, AND
a miracle worker.
. Foolproof ways to interpret and execute Pinterest, Instagram, and
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Cosmopolitan Room
BEAUTY MASH-UP
Open Mic Forum
Amanda Perry, CEO, Lou Stevens Glam Squad
Answers to your most pressing concerns.
celebrity-influenced looks
OFFICIANTS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Luxor Room
ORDAINED FOR SUCCESS
Increase Your Ceremony Booking Rate
Laura Cannon, President, IAPWO
Wedding Officiants are often the least-valued wedding professional, even
though they hold the most important role. It’s time for a change!
. Communicate your value to engaged couples and other wedding
.
.
professionals
How to get top dollar for your service in any market
Identify and target your ideal client
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Luxor Room
OFFICIANTS BY POPULAR DEMAND
Insider’s Guide To Getting The Referral
Laura Cannon, President, IAPWO
Bethel Nathan, Owner, Ceremonies by Bethel
Wedding planners, venue owners, and even other officiants can serve as the
life-blood to your business.
. How to build lasting relationships that inspire referrals
. How to get on a venue’s preferred vendor list
. Unlikely connections that will boost your sales
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Luxor Room
VOWS THAT WOW
Words From This Day Forward
Bethel Nathan, Owner, Ceremonies by Bethel
The words that are shared during the ceremony have the opportunity to inspire
and engage. Your couples want personalized vows that are different from their
friends and fit who they are.
. Moving ceremony content and components
. Ideas for all couples and family situations
. A logical and efficient process that creates a touching ceremony
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Luxor Room
RELIGIOUS BLENDING
Managing Inter-Faith Ceremonies
Alan Katz, Owner, Great Officiants
She wears a cross; he wears a yarmulke. Now what?
. Traditions that inspire unity
. Honoring both faiths
. A new spin on old traditions
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Luxor Room
THE AISLE STOPS HERE
Difficult Wedding Pros, Zip Line Ceremonies, And Controversial Vows
Diana Moran, Owner, Elvis by Diana
Every day brings a fresh surprise in the life of an officiant. New people,
new experiences, and new expectations keep you alert and ready for your
next adventure.
. Successfully interface with wedding pros that give you a migraine
. Perform ceremonies in unique destinations
. What to do when the wedding makes you cringe
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Luxor Room
OFFICIANT MASH-UP
Clint Hufft, Celebrity Officiant
Answers to your most pressing concerns.
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Spruce Room
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Spruce Room
Share Live Video On Multiple Social Platforms
So Uncle Bill Thinks He’s A Videographer
ENGAGE ME
YOU’RE FIRED
Julie Albaugh, President, Wedding Market News
Chip Goolsby, Storyteller, Godfather Films
Finding the right content to place on all social platforms can be challenging.
Learn how to edit live video post-productions to place on multiple social
platforms. Social platforms reward video posts with an immense online boost.
As long as there has been wedding video, the first hurdle has always been,
“Why should I pay for a professional?”
. The best apps
. Optimal video lengths for different platforms
. Take advantage of being at the top of the feed
. Which scenes to show, that you know Uncle Bill can’t shoot
. Clever use of wedding day testimonials
. The radical “on-spec” approach
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Spruce Room
THAT’S A WRAP
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Spruce Room
DOCTOR KNOW
Closing The Video Sale
Diversify - The Prescription For Success
Saiaf Abdallah, Owner, Saiaf Films
John Goolsby, Owner, Godfather Films
1980 saw the introduction of the first consumer camcorders. With this
invention, wedding video evolved.
. What happened to change Cannon Video into Godfather Films
. How John diversified in AV rental, photo booths, and live streaming
. Outside-the-box approaches to non-profit and commercial clients
Sales ensure that you can keep doing what you love. To many videographers,
getting the booking is the hardest and most-feared task.
. Videography deal-killers
. A new take on selling the “Why video?” question
. Sweet add-ons that cost you very little
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Spruce Room
EYE IN THE SKY
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Spruce Room
CUTTING ROOM FLOOR
Must-Have Videography Gear For 2017
Editing Your Wedding Video Business
Matt Sutherland, President, Matrimony Films
Stephanie Yun, Owner, Ace of Hearts Films
Every professional wedding videographer faces challenges. How do you find
songs that your brides like, but are still legal to use? What is the best crossplatform digital delivery for your videos? How do you handle the new trend of
venues creating publications (at your cost) instead of preferred vendor lists?
. Resources for licensed and public domain music
. Should you “pay to play” on the new preferred vendor lists
. Drones - what you need to know
Video technology is evolving at light speed. New competitors have already
leap-frogged to the next level. Your choices are limitless, but your budget has
boundaries. How do you choose the right time to upgrade your wedding video
gear investment?
. Upgrades that aren’t worth the investment
. Top brands road tested
. Accessories that won’t break the bank
PHOTO BOOTHS
Monday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Willow Room
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE BOOTH
Why Photo Booth Companies Fail - Mistakes To Avoid
Monday 4:00 - 4:20 pm - Willow Room
OUTSIDE THE BOX
Creative Business Strategies To Drive Growth In Your Photo Booth Business
Mike Fazio, Owner, Snapbooth Entertainment
Becky White, Owner, Innovate Photo Booth, Idaho Photo Bus, Treasure Valley Photo Booth
When websites advertise that you can make an easy $100+ an hour…When
the barrier to entry is minimal…When even your dentist has a photo booth.
