Wedding Professionals Conference

 

 
 
 
 
 
Hello Canada!
Last week Beaches Turks and Caicos played host to a group of 75 wedding professionals and their guests. I can say without a doubt that we are fully equipped to handle any group, no matter how large or small. From conference space to extra activities, we will make sure that everyone in your group has a truly unforgettable experience. 
                                                       
(Above photo: Danielle Andrews Sunkel and Tracey Manailescu, producers of the Wedding Professionals Conference)
Below you will find an e-mail that I received from Danielle Andrews Sunkel and Tracey Manailescu, producers of the Wedding Professionals Conference.
“Wow!  What an amazing conference, this was indeed the best conference we've held to date.  
Attendees were met at the airport and whisked off to our host resort, the 6-star, Beaches Turks & Caicos, where they were greeted with a chilled towel and a rum cocktail. 
Later that evening Beaches held a Welcome Cocktail Party, complete with a live performer, cocktails and hot and cold canapes.  Attendees got to hobnob with the Speakers and were encouraged to visit the Wedding Office where the new Martha Stewart Sandals Wedding Collection was being previewed on the Plasma screens.  Cakes and accessories from the collection were also on display.
The next day seminars began at 8:30am.  The speakers were amazing and spoke to both our beginner attendees as well as our seasoned pros, everyone was able to take away valuable info and tips from each seminar.   Attendees were able to enjoy everything the resort and island had to offer after 1:30pm, and enjoy they did!
The following afternoon, delegates donned Wedding Dresses and took part in the largest known Trash the Dress Photo Shoot.  We had 12 professional photographers and about 50 amateurs on the beach snapping away like a wall of paparazzi.  What a great time we all had jumping off piers, racing down waterslides, floating in a lazy river, swimming in the ocean and splashing through fountains all while wearing our wedding dresses!
Our final day was Sandals/Beaches Day where every attendee got the chance to become Sandals Certified.  Our training was interrupted by some furry monsters, Cookie Monster, The Count and Elmo to name names. All of the attendees had a great time getting their photos with the characters and we've already seen a bunch of Facebook Profiles updated with the pictures.
That evening Beaches treated our group like royalty!  The delegates and speakers went on a Catamaran Cruise for cocktails and hors d'ouerves, then met their travel companions and were treated to a gorgeous Gala set up beside the French Village Pool.  The night included tons of food stations, beautiful floral and feather centrepieces, live entertainment, awards to Top Sandals Sellers, raffles from over 22 sponsors with a Grand Prize of 5days/4nights at any Sandals or Beaches Resort!  
Many new friends were created and several relationships were made stronger.  Each Conference delegate and Speaker got to see how much can be accomplished, shared and learned when people put aside their egos and help improve each other.  We are all better Wedding Professionals for it.
A HUGE thank you to our host resort Beaches Turks & Caicos and especially Sandals National Business Development & Promotions Manager, Gina Tsirmpas.  This was by far the easiest Conference we have ever put together and considering this conference was 1,600 miles from our hometown, that says A LOT!”
Thank you Danielle and Tracey for your feedback!
When you are searching for a location for your next conference, meeting or incentive trip, look no further than Sandals and Beaches Resorts. With amazing facilities, state of the art technology and service beyond your imagination, we are the ideal choice for your next group event!!
 
Wishing you all a fantastic week!!
Gina
 
Quote of the week:
 
 
 
 

Trashing the dress! Everyone had a great time!!

