Where Wedding Vendors Go to Learn and Be Inspired
The Association of Bridal Consultants just wrapped up their SOLD OUT Annual Conference in Newport Beach, CA, held November 9-11.
Members from over 40 states and 13 countries attended the three day affair,joining several experts including the two headliners: Barbara Wallace and celebrity wedding designer Colin Cowie. Preston Bailey, David Tutera and others highly regarded in the industry have been featured speakers in the past.
California State Coordinator Jean Picard chaired the conference planning committee for 17 months prior to the event, and is here to give a re-cap. Jean is a Master Bridal Consultant ™ with Association of Bridal Consultants, and also organizes educational and networking meetings throughout the state and works with the Association to improve professionalism in the wedding industry.
“By attending the ABC conferences, I’ve gotten to know wedding professionals from all over the world. It’s great being able to discuss trends with those I know in Europe and other places and to have this gigantic referral system,” Jean says.
About Jean
A wedding consultant since 1994, Jean has scaled back her own successful wedding consulting business in recent years as her work with the Association of Bridal Consultants has expanded. Jean explains her role: “California has by far the greatest number of members of any state, and the state coordinator helps the Association provide that personal touch, assisting members at the local level.”
Recognized as an expert in her field, Jean is frequently asked for interviews and has written for and been quoted in numerous publications, spoken to student and professional groups, and conducted seminars. Teaching and mentoring have always been an important part of her career in the industry.
Why Join Association of Bridal Consultants?
Jean explains why she chose this organization: “When I started my business in 1994, I immediately began researching professional associations, believing that anyone who is serious about what they do should belong to the trade association for it. After a thorough search, I concluded that the Association of Bridal Consultants was the oldest, the biggest and the best. So I joined right away.”
From the President
"ABC provides the education and networking needed to grow your business. For 53 years, we have remained committed to raising the standards of professionalism in the industry, and providing the training, the Code of Ethics, and the services needed to generate the finest group of wedding professionals in the business. Membership is voluntary, and people remain members because the services they get for their membership dues provide a multiple return to their business.".
Courtesy of Couture Celebrations (One of many Floral Designs at the Conference)
“In my nearly 15 years as an ABC member", said Jean "I’ve seen a great many changes and improvements, particularly in the last three years. The distance education program has been updated and expanded. More seminars have been added. Members now have access to general liability, professional liability and health insurance.”
“As a wedding consultant", Jean continues, "my specialty has always been off-premise weddings, and the quality most often mentioned is grace under pressure along with my ability to calm everyone down. I love that. As ABC California state coordinator, the thing I love most is teaching and advising new consultants. Their excitement and enthusiasm is contagious and keeps me renewed.”
About Saving Money
I asked Jean for some money-saving tips for our readers. Here is her reply: “Rather than advice to brides on how to save money, how about a piece of advice on how to save their marriage? Have a wedding you can actually afford! Don’t start out your marriage under a burden of debt.”
Next Year's Annual Conference - November 8 - 10, 2009 Indianapolis
Vendor Question: What Professional Associations do you belong to?
I (Liz,from San Jose Wedding Consultants belong to the Association of Bridal Consulants!
Love,
The Soup Maven
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