How do you compete?
Simply having a photo booth is not enough. Whether you are a veteran photo
booth operator or brand new to the industry, learn strategies to re-evaluate,
reinvent, and re-engage your business by thinking outside the box.
. How to embrace your crazy side
. Creative and unique photo booth solutions to bring your brand to life
. Developing the mindset to go beyond the “We are doing OK’ performance
Monday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Willow Room
Monday 4:30 - 4:50 pm - Willow Room
Open Mic Forum
Solve The Photo Booth Mystery
. Decide what overhead is unnecessary
. How to compete in a saturated market
. Pricing - Stop your race to the bottom
PHOTO BOOTH MASHUP
BOOTH SLEUTH
Dr. Drax, President, The Photobooth Association
Scott Faver, Owner, Your Celebration Solutionist
Answers To Your Most Pressing Concerns.
Photo booths are not the new chocolate fountain. The photo booth “fad” has
evolved over the last 100 years. The guest experience should begin the moment
they get in line, not just when they get in front of the camera.
. How to hire talent, not operators
. Techniques to create a red-carpet experience
. Selecting props that tell a story
Monday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Willow Room
PHOTO BOOTHS ON FIRE
Red Hot Sales Techniques
Sid Vanderpool, Owner, MME Event Group
You lost another sale because they said your prices were too high. But the real
reason you lost the sale is more complex. In the world of photo booths,
wedding couples make their decision based on your packages and prices.
. Real-life price list comparisons
. Make your business service-based, not product-driven
. Photo booth sales techniques
Monday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Willow Room
REBOOT
Seamless Software That Interfaces With Most Social Media
Chris Meyer, Owner, The Slow Motion Booth
We live in a generation of impatience. Two-day shipping is no longer fast
enough, now its two hours. Brides and grooms want to post their photo now.
. Top software company comparisons
. Plan B when your online connection fails
. How to leverage social media for your photo booth company
MONDAY 6:00 PM
HAPPY HOUR HOSTED BY
TUESDAY MORNING
Tuesday 8:00 - 8:15 am - Cottonwood Room
Tuesday 10:00 - 10:45 am - Cottonwood Room
Marc McIntosh, Owner, The Wedding Experience
Modern Marketing And Advertising For Your Business
WELCOME TO THE WEDDING MBA
DEATH OF A SALESMAN
Tammy Elliot, President/CEO, Perfect Wedding Guide
Tuesday 8:15 - 8:45 am - Cottonwood Room
Buyers today are only a click away from comparing competitor prices and
availability. Wedding couples don’t feel the need to drive to your location to
meet with a salesperson. How do you advertise to a consumer that is immune
to most marketing and advertising?
THE VERDICT
Avoid Four Common Wedding Industry Pitfalls
Rob Schenk, Wedding Lawyer, WeddingIndustryLaw.com
The legal struggle is real. Lawsuits and trials against wedding vendors happen.
In The Verdict, Wedding Lawyer Rob Schenk analyzes four common wedding
industry legal pitfalls and explains what you can do to stay out of court.
. Your right as a vendor to photograph an event for marketing purposes
. What a Liquidated Damages Clause means to you and your money
. How to identify your client in the Devil’s Triangle
. Big business strategies that translate to your small business
. The best way to cut through the clutter online
. The science behind buying decisions
Tuesday 11:00 - 11:45 am - Cottonwood Room
THE WIZARDS OF OZ
Follow The Yellow Tech Road
Tuesday 9:00 - 9:45 am - Cottonwood Room
Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire
Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire
SHOW ME THE MONEY
The Knot Entrepreneurial 9
Carley Roney, Co-Founder, The Knot
How do you stay bold, relevant, and successful in the world of weddings?
Carley shares the 9 ingredients to Entrepreneurial success.
. How a well-defined mission guides your business to greater success
. Leverage connections that boost your brand
. Behind-the-scenes posts that connect you to your customer
Technology plays an important role for every wedding business. But it’s easy
to get overwhelmed balancing the trendiest tech with your tried-and-true past
resources. If tech can make you feel lost, come see the WeddingWire Tech
Wizards. They will help you find your way home to the most important tools for
your business.
. How technology is revolutionizing the wedding industry
. Business tools to help you book more weddings and impress your clients
. Sonny’s 10 tech trends to watch
TUESDAY LUNCH
We recommend you stay on-property for lunch.
There is simply not enough time for you to leave the building without missing something!
Exhibit Area Food
Sabroso, Butcher Block, Quiznos, Nathan’s, and Steampunk Joe’s
Downstairs Food
ACES Restaurant and Starbucks
TUESDAY AFTERNOON – EXHIBITS
WED-CON EXHIBITS
12:00 - 6:00 pm
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
TUESDAY AFTERNOON - EXHIBIT STAGES
Tuesday 12:00 - 12:10 pm - Exhibit Stage One
Tuesday 1:00-1:10 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
We Help Wedding Professionals Reach More Brides & Book More Weddings.