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Comments (Comment Moderation is enabled. Your comment will not appear until approved.)
Sarah Ferguson's Gravatar This conference was awesome! It was a smaller, more intimate gathering of some of WPIC’s most dedicated planners.
Having a great balance of fun & learning allowed us to be able to self tour the resort.
Interacting with staff and network with planners that joined us from destinations other than Canada.
I loved the presentation that Richard Todd gave us, there were some great ideas about how to market my Sandals aspect of my business.
This property was very different than what I had expected. It really did have something there for everyone ( ultimate luxury... and a little more bugeted
clients ) I took lots of notes, talked with the sale department and of course great photos to pitch to my bride for her 2012 wedding.
I think that getting away to somewhere sunny this time of the year was great, as it allowed me to recharge my batteries and start blueprinting
my plan of action that I can implement over the Christmas holidays, so that come New Years……. Business will be better than ever!
# Posted By Sarah Ferguson | 11/23/09 1:37 AM
Leslie's Gravatar Hi Gina,
This looks and sounds like it was a great conference. Can you keep me updated if there is another one. Can travel agents attend? Since I am css and I focus on weddings this would be great for me. I will call you for more information.
I just booked a wedding group to Sandals Dunns River!
# Posted By Leslie | 11/23/09 4:42 AM
Jennifer Borgh's Gravatar The conference was amazing! Thanks to Gina and everyone at Sandals/Beaches for spoiling us!!! I can't wait to start booking my clients. I know how awesome Beaches is!
# Posted By Jennifer Borgh | 11/23/09 5:09 AM
Melanie's Gravatar Sandals Resorts is the only resort I recommend for my wedding couples. I have been in the business for 20 years and I can say with no doubt in my mind that no other resort can come close to Sandals.You truely are the best in the industry!
# Posted By Melanie | 11/23/09 5:12 AM
Fiona's Gravatar Trashing the dress looks like a blast.
# Posted By Fiona | 11/23/09 6:11 AM
Kim Tradori's Gravatar I don't even consider other resorts when it comes to weddings or large groups, Sandals always ensures my clients will be taken care of from the moment of arrival to the time of departure, this is why I love Sandals.
# Posted By Kim Tradori | 11/23/09 2:14 PM
Pauline's Gravatar Hi Gina, I just booked a wedding group to beaches turks and caicos, 52 people in total. The bride is really excited and happy about having her wedding at beaches and the money I am making on this booking is something to smile about. Are you hosting a conference like this again? I would love to join you as I focus on weddings in the caribbean.
Thanks for the great blogs.
Pauline
# Posted By Pauline | 11/23/09 10:12 PM
Veronica's Gravatar I love the photos. Trashing the dress is becoming very poplular, I would love to do it. It looks like everyone had a great time but how could you not at beaches turks and caicos?
# Posted By Veronica | 11/24/09 3:32 AM
Susan Barnes's Gravatar Great shots of all who attended. Looks like it was a lot of fun.
# Posted By Susan Barnes | 11/24/09 3:39 AM
Effie's Gravatar I wish I was there. That actually sounds like a fun conference.
# Posted By Effie | 11/24/09 5:28 AM
Gina's Gravatar It really was a great time. I really enjoyed watching the trash the dress photo shoot. I am not sure if we will be hosting this conference next year but if we do I will give you all the details.
Congrats on the wedding groups you all have booked!!! I am so happy and proud of you. Let me know if you need any assistance on the groups.
# Posted By Gina | 11/24/09 3:44 PM
Tammy's Gravatar Hi Gina: I am trying to increase my destination wedding group sales so please do keep us updated on any future fams or conference that are geared towards weddings. I have sold a Martha Stewart package and it was so easy because the bride actually saw the packages on the Martha Stewart show.
# Posted By Tammy | 11/25/09 9:44 PM
Lorie Collins's Gravatar Hi Gina...

Thanks to everyone who made this conference wonderful..I had a blast trashing my dress and can now focus on making changes to my company to incorporate Beaches and Sandals more.

I can't say how much I enjoyed the staff there, they were all amazing...they look like they enjoy going to work. The Sesame Street gang that came in during our Sandals certification was one of may highlights...we all became kids again waiting to take pictures...

Thank you..

Lorie
# Posted By Lorie Collins | 11/26/09 3:35 AM
Marlene's Gravatar Sounds like it was a great conference. I have booked so many destiantion weddings this year and it this market just keeps on growing. I would be interested in going to next years conference. Please keep me posted.
# Posted By Marlene | 11/26/09 3:52 AM
Jag Brar's Gravatar I have been to many conferences, and this by far THE BEST conference. Everyone had such a blast. It was great to see so many wedding professionals and to develop some fantastic relationships.

The resort staff was phenomenal. Thank you Danielle, Tracey, Gina and Sandals for making it happen :)
# Posted By Jag Brar | 11/26/09 4:03 AM
Mona's Gravatar Looks like it was a productive and fun conference. I really like the photos.
# Posted By Mona | 11/26/09 11:59 AM
Danielle, WPIC Inc.'s Gravatar Get details about this year's Conference taking place in Nassau November 1-6, 2010. We are thrilled that Sandals will be sponsoring our Gala!! www.weddingconf.com
# Posted By Danielle, WPIC Inc. | 8/19/10 4:08 PM