Posts Tagged ‘networking’

shine :: Event Education and Professional Development Conference

Calling all Wedding and Event Pros!  It’s time to shine !

I’ve been working on this project for a few months and now it’s time to share the news!  The shine event is an educational and professional development conference for ABC members as well as all creative professionals serving the wedding and event industry.



Prologue: I established myself as an independent event planner and bridal consultant more than a dozen years ago. While my title and credentials have gradually changed and evolved over the years, the fact that I am an entrepreneur does not change. I can label myself Planner, Designer, Consultant, or Specialist; I can throw in CEO, Owner or Founder… But the only thing that truly matters is this: I am the business owner, and I am responsible for my successes as well as my failures.

 am an entrepreneurI don’t know about you, but I don’t like to fail. And yet, I entered business without knowing how to be successful as entrepreneur.

Did I make mistakes?  – Yes I did.

Did I waste time and money? – Absolutely.

Did I learn from my mistakes? – You bet!

And that is the key:  Learning (education).  As an entrepreneur, learning is not optional.  You must learn, or your business will not survive.  You must find inspiration or you will burn out.  You must adapt and try new things or you will become irrelevant.

I love my job.  But entrepreneurship fascinates me!  Entrepreneurs are some of the most intelligent, resourceful and creative people I’ve ever met.  I have learned so much from my event industry colleagues I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help educate and inspire others by organizing the shine event.

The Association of Bridal Consultants – Florida has put together an incredible conference: {shine} is a professional development conference featuring superb educational sessions presented by experts & leaders in our Industry and and beyond! Get a jump on your FALL 2014 EVENTS by squeezing 6 months worth of meetings into 2 turbo-charged days of inspiration, motivation, and networking! 

shine event - Shine Conference 2014

Presenting shine’s Dynamic Speakers:
Planners, Designers, Authors, Entrepreneurs, Trend setters, Influencers, and Award Winners:

 Donnie BrownDonnie Brown Weddings & Events – @WDonnieBrown

Heather Canada, MBCFirst Coast Weddings and Events – @FirstCoastWedd

Eddie Diaz, CSEPEncore Creations – @eddiediaz

Kelly McWilliamsWeddings by Socialites – @weddingtidbits

Jennifer LeeCoach Jenn Lee – @coachjennlee

Brenda Fernandez MBCDream Wedding Mexico – @Brendaferza

Shine Event Speakers: Donnie Brown, Kelly McWilliams, Eddie Diaz, Heather Canada, Coach Jenn Lee, Brenda Fernandez

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06 2014

Wedding Professionals Gather in South West Florida for WeWed Summer 2010

WeWed – A Gathering of the Best Wedding Professionals

Elisa Delgardio, Jeannine Kennedy, Kelly McWilliams, Saundra Hadley

Elisa Delgardio, Jeannine Kennedy, Kelly McWilliams, Saundra Hadley

(c) sam brockinton

(c) sam brockinton



Founder and event organizer Kelly McWilliams describes it this way: “WeWed gatherings are for those who want to continue to build their business and/or become a better business person. It’s about getting motivated, learning how to improve, discussing what our industry is, where its going, and how to stay on top (or get back up there).”


When Kelly offered the first WeWed Brunch at the award-winning Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club I knew I must attend! It was such a fun and educational experience that I cleared my calendar to attend the second event at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. This year, I was honored to be asked to speak at WeWed Summer 2010 which was hosted by the new and uniquely luxurious Resort at Marina Village. Not to mention that I was in the incredible company of Saundra Hadley, Jeannine Kennedy and Kelly McWilliams (of course).

My presentation centered on Time Management techniques and strategies. I basically discussed that there are many options available to us, but the important thing is to find the system or method “that works best for you”. Sometimes a combination of techniques works the best. It’s all about trying new things and taking the time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

time_management

Time Management CafeLeft: Opening powerpoint slide

I was thrilled that I also got to enjoy the other speaker’s presentations, and I met so many wonderful people. I returned to Orlando feeling very motivated!

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Launch Event for Wish Upon A Wedding Orlando

Stylish decor, signature cocktails and delectable desserts were all key to this VIP Launch Event

entrance_tavern_on_the_lake_orlandoWUWorlandoladies

Orlando Board of Directors (shown L to R): Gwendolyn Smith, Kerline Docteur, Kelly McWilliams, Elisa Delgardio, Jennifer Sandler. Not shown: Michelle Bergstein-Fontanez, Tamuel Cowart, Rev. Glynn Ferguson

Over 160 people attended the celebratory launch of the Orlando Chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding. Over a dozen sponsors generously donated their services to create an unforgettable event designed to bring awareness to this new charitable organization dedicated to granting weddings and/or civil union ceremonies at destinations across the United States to couples who are facing terminal illness. The cocktail reception decor was branded to reflect Wish Upon a Wedding’s signature colors while the venue (Tavern on the Lake) provided the ideal environment for networking.

Read the BizBash! Article: Orlando Launch


cocktails_tavern


Elisa_LaunchPresentation_2010DJRekka_WUWlaunchWUW_Water_bottle

Photos courtesy of Elegant Imagery and Ashley Brockinton

Orlando Launch Event for Wish Upon A Wedding

We’re counting down! Only 19 days until the Wish Upon A Wedding Launch Event which is aptly titled as “Give It Up For Love!”

This premier event is being held on Thursday, May 27th, 2010 at 6pm. WUW_Logo-OrlandoCentral Florida’s finest wedding and event professionals will be in attendance as well Orlando’s business elite!  You’re welcome to join us too – the more the merrier!  We want to get the word out about this fabulous organization and share information about how everyone can get involved to locally!  Wish Upon A Wedding anticipates granting dozens of wishes per year with the possibility of that number reaching into the hundreds.  Currently there are 18 Chapters across the US and the organization’s goal is to offer Wedding Wishes in every major city across the country.

This VIP event is taking place at Tavern on the Lake – located at 6996 Piazza Grande Avenue – Orlando FL, 32835 (Metrowest area)

For all the latest information, visit the Wish Upon A Wedding – Orlando Facebook page!

**Sponsorship opportunities are available

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05 2010
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