Online video creation platform.
BOOK MORE WEDDINGS
. Get better results from your website
. Learn easy methods to get more inquiries
ANIMOTO
. Create professional videos in just minutes with content you already have
. Stand out on social media with marketing videos that drive business
Tuesday 12:00 - 12:10 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
Tuesday 1:15-1:25 pm - Exhibit Stage One
Our Photo Booths have been at the forefront in sales and innovations
since 1997.
Supplier of crystal candelabras, cake stands, napkin rings, chair backs,
and more.
DIGITAL CENTRE AMERICA
. How venues can capitalize on the photo booth market and
.
increase revenue
The truth about photo booths: quality, service, and software
FITZ DESIGN
. Crystal Incredelabras component system makes candelabras and more
from one kit
. Diamond ribbon elastic embracers and super-sized foam flowers
Tuesday 12:15-12:25 pm - Exhibit Stage One
Tuesday 1:15-1:25 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
Manage your business on the ultimate all-in-one platform.
An online platform and mobile app for wedding and event creatives who want
to stay organized, save time and increase revenue.
17 HATS
. Organize the mess and get all the tools you need in one place
. Optimize your client relationships and get the help you need to grow
Tuesday 12:15-12:25 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
EMZARA
We connect planners to rent exclusive event properties worldwide.
. Improve your sales with 5 controversial and tested tips
. Utilize the sharing economy and EMZARA.com to give your clients
more options
Tuesday 12:30-12:40 pm - Exhibit Stage One
WEDDINGDAY
A fun, all-inclusive platform for simplified wedding planning.
. Conduct your business on our cloud-based application
. Streamline your planning with easy organizational tools
Tuesday 12:30-12:40 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
NATIONAL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION
Eliminate unnecessary fees associated with electronic transactions.
. The best way to choose a payment processor
. Make the most out of new financial technology like Apple pay and
EMV chip cards
Tuesday 12:45-12:55 pm - Exhibit Stage One
MARKEL EVENT INSURANCE
An easy and affordable insurance solution for your clients.
. Reduce your venue’s liability risk if an event guest is injured at your location
. Provide a quick and easy liability Certificate of Insurance solution for
your clients
Tuesday 12:45-12:55 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
WEDSPIRE
Wedding Planning Marketplace - book and manage curated vendors.
. Create a visual FREE storefront to showcase your brand & services
. Easy tools to seamlessly manage your orders and inventory in one spot
HONEYBOOK
. Save yourself 3 weeks of time on admin tasks and create custom proposals
5 times faster
. Save 2 hours a week sending and collecting invoices
Tuesday 1:30-1:40 - Exhibit Stage One
TO ROMANCE WITH LOVE
A Cookbook for Lovers and Those Who Want To Be.
. An affordable and fun Thank You for your brides and grooms
. Personalize your gift with a signature label and a wedding wish designed
for that special couple
Tuesday 1:30-1:40 - Exhibit Stage Two
WEDDING PROTECTOR PLAN
Cancellation, postponement, and liability insurance for weddings to protect a
couple’s wedding investment.
. Save the day (and your reputation) by recommending wedding insurance
. Add value by knowing what crazy wedding day disasters can occur
Tuesday 1:45-1:55 - Exhibit Stage One
FOTO XL
Capture the journey to the wedding and maximize your income.
. Share every memory from engagement to honeymoon
. Foto XL includes trivia, fundraising, song requests, and capture of client
data for marketing
Tuesday 1:45-1:55 - Exhibit Stage Two
ZIPWHIP
Text message from your existing business phone number!
. Create efficiency in communications by texting without having to use
personal mobile phones
. Provide higher levels of customer service by having the communication
method your clients prefer
Tuesday 1:00-1:10 pm - Exhibit Stage One
STEAL MY WEDDING DAY
Affordable advertising for canceled weddings and events.
. Fill last-minute event slots
. Resell your cancelled wedding or event
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
TUESDAY 2:00 PM
Some wedding trends are envied, some respected, and others simply tolerated.
Navigating through what designs will actually sell puts more money in your
pocket.
Tuesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
SHE’S JUST NOT THAT INTO YOU
When The Fortune Is NOT In The Follow-Up
Alison Howard, Owner, Alison Howard Events
You meet with perspective clients. You really hit it off. But you don’t hear back
from them. Sound familiar?
. How many times you should follow-up
. How millennials make buying decisions
. When follow-up mirrors desperation
. Original design vs Pinterest looks
. Inspiring decor
. A style that sets you apart
Tuesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Spruce Room
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
A Plan For Everything
Alan Katz, Owner, Great Officiants
Tuesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Juniper Room
LIMITLESS
Everyone has a plan. That is, until they are blind-sided by the unexpected.
How To Seize Passive Income
Susan Southerland, President, Just Marry/Expert, Perfect Wedding Guide
Service-based industries struggle to increase their income. Every client you
booked equals endless hours of labor. Eventually, there are no more hours in the
day. Breaking through that income ceiling doesn’t have to be a difficult process.
You can make more money by making a few simple changes, or invest more
effort, and cash in on greater rewards.
