Business of Brides Conference 2011
I recently returned from the Business of Brides conference, which is ABC‘s annual conference. The Conference was held in the ahhhmazzzinng and historic Tremont Plaza Hotel and Grand in Baltimore MD – let me just say that this venue was spectacular! If I hadn’t promised myself to keep this post on point, I could go on endlessly about The Grand’s incredible ballrooms, furnishings and regal elegance. 
It was great to travel north during the Fall… Florida living does not offer much in the way of seasons, so it was wonderful to breathe the crisp air and enjoy the colorful scenery. The weather was terrific and we got to explore the Inner Harbor area and taste crab and seafood specialties at the local eateries.
So much for the fun stuff; this was a business trip after all.
Being a planner is my career. Because I take my career as a wedding professional seriously, attending industry conferences is a priority to me – it’s essential my professional development. This year’s conference required significant advance preparation since I was slated to present an educational session with an ABC colleague, Heather Canada, MBC. I was also preparing the necessary formalities in anticipation of receiving the professional designation of Master Bridal Consultant(tm) – a long time goal. (Not to mention packing – which I started two weeks early, lest I forget something!)
I left for Baltimore the morning after completing a sensational wedding for one of our clients. I think I was running on pure adrenaline (thank goodness for that!). After arriving at BWI and checking in to the hotel, I polished up a few details and then went before a panel of Masters, the three Master Bridal Consultants who would view and judge my presentation. I don’t know why this is such a nerve-wracking experience, but most most candidates agree that it is. And while I did my best – considering a few technical difficulties and an undeniable level of exhaustion – I could not say that I nailed it.
The next morning, the MBC candidates were gathered together and we waited as colleagues were called in and out of rooms… Eventually my name was called and I entered a meeting room along with a number of others. I saw many familiar faces but still no indication of success or failure, until Lois Pearce announced that all of us present had advanced to Master Bridal Consultant. Oh my goodness! I was literally shocked – and elated! – and proud, too. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment – everyone was cheering and hugging and congratulating each other. It was awesome. {happy sigh}
So now I join the ranks of the very talented and dedicated professionals who have achieved either (or both!) the Master Bridal Consultant or Master Wedding Vendor designation – hooray!!
*As of this writing, there are 71 MBC/MBV’s worldwide.
