Letter - Volume 3, Issue 6
The month of January takes its name from the Roman god Janus.According to Encyclopedia Mythica™, not only was Janus a double-faced god who looks both forward and backward, he was considered the god of doorways and arches. It makes sense, then, that we, too, look to the past and present as we prepare to enter each New Year. It's a time to evaluate what we've done, make changes if needed, and move forward—prepared to face whatever comes our way.In this issue of Wedding Planner Magazine, we look back at the 2013 Business of Brides Conference in West Palm Beach and share some of the highlights of what was our best Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) annual conference yet! Fresh ideas, lively colors, inspired networking, and fun social outings were the hallmark of this event (see page 8). We also congratulate our latest Master Bridal Consultants™ and the winners of the first annual WedStyle Awards.But we also turn our attention forward. In November, we conducted a State of the Industry survey. The information gathered offers you a clearer picture of the face of the wedding planning profession and presents the challenges facing the industry, as perceived by our readers. Industry expert and author Alan Berg responds to those challenges offering you ideas for change. We also offer you five tips for a successful bridal show exhibit from Arizona Bridal Source's Kim Horn, MBC™. The National Association for Catering and Events' Cate Buscher shares information on the farm-to-table phenomenon. Is it here to stay or a passing fad? Plus, stay on top of basics with cloud resources you can use to maximize your business efficiency.And you can't get more forward thinking than by marking your calendar for 2014 conferences! Once again, we've included a convenient graphic that lists the top conferences in the wedding industry as well as their dates and other key information (page 13). Above all, you won't want to miss the white sand beaches and comfortable climate of Whitehouse Jamaica, the site of the 2014 ABC Business of Brides Conference at Sandals Whitehouse, Nov. 8-12. See you there!
