Whether you’re a veteran in the industry with 20+ years of experience under your belt or you’re just starting out – attending wedding workshops is an opportunity to expand your knowledge, get inspired and make some amazing new connections! Wedding planning extraordinaire (and our dear friend) Laurie Arons from Laurie Arons Special Events is breaking it down for you by sharing the 6 main reasons why attending these elite workshops is the best thing you’ll ever do for your biz. While you’re reading, take in the gorgeous imagery captured by Erich McVey Photography from Laurie’s Wedding Planner Masterclass – trust us, just seeing these pictures will be convincing enough!
From Laurie Arons Special Events… In 2013, my friend and colleague Jose Villa asked me to partner with him on several of his photography workshops that year. I hadn’t been part of a professional workshop like this before and didn’t know what to expect, but any chance I have to collaborate with Jose is YES from me. And the experience changed my life.
During these intimate multi-day workshops, I watched Jose generously give his knowledge and time to up and coming photographers. Jose shared practical, professional advice but also candid personal stories about mistakes or learnings from his career.
All of the guest speakers at the workshop brought so much enthusiasm and creativity to their talks, I found myself hanging on their every word as well. Attendees and speakers shared meals together, laughed together, bonded over our mutual love of beauty and also had tough conversations about what success in the wedding industry takes.
I left with renewed excitement about the future of our industry, and a sense that I wanted to give to wedding planners the same positive experience Jose gave to these photographers. Hence the Wedding Planner Masterclass by Laurie Arons was born.
It is an intensive four-day workshop for wedding planners, focusing on education and inspiration from some of the top event industry professionals. Rather than a big conference-style setting, I keep the group intimate so that we can really get to know each other and I can offer a deeper level of mentorship to attendees.
Professional workshops can be a big investment – both the financial cost and time away from work and family can make the decision to attend a scary one. And many professionals with several years of experience may feel their businesses are too far along to benefit from a learning experience like this. But from my own experience at Jose’s workshop, after 20 years in the industry, I realized that professionals of all levels have the following opportunities to gain…
1. EDUCATION
An opportunity to learn from the industry’s best is priceless. In the event world, most of our education is gained on the job. We learn lessons through experience, and let’s be honest, often time lessons are learned the hard way. A professional workshop is the chance to look inside another’s time-tested approach to weddings to give you insight you wouldn’t otherwise receive.
“A week of mentoring, transparency, and learning from the best is truly a once in a lifetime experience! Laurie, the LASE team, and industry experts are all incredibly supportive, providing tangible advice and guidance to drive your business forward.” — Jenny Schneider, Jenny Schneider Events
2. INSPIRATION
In preparing for the Wedding Planner Masterclass, I spend countless hours trying to curate an immersive experience that feels truly special. I want the opportunity to show attendees wedding design elements they’ve never seen before, to help inspire them to try new things in their careers.
“We saw a lot of beautiful things like tabletops, set ups and models; socialized in the most amazing setting; ate incredible food; and got to interact with brilliant vendors creating amazing spaces for you to be in awe of.” — Dani Blasena, Haute Fetes
3. ONE-ON-ONE MENTORSHIP
The most helpful part of a professional workshop is getting direct advice on your business and a chance to get your specific questions answered. I schedule individual one-on-one time with each attendee, as well as time for them to speak to some of our select guest speakers. In those sessions, they can have a portfolio review, branding discussions, pricing questions, competitive advice and more. After the Masterclass week, I make myself available to attendees to continue these types of discussions as they arise in their careers.
“The most invaluable part of the Masterclass was that it didn’t end after the workshop. Laurie continues to be a mentor and friend for me and my business in ways that money can’t buy.” — Tory Smith, Smith + James Events
4. CAMARADERIE
Bringing together like-minded planners from around the country gives them a chance to learn from, teach and befriend fellow planners with very similar goals and challenges. Meeting planners who are in, or have been in, your shoes, and who understand your challenges can offer you long-term support to your business.
“The group of women who came to learn were encouraging and inspiring. Everyone was kind, inclusive, supportive and I felt like I had finally found people who understood the thoughts that are constantly running through my head. I had never had that before.” — Danielle DeMarco, Danielle DeMarco Events
5. PROMOTION OF YOUR BUSINESS
The vendors who speak at workshops typically have huge social media followings, and attendance at our workshop gains you association with these influencers. Everyone at our Masterclass posts with the #weddingplannermasterclass hashtag, so when attendees post to this hashtag as well, their Instagram account gets instant visibility to a new group of followers. Our workshop has also utilized Instagram contests to award outstanding images from students, helping them gain followers as well.
6. A RETREAT
In business, inertia can often be our enemy. We find ourselves constantly on the go, keeping up with clients, and sometimes just trying to get through the day. A workshop is a chance to press pause, taking a step back from the day-to-day to really evaluate your goals, your intentions and your future. In planning the Masterclass, I look for a venue that is luxurious, intimate, peaceful and a little secluded from the outside world. This calm environment allows students to be mindful and present in what they’re seeking, and the result is a much richer experience out of these four days together.
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Photography: Erich McVey Photography | Cinematography: East West | Jewelry: Gump's | Hair and Makeup: Sherrie Long Makeup Hair & Effects | Calligraphy: Emily Rose Ink | Groom's Attire: Todd Synder | Transportation: Main Event Transportation | Wedding Venue: Santa Lucia Preserve | Attendee Welcome Gifts: Stick & Ball | Attire Concierge: The Wedding Detailor | Bride's Attire: jinwang | Event Rentals: Theoni Collection | Event Rentals and Production: Hensley Event Resources | Farewell Dinner Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events | Farewell Dinner Floral Design: Hart Floral | Fine Furnishings: Urban Parlor | Gown with bow: Carolina Herrera | Graphic Design: Amber Moon Design | Lighting Design: Illusions Lighting | Monogrammed Items: Walker Valentine | Planning and Design: Laurie Arons Special Events | Printing: Czar Press | Romantic Ruffle Gown: Naeem Khan | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin | Welcome Dinner Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design