UKAWP - THE LEADING INDUSTRY BODY FOR THE UK WEDDING PLANNING MARKET

Posts Tagged ‘wpe’

Speaker focus: Lloyd Dobbie

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Regular attendees at UKAWP events will recognise Lloyd  but this time as well as photographing WPE he is going to present as well!

lloyd_dobbie1

Describe your company in 100 words or less!

I love photographing weddings and I work hard to make sure that this love shows through in the quality of the work I deliver to my clients.

Although I’ve been commissioned to photograph more than 300 weddings over the last 12 years I still find something new every time. Each occasion is a different blend of venue, church, flowers and, of course, the two ’stars’ and the supporting cast!

It’s this variety and the spontaneity it produces that keeps me inspired and passionate about my wedding photography.

What’s your USP?

Over a decade of experience capturing weddings across the UK and in Europe.

What do you hope planners will learn on the day from your talk?

Wedding Planners will already be familiar with the work a photographer does on the wedding day but I’m hoping to give them an appreciation of the importance of post-production in the creative process. The best photographers know that the value of good editing and processing can’t be over stated!

How would your clients describe you?

My clients often say that I helped to put them at their ease and they hardly noticed me working throughout the day.

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

One that springs to mind was a wedding for a high profile couple when the photograph of them walking down the aisle had to be perfectly captured and then uploaded within 20 minutes for distribution to ‘Hello’, ‘OK’ and all the major UK Sunday newspapers. I dealt with the challenge by drawing on my years of experience to get the image we needed and then passing it on to my IT team to do the rest.  

What is your vice? 

Expensive Chocolate!

What’s the best piece of business advice someone gave you?

When your business is busy be sure to schedule your family into your diary and make those personal ‘appointments’ as crucial and immovable as any client one.

Describe yourself in 3 words

Handsome, charismatic, deluded

Name one blog you follow religiously

The thoughts of journalist David Hepworth

WPE Speaker Focus: Top Left Design

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Here at the UKAWP we love Keren who owns Top Left Design. not only is she incredibly talented and creative she is truly a wonderful person who is eager to pass on her knowledge. She has presented at WPE before so we are delighted to have her back!

headshot-kerenlerner

Describe your company in 100 words or less!

Were a friendly team of talented designers and coders, with 9 staff total, based in Soho London, creating online, and helping small businesses improve their presence online.

What’s your USP?

At Top Left Design we specialise in designing personality into websites, so it feels more like a face to face experience. We want our clients to embrace what’s unique about their businesses and encourage them to bring out the “human aspect”. Some people find this hard but it works so much better if you can see and learn about the people in the business, their stories, case studies. We encourage and train clients on unique copywriting and images, blogs, and active social media interaction.

What do you hope planners will learn on the day from your talk?

How to ensure they have a unique website presence which shows off what’s great about them as planners, and gives visitors a really great understanding of why they should choose them.

How would your clients describe you?

Creative, reliable, professional and patient - with an understated yet precise and personable professionalism that sets me ahead of my peers.  (These are actual quotes from a couple of my LinkedIn  testimonials!)

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

No, I have never had a challenging client. Haha just kidding!

I try and be humble at all times, and see things from their point of view. If things go wrong, I think - how could I do better next time? And then I do! I have learned so much from working with clients over the years. I want to make sure every one is happy, and tend to take things to heart, but I know often people are really just stressed and take it out on others, and the best way to deal with this is calmly. I always keep filed all written correspondence, filing all emails in corresponding client folders, and following up conversations with a written record of who said what - this really helps to ensure good communications.

What is your vice? 

I like cake, chocolate, cookies, ice cream and pizza. But at the moment I have been really good as I am on the Ultimate Yogi 108 day yoga programme (see www.theultimateyogi.com) and it’s amazing.

What’s the best piece of business advice someone gave you?

That really no one really knows anything. I was told that 18 years ago but some one I knew and it stuck with me. What he meant was that everyone is just trying to do their best - and even people who are celebrities or big shots in the business world have worries and want to make a good impression - just like you!

Describe yourself in 3 words

Friendly, Caring, Business-obsessed

Name one blog you follow religiously

http://socialmediatoday.com/

WPE Speaker Focus: Mediterranean Occasions

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Today we would like to introduce you to Ilknur who will be presenting at WPE on Saturday the 3rd March. She will be talking about current trends for 2012 and how planners can bring some flair to their clients weddings.

ilknur

Describe your company in 100 words or less!

Established in 2001 by Mrs Ilknur Tekinbas Mediterranean Occasions is a family run business, specialising in elegant and innovative venue styling for weddings and events throughout the UK. 

Emphasis is placed on individual design and a personal service that is second to none. From exquisite table tops to breathtaking candelabras and chair backs made from the most exquisite materials, Mediterranean Occasions has everything a bride-to-be could dream of to transform a basic venue into something worthy of a fairytale. With unique products that are sourced from around the world one can be sure to create something that is as stunning as it is unique.

What’s your USP? 

My creativity and what I bring as a designer to the business. 

What do you hope planners will learn on the day from your talk?

The dos and don’ts of hire companies and some style tips.

How would your clients describe you?

Excellent service,  unique products, helpfulness, turning brides ideas in to reallity. 

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

By keeping calm very calm!! And always being polite and patient. The rest falls into place.

What is your vice? 

Remembering it’s their day! And being patient, if they choose colours that clash or not quite your style, do it to your standards and add your flair.

What’s the best piece of business advice someone gave you?

If some one copies your work take it as complement!

Describe yourself in 3 words

Creative, ambitious , entrepreneur 

Name one blog you follow religiously

Not religiously but when I can Preston Bailey he’s the MAN!!!

I’m already trading so why do I need more training?

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Here at the UKAWP we believe the only way to succeed as a successful wedding planner is to keep increasing your knowledge. Think about it, if you do the same in 2012 that you did in 2011 then your results will be the same, but expand your knowledge and think outside the box, and the world is your oyster. If you are ready and willing to push your business further ensuring increased profitability then take the plunge and commit to the various training options the UKAWP offer.

1. Attend our annual seminar WPE which is only for ‘working wedding planners’ no enthusiasts or suppliers allowed!. Sometimes we spend all our time working IN the business, i.e. planning weddings that we don’t spend time working ON the business and this is what WPE helps you focus on.

logo12

2. Bit hazy on marquees or unsure about marketing your business? Look out for our series of webinars. The next one is ‘the basics of organising a marquee reception‘ and will be held on the 8th February at 6pm. To register go to our booking form

A UKAWP