Are you a wedding professional looking to elevate your game? I’m attending Wedding MBA this year, and as I prepare, I wanted to write this article sharing five insider tips to help you make the most of your experience at Wedding MBA – or really any wedding industry event you attend! Doesn’t it feel so good to start seeing people in person again? I am PUMPED to network and meet so many of my students.
But with so much to see and do (160 seminars, 100 speakers, and 200 exhibits), I also know how important it is to have a plan in place to maximize your time and make the most of this incredible event. After all, you’re spending a lot of time and money to get yourself there. If I will see you there, make sure to DM me on Instagram and say hi! I’d love to see more familiar faces!
Why Attend Wedding MBA?
Before I jump in, I want to take a second to explain why I’m going to Wedding MBA this year (and why I’m recommending it to the women I coach too). Wedding MBA is not your average conference—it’s an immersive experience designed specifically for wedding professionals just like you. It brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow wedding professionals from around the world.
Here are the top two reasons why attending Wedding MBA is a must for any wedding professional:
1. Networking: Wedding MBA offers unparalleled networking opportunities. It’s a chance to connect with like-minded professionals, forge new partnerships, and expand your professional network. Whether you’re looking for vendors to collaborate with or seeking mentorship from industry veterans, Wedding MBA can serve as the perfect platform to make those connections.
2. Education: The wedding industry is constantly changing, and events like these keep your finger on the pulse. Wedding MBA has a TON of educational sessions and workshops led by industry experts. Learn about the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies that can help you grow your business. From marketing and branding to design and technology, Wedding MBA covers a wide range of topics to cater to the diverse needs of wedding professionals. PLUS – if you’ve ever thought about speaking at one of these events, you should see what it’s like as an attendee at least once!
Ultimately, I believe that attending Wedding MBA is an investment in your professional growth and development. It’s an opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, gain new perspectives, and stay ahead of the competition.
Now, let’s dive into making the most of your experience
Step 1: Prepare for Wedding MBA
Before you step foot into Wedding MBA, it’s important to do some pre-event preparation. I know you are busy right now, but here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Research the Schedule: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the event schedule. Identify the sessions, workshops, and keynotes that align the most closely with your goals and interests. Highlight the ones you don’t want to miss and make a note of their timings.
- Set Objectives: What do you hope to achieve by attending Wedding MBA? Y’all, I’m ALL about setting objectives and deciding what I want to get out of something before I do anything. Set clear objectives for yourself—a specific number of new connections, a list of potential clients, or knowledge about a particular aspect of the wedding industry. Having goals will help you stay focused and make the most of your time. Leave some room to be surprised, though!
- Update Your Marketing Collateral: In this was 2012, I’d be telling you to print some fresh business cards. But nowadays? I would just recommend going through your IG and website to make sure everything is in tip-top shape because it’s likely what you’ll give to people to stay connected.
Step 2: Create a Schedule
While I actually don’t think you should walk into Wedding MBA with no wiggle room in your schedule, I would encourage you to familiarize yourself with the event schedule and create a simple itinerary for yourself. Allocate time for attending sessions, exploring the exhibition floor, and networking. Make sure to include breaks to rest and recharge. Be realistic about what you can achieve during the conference too. With so much happening at Wedding MBA, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Prioritize the sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities that align with your objectives. Don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to do everything. Instead, focus on a few key activities and give them your full attention.
Step 3: Prioritize Networking
You know that old saying, “Your network is your net worth”? It’s true, my friends. And in this case, networking is the beating heart of the conference experience!
At Wedding MBA, networking is key to making meaningful connections with other wedding professionals and industry leaders. Use the time before, during, and after the conference to set up one-on-one meetings or join conversations online in advance of the event. You can even use social media platforms like Instagram to introduce yourself virtually ahead of time.
Once the conference begins, be sure to tap into every networking opportunity available. Take advantage of attending the social events hosted by Wedding MBA, where you can meet industry professionals and expand your network. Also, make a point to connect with peers during meal times or breaks, as these informal settings often foster meaningful connections. Don’t be afraid to join in conversations that interest you, as you never know who you may meet – it could be your future mentor or even a potential business partner! The possibilities are endless at a conference like this, so be proactive and seize every opportunity that comes your way!
Step 4: Attend the Educational Sessions and Workshops
OK – this one is obvious, but one of the key highlights of Wedding MBA is the educational sessions and workshops led by industry experts. Here’s how you can make the most of these learning opportunities:
Choose Wisely: I’ve already mentioned this several times but it bears repeating for all of the Enneagram 3’s reading this (iykyn). With a wide range of sessions to choose from, it’s important to be intentional and choose the BEST ones that fit your goals. Read the session descriptions and speaker bios to get a sense of what each session offers. But do NOT try to do it all.
Take Notes: During the sessions, take detailed notes of key takeaways, tips, and strategies. Write down any questions that come to mind, as they can be valuable discussion points during networking sessions. Don’t rely on your memory alone—capture the information that resonates with you and that you want to implement in your own business. I recommend having a note-taking system or a way to categorize your notes BEFORE Wedding MBA starts.
Connect with Speakers: After the sessions, take the opportunity to connect with the speakers. Thank them for their valuable insights and ask any further questions you may have. Building relationships with industry leaders can open doors to future collaborations and mentorship opportunities.
