12:00pm

Lunch
Hosted by:
Barbara’s Brides (www.Barbarasbrides.com)
Sponsored by:
Vella Event Décor (www.vellaevents.com)
Ilios Lighting (www.ilioslighting.com)
Dustin Meyer Photography ( www.dustinmeyer.com)
Austin Party Central (www.austinpartycentral.com)

2:00pm

"Accounting"
Do you know the best way to organize your business books? What are some of the tax benefits that you can receive? How should I process employees? How do I save money with my taxes? A certified public accountant will be able to answer all of your questions.

"Floral"
Presented by Kurio of David Kurio Designs (www.davidkuriodesigns.com)
What is the best way to spend your client’s money? What unique things can I suggest to my client? What is the best for furniture and sculptures to be incorporated into an event?

For over 30 years David has been designing flowers with passion. In 1985 David opened David Kurio Designs, an event design creative services company, in Austin and has had the opportunity to create outstanding event environments for some of the most memorable events for many clients ranging from local families and corporations to Hollywood celebrities and even State and National dignitaries. David prides himself on his ability to listen closely to the client and then work with them to visualize and design the décor for the event and the flow and set up of the space.

David has been published in National as well as Regional publications and in 2007 was recognized by The Flower Council of Holland as one of the United States top ten designers. In May 2009 David was recognized by ISES (International Special Event Society) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

He attributes his longevity in this business to his design capabilities, his talented staff and his versatility in design which can range anywhere from conservative and practical to modern and minimalist or all the way to completely over the top.

Other than this design versatility and range, his greatest talent lies in working with many renowned local and national event planning and event management companies. It is his strong belief that it takes a team of talented people to create and produce a successful and memorable event.

3:00pm

"Contracts"
Presented by Suzette Neyra-Jones
How will my contract protect me from my client? Or employee? What do I need to have in my contracts to be safe? What do I do if I get sued by a client or employee? You will see sample contracts and you will have the opportunity to ask your contract questions to Ms. Neyra-Jones. Bring copies of your contract for her to review and she will respond to you individually after the class via email. This is a must attend seminar where you will have access to a contracts attorney who will be able to address your concerns.

"Lighting"
Presented by Bryan Ilios of Ilios Designs (www.ilioslighting.com)
What is the best way to light an event? What is the most cost effective way to light an event? Why should I have lighting? Many event planners think of lighting as a luxury not a necessity. After y our client has paid for outstanding décor, why would you not want it to be highlighted with additional lighting. Come learn why lighting is not a luxury in the event world.

ILIOS is an Austin, TX based Lighting company participating in several areas of the Production Industry. Our primary form of business is Event Design and Operations. Whether you are planning a large CORPORATE EVENT, intimate WEDDING, artistic DANCE PERFORMANCE, or dynamic STAGE-TOP CONCERT, we strive to provide the best gear, the most creative design, and ultimately create for our clients the most dramatic, exciting, and/or picturesque atmosphere imaginable.

4:00pm

"Austin, Texas"
Presented by Beth Krauss of ACVB (www.austintexas.org)
“Why should I host an event in Austin?” As a the media relations manager at the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, Beth Krauss is in charge of implementing the vision of the ACVB which is to:
• Increase the demand in the Austin Metropolitan Area for hotel rooms, attraction visits, package tours, retail sales, restaurant receipts, local transportation and other events and activities that positively affect the economic impact of the local tourism industry.
• Boost the demand for and usage of the Austin Convention Center by out-of-town groups and special events that, in turn, draw attendees to stay overnight in Austin hotels.
• Through the Austin Music Office, promote Austin music worldwide through national and international media exposure, by booking live music acts for conventions and corporate meetings, and by encouraging patronage of Austin music venues.
• Support Austin's growing film industry through activities of the Austin Film Office which assists in scouting locations, logistics and permits, maintaining industry databases and publication of an annual production manual.
• Gain national and international media exposure for Austin's myriad attractions, unique features, lifestyle, history, local personalities and natural environment.
• Support and contribute to the enrichment of Austin's cultural, arts, historic, recreational, educational, business and entertainment communities .