. Get paid for things you already use
. Change your marketing platforms to sell merchandise
. Create a “Cult of Personality” that encourages sponsorships and advertising
. Quick reaction strategies
. What to do when couples break the rules
. Train your staff as superior problem solvers
Tuesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Willow Room
JAWS
Swimming With The Sharks
Traci Brown, Body Language Expert
Join Traci on her Shark Tank journey from the initial pitch to the infomercial.
Persuasive techniques to get sharks into your life and keep deals alive, even
when it looks like failure is imminent.
. How to uncover secrets hidden in plain sight
. Achieve agreement in high-stakes situations
. Push through when the chips are down
Tuesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Saguaro Room
IN VOGUE
Aspirational Wedding Styles
Sasha Souza, Wedding Mastermind
TUESDAY 3:00 PM
Tuesday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
WEDDING CASHERS
How To Maximize Your Bridal Profits
Alan Berg, CSP - WeddingWire
Want to sell more in less time? Of course you do. But there are things we all
do that get into the way. Find out some easy things you can do that will help
you increase your closing rate and your bottom line.
. The most important thing you need to be doing
. Get your customer to tell you exactly what they want
. Entice couples to reply to your emails
Tuesday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Juniper Room
DIVERGENT
Stand Out From Your Wedding Competitors
Jason Spencer, Founder, Profithood Academy
Your worst sales nightmare is becoming a generic wedding vendor. If you can’t
differentiate your service from your competitors, you are a commodity. A
commodity has no pricing power, and your profit margin becomes a race
to the bottom.
. The two most influential words in the world
. The Shrimp Bowl Effect that gives wedding pros the ability to charge a
premium
. How to package your service
Tuesday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Saguaro Room
BOILER ROOM
Sales For Wedding Pros
On paper, selling is simple. In real life, brides demand price lists without
meeting you, compare bridal show booths without saying a word, and only
respond to text messages. How can you sell when she treats you like a robot?
. Why the ABC rule is a myth
. Things you should never say in a sales meeting
. How to use failure as a stepping stone
Tuesday 3:00 - 3:45 pm - Spruce Room
A FEW GOOD MEN AND WOMEN
Secrets Of Small Business Leaders
Linnyette Richardson–Hall, Creative Director, Premier Event Management/DIVA Enterprises
Super bosses are confident, competitive, and imaginative. A good leader
motivates employees to do the impossible…daily.
. How to boost your leadership skills
. Three types of super bosses
. How to hire staff with stamina
Tuesday 3:00 - 3:45 PM - Willow Room
AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER
Staying Top Of Mind In Your Market
Peter Merry, The WED Guild
The acid test of your services is referrals and endorsements. They turn one
wedding into five new sales. Stay remembered with a strategy for ongoing
engagement long after the wedding day.
. Post-reception feedback survey questions
. Collect and leverage audio and video testimonials
. When and how to raise your prices
Chris Evans, Owner, Bridal Business Bootcamp
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
TUESDAY 4:00 PM
Tuesday 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
Tuesday 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Saguaro Room
Convert Online Traffic Into Real Bookings
Inventive Ways To Market Your Business On A Budget
DRIVEN
FREE AND CLEAR
Jason Hennessey, Owner, Hennessey Consulting
Casey Eberhart, Owner, Networking Riches
Google updates their search algorithm over 200 times per year. Keep up
with Google and watch your customer base increase.
Discover the simple, powerful marketing strategies every business can afford to
implement. Making the right connections in unexpected places can take your
wedding business to new heights.
. Website conversion tools and techniques
. Capture, track, and convert prospects into customers
. Tricks to bring targeted traffic to your website
. Internet-based and creative off-line ideas
. Social media power tools
. 7 steps to double your contacts
Tuesday 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Juniper Room
INSTA-WED
Tuesday 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Spruce Room
Tabitha McCausland, Owner, Tabitha McCausland Photography
Style Driven
Instagram links you to socially-connected brides and grooms. Don’t
know where to start?
Lisa Stoner, Owner/Designer, Lisa Stoner Events
READY TO WEAR
Instagram Wedding Profits
. 3 ways to use #hashtags on Instagram
. How to create an Instagram contest
. Tips to attract geo-specific followers
Branding goes far beyond websites, marketing collateral, and your business
card. It starts with the first impression. Studies show a correlation between
personal appearance and small business success.
. 5 looks that keep you chic, and 1 that will get you fired
. The newest looks through a live fashion show
. The best ready-to-wear resources
TUESDAY 5:00 PM
wedding pros on Google mobile search? These mobile myth-busters will help
you embrace the mobile revolution and provide easy tips to connect with more
clients via mobile devices.
Tuesday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
GHOSTBUSTERS
Who You Gonna Call (or Text or Message)
Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire
Spooked by smartphones and SEO? Tired of dealing with couples who seem
scared of a phone call? Ready to capture more couples looking for their
. The best way to reach and impress today’s mobile-first clients
. How investing in mobile tech, responsive sites, and SEO can improve your
business
. The top business and wedding industry apps to download
WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM
Wednesday 8:00 - 8:45 am - Cottonwood Room
Wednesday 8:00 - 8:45 am - Saguaro Room
When Everything Comes Together Right
Blogging For Profit
THE PERFECT STORM
PULP FICTION
John Goolsby, Owner, Godfather Films
Julie Albaugh, Owner, Wedding Market News
Multiple income streams can save your business when the economy takes a
dive. When the Great Recession hit, John adapted by re-naming, re-branding,
and refreshing his wedding video company.