Step 5: What You Do AFTER Wedding MBA Matters: Follow-Ups + Implementing What You Learned
Like I said, attending Wedding MBA is a big investment of your time and hard-earned cash. The value of Wedding MBA doesn’t end when the conference concludes, though. Make sure you reach out to the people you’ve connected with during the conference after you return home. Send personalized follow-up emails, connect on social media, or schedule meetings to discuss potential collaborations or partnerships. Don’t let the connections you’ve made go to waste—nurture them and explore how you can support each other’s businesses.
On top of that, make sure to take time to actually IMPLEMENT what you’ve learned. Whether it’s a new marketing strategy, a fresh approach to client consultations, or a different way of managing your team, put what you’ve learned into action. The true value of attending conferences lies in the application of knowledge.
Are You Attending Wedding MBA in 2023?
If you are, I’d love to hear from you! Attending Wedding MBA is an opportunity to elevate your wedding business and connect with industry leaders. By preparing in advance, setting goals, networking, attending educational sessions, and maximizing your experience after the event, you can make the most of this incredible opportunity. Remember, Wedding MBA is not just a conference—it’s a platform for growth, learning, and building lasting relationships. So go ahead, plan your trip, and get ready to take your wedding business to new heights at Wedding MBA!
Ready to Elevate Your Wedding Planning Business?
We would love to welcome you inside The Planners’ Playbook, the membership for wedding planners who want to elevate the wedding industry and feel confident AF in their wedding planning business. From masterclasses and workshops to a deep-dive playbook being released every month, The Planner’s Playbook has everything you need to streamline your processes and save time. Plus – you’ll even get a discount on the CC shop!
Explore More Wedding Industry Resources
- Wedding Planners – Should You List Your Wedding Planner Pricing Packages On Your Website?
- How to Stand Out in a Crowded Market: Creating a Website for Wedding Planners That Get Results
- Want to Book Better Clients? Stop Marketing and Improve Your Client Experience Instead
- Wedding Industry Branding: How to Create A Recognizable Brand in the Wedding Industry with Brand Strategist Nicole Yang
- Should You Increase Your Price? How to Know When It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
- 8 Steps to Spring Cleaning Your Wedding Business
- How to Book Your FIRST Client as a Wedding Planner
- How To Build Your Portfolio As A Wedding Planner When You’re Just Starting Out
- Elizabeth McCravy On How To Create A Knock-Out Business Brand And Website
- Top 5 Blogging Tips For Wedding Pros in 2023
For More Wedding Planner Business Secrets Follow Me On Instagram
Today I got to share Cue with my DI mastermind, and I’m feeling really proud. 🥹
I’ve been so busy building it that it felt good to stop for a minute and share the story with a room full of people I love and admire. So many smart, talented, generous people who I’m lucky to call my friends.
This was a special one. ❤️
Would you guys like to hear what I shared? I’m thinking about breaking it down into a series here on Instagram. Should we do it?
@ninelemonsfengshui encouraged me to share it with you all here, and I think I should. LMK in the comments if you’d be interested in my presentation from today!
Day one in Charleston for the DI Mastermind, and I spent ten hours of it in my hotel room working on Cue. I’ve been at it since 7 a.m., trying to get client portals ready, and I didn’t get as far as I’d hoped.
But I did close my laptop long enough to hug some of my mastermind friends, catch up before sessions start tomorrow, and see this.
I’d love to tell you this sunset inspired some profound revelation, but mostly I think I needed to leave my fucking room. 😂
Although maybe that’s the reminder: there will always be something that needs more of me. I’m allowed to step outside and enjoy where I am before everything is finished.
And so are you! 💜
I’ve been doing brand shoots for almost 20 years, and I have opinions 😂 Here are 9 things that make them great:
1. Hire a photographer who specializes in brand shoots. There’s a big difference in quality when you work with someone who understands how to photograph you AND your business. Go with the best you can afford.
2. Book more time than you think you need. An hour is nice for headshots, but multiple outfits and scenes take hours. If you want lots of variety, give yourself time to create it. If you’re going to do it, go big and do it right.
3. Know how you’ll use the photos. Your website, social media, launches, presentations—tell your photographer what you need. Plan for different crops, orientations, and room for text.
4. Have a creative direction. Build a mood board so everyone understands the vibe. Think about the story you want the photos to tell before you show up.
5. Dress for where your brand is going. This is your chance to show up as the version of yourself you’re stepping into. Bring outfits that make you feel like her.
6. Get your photographer involved in the planning. Ask for their input on locations, outfits, lighting, and timing. You hired an expert—let them help shape the shoot.
7. Plan actual scenes. Hosting, teaching, designing, creating—what are you doing in the photos? Build moments around your work so you leave with more than portraits.
8. Don’t spend the entire shoot behind a laptop. Your business has more personality than that. Give people something interesting to look at.
9. Bring someone to help. Someone to handle outfits, fix your hair, catch a twisted necklace, and keep things moving. Those extra hands make a difference.
Which photo from @c10ike is your favorite?
Off to spend a week in Charleston (my first time!) for @juliecchenell Digital Insiders Mastermind. I absolutely love getting to spend a week with my colleagues and business friends.
We share meals and ideas and laughs and horror stories and wins and it’s truly the best thing ever. If you’re not already in a mastermind group for your business that allows you to get together once or twice a year, I HIGHLY recommend it! I always leave these events feeling inspired and motivated.
This year I get to share with the group my journey in building @planwithcue and I’m both excited and nervous to share what I’ve been working on. Wish me luck!
To my DI crew I can’t wait to see you soon!!!!!!!
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