"Rentals"
Presented by Damon Holditch of Marquee Rents (www.marqueeeventgroup.com)
You will be taking a field trip to the Marquee Event Group warehouse to see the latest trends in the world of rentals. You will have the opportunity to participate in a table design activity as well as learn from the industries top professionals about rentals, custom linens, tents and event design.

Marquee Event Group began in 1985 as a small party rental store, and has evolved over the past 22 years into a full-service event rental company with three divisions: Marquee Rents, Marquee Tents, and Marquee Linens. Led by owner Damon Holditch, CSEP, CERP, Marquee has transformed the event industry in Central Texas by bringing new ideas to the event market and developing and offering innovative services. Redefining the use of rentals through custom pieces, each of the three divisions caters to a different aspect of the event industry.

Marquee Rents offers a wide range of event rentals from tables and seating to tabletop pieces to catering equipment. We explore new trends in events and provide our customers with cutting-edge quality rentals that are durable enough to withstand rigorous multiple rents. We also creatively think about how our items can be used, and we share that knowledge with our clients.

Marquee Tents was created in 2000 when our clients requested larger tents for corporate events and more pristine tops for wedding tents. We offer contemporary tents for existing and new venues that withstand all types of Central Texas weather. Our tenting plans also give customers the options and flexibility of making the tents the main focus of the event or acting as a rain plan only.

Marquee Linens is the newest division that provides custom table linens for events of all types. Whether rented from Marquee Rents or through our linen shipping service, our linens are high-end. We also offer linen installation and sash tying on large events in the Austin area, ensuring that our linens carry out the design imagined.

Customer service is at the center of each division. We aim at giving our clients what they need whether that means bringing in new rental products, custom-making linens for a cake table, or designing a special system for tent installation at a venue. From design through execution, Marquee Event Group works to reinvent the way you think about events

6:00pm

"Deep in the Heart of Texas!"

Hosted by:
Your Very Own Fairy Godmother Weddings and Events (www.ownfairygodmother.com)
Sponsored by:
The Salt Lick Restaurant (www.saltlickbbq.com)
Petal Pushers (www.petalpushers.us)
Transportation Consultants (www.transportationconsultants.com) Ilios Lighting (www.ilioslighting.com) Stella Alesi Photography (www.stellaalesi.com) Wolf Stuntworks (www.wolfstuntworks.com) Penquin Entertainment (www.penguinentertainment.com)

You are cordially invited to attend dinner and dancing out at the world famous Salt Lick Restaurant. You will travel by bus to the best voted barbecue restaurant . (www.saltlickbbq.com)

Thirty years ago, Thurman Roberts, Sr. and his wife Hisako T. Roberts started the Salt Lick Restaurant on the ranch where he was born. The stones of the building were quarried from that same ranch. Everything was done by them with their own hands; building and cooking with care and love, a pride in quality, and a job done right. Family reunions provided them the opportunity to gather and share family BBQ recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation since the Civil War. Their meals were such a success, friends encouraged them to start their own restaurant. Opened for business in 1969, the Salt Lick has become world-renowned.

Since then, the Salt Lick has grown in size and scope. The restaurant facilities have been expanded. Rooms have been added to accomodate various functions. The Pavilion has been added just down the road so that many couples have started their married lives together with us. When the City of Austin built it's new Austin Bergstrom International Airport, The Salt Lick was one of the few restaurants picked to represent what Austin dining is to the rest of the world. We began our mail order catalog to share the joy of Texas barbecue with the rest of the country.

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7:45am

Breakfast

8:30am

"You"
As a business owner, many times you are the last one who is taken care of. You are the person who needs to be taken care of the most so you will effectively be able to direct your staff and produce outstanding events. You will learn the most effect ways to rejuvenate your innersole and become the best manager you can be.

"Wedding"
Presented by Sarah de la Fuente, BA, MPAff (www.austinweddingsunlimited.com)
Clients will come to you to produce their event and will ask you about the components of the ceremony. Come listen to officiants who will offer you valuable information concerning the religious (Christian, and Jewish) and spirituality (non-denominational) components of a ceremony.