Feeding the content monster is exhausting. Content creation and curation can
become so overwhelming that we talk ourselves out of writing an article before
we even begin.
Wednesday 8:00 - 8:45 am - Juniper Room
Wednesday 8:00 - 8:45 am - Spruce Room
Pay-Per-Click That Gets Results
Lightbulb Moments
. How to handle tough emotional situations and wedding day disasters
. Learn career-changing strategies
. How to truly enjoy your wedding craft
THE NET
. How to get qualified new followers and increase organic traffic
. Valuable content ideas
. How to pass the re-share test
DAY TO NIGHT
Mark Chapman, CEO, Everett Andrew Marketing
Jeremy Brech, Owner, Jer Events And Lighting
This year’s brides and grooms are harder to reach through paid ads than ever
before. You’re spending valuable money on PPC and you want more bang for
your buck. Your ad campaigns can only do so much; but with the help of
several key tools you can turn up the heat and leave your competitors in
the dust.
Nothing transforms a space like the right lighting. You can turn a plain venue
into a radiant environment.
. How to save time and money with this untapped tool
. Create more calls and leads using Unbounce landing pages
. Track each visitor’s every move with this unknown app
. How lighting affects the way the cake, linens, photos, video, décor, and
flowers look
. The best way to work with planners to turn vision into reality
. 2017 lighting trends
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM
Wednesday 9:00 - 9:15 am - Cottonwood Room
Wednesday 9:00 - 9:15 am - Saguaro Room
5 Things You Should Be Doing Now
Targeted Facebook Ads
SEO FOR MOBILE
SAVING FACE
Jake Reed, Product Manager, The Knot
Andy Ebon, Owner, The Wedding Marketing Network
Today, the majority of searches are happening on mobile. Don’t let
Mobilegeddon make you give up on raising your search ranking.
The best thing about advertising on Facebook is your ability to target specific
groups of highly-engaged people. Compared to the average online reach of
only 38% of narrowly-targeted campaigns, Facebook is 89% accurate.
. How changes in Google’s mobile algorithm is impacting your ranking
. 5 non-negotiable changes to make your website mobile friendly
. Tips to create content and boost your search ranking
Wednesday 9:00 - 9:15 am - Juniper Room
. How to get the most out of your advertising
. Where to find wedding couples and their parents online
. How your ad should differ across different devices
CHAMPAGNE TASTE
Wednesday 9:00 - 9:15 am - Spruce Room
Tina Moran, Owner, Oh So Swank
Network Like A Genius
Turn low-dollar weddings into platinum-level ROI for you. Create budgets that
are realistic, profitable, and keep the clients on-track.
Kyle Brock, Co-Founder, Elite Wedding Team
Dr. James Shorter, PR, Elite Wedding Team
FULLY BOOKED
Beer Budget
. How to build the wedding budget
. Frequently-forgotten line items
. Budgeting the up-sell
It’s not what you know. It’s who you know. And how you network. Most wedding networks are just periodic complaint fests that waste your time. Hear how
you can boost your business with a brilliant new way to network.
. When your preferred vendor list is too long
. If relationships are better than leads
. Why free is not always ideal
WEDNESDAY 9:30 AM
Wednesday 9:30 - 9:45 am - Cottonwood Room
Wednesday 9:30 - 9:45 am - Spruce Room
How To Find The Brides And Grooms
Revisit 1980’s Trends
THE BIG KAHUNA
PRETTY IN PINK
Alan Katz, Great Officiants
David Caruso, Dynamic Events by David Caruso
According to The Wedding Report, if the wedding couple meets you face-toface, your closing ratio is 87%. But how do you find them in the first place?
They’re baaaack. The 80’s called and have returned to the wedding scene
re-mixed. Think beyond neon colors and jelly shoes. See why these styles from
the 80’s are fresh again.
. The most common marketing failure
. How to spend your advertising money
. The truth about online ads, bridal shows and industry referrals
Wednesday 9:30 - 9:45 am - Juniper Room
WORD UP
Make Your Website Text A Winner
Alan Berg, CSP - WeddingWire
Whether you’ve just launched your website or it’s been up for years, the text
in your site has a major impact on how it helps or hurts your success. From
optimizing for users and search engines, to improving the conversion and user
experience, a well-worded site is a must.
. How optimizing for users also helps your SEO
. Is First Person (I/me) or Third Person (we/us) better for your site
. A free Google tool to help you choose the right words
Wednesday 9:30 - 9:45 am - Saguaro Room
. Color & Style - Taking rad inspiration from colors, patterns, and textures
. Décor - From baby’s breath to tulle, how to use these passé details with a
modern-day twist
. How to use entertainment to influence the vibe at a wedding
Wednesday 9:30 - 9:45 am - Willow Room
THE BIG SHORT
Accounting, Overhead, And Profitability
Vijay & Elizabeth Goel, Owner, Bite Catering Couture
Wedding professionals work hard for their money. Rising overhead costs can
destroy your profit margins.
