In the world of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), "LNG" stands for Local Networking Group. These are community-based groups of wedding and event professionals who come together to connect, share knowledge, and support each other's businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, LNGs offer a local platform to network, collaborate, and learn from one another, fostering a sense of community within our industry.

Here are 4 sample events that you might find offered in your local LNG or that could inspire you to host one in your area:

Educational Seminars
Industry experts or local authorities on a topic share insights on the latest wedding trends, business tips, or technical knowledge, such as social media marketing or legal best practices.
Styled Shoot Collaboration
Vendors and planners work together to create a styled wedding photo shoot, allowing everyone to showcase their skills, gather professional photos for portfolios, and promote collaboration across social media platforms.
Coffee & Contracts
An informal meet-up for discussing vendor contracts, legal language, and the importance of protecting your business while building trusted partnerships with other professionals.
Speed Networking Night
A fast-paced, fun event where wedding vendors and planners rotate to introduce themselves and exchange business cards, offering a great way to meet many people in a short amount of time.

5 Benefits of Attending LNG Events:

Build Your Local Network
Being a part of an LNG allows you to forge meaningful relationships with other professionals in your community, leading to new business opportunities and trusted partnerships.
Exchange Referrals
When vendors and planners know each other personally, they’re more likely to recommend one another to clients, increasing the chances of booking business through trusted referrals.
Stay Educated
LNG events often feature educational sessions, allowing you to stay on top of current trends, new technologies, and industry best practices, keeping your business competitive.
Boost Your Visibility
Participating in or hosting events allows you to showcase your expertise and services, positioning your business as a go-to resource within your local wedding community.
Collaborate on Projects
From styled shoots to large-scale wedding events, LNGs offer opportunities to collaborate on creative projects that help you gain experience, build your portfolio, and show off your skills.

We are currently seeking more LNG leaders throughout the country. As ABC grows, we need passionate individuals to help us connect with local vendors and planners, organize events, and create networking opportunities. These LNGs are key to building membership and creating stronger communities where our members and other wedding professionals in the area can thrive. When our community is striving and succeeding, we know our members are too!

If you’re interested in becoming an LNG leader or learning more about events happening in your area, please contact us! Together, we can help each other grow and succeed.

Written by Jennifer Lloyd Ball, Director of Members at Large & NC State Manager, Master Wedding Planner