Real Closing Techniques for Wedding Venues During Difficult Times - Alan Berg CSP, Global Speaking Fellow
If they don’t choose your venue, you could lose thousands. To stay out of the red, you must sharpen your sales skills.
When objections are buying signals, and how to handle them
Closing skills at wedding expos, open houses, and venue tours
Help your couples avoid decision paralysis
The Good Place
Social Media That Wins Virtual And In Person Site Visits - Kinsey Roberts, Host, She Creates Business
Your wedding couples swoon over many ‘Gram-worthy wedding locations before they set up a venue tour. Not only are they trying to impress their guests, they also strive to make their followers drool. Level up the social media wow factor at your venue with these simple fixes.
Consistent visual branding tips
Social media that turns likes into sales
A how-to guide to organize and execute your posts
No Vacancy
Events That Fill Your Weekdays - Shannon Tarrant, Founder, Wedding Venue Map
Most venues fill up their Saturdays, but struggle to book events on the other days. If the rest of your week isn’t filled, your venue is leaving money behind.
How-to guide for corporate packages in wedding venue spaces
Market to more than just engaged couples
Curate an email list to stay connected
Marketing For Venues
Venue Marketing Secrets You Wish You Knew - Scott Crumpton, Owner, White Stone Marketing
Looking to increase your revenue in the coming year? We know the digital marketing recipe for success after 25 years of testing, refining and implementing for thousands of lodging and event venue properties across the nation.
The Recipe for Revenue
The 10 Marketing Strategies of Successful Venues
Focus your marketing efforts for the greatest ROI
The Amazing Venue Race
Profit More With Fewer Weddings - Dona Liston, Owner, Lambermont Events
Owning a venue is expensive; you have to pay your staff, suppliers, and property maintenance before you pay yourself. When there are many choices for venues and fewer overall weddings, the odds might be against you. Get ready to win more weddings.
Net more revenue from each wedding
Maintain your prices in a competitive market
Venue tours that ensure bookings
The Pandemic Plan
Owning A Venue Just Got Real - Bill Zaruka, President, Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet
Owning a venue has never been easy...but the last 9 months have been brutal. It’s time to get real and discuss the 10 Ps of the pandemic and how it has impacted wedding venues.
Handle postponements, delayed, or delinquent payments
How to better prepare for any crisis
Ways to thrive after the pandemic
Venue Questions And Answers
Your Problem Solved - Bill Zaruka, President, Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet
Venues right now have more questions than ever before. After hearing from venues across the country we have compiled a list of venue questions including: marketing, sales, pricing, design, food, compensation, finance, customer service, and hiring. No venue topic is off limits.
Maximize the number of booked events for 2021
Increase revenue per event
The 10 most common venue questions answered
Step Away From The Plate
Dining With A New Twist - Fausto Pifferrer, Co-Founder, Blue Elephant Catering
Going to a wedding shouldn’t be scary. Make sure the guests feel comfortable with your new physically distant food service. Stay stylish with an interactive and fun dining experience for your guests.
Seamless reception timelines
Cocktail hour reimagined with new health guidelines in place
Butlered and grab-and-go food trends for 2021
Venue Association
Network And Discuss With Other Venue Owners - Fred Jacob & Joe Rare, Owners
The Venue Association is designed to offer wedding venues an opportunity to share and learn from one another. It allows venues to support and seek guidance from other venue owners in the wedding industry.
Increase Your Planner Revenue In 2021 - Megan Gillikin, Owner, A Southern Soiree Wedding & Event Planning and Weddings For Real Podcast
As a planner you are staying busy rescheduling wedding dates and reassuring stressed out wedding couples that you have solutions. But how much of your time is spent creating new income for your wedding business?
Planner revenue streams that tie into your core offerings
Take a quiz to determine your planner super power
Ten ways to diversify your income
The Art Of Wedding Coordination
Produce A Successful Event Every Time - Terrica, Chief Planner & Designer, Cocktails & Details
Great weddings are not only planned; they are executed and managed. You know a planner must be a quick problem solver, mediator, producer, and team player. Rock a proven planner system that highlights your talents and guarantees event success.