. How to organize your books to see where your profits are really
coming from
. 5 myths that prevent your company from achieving its income potential
. How simple sleuthing yields big returns
THE PROPOSAL
Speed Up The Closing Process
Leslie Wong, Director of New Market Business Development HoneyBook/Wedding Spot
. Saying “yes” shouldn’t feel like work. Learn how to apply the concept that
.
.
made Amazon a $250 billion company, and has radically changed the way
your clients buy from you. You will walk away knowing how you can remove
‘work’ for you and your clients and close faster than ever before. How to
use automation to reduce time spent on the proposal
Tips to curate your proposal so you’re showing prospective clients the
right stuff
How to seal the deal in seconds by making mobile your best sales tool
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
WEDNESDAY 10:00 AM
MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
. Re-purpose blog posts into video content in minutes
. Easy ways to convert your current web traffic into email leads and
Jennifer Trotter, Owner, Lip Service Makeup
. The latest tool to compile, schedule, and re-use social medial posts to
Wednesday 10:00-10:15 am - Cottonwood Room
customers
Get Paid What You’re Worth
Wedding business owners feel pressure to discount their products and services,
especially during slow season. How do you win big contracts and not leave
money on the table? . The best way to minimize price haggling
. Magic phrases to convince clients of your value
. How to use positive manipulation and mirroring
increase brides’ interest
Wednesday 10:00 - 10:15 am - Spruce Room
THE VANISHING ACT
Netiquette For The Tech Age
BB Webb, CEO, Carl House
Technology has changed the way we behave as we communicate less face-toface. Modern etiquette in a fast-paced, impersonal society lacks direction.
Wednesday 10:00-10:15 am - Juniper Room
SMALL BUSINESS - BIG PAYCHECK
The Characteristics Of A Six-Figure Wedding Business
Shane McMurray, CEO, The Wedding Report
Everyone wants to make more money. A bigger paycheck for you means
security, vacations, and the ability to continue doing what you love. Without
a big paycheck your business lives in jeopardy.
. The process it takes to become a 6+ figure wedding business
. Behaviors of those who are barely making it
. How to become a Wedding One-Percenter
Wednesday 10:00 - 10:15 am - Saguaro Room
. What you need to stop doing when sending an email
. Social media boundaries
. Rules for yourself and your employees
Wednesday 10:00-10:15 am - Willow Room
THE SHAWSHANK TAX REDEMPTION
Fear Holds You Prisoner - Knowledge Sets You Free
Jason Spencer, Founder, Profithood Academy
Death and taxes are life’s only certainties. Nailing your annual tax liability
requires planning and discipline. An unexpected tax bill is the bane of an
entrepreneur’s bottom line.
. Effortlessly save money you will owe to Uncle Sam
. Rethink your primary bank account
. A write-off that actually hurts you at tax time
NINE TO FIVE
Grow Your Business Without Working Overtime
Danielle Tate, Owner, MissNowMrs.com
Are you trying to do it all in your business? Are you curious how to scale your
company using common sense and undiscovered business tools?
WEDNESDAY 10:30 AM
Wednesday 10:30 - 10:45 am - Cottonwood Room
Wednesday 10:30-10:45 am - Spruce Room
Smart Sales For Event Pros
Apps For Wedding Pros
YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH
Mitch Taylor, Gitomer Certified Advisor
Not happy with your closing rate? Are you listening to what really mattered?
Are you asking the right questions? Learn how to create a buying atmosphere,
transfer emotion, value, and earn more.
. How to ask the question that get the couple to think
. 2 biggest roadblocks in listening to your clients
. Why you need to STOP closing and start doing something else
THE ’APPENING
Fred Jacob, Owner, BrideScan
. Does modern technology owe you an apology for monopolizing your time?
Let these apps make it up to you. Get a little bit of your time and a whole lot of
your sanity back. Apps to print from your phone or tablet
. Website refresh without worrying about coding
. Game-changing invoice apps
Wednesday 10:30 - 10:45 am - Willow Room
Wednesday 10:30-10:45 am - Juniper Room
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Ten New Ideas For Your Blog
Rob Ferre, Owner, Life of the Party Entertainment
Andy Ebon, Owner, The Wedding Marketing Network
The wedding industry is like being on a high school campus, complete with
cliques, mean girls, geeks, and rumors. How do we graduate from the high
school mentality and create professional collaboration?
SHORT CIRCUIT
Kill the nightmare of the blinking cursor and win the battle against writer’s
block. Consistent blog articles transform you into a wedding industry resource
for wedding couples and pros.
. How to create conversations that lead to bookings
. Should you include guest bloggers
. How to integrate content and interviews
From High School Drama To Broadway Production
. How to change the way you do business with vendors
. A new approach to creating relationships
. How to synergistically raise your bottom line with like-minded wedding pros
Wednesday 10:30 - 10:45 am - Saguaro Room
DIFFERENTIATING DETAILS
Click-Worthy Trends
Heather Benge, Owner, Heather Benge Events
Today’s couples spend hours researching the look of their wedding. They pin
1,000 photos for inspiration, but when it comes to nailing down a real plan,
you have to step in.
