Why Wedding Pros Need to Attend Conferences

by Danielle Andrews, President & Co-founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.

The second you think you know everything and can’t learn anymore it’s time to quit because you’re either delusional or you have lost your love of the industry.

I have been a certified, professional wedding planner for over 23 years and I attend at least 5 conferences every year (pre-covid it was more like 10-11). Yes, I am usually there to speak at them, but I attend the other sessions and activities as well. I don’t necessarily attend the sessions and workshops for what they are teaching, but rather to see how others in the industry are doing things, to gain valuable tips, tricks, and best practices, to be exposed to new ideas, to gain inspiration, and to network.

As a wedding professional, you should already know how important it is to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, techniques, and technologies in the industry. One of the best ways to do this is by attending industry conferences. Whether you are a wedding planner, photographer, caterer, or florist, attending conferences can offer a plethora of benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss why wedding professionals should attend industry conferences.

I recently joined Becca Poutney on her podcast, (who I met at a conference!) and we discussed this very topic. Have a listen here:

Why you Should be Attending Wedding Industry Conferences, Becca Poutney Podcast

Why Wedding Pros Need to Attend Conferences:

Learning Opportunities

Never stop being open to learning. Regardless of how much you think you know, you don’t know what you don’t know! Conferences often feature keynote speakers and industry experts who share their knowledge and expertise on various topics related to weddings. You can learn about new trends, marketing strategies, and innovative ideas that you can implement in your own business. This can give you a competitive edge and help you stay ahead of the game in the ever-evolving wedding industry.

New Ideas

Attending conferences can help you stay current on the latest industry trends and best practices. You can learn about new technologies, techniques, and emerging trends that can help you improve your business and better serve your clients. This can also help you differentiate yourself from your competitors and attract more clients.

Best Practices

Sometimes, someone else’s way may be better. Remember, you don’t know what you don’t know. Whether a company is presenting its new technology to improve your systems and workflow, a presenter is sharing how they operate, or you are just chatting with other wedding pros during a break, you may learn tips and tricks to help you work smarter, improve productivity, and complete your tasks faster.

Networking

Often the most valuable part of a conference is the downtime and networking opportunities. Industry conferences provide an excellent opportunity to network with other wedding professionals. You can meet people from all over the world who share the same passion for weddings as you do. You can also connect with potential clients and vendors, which can lead to more business opportunities in the future.

Inspiration

Conferences often feature creative displays, workshops, and vendor showcases that can inspire you and spark your creativity. You can see new design trends, innovative wedding ideas, and unique ways to create memorable experiences for your clients. This can help you come up with new ideas for your own business and inspire you to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Have fun!

Attending conferences is not all about business. It can also be a fun and enjoyable experience. You can meet new people, make new friends, and have a great time while learning and growing your business. Conferences often feature social events, parties, and networking opportunities that can help you unwind and have a good time. If you are attending a conference in a wedding destination, the conference may offer a FAM trip as well (Familiarization trip to get to know the area and properties available for weddings.)

In conclusion, attending industry conferences is a must for wedding professionals who want to stay relevant, learn from the experts, and grow their businesses. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, attending conferences can offer a wealth of benefits that can help you take your business to the next level. So, mark your calendars and start planning your next conference today!

Check out these upcoming conferences (click)