letter

There's something special about the beginning of a New Year. It's like opening a new journal to find a crisp, clean page of possibilities, waiting only for you to get started.The 2017 Association of Bridal Consultants World of Weddings Annual Conference is a little like this feeling. Each year, the planning committee takes a fresh look at the industry and begins creating a conference reflective of the industry and the changes and trends forthcoming. In this issue of Wedding Planner Magazine, you'll get to see what we mean in the feature article that offers conference highlights from the November 2017 fiesta in Mexico! Find out what happened at conference, see the gorgeous photos that recap the event, take a peek beind-the-scenes at the "by the numbers" feature—all beginning on page 8.Don't stop there. Turn to a new page to explore the other possibilities in this issue. Here, you'll find information that might inspire you to new ways of thinking—like Summer Snyder's article on "The Art of the Timeline" or Carrie McGuire's piece on how photographers might better cultivate their relationships with planners. The Knot will inspire you with their top trends for the New Year as well. Seasoned Pro Frank Andonoplas, MWP™, shares how he has managed to stay inspired in his 25-year career. And Megan Ely helps prepare you for whatever 2018 brings with her article exploring the issues planners and pros face in creating events in an era where natural disasters are more prevalent.In addition, you will find a list of 2018 Industry Conferences, our fabulous Real Weddings feature—three in this issue—as well as all of the other features and columns you've come to know and love.Happy New Year to each of you! May this year be one of inspiration, exploration, andharmony.