Hey there, fellow wedding pros! Today we’re kicking off a series that’s near and dear to my heart – the game-changing power of networking and education in the wedding industry. Get ready, because I’m about to share why getting out from behind your computer screen and into rooms full of other wedding professionals might just be the best thing you do for your business this year!

If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Sophie, your go-to virtual assistant for wedding professionals. Need help setting up systems that actually work for you or a comprehensive systems audit? I’m here to help! Reach out to me today – I’d love to assist you!

The Magic of Face-to-Face Connections

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sophie, I’ve got a million things on my to-do list (not to mention business expenses) already!” Trust me, I get it. At the time of writing this, I have an 8-month old! But here’s the million-dollar question: Are you working ON your business, or just IN it? If you’re not making time for in-person networking and education, you might be missing out on some serious growth opportunities.

There’s something to say for having conversations in person instead of in your IG DMs, finally meeting the people you’ve been following for so long, hearing questions and thoughts from others in your same shoes, and connecting with those a few steps ahead of you for fresh inspiration!

As a new Wedding Pro VA, I often found myself in rooms full of strangers, but I pushed past the initial awkwardness, and it truly paid off! I frequently met new clients or connected with wedding pros who had friends in need of my services. Each educational session was not just an opportunity to think about my business but also to gather insights that I could share with my clients during our next call.

With every event, I became more comfortable approaching people, starting conversations, and perfecting my elevator pitch. It takes practice, and it’s awkward for everyone, but by showing up, you’re already one step ahead of those who never show up.

My Experience at WeWed (and My Top Takeaways From This Networking and Education Event for Wedding Pros!)

When we talk about networking and education events, let’s not forget about the actual educational side of things. Attending workshops and conferences is incredibly energizing, especially during wedding season. You get to learn from industry leaders, see new trends forming, and pick up tips and tricks that can make a big difference in your business.

Take WeWed, for example. I was fortunate enough to attend last month, and this event was an absolute goldmine of knowledge. I’m still buzzing from all the amazing insights I picked up. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the powerhouse lineup of speakers Kelly McWilliams put together? My notebook is packed with notes – shoutout to all my fellow pen and paper friends out there!

Let me share some of my favorite takeaways for you (but this is just the tip of the iceberg!):

1. Renee Dalo: Maximizing Profits with Atomic Habits

First up, Renee Dalo absolutely crushed it with her talk on Maximizing Profits with Atomic Habits. She took this super popular book and gave it a wedding pro spin that had the whole room nodding along. She asked us to reflect on some pretty deep questions like “What brings you joy?” and “What does success look like for you, today?” Heavy stuff that is so necessary to talk about (especially when we’re all incredibly busy during peak season).

Renee’s talk was a wake-up call for a lot of us. How many of you struggle with saying no, managing your time, or maintaining focus? (I see those hands going up!) She reminded us that we only have so many hours each day for deep work. So, wedding pros, when are your key focus times, and how are you using them to move the needle forward in your business? If you haven’t had the chance to learn from Renee yet, do yourself a favor and seek her out at the next education day in your area. Seriously, I want to be her when I grow up!

2. Kelly McWilliams: The Power of Being Proactive

Next up, our host Kelly McWilliams sprinkled in some quick-fire wisdom between speakers. My favorite? “The Power in Being Proactive.” She talked about how being proactive puts YOU in the driver’s seat of your business. How can you think ahead of your clients and level up their experience? This is something I see all the time in my systems builds. It’s all about anticipating questions, creating information before couples even know they need it, and explaining processes clearly to avoid confusion. The result? Happy clients and a whole lot of time saved. Win-win!

3. Leah Weinberg: The Empath’s Guide to Surviving the Wedding Industry

Now, let’s talk about Leah Weinberg‘s presentation on the Empath’s Guide to Surviving the Wedding Industry. You guys, this was a total lightbulb moment for me. Turns out, I’m 1000% an empath and had no idea! If you’re like me and often find yourself taking on your clients’ stress, falling into people-pleasing, or experiencing burnout from carrying the emotional weight of your couples, this talk was a game-changer.

Leah’s legal background added some great practical tips, but what I loved most was how relatable and down-to-earth she was. If you get the chance to see her speak, don’t miss it!

4. Heidi Yarger Did Live Brand Audits

The day was packed with other amazing presentations too. Heidi from The Spitfire Girl did live brand audits (including mine – eek!) that had the room buzzing with questions about everything from color schemes to Instagram bios. She was a wealth of knowledge and I’m so glad I was brave enough to throw my brand in the hat for feedback. 

5. Andrew Leavitt Shared What Wedding Pros Need to do Better When It Comes to Weather 

Andrew with Ironic Reports opened our eyes to the importance of weather planning in our industry (obviously we all know you need a plan B, but this talk went a whole lot deeper!). He even included a (scary) example from the Indiana State Fair stage collapse back in 2011. Andrew’s carved out this super necessary niche that’s helping us rock our events, rain or shine. My biggest takeaway? We’ve gotta team up and own event safety as an industry. We’re making progress, but there’s still work to do – and pros like Andrew are leading the charge!

6. Katy Padilla Spilled to Tea On Growing Your Business With Additional Revenue Streams

Katy Padilla from Scarlet Rose Events closed out WeWed with a presentation on additional revenue streams and how we can stop leaving money on the table. HELLO! Everyone was leaning forward during her talk. She founded a wedding and event planning company in Texas, where she assembled a talented team. Recognizing the unique creative strengths within her team, she expanded her services to include rentals for couples. This new venture quickly flourished, evolving into a separate and successful business entity. Her journey and the achievements of her dedicated team are truly inspiring, especially for wedding professionals who are contemplating the future direction of their own businesses.

Plus, One of my favorite takeaways from the day actually came from Katy! Her motto? “Ready. Fire. Aim.” And no, I didn’t type that in the wrong order! When you have an idea, jump into it – you can always adjust your aim later. For all my perfectionist friends out there (myself included), this is your permission slip to stop getting lost in the planning phase and actually launch that dream project! Prepare to see me diving into some messy action in my business this year.

Networking and Education: Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “Sophie, this all sounds great, but I’m swamped during wedding season. Should I wait until things slow down?” And to that, I say a no! Here’s why:

1. The process doesn’t take as long as you might think. Most networking events are a day or two, and the payoff is huge.
2. You’ll love having new ideas and connections during your busiest time. It’s incredibly energizing for your business!
3. By addressing inefficiencies and optimizing your workflows now, you’ll be able to handle the wedding season with less stress and more confidence.
4. Your current (and future) clients will notice the difference in you.

I’m curious, when was the last time you stepped out of your (home) office, shook hands with other vendors, and filled your educational cup? Here’s your nudge to find something in your area and add it to your calendar this year – you may be surprised what ideas come home in your notebook!

Your Challenge: Take Action With More Networking and Education This Year

So, wedding pros, here’s your challenge: Find an educational event or networking opportunity in your area and get it on your calendar. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but I promise you, networking and education is worth pushing through! Your future self (and your business) will thank you!

Remember, every industry leader you admire started somewhere. They were once the newbie in the room, feeling awkward and unsure. But they showed up, they learned, they connected, and look where they are now!

I’d love to hear about your experiences with networking and education in the wedding industry. Let’s chat! And if you’re looking for more ways to level up your business, don’t forget to check out my services page. Whether you need help setting up systems that truly work for you or a comprehensive systems audit, I’m your go-to gal!