A native Texan, Sarah was born in Dallas, high-tailed it to Houston at 6 weeks old (well, ok, her parents moved), and landed in her beloved Austin in 1988, where she has resided ever since. She is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy and The University of Texas, and she has a master’s degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. In addition to her non-denominational license and ordination, she is a deacon in the Presbyterian Church, and has served as the Director of Volunteer Services for a local congregation. She adores historical fiction, T.S. Eliot’s “Journey of the Magi,” swimming, a good sense of humor, and a small cabin get-away outside of Canyon Lake, Texas. Sam makes her cycle while they talk about weddings, and so she is learning to love her bike, too.

Having officiated at hundreds of weddings for couples of every imaginable spiritual background, Sarah believes that a diversity of opinions, cultures, spirituality, politics, and tastes may sometimes challenge a marriage, but also offer an opportunity for deeply meaningful relationships and personal enrichment.

Sarah lives her beliefs daily, being married since 1994 to Joe, her best friend. Together, their greatest treasures are their two children, and the marriage they’ve worked hard to cultivate.

9:30am

"Time"
Everyone says “if I only had 20 more hours in the day, I would get it all done!”. Since you are not able to add 20 more hours in the day, how can you efficiently maximize the 24 that you are given?

"Music"
Presented by Nate Mayfield (www.natemayfield.com)
A Texas native with international roots, Nathaniel Mayfield received his education at The Juilliard School, Columbia University, Interlochen Arts Academy, Tanglewood Institute, and the Hochschule für Musik in Karlsruhe, Germany. After a nomination for "exceptional artistic achievement" by the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts (NFAA), and "for holding to the very highest of academic standards" by the U.S. Department of Education under Secretary Richard Riley, Nathaniel was selected by President Clinton's White House Commission on Presidential Scholars to receive the Presidential Scholar Medallion in 1994. This award is presented to 20 artists each year in recognition of "demonstrated leadership ability, strong character and commitment to high ideals."

Upon graduating from a joint program between Columbia University and The Juilliard School (student of Raymond Mase, Chairman of Brass Department), Nathaniel was chosen as a J. William Fulbright scholar to pursue post-graduate work on trumpet performance with Professor Reinhold Friedrich in Karlsruhe, Germany. Inspired to learn the rediscovered baroque trumpet, he has presented baroque trumpet masterclasses at such institutions as The Juilliard School, Baylor, Eastman School of Music, Texas Christian University, Laval University Quebec, Emory and Henry College, Loyola, and others. In 2008, he was invited to be a faculty member at Domaine Forget (Quebec), baroque trumpet artist at the International Trumpet Guild Convention in Banff, Canada, as well as baroque trumpet judge for the upcoming National Trumpet Competition in Washington, D.C.

Nathaniel has won numerous musical competitions, including the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition, the National Trumpet Competition, the Aspen Festival Brass Concerto Competition, and the Yamaha Young Artist Competition. His orchestral experience includes participation as a fellow with the National Repertory Orchestra, the Pacific Music Festival Japan, and the Round Top Institute, as well as concerts with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra, Mannheim National Theatre, Singapore Symphony, Austin Symphony Orchestra and Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, San Antonio Opera, and Victoria Bach Festival. Other influential teachers include Chris Gekker, Edward Carroll, Mark Gould, Stephen Burns, Markus Stockhausen, Thomas Stevens, Tom Booth, Ray Crisara, Jimmy Shortell, and John Lindenau.

After returning to Texas from abroad, Nathaniel was appointed Director of Music for The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts (ASPVA), and also Executive Director for the Austin Brass Center, both 501-C3 non-profit organizations. He is currently Instructor of Trumpet at Texas A&M in College Station, TX. Along with trumpet virtuosi Paul Merkelo and Rex Richardson, he is one of the three trumpeters in "NEXT" Ensemble, an international group that incorporates baroque, jazz and classical/romantic trumpet in contemporary/experimental settings. A firm believer in expanding the trumpet repertoire, Nathaniel has premiered and recorded works by composers Eric Ewazen, James Stephenson, Eric McIntyre, P.K. Waddle, and Filip Sande of Norway.

While not traveling, Nathaniel calls his native city of Austin home, where he lives with his wife, Ulrike. He can be contacted anytime through his website, www.natemayfield.com.

10:30am

"Technology"
Presented by Abby Larson (www.stylemepretty.com)
Facebook, twitter, blogging OH MY! Come learn how you can effectively promote and navigate your business with the current technology opportunities available to you. What are the most important changes you need to make to your website to be more appealing to your clients? How much do you need to blog? How can facebook and twitter help you? Technology is at the tips of your fingers and you need to figure out the best way to use it.

