Embracing History….Building for the Future
Embracing History….Building for the Future 2016 ABC World of Weddings Annual Conference
Photography by the MamonesThe 2016 Association of Bridal Consultant’s (ABC) Annual Conference welcomed attendees to the historic Hotel Adolphus from near and far, including those from the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Nigeria, and Japan.
The Sunday Black and White Masquerade Ball opening reception, hosted by lifestyle guru Steve Kemble and planned by celebrity planner Donnie Brown, wowed everyone. Attendees dressed in black-and-white cocktail attire, donned glitzy masks, and enjoyed fabulous food, an open bar, live musical entertainment, dancing, and stunning décor. The annual conference also included:1. Inspiring educationThe conference kicked off with a talk by keynote speaker and actress Kathy Najimy. She spoke of the need for balance in our lives and work, discussed the world we live in and the need for equality for all. She was insightful and also had the audience roaring with laughter.
Throughout the conference, speakers offered their experiences, insights, and knowledge. General Session speakers included Susan Southerland; Frank Andonoplas, MWP™; Teddy Lenderman Perry, MWP™; Tami Forero; Kemble; and Brown. Breakout sessions provided both new and seasoned members with education on topics relating to business and marketing, personal and professional development, technology, design, food and beverage trends, LGBTQ weddings, and more. Many thanks to the following speakers: Shelby Tuck-Horton, MWP™; Bethel Nathan; Jennifer Burns; Chef Dana Herbert; Cathy MacRae, PWP™; Christine Terezakis, MWP™; Sonya Scott, MWP™; Jon’ll Boyd; Brenda Fernandez, MWP™; Catherine Katz, MWP™; Paula Fenner, CPCE; J.P. Reynolds; Brigid Horne-Nestor, MWP™; Edward Babbage; Linnyette Richardson-Hall; Kimberley Vaughan; and Renee Grannis, MWP™.
2. Awards and honorsThe Miss Dorothy Penner Heart Award for Passion and Excellence to the Wedding Industry was presented to Sandra Monahan, MWP™, Weddings Without Worries, of Wexford, Penn. Monahan, a Life-Cycle Celebrant, joins 19 other award winners since 1997.In addition, two people were honored as Miss Dorothy Scholarship winners: Shamarli Kollack from Maryland and Wanda Bonner from Colorado. The scholarship covers their fee to attend annual conference.
Penner, a Master Wedding Planner™, was an ardent supporter of the Association of Bridal Consultants. Miss Dorothy’s philosophy on the wedding industry was simple. “You have to have heart, and to do it with a passion so strong it becomes you. You live, breathe, eat, and sleep this industry.” She believed members should be passionate about the industry, willing to share and cooperate with other members, attend local meetings, and recognize the value of annual conference.
3. Parties and eventsEmerald City was the theme of the Monday evening offsite gala dinner at Altitude at the top of the W Dallas Victory Hotel, with stunning Dallas skyline views from the 38th floor. The inspiration for this event was the fact that Dallas is often referred to as the Emerald City. Characters dressed as Dorothy (with Toto in tow, of course) and the Wicked Witch greeted guests as they entered the room, while The Wizard of Oz movie played on large television monitors. Attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner with tableside wine service, an open bar, and a specially designed Oz-themed cake. And then it was time for dancing.
For Tuesday’s World of Weddings (WOW) luncheon, Brown and his team designed and created the floral centerpieces. Alexandra Farms, Greenleaf Wholesale, and Garden Roses Direct provided beautiful and fragrant garden roses. Models throughout the room wore exquisite wedding gown fashions from Neiman Marcus.On Tuesday evening, Election Day, our optional offsite event was at the 6th Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Attendees were able to tour the exhibits—representing the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.See you next year!If you didn’t attend this year, don’t miss out on next year’s event. If you were able to attend, be sure to mark your calendar and start planning for the ABC 2017 World of Weddings Annual Conference, Nov. 4-8, at Barcelo Maya Beach Resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico. For information, follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1083438825025234/.
__Carmen Mesa, MWP™, Carmen Mesa Weddings & Events, ABC Director of Annual Conferences, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Donnie Brown, CSP™, Donnie Brown Weddings, ABC 2016 Conference Chairperson, Dallas, TexasAbsolutely BloomingAFRAlexandra FarmsAM LinenAndy Austin EntertainmentBBJ LinenBeyondBisli Planning & DesignBravo EntertainmentCabana PicturesClassic Photo Booth Co.Connie Duglin LinenCORT Event FurnishingsDelicious CakesDFW Dance FloorsDonnie Brown WeddingsFauxcadesFlower ReignGreenleaf WholesaleImpress InkiPop Gourmet PopcornJordan Kahn Music CompanyM&M Event RentalsMatthew LindleyNeiman MarcusOver the Top Rental LinensPucker Up ImpressionsSimply MusicStephanie’s SweetsTampa CalligraphyTen 23 DesignsThe MamonesYelibelli Chocolates2 Sweets