Tips for a dynamic and in-depth timeline
What to include in your event management contract
Wedding day pitfalls to avoid
Your Net Worth
Planner Price Lists And Competitors - Sasha Souza, Owner, Sasha Souza's Consultancy For Creatives
You may have started your planner business for reasons that had nothing to do with money. But if you’re not charging enough, your business won't be around for long. How much is enough? We uncover hidden factors and help you calculate that magic number.
Maximum price vs maximum profit
Profit margins on high-end and budget weddings
How to really look at your competitor's prices
Scary Wedding Stories
Wedding Planner Covid Nightmares - Renee Dalo, Owner and Lead Planner, Moxie Bright Events
You wake up in a cold sweat after a night of fitful sleep. Did the caterer increase the guest count after the latest RSVPs? Was the florist able to match the cantaloupe accent color for the centerpieces? Did the venue remove the ugly wall hangings from the entryway? You have your plan together. What about everyone else?
When the couple keeps changing their minds
Fixes for both big and small nightmares
How to show them that you're the boss
Planner Preview
The Next Florals, Installs, And Linens - Andrea Eppolito, Owner, Andrea Eppolito Wedding and Events
Designs are getting bigger and more extravagant for next year. It’s time to put Pinterest away and construct a dream of your own.
The hottest florals and linen pairings
Affordable designer-quality installs
Details that grab their attention
Swipe Right
Match With Your Best Wedding Couples In Challenging Times - Amber Anderson, Owner, Refine For Wedding Planners
As a planner, the difference between loving your job or hating it depends on choosing the right wedding couples. You didn’t leave your 9-to-5 corporate life to be overworked and underpaid by less-than-ideal clients. You have the right to interview your couples to determine if they are a fit.
Red flags that scream no
Pre-qualification and sales interview process
Reject the wrong clients with grace
Minute To Win It
The Psychology Of First Impressions - Andrea Eppolito, Owner, Andrea Eppolito Weddings and Events
First impressions last much longer than the 30 seconds they take to create. Snap judgements are not always accurate, but they endure. How can you make sure your non-verbals actually communicate that you are the pro they should hire?
Dining With A New Twist - Fausto Pifferrer, Co-Founder, Blue Elephant Catering
Going to a wedding shouldn’t be scary. Make sure the guests feel comfortable with your new physically distant food service. Stay stylish with an interactive and fun dining experience for your guests.
Seamless reception timelines
Cocktail hour reimagined with new health guidelines in place
Butlered and grab-and-go food trends for 2021
Back For Seconds
Gain Referrals From Wedding Pros And Clients - Aleya Harris, Food & Beverage Industry Expert & Business Growth Strategist
Referrals are the most cost-effective way to generate new catering business. Yet, asking for referrals can feel awkward. Take the pain out of the process and get more pre-qualified leads from people you trust.
Best times to ask for a referral
How wedding pros decide which caterers to recommend
Preferred List mistakes
Love at First Site
The Art Of Food Photography - Jennifer Gilman, Owner, Flourish&Co
The numbers don’t lie. Millennials are known to photograph impressive meals. Socially-savvy caterers adjust their menus to include foods that look good on smartphones. Great food photos aren’t just images. They are a stealth marketing strategy.
Apps, tricks, and tools to build a food image library on your phone
Which images on your proposals increase your average sale
Social media tags that boost bookings
Champagne WIshes And Caviar Dreams
Profitable Catering And Customer Profiling - Roy Porter, Activities Director Engage Works and Catersource Ambassador
What is your typical catering customer profile? Which couples are spending the most money with your company? How can you tell which customers need more of your time and attention? This session is devoted to real world data-driven marketing. The method is simple yet sophisticated and uses methodology called RFM+ Analysis.
Three key performance indicators and the RFM process
Determine top performing menu items
Checklist of targeted catering opportunities in the post-COVID world
Site Unseen
Caterer's Guide To Site Inspections - Roy Porter, Activities Director Engage Works
The look of venues are changing to outdoor venues and private residences. With new locations for 2021 there are checklists to instill and new action plans follow. Make sure your catering business is prepared for anything.
Wedding cakes may be forever, but couples demand more than the traditional slice at the reception.
Presentation ideas that make your confections even more decadent
Dessert and drink pairings
International fusion desserts
Branded Business
The Importance Of Branding - Meryl Snow, Owner, SnowStorm Solutions
As a creative, many factors keep your business afloat: your products and services, social media profiles, website, and team. Your brand brings together all the pieces in your business plan and creates a cohesive and consistent experience for clients, partners, and team members. A good brand captures your personality, company values, and (most importantly) the ideals of your wedding couples.