Abby Larson is a world renown wedding blogger. She admittedly states “I have the best job in the world. I spend my days scouring the internet for beautiful things, walking the streets of Boston waiting to be inspired, roaming the aisles of my favorite little bookshop…all day, dreaming about weddings. On any given Tuesday, you might find me on my sofa, hovering over my laptop creating inspiration boards and color palettes, constantly getting sidetracked by all of the beautiful sites I’ve found along the way. Yes, I have a pretty killer job.”

Like most things in life, the path that Abby took to get to where she is has been a long and winding road. With big dreams and brief detours (including a stop at a public relations firm followed by a longer stay at a hedge fund), she jumped head first into the wedding industry, launching a line of wedding invitations called Abby Jean. After three years of blood, sweat and tears (literally) she sold her wonderful little company to Fontaine Maury who could take the brand on to bigger and better things.

As a way or her to stay connected to this industry, and continue to challenge herself creatively, she started Style Me Pretty….a chic blog for the style obsessed bride. As a blogger, she is forever in search of inspiration…whether it’s her grandfather’s sketches or her niece’s paintings, the perfect pair of ballet flats or a blush colored peony. There are no boundaries for inspiration just as there are no boundaries when it comes to Style Me Pretty.

Simply put, Abby writes about all things beautiful. All things wedding. Every day, she posts her favorite finds, her latest loves…she creates a place where creativity and ideas thrive, where you can find weddings that eliminate the walls of tradition and focus instead on the unique personalities of brides and grooms everywhere. And in the midst of all the beautiful pictures and the beautiful weddings, her only hope is that she will inspire you in some small way, to translate that perfect picture in your head into a day that will make you smile for years to come.

"Catering"
Presented by Adkins of Word of Mouth Catering (www.wordofmouthercatering.com)
Word Of Mouth Catering has set the standard for excellence in Austin, Texas, for 25 years. We bring artistic flair and logistical expertise to every facet of our work, from sophisticated event design to creative culinary feats to stellar presentation and service.

Word Of Mouth Catering has had the privilege of sharing, planning, and celebrating many large and small milestones in our client's lives:

• The opening of a new business or museum
• A kick-off event for a community service organization's new fund drive
• The wedding of a beloved daughter
• The christening of that daughter's new baby.

We dreamed of building our business by creating the best catering and event planning company in Austin. Today, that dream has come true. Word of Mouth has consistently been recognized for its high quality and excellence by being voted "Best Caterer" 11 consecutive years by the Austin Chronicle and by being chosen as one of the ten "Best Wedding Caterers" by Bon Appetit Magazine.

11:30am

Panel
Do you know what bride’s really think? Are they always happy with everything? How can consultants increase their service? Bride’s are the ultimate researchers. They will research every wedding vendor from here to eternity. Find out their true thoughts during this round table discussion with brides who are engaged or newly married. In small groups, you will have the opportunity to “pick their brain” and find out how you can better your business sense.

12:30pm

"Fashion"
Hosted by:
Big Day Event Production (www.youreventproducer.com)
Sponsored by:
Distinctive Details (www.distinctivedetails.com)
First In Last Out Productions (www.filodesigns.com)
Serendipity Bridal (www.serendipitybridal.com)
Simon Lee Bakery
(www.simonleebakery.com)
Ashley Garmon Photographers (www.ashleygarmonphoto.com)
Rae Cosmetics (www.raecosmetics.com)

You are cordially invited to the Chic Fashion Show during lunch.

2:00pm

"Software"
What is the best software available to run my business? How do I do a matrix floor plan on my computer? How do I create a pdf or ai file? How can I create my own ad for advertising? Many times you will need to outsource this work. Come learn software basics so you will be able to make educated decisions and run your company more efficiently.

2:00pm

"Photography"
Presented by Darcie and Chris Siiteri of Innovative Photography (www.innovativephotography.com)
Photography captures the moments that were so candidly created on the day of the event. Being corporate, social or wedding, the one thing your clients will have left over is the photography. Darcie and Chris Siiteri are unique in this industry as they are not only a team, but husband and wife. They will not only discuss the current trends of photography , technology and art design, but also will discuss the obstacles and issues that arise when you are working with a spouse or close partner.