. Most common detail failures
. Small items that make a giant impact
. Robust color palettes of 2017
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
WEDNESDAY 11:00 AM
Storytelling is as old as mankind. IMAX was once just a picture on a cave wall.
Your ability to convey an engaging story makes your business more relatable,
appealing, and persuasive. The under-utilized power of stories drive a bride
and groom’s decision making.
Wednesday 11:00-11:45 am - Cottonwood Room
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Millennials On Demand
Steve Dziedzic, Director of Product, The Knot
From eBay to Uber, millennials conduct all of their purchases within mobile
marketplaces. How can businesses keep up with the expectations of on-demand
customers to drive engagements to booking? Steve explains how mobile
marketplaces have become a destination for millennials.
. How the rise of digital marketplaces have changed millennial purchasing
.
.
behavior and expectations
What millennials look for when considering your business
Content mistakes that drive them away, and how to improve things now
Wednesday 11:00 - 11:45 am - Juniper Room
ROYAL PAINS
Dealing With Difficult Brides
Susan Southerland, President, Just Marry/Expert, Perfect Wedding Guide
When the realities of planning a wedding clash with your clients’ expectations,
your sweet couples can become royal pains. You can often prevent this from
happening and recover when it does. Learn the skills to easily deal with
difficult clients.
. How to set clear expectations to avoid conflict
. Ways to keep control when conflict arises
. To identify and diffuse troublemakers
Wednesday 11:00 - 11:45 am - Saguaro Room
EVER AFTER
The Art Of Story-Selling
Ron Ruth, Owner, Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment
. How to give your brand an irresistible voice
. Methods for crafting stories that move clients to take action
. The damage caused from letting others control your story
Wednesday 11:00 - 11:45 am - Spruce Room
SAME-SEX COUPLES
The Real Story
Kathryn Hamm, Education Expert, Gayweddings.com, WeddingWire
Over the past 20 years, much of the general understanding of same-sex
wedding trends has stemmed from anecdote, intuition, and misinformation.
Understanding the real story of planning a gay or lesbian wedding is key for all
wedding pros.
. Industry-leading analysis of the latest LGBTQ wedding trends survey
. Ways that same-sex weddings are different
. How the wedding landscape has changed since the one-year anniversary
Wednesday 11:00 - 11:45 am - Willow Room
SLIDING DOORS
The Science Behind Better Decision Making
Clint Hufft, Celebrity Officiant
Remember when you chose your business location, hired a new employee, or
selected the right advertising. Such decisions are inherently complex. Examining
the pros and cons of each choice can be overwhelming.
. When it’s safe to rely on your intuition
. Why indecision is worse than making the wrong decision
. Prep you should do before taking the leap
WEDNESDAY LUNCH
We recommend you stay on-property for lunch.
There is simply not enough time for you to leave the building without missing something!
Exhibit Area Food
Sabroso, Butcher Block, Quiznos, Nathan’s, and Steampunk Joe’s
Downstairs Food
ACES Restaurant and Starbucks
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON – EXHIBITS
WED-CON EXHIBITS
12:00 - 6:00 pm
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON - EXHIBIT STAGES
Wednesday 12:00 - 12:10 pm - Exhibit Stage One
Wednesday 12:30-12:40 pm - Exhibit Stage One
The art of custom invitations, from design to assembly.
. Bring designer-grade invitations to your clients
. Align with us to expand your services and revenue
Studio management software for event florists.
. Write accurate recipes, identify weak margins, order appropriate floral
quantities, and organize production
. Impress clients and planners with branded correspondence that is easy to use
WEDDINGS BY CARUE
ULARAS
Wednesday 12:00 - 12:10 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
SQUARE
Wednesday 12:30-12:40 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
A mobile credit card processor and POS.
. Accept credit cards anywhere and get paid fast
. Send invoices and setup recurring payments so you never miss a sale
Wednesday 12:15 - 12:25 pm - Exhibit Stage One
MISS NOW MRS .COM
THE SLOW MOTION BOOTH
Putting photo booths to shame since 2013.
. See Chris get a pie in the face and learn the magic of slow motion
. Manage guest lists, build timelines and collaborate with others
Wednesday 12:45 - 12:55 pm - Exhibit Stage One
An online name-change service for brides.
. How to create buzz about your business using small gifts
. Solve the #1 problem brides face after their weddings
Wednesday 12:15 - 12:25 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
ALLSEATED
Free collaboration network for planning events.
. Easily build floorplans and view in 3D with the click of a button
. Manage guest lists, build timelines and collaborate with others
Wednesday 12:45 - 12:55 pm - Exhibit Stage Two
CHAMELEON CHAIR COLLECTION
We’ve got the look for the hip, chic, or classic bride.
. Create and select the perfect chair cover in a rainbow of colors and fabrics
. Seating is easy with Chameleon; offering versatility, style and comfort
MOUNTAINCOW
Helping venues, planners, and designers offer high-end print services on-site.
