01.

arrivING in

The scene was set in The Ora - an event venue with 30,000 square feet of sophisticated meeting space nestled in the heart of Sarasota. 

Beneva, Connie Duglin Linens, WeberSCENIC Productions, and US Tent Rental came together to create stunning visual decor for guests as they walked through the front doors and continued into each of the next three event spaces.

02.

Breakfast was a delicious assortment of sweet treats provided by Der Dutchman Restaurant as well as the most important ingredient for any successful conference: caffeination by Storii Coffee.

03.

One of the best perks of attending educational experiences are the connections and friendships we make during the "down times." Breakfast jump-started that connection making process, and with our blood steams filled with coffee and sugar, we were actually ready for it.

The Emcee of the event was Malike Adigun, and when I tell you this man is the human equivalent of a shot of espresso - believe that he is. He woke the crowd up right from the start and generously donated his amazing energy to start the day on the right foot. 

The Emcee of the event was Malike Adigun, and when I tell you this man is the human equivalent of a shot of espresso - believe that he is. He woke the crowd up right from the start and generously donated his amazing energy to start the day on the right foot. 

04.

Award-winning publicist Meghan Ely's presentation about Social Proof discussed to how a third-party stamp of approval builds authority with ideal clients and referral sources alike. And who knew how affected we all are every day with social proof? And even more importantly, who knew that the color of the summer is orange?

Swifty fans. That's who.

05.

Next up on stage was Tom Chelednik with WeddingPro, the premier sponsor of the event. What very easily could have been an hour long membership drive instead it was an awesome presentation rich with incredible facts and a step-by-step consultation framework that helps close more deals and build lasting client relationships.

Next up on stage was Tom Chelednik with WeddingPro, the premier sponsor of the event. What very easily could have been an hour long membership drive instead it was an awesome presentation rich with incredible facts and a step-by-step consultation framework that helps close more deals and build lasting client relationships. 

06.

All that learning worked up an appetite, and Simply Gourmet by Metz created a delicious menu of Harvest Salad, Greek Style Chicken, Blackened Shrimp Skewers, Mediterranean Cous Cous, Roasted Vegetable Platters, and artisan rolls with sea salt butter pearls. It felt healthy and decadent at the same time.

* chef's kiss *

07.

You would think it would be a challenge someone to discuss something like "contracts & compliance" and hold the attention of an audience that is in the throes of a post-lunch coma.

You would be wrong.

Kunbi Odubogun held the audience's attention with a mixture of great personality, scary stories, and some kind of magic spell that obviously worked.

08.

The first round of breakout sessions included:

09.

10.

The second round of breakout sessions included:

I would say we weren't prepared for the emotional depth that Brian Green brought with this closing presentation, but before lunch he *literally got on stage* and told us what to expect and threatened us not to leave early so we have no one to blame but ourselves if we didn't take him seriously. He gifted the audience with a breathtaking - and IMPORTANT - conversation on the importance of emotional intelligence. I wasn't ready to feel all those feels, but what a spectacular conclusion to an equally spectacular day.

11.

10.

After a full day of being inspired, it was time to meet friends - old and new - at the Cocktail Hour. Since everyone was already digesting all the overwhelming information of the day, NOM Catering gave everyone something else to nibble on with their elegant food display.