Content remains the most important element of any exceptional photograph.

Darcie and Chris Siiteri - accomplished documentary photographers - produce truthful, objective, and usually candid photographs of their subjects. Their mission is to create historical life documents of how their subjects look in wedding, business or daily attire. These professionals create great photographs from an appreciation of the quality of ambient light and the knowledge of when and how to augment this available light. His or her vibrant photographs are imbued with the unique perspective felt by each photographer.

3:00pm

"Employees"
There is no “I” in “TEAM”. I have too much work and need to hire employees? How do I pay them? Are they contract employees? Do I make them a partner? Do I give them a percentage of the sales that come in to my business? How much business do I need to take on to make hiring employees worthwhile? You will learn the intricate details of having employees as well as the advantages and disadvantages of expanding your team.

"Cinematography"
Presented by Gary Smith of Crescent Video Productions (www.crescentvideo.com)
Because Every Moment is a Work of Art. Come listen to Gary discuss how he creates a video that is an inspired reflection of the event by capturing the feelings that are present. Be it corporate or social, each event is a work of art and your client’s cinemagraphic tapestry deserves a care and attention befitting the rarest of moments. For the past 14 years, Crescent Video Productions has been setting a higher standard in the event cinematography. To them, the camera is an eye observing but never intruding. They painstakenly seek out each memory like a flowing guest, sharing every discrete vision in its true and inalterable beauty. With the state of the art digital high definition widescreen cameras and a journalistic approach to their surroundings, they present their clients with an artistic, music-enhanced creation certain to pass the test of time. The Wedding and Event Videographers International Association (WEVA) honored Crescent Video Productions with the Creative Excellence Award- the industry’s most prestigious prize.

4:00pm

"Start Up"
Do I buy an exsisting event business or start my own up? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of both? If I purchase a business, how do I know the true value of it? If I own a business, what would be the benefit of me purchasing another one to increase my presence in the industry? If I would like to sell my business, what is it worth? What would be the steps I would take to do this?

"Cakes"
Presented by Scott Calvert of The Cake Plate (www.thecakeplate.com)
Originally from Arizona, Chef Scott has been Texas since 1984. Scott became interested in cooking while in high school, finding it a great way to impress girls. Cooking was a natural extension of Scott's Italian family, and he grew up surrounded by family and food.

Scott attended the New England Culinary school, and realized that baking was the direction he wanted to move his career. After school, Scott spent time in Colorado at working at the Hotel Boulderado, and snowboarding as much as possible.

Scott returned to Austin accepting an executive pastry chef position with Motorola, Inc jumping into the fast paced corporate world. He was responsible for an in house cafe that feed the nearly 4000 people working in the Motorola plant. Making desserts for the in-house catering, conference rooms and VIP dining rooms that hosted guests from around the world, Scott found his passion for baking reached new heights.

While working at Motorola, Chef Scott experienced several significant life changing events. First, he married Gretchen, his long time girlfriend. Three years later they had their daughter Carlie, bought a home in Austin and started his new bakery.

After several years of steady growth, from the original bakery, Countryside Baking Co. opened in 1998, Scott renamed the company to The Cake Plate. The Cake Plate is a bakery that specializes in desserts. The Cake Plate is a fully personalized wedding cake shop, ranging from simple elegance to over the top extravagance. Additionally, the bakery works with several Austin area restaurants and catering companies providing desserts.

5:00pm

"Printing"
Presented by Maggio of Tiger Black Collective (www.blacktigercollective.com)
Have you effectively branded your business? How do you brand your business? Do people know who you are? Did you create your logo on your own and does it need a face lift? When should you update your logo? Bring copies of your logo to this session and you will receive feedback from our presenter with tips on how to improve it.

Black Tiger Collective is a creative visual agency specializing in motion graphics and branding system. BTC brings cutting edge, sub-culture ideology and injects it into a corporate philosophy. Through their principles and research, they maintain a dedicated relationship and understanding of both the trendsetting elite and the general customer. The artists at Black Tiger have had the pleasure of working with such clients as Warner Bros., Abercrombie and Fitch, CMT, Con Artists Productions, Bold Films and more.