. Quickly print eye-popping menus and place cards with light colors on dark stocks
. Design and offer personalized keepsakes including water bottles and foil
guest book
WEDNESDAY 1:00 PM
Wednesday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
Wednesday, 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Saguaro Room
Your Guide To Five-Star Reviews
50 Weddings - 50 States
COMPOUND INTEREST
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Ken Rochon, Co-Founderr, The Umbrella Syndicate
Anja Winikka, Site Director, The Knot
Newlyweds’ online reviews are what Nearly-Weds believe about your quality,
reliability, and skill. Potential customers have the social proof that you are
the best.
The Knot challenged wedding pros from around the country to share
quintessential weddings from every state in the U.S. See local trends that will
inspire next year’s wedding styles, décor, food, flowers, and fashion.
Wednesday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Juniper Room
Wednesday 1:00 - 1:45 pm - Spruce Room
Wedding Pros Sales Games
Picture Perfect Promotion
. What to do when you get a less-than-perfect review
. How to leverage five-star reviews to get onto preferred vendor lists
. Scripts that get you flawless reviews every time
QUIZ SHOW
. Stellar trends from around the country
. How to partner with your community of wedding pros
. Ways to access and feature photos to become a wedding market expert
FRAME BY FRAME
Meryl Snow, Senior Consultant, Catersource
Ricky Stern, Owner, Ricky Stern Photography
Weddings cost more than your customers ever anticipate. Convincing them that
you are worth it presents its own set of challenges. Sit back and watch teams
compete in this wedding whirlwind.
Is your visual brand as good as your product or service? Do couples need
persuading at the meeting, or are they already sold? Do you want to take
control of your imaging message?
. Better answers to the most common and bizarre sales objections
. Sales role playing (don’t worry, participation is optional)
. Sales scripts that work
. How to select images that result in more sales
. High contrast lighting (no pro equipment needed)
. The three most common image mistakes and their simple solutions
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com
WEDNESDAY 2:00 PM
Making the wrong hiring decision wastes a considerable investment of your time
and money. A new hire can either breathe life into your business or drain your
bank account and energy. Witness an onstage live interview.
Wednesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
CHAIN REACTION
Blow Up Your Branding
Marc McIntosh, Owner, The Wedding Experience
Have you noticed that the ‘look’ of your company isn’t as good as the work that
you produce? Do you find yourself apologizing to prospective customers for
your website or your marketing materials? Perhaps it is time to freshen up, or
even blow up, your branding.
. A step-by-step strategy to brand better and make the sales process
seamless
. Five simple and low-cost ways to improve your branding
. The marketing message checklist that every wedding business owner
must see
. How to attract top talent in your specialty
. How to ask the right questions
. Sample ads, applications, and telephone screening techniques
Wednesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Spruce Room
ENDLESS SUMMER
Create Wedding Adventures Here And Abroad
Dee Gaubert, Owner, No Worries Event Planning
Tying the knot in a far-flung locale is romantic. But it requires more planning
skills than just a plane ticket and hotel. Whether your couple chooses a wedding
site with a two-hour drive or a 14-hour flight, this is Wedding Planning Plus.
. Plan rustic retreats, sea-side escapes, and European get-aways
. How to gain and leverage overseas contacts
. Exchange rates, cultural differences, and security concerns
Wednesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm, Juniper Room
CONFETTI
Reception Trends
Tina Moran, Owner, Oh So Swank!
Are you tired of over-used table names? Does the mention of rustic chic make
your eyes roll? Does the thought of burlap give you hives?
. Trends in food and beverage, themes, décor, color palettes and technology
. Creative venues and unique floor plan trends
. Unique details that create a memorable
Wednesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Saguaro Room
Wednesday 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Willow Room
FAST FORWARD
Easy Peasy Video
Vanessa Joy, Owner, Vanessa Joy Photography
If you’re ready to harness the power of video and slideshows, join Vanessa as
she take you through the easiest way to create media perfection for the social
network world.
. Upload and organize photos and videos
. Publish videos to your audience
. Choose styles and music
THE INTERVIEW
How To Hire The Right Person
Mike Walter, Owner, Elite Entertainment
WEDNESDAY 3:00 PM
WED-CON EXHIBITS
Exhibits open until 6:00 pm
WEDNESDAY 4:00 PM
What happens backstage before the speakers are introduced? See exclusive
behind-the-scenes video from the Wedding MBA Cottonwood Green Room.
Hear sound bites from one-on-one discussions with speakers just before they hit
the stage.
Wednesday 4:00 - 4:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
Undercover In The Wedding MBA Green Room
John Goolsby, Owner, Godfather Films
WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM
far away! Your online presence is a huge part of your success. Create a strong
social media presence on top sites, collect great online reviews, and leverage
them to reach engaged couples. Impress clients and stand out where couples
are planning their weddings the most.
Wednesday 5:00 - 5:45 pm - Cottonwood Room
STAR WARS
May The Social Force Be With You
Sonny Ganguly, CMO, WeddingWire
In a galaxy far, far away…social media drives sales, voices of past clients linger,
and a new app can change your business in an instant. Well, maybe it’s not so
. Which social media sites are best to find newly-engaged couples
. How to build your brand through social media and reviews
. The latest social networks to watch
WEDNESDAY 6:00 PM
HAPPY HOUR HOSTED BY
Register by the Deadline for your Early Bird Special
www.WeddingMBA.com