More Reasons I Should Attend This Convention

Listen to an outstanding presentation by Colin Cowie a successful business force in this industry

Obtain ideas and practices to make your business the most profitable it can be

Receive discounts for membership in Nuptial Essentials Association of Wedding Professionals and “reap the rewards” and opportunities the organization has to offer

See first-hand the newest trends of this industry

Showcase your personal work by submitting your events for the annual awards gala. If your event is selected, you will be recognized at the event

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What is Unique About this Convention?
Austin wedding and event planners are truly a unique breed. They have all come together to put this convention on. The breakfast, lunch and dinners will be outstanding and breathtaking events! A local Austin event planner has been teamed up with one member from each event category (one florist, one stationer, one lighting company, one linen company etc.) to showcase their most outstanding work. As the convention attendees attend each educational and break out session break out, they will have the distinct opportunity to see what Austin vendors have to offer their clients. They will view the new trends in the wedding industry as well as be able to speak with the participants of that event.
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Who is Invited?
The convention is open to wedding and event professionals. Tickets for the evening social events will be sold to the convention attendees as well as potential clients (corporate and social businesses as well as couples who are getting married). This will be an incredible opportunity for your work to be showcased in front of a captive audience.
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What is the Format of the Convention?
Each day there will be an educational track and an event track. You will be able to attend as many sessions at the convention as you would like. Track one; business professional track will feature speakers who will educate you on the most effective ways to run your business (attorney, accountants, web design, marketing and pr, graphic design, insurance agent and wellness promoter to name a few). You will have the opportunity to ask questions and use their expertise to further the growth of your business. Track two, event professional track, will feature speakers who are at the top of the Austin wedding and event industry. They will be showing you the most effective ways to use Austin as a Destination Wedding location as well as show you the national and local wedding and event trends. You will have numerous opportunities to network with these professionals (in our internet lounge or at the break out session functions) which will forge professional relationships for years to come.
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Why Austin, Texas?
There is the old saying “I am not originally from Texas, but I got here as fast as I can!” Enjoy the scenic Hill Country of Texas to see what Austin can offer to your clients. You will be able to see the historic downtown area of Austin, trendy 6th street district and the hill country breathtaking views. Austin is a destination event site for brides and attending this convention, you will have the unique opportunity to meet Austin wedding and business professionals and absorb some Texas hospitality. This will allow you to add Austin, Texas to your resume of destinations to offer to your client (www.austintexas.org). Did you know?

• Destination Weddings (DW) are up 200% in the last decade.
• Destination Weddings make up about 10% of the US wedding market (on average, 225,000 weddings).
• Industry experts expect that number to grow to 20-23% of the United States market in the future.
• Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Magazine forecast the worldwide Destination Weddings market will grow from $13B in 2008 to $16B in 2009. And that's up from just $3B in 2001. Destination Weddings are a high-growth market.
• Average cost of DW is $20,600 up 4% since last survey in 2006 (a current statistic that accounts for the current economy).
• Destination weddings are no longer reserved for off-shore locations. Florida is the top US destination followed by Las Vegas and Hawaii and Austin, Texas is up and coming as a force in the destination weddings group.

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Why The Driskill Hotel?
Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, The Driskill remains a landmark of legendary Texas hospitality. Located on Sixth Street in the heart of downtown Austin, the luxurious, historic hotel is convenient to all that the city has to offer, including the Texas State Capitol, convention center, opera, symphony, fine dining and shopping. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World, ®" Austin is home to nearly 200 music venues, many within walking distance of The Driskill (www.driskillhotel.com).

Restored to its original opulence, The Driskill sets the standard for elegance in Austin, Texas. From the magnificent columned lobby with its marble floors and stained-glass dome to the classic décor of the 189 guestrooms and suites, The Driskill ensures that every stay is a memorable one. As a member of The Historic Hotels of America, The Driskill is among the world's finest hotels, offering an unforgettable level of luxury and service.

The Driskill Hotel is one of more than 30 independent, upscale and luxury hotels, resorts and golf clubs in the United States managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, the fifth largest independent hospitality management company in the country.
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What is the Daily Schedule?
The schedule of events will always be updated on our website so you can view the latest updates at your convenience! Click Here!
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More About Keynote Speaker 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.

With a resume like this, NEAWP is proud to have Mr. Cowie as part of this event.
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