"Stationery"
Presented by Nancy Owen of Alegra’s (www.alegras.com)
Stationery is used with all events. Come learn about various kinds of paper, printing and pizzazz you can show your clients for their events. You will see the extraordinary to the custom. Custom is not a luxury anymore. See what this century has brought forth with custom gift bags, menu cards, favors (Jordan almonds are not the only favor present), boxes and streamer bombs.

Owned and operated by Nancy and Lee Owen and daughter Stephanie Kaplan since 1987. Alegra's has helped Austin couples select just the right look for their wedding invitations and bridal accessories.

Alegra's has received national recognition on Good Morning America, The Joan Hamburger Show (NY), The Underground Shopper, Bridal Bargains, and Tribeza Magazine.

Our mission has always been to give excellent value for the money spent whether the budget is large or small. We listen to the customer and artfully create a look that reflects their personal sense of style, not ours. We want to be your family stationer. It is our fondest hope to see our customers through all the many happy milestones of their lives.

7:00pm

"A Night Under the Stars"

Hosted by:
Becky Brock, PWC
Courtney Zieke, PWC
Sponsored by:
The Belmont Restaurant (www.thebelmontaustin.com)
Innovative Photography (www.innovativephotography.com)
Gunn and Rose Design
Distinctive Details (www.distinctivedetails.com) The Cake Plate (www.thecakeplate.com)

Key Note Speaker: Alan Berg, VP Local Strategic Solutions for The Knot, Inc. (www.theknot.com)

With more than 25 years experience in sales and marketing, over 18 in wedding related advertising, Alan Berg is uniquely qualified to help local wedding vendors achieve their goals. Beginning his career at the Young & Rubicam Ad Agency, Alan spent many years utilizing his combined Marketing/Accounting Degree in various companies, large and small. He was Publisher of the Hudson Valley, NY, and New Jersey editions of WEDDINGPAGES magazines before joining The Knot as a Regional Sales Director. He was promoted to Vice President of Sales in 2003, then VP of Local Sales Operations in 2007 and currently serves as the VP of Local Strategic Solutions. Alan is also a member of the National Speakers Association, the leading organization for professional speakers.

Alan is also the Director of The Knot Market Intelligence (TKMI), the company's Resource for Education, Information and Market Research. Through webinars and live presentations, TKMI helps local vendors improve their marketing & sales skills, as well as helping them get the most from The Knot's advertising programs. This is another way that The Knot is leading the industry by being more than just a place to advertise.

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7:45am

Breakfast

8:30am

Tour
You will experience the riding tour of Austin where you will see the high rental spots for events as well as the beautiful hill country. Your guide on the bus will briefly describe site you are approaching. You will be given information and website on each facility that you drive by.

10:00am

"Insurance"
Presented by Marcus Esparza from State Farm Insurance

"Transportation"
Presented by Bill Talley of Transportation Consultants (www.transportationconsultants.com)
Transportations Consultants began as Texas Sports Tours in Austin, Texas in 1981. Founded by Bill Talley and George Campbell, they coordinated charter bus trips to sporting events such as Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros, Cotton Bowls, Super Bowls just to mention a few. Texas Sports Tours, Inc. was transformed to Sports Tours of Texas, Inc. in 1991 by Robert and Bill Talley. Since so many transportation event bookings were outside of sporting events, Bill Talley formed Transportation Consultants in 1996 as a division of Texas Sports Tours, Inc. Their many clients include notable organizations such as Dell Inc., Southwestern University, Nortel Networks, BMC Software, Elite Weddings, Fortune 500 Forum, McClure & Company, just to mention a few.

11:00am

"Entertainment"
Presented by Floyd Hyman of Emerald Entertainment (www.mrald.com)
Events are not just about one entertainer anymore. Events are using as many as five different entertainers (quartet, piano player, emcee, dancers, dee jay and live band). How do all of these musicians work together? What is the benefit of using a agency to book musicians? Is there a cost savings I can pass on to my client? How much power will I need? How strict is a rider and how do I accommodate all of their riders? Enter into the session of entertainment and see how your life will change.
Based in Austin, Texas (Music Capital of the World), Emerald Entertainment has evolved into one of the most productive entertainment agencies in Texas. With a combination of talent resources and enthusiasm, they offer endless solutions and diverse options for any event. Relying on their 20 years experience in the music industry, owners Floyd Hyman and Jo Wells have learned what it takes to plan a successful event.