Evaluate your client experience
Prioritize authenticity
Get specific with your couples
Rules Of Engagement
Selling Weddings During And Post-COVID - Meryl Snow, Owner, SnowStorm Solutions
You read the news and your stomach drops. Today’s headlines can and will impact the decisions you and your wedding couples’ make for their weddings. It’s time to think about what their needs will be post-COVID. The selling game has changed. Get ready to play with the new rules.
How to install a feeling of safety during the sales conversation
Create Your DJ Identity - Artem Lomaz, Owner, NinetyThree Entertainment
Every DJ has a brand, whether intended or not. Your brand rules your business. A strong, identifiable personal brand elevates your company and lifts you above your competitors.
Develop your authentic personal brand
Signs your brand is obsolete
Attract your ideal customers with strategic branding
Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe
Is Your Digital DJ Brand Fresh Enough - Staci Nichols, Owner, SanDiegoDJStaci.com and WeddingBizConsultant.com
Why do some DJs consistently attract sexy clients and venues? It’s in the branding. If your vibe is salesy, stuffy, or outdated, you are silently turning away amazing gigs...regardless of how talented or experienced you are.
Examples of real mobile DJ brands
Simple writing tricks to make your website pop
Get inspired and stand out
Turn It Up To 11
Increase Your Revenue With Multi-Ops - Mike Walter, Owner, Elite Entertainment
Many DJs fill up their Saturdays, but struggle to book events on the other days. Now you feel like all you do is turn down business for those same days... and it’s painful. There is a better way.
Recruit and train the best talent for your growing DJ business
Emcee training intros, audience participation, mixing, and music history
Non-competes and employees vs subcontractors
Ahead Of The Curve
Jump Ahead Of Your DJ Competitors - Chris Washburn, Owner, Washburn Entertainment
Nothing is as essential to the wedding reception as the DJ...except maybe the wedding couple. You create your newlyweds’ experience through words, music, and events. You have the power to take hold of your audience and only let go after the last song. Are you ready to learn techniques that will increase your value, raise your image to a celebrity-like level, and have clients choose their date based on your availability?
Add a new spin to intros, first dance, cake cutting, and exits
Incorporate video for max emotional impact and set you apart
Fresh ideas for the next generation of weddings
On The Record
Top 3 Ways To Improve Your Creativity On The Decks - DJ Hapa
As a wedding DJ it’s easy to get in a creative rut. Without an endless stream of new ideas most of us end up reusing sets and forget to put the music first.
File organization strategies that save your time and sanity
Music theory, develop hot cue strategy, and creativity mixing
Echo out and cold start for effective tempo and vibe change
Music Maker
Create Your Own Edits, Mashups, and Custom Mixes - Dan Quinn, Owner, DQB Entertainment
We have access to a wide range of music sources, but to create something unique can really blow couples’ minds and raise the bar for what is expected from a DJ...and it isn’t that hard to do.
Techniques such as warping and drum loops to make smooth intro edits out of those hard-to-mix tracks
Create seamless short edits for special dances, and add crystal clear vocals for special moments
Learn easy-to-use production techniques that can be used in the DAW of your choice- from GarageBand, to Logic Pro, to Ableton Live
Upsell Your Floral Packages - Sarah Campbell, Owner/Lead Designer, Intrigue Designs, Sponsored by Curate
Selling lavish and over-the-top floral installations is a dream for florists and wedding designers. Knowing where to start and how to sell these looks is a big challenge. During this visually inspiring session Sarah Campbell (Seen on Netflix "The Big Flower Fight") shares her techniques for selling these big designs with confidence.
Attract clients who want large scale design
Add big design to Mirco Weddings
Best ways to use visuals to increase total floral spend
Social Stems
Instagram, FB, And Pinterest For Florists - CeCe Todd, Owner, CeCe Designs
You know couples look online for floral ideas. How do you turn their online inspiration search into a floral booking?