"Sales"

You have a client and how do you close the sale? How do you build relationships with your clients? What is the most effective thing you could say to get the sale? How should you rethink your strategy of selling?

12:00pm

Lunch
Hosted by:
The Driskill Hotel (www.thedriskill.com)
Sponsored by:
Verbena Floral Design (www.verbenafloral.com)
Jennifer Lindberg Weddings (www.jenniferlindbergweddings.com)
First In Last Out Productions (www.filodesigns.com)
Tailored Tables
Austin Party Central (www.austinpartycentral.com)

1:00pm

"Industry"

What is the state of the wedding industry in this recession? How can you make the best use of the economic downturn? The key is not to “lock your doors” but open your business to new opportunities.

"Style"

What is your personal style? How can you dress for success without breaking your bank account? What are the best clothing pieces to have for men and women? What are the new trends for 2010 year?

2:00pm

Breakout Session

Did you miss a presentation you heard was outstanding? Did you need clarification on something you heard? This is an opportunity for you to discuss all you have learned at the convention. You will be placed in small groups with at least one NEAWP representative to further your education via a group discussion.

3:30pm

"Beauty"

In preparation for the grand finale gala, you will have the opportunity to stop by our in house beauty are for hair and make-up. You will need to make an appointment with your registration.

6:00pm

"Chic in the Heart of Texas"

Hosted by:
Caplan Miller Events (www.caplanmiller.com)
Kurio Designs (www.davidkuriodesigns.com)
First In Last Out Productions (www.filodesigns.com)
Penguin Entertainment (www.penguinentertainment.com)

You are cordially invited to our Gala finale as NEAWP welcomes Colin Cowie.

NEAWP is pleased to announce our keynote speaker Colin Cowie (www.colincowie.com). Respected around the world as an arbiter of style, Colin Cowie is widely known for designing and producing the most spectacular celebrations across the globe. With an international clientele that reads like the guest list at the Academy Awards, Colin Cowie Lifestyle has designed and produced celebrations for Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, Eddie Murphy, Elton John, John Travolta, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Quincy Jones, Jennifer Aniston, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, Jenny McCarthy, Sela Ward, Don Henley, Kelsey Grammer, Kenny G., Lisa Kudrow, Charlie Sheen, Sugar Ray Leonard, Paula Abdul, Michael Jordan, Hugh Hefner, HRH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Audemars Piguet, Davidoff of Geneva, Warner Bros, CBS, The Whitney Museum, Architectural Digest, Kerzner International, Cosmopolitan Magazine and InStyle Magazine.

As an interior designer, Colin recently completed the renovation of a 600 room Hotel in Hong Kong including its two signature restaurants and ballroom. Current projects include a banquet space in Los Angeles, a bar/nightclub in Los Angeles, and a beach club in Acapulco, a restaurant and nightclub in Panama and a beach club in Cartagena. Ongoing residential projects include homes in Los Angeles, Miami and New York, South Africa and Costa Rica.

Colin Cowie is also the author of eight best-selling books including five wedding books (Colin Cowie Weddings, For the Bride, For the Groom, Extraordinary Weddings, Colin Cowie Wedding Chic), two entertaining cookbooks (Effortless Elegance and Dinner After Dark) and a book on living with style (Colin Cowie Chic).

Colin also appears as a much-in-demand television personality and beginning in January 2009 will host the daily show, Get Married, airing on Lifetime TV. Colin also appears as a guest on many national television shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, Entertainment Tonight, CNN, and Extra! Colin has been profiled and quoted extensively in periodicals ranging from The New York Times Magazine, 0 The Oprah Magazine, O at Home, People Magazine, US Weekly, Architectural Digest, Bon Appétit, In Style, Town & Country, Readers’ Digest, New York, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Travel & Leisure, USA Today, Women’s Day, TV Guide, The Los Angeles Times, The Los Angeles Times Magazine, Biography Magazine, The Daily News, Bride’s Magazine, Modern Bride, The New York Post, and The Chicago Daily Herald.

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