Geo-specific Insta, FB, and Pinterest posts
Find quality followers that are ready to buy
Posts that inspire action
Orchid Dreams Daisy Budget
Attainable Floral Luxury - Bron Hansboro, Chief Creative, The Flower Guy Bron
Every couple has a floral budget (whether big or small). It’s easy to transform a space when the spend is high, but it takes artful design and creative thinking to pull off a luxe look on a budget.
Insider floral techniques
Smart swaps to give your couples more for less
Translate big budget trends to any price point
Petal Talk
The Language Of Flowers - Eddie Zarastian, Owner, Eddie Zarastian Lifestyle And Design
For centuries, floriography was used to communicate a coded message. Daisies mean innocence, orchids are luxury, and red roses for love. A good floral designer is fluent in the language of design. The original meanings of flower types may have evolved over time, but flowers still speak louder than any other visual element at the wedding.
Inspired ways to blend flowers into customized event themes
Uncover one-of-a-kind floral event environments
Large and small scale installations
Artfully Arranged
Next Year's Floral Design Trends - Jackie Lacey, AAF, National President, AIFD, PFCI, CFD, Director of Education and Industry Relation, Floriology & BloomNet
Moody colors and luxury are at the heart of floral styles for next year. Velvets and metals paired with rich and warm jewel tones make any wedding feel like an upscale affair. Get the latest in all the floral trends your wedding couples will be demanding.
Soft moody floral color palettes
Metallic touches and color enhancement blooms
Posh and polished vessels and vases
Think Out Of The Arbor
Freeform Floral Installation - Lauren Anderson and Rachel Bridgwood, Owners, Sweet Root Village
Intimidated by diving into large scale floral installations? In a rut doing the same arbor over and over? We will walk you through creating a freeform ceremony installation using reclaimed building columns – a process that can be applied to almost any location.
Mechanics and tools for floral installs
Beginning-to-end process
Full floral product recipe
Floral Design Showcase
Building A Growing Floral Installation - Katie Penfield, Owner, Katiebug Florals
Have you ever wanted to build a free standing floral installation? This video demo will teach you the mechanics behind the installation.
Stem counts and ordering for profitability
Details for producst and materials used
Create a floral install that looks like it's growing around a piece of furniture
Can you cut items from your package? Are you able to just shoot the ceremony? Why are other photographers less expensive? Can I have the RAW files? Do you have a discounted price? Handle photography objections and close the sale
Step-by-step guide to overcome common objections
Tactics to land the sale and have them spend more
Handle objections online, over the phone, or in person
Illuminate
Lighting Masterclass Techniques - Jos & Tree Woodsmith, Jos & Tree Photography
The most iconic photos all have two things in common... light and story. When you shape and control light it adds texture, luminosity, and the depth you need to make your wedding photos an instant classic. Combining great light, composition and emotion takes it to the next level, making your work stand out.
Dramatic light both natural and created
5 tips on creative composition
Demystifying off-camera flash
Exposure
The Dark Side Of Wedding Photography - Vanessa Joy, Owner, Vanessa Joy Photography
Before you started your business, no one told you how many nights you would be up working until 2:00 am. You didn’t expect to have so many competitors. It is still a surprise that some couples expect their photos back 48 hours after they say "I do." You are so tired of defending your prices. Can you learn to love your photography business all over again?
Redefine customer expectations with legal and verbal tips
Workflow efficiency that gives you back your free time
Refresh your artistry
Just My Style
Stylized Photo Shoot Elevate Your SEO - Tab McCausland, Owner/Photographer, Tabitha McCausland Photography
Stunning imagery captivates the right audience and boosts your SEO. When you curate the photos you take with a stylized shoot, the right images add value to your SEO efforts. Increase your user engagement and the accessibility of your website.
Three tips that boost your SEO
Select vendors who level you up
Stylized shoot themes and ideas
Model Behavior
Flow Posing For Pros - Summer & Steven Gossett
On the wedding day, does it seem like you never have enough time? Do your poses ever feel forced, awkward, or weird? Without the right poses, your wedding-day photo sessions can drag on, upset your couples, and disrupt their wedding day. What about body types and heights? Pose like a pro and impress your clients with great images and a smooth, fun experience.
Officiant's Guide To Social Media - Bethel Nathan, Owner, Elevate By Bethel
You’ve performed hundreds of ceremonies. How do you promote your officiant skills that are close to perfect? How do you showcase your ceremonies through social media? Social platforms are a bottomless pit that consumes videos and images faster than you can create new ones. What is the most efficient way to consistently post online?
Use live video for your officiant business
Social media platforms you can live without
Engaging content ideas
Vows That Wow
Give Personality To Your Ceremonies - Rev. Dr. Rob Hundley, RevRob
Wedding ceremonies typically follow a pattern: processional, welcome, readings, address, vows, rings, kiss, pronouncement, and recessional. But there is no reason you have to adhere to the expected (or status quo). Toss (or Flip) the script and start from scratch.
Creative ideas for the ceremony's order of service
Personalize your address with the couple's 'back story'
Unique ceremony add-ins that wow
Virtual Officiant
Connect With Your Couples Online - Laura Cannon, International Association of Professional Wedding Officiants
Wedding couples often decide to book based on online marketing. Many relationships are first established virtually, then face-to-face. It’s time to up your online approach. How do you stand out in the growing officiant market?
Show up higher on Google rankings
Online officiant marketing plans
Increase your number of 5 star reviews
Faith
Interfaith Religious Ceremonies - Tim Wilbanks, Pastor, Covenant Presbyterian Church
One-third of couples in the United States marry a person of a different religion. Blending traditions and cultures are vital for the ceremony, but the details can get tricky.
How to perform a ceremony with two officiants
Best ways to include both faiths and families in the planning process
Focus on the principles that unite both faiths
With A Little Help From My Friends
Building Relationships...From A Distance - Donna Forsythe, Owner, Lehigh Valley Celebrants And Director, Celebrant Academy
Officiants have always relied on a strong referral network of wedding pros to secure bookings. With the upheaval of full scale weddings it is more important than ever to have the right connections.
Create networking opportunities with officiant colleagues and local global wedding pros
Creative ways to make your own networking opportunities
Actionalbe tips to network virtually
Small Is The New Big
Micro Weddings And Elopements Alan Katz, Owner, Great Officiants
A micro wedding is an intimate affair, with no more than 50 guests. They still feature time honored traditions. COVID-19 has changed the course of ceremonies and as officiants we must learn to adjust.
Micro wedings and elopement success for officiants
It’s easy to get swept up in the emotions of market and over-buy for the next season. Before you invest in a new collection, follow an action plan that keeps your business success top in mind.
Checkist and performance metrics for next season's best selling gowns
Geo-specific merchandise that sells
When it's time to break up with a designer
Dress For Success
Maximize Your Sale To Each Bride - Jordan Ensminger, Creative Director and Master Stylist
Less gown shop traffic doesn’t have to mean less sales. Make the most of each bridal opportunity with additional services and products.
Create personalized, upgraded experiences
Sell smarter with high margin accessories
Unique packages for today's bride
Digital Dress Influence
Increase Traffic With Easy Social Media Tips - Nayri, Wedding Fashion Expert/Lovella Bridal
Your salon is breathtaking. Your gowns are stunning and fresh. Do your online marketing efforts look as chic?
Online branding mistakes
Plan your monthly social media content quickly
Social gown shop pics and videos that get appointments
Bursting At The Seams
Grow Your Gown Shop In A Competitive Market - Natalie Harris, Owner, Renegade Bridal
Your gown shop has to be strong enough to compete against national retailers and local newcomers. With new online and in-store competitors constantly popping up, you can still grow your salon in this crazy competitive environment.
Sell aggressively with niche branding and marketing
What your dresses say about your salon
Imaginative photo shoot ideas
IT’S ABOUT TIME
Run Your Gown Shop And Still Have A Life - Courtney Wetzel, Owner, Blush Bridal & Formal
As a gown shop owner, you may feel overwhelmed by the load of running a small business in a highly competitive part of the market. There never seems to be enough time to get it all done, let alone expand or not be in your store all the time. Are you ready to free up your time without sacrificing sales?
Systems for inventory management
A fail-proof training and development system
Boost your gown salon's profitability
Outside The Box
Brand Your Boutique Experience - Jacqui Wadsworth, Owner, The Gilded Gown
97% of brides-to-be search online for gown shops in their area before setting an appointment. If you are hiding on Page Two, you basically don’t exist. How do you fight your way to Page One?
Visually brand your store experience
Improve your Google search placement
Understand insights to improve engagement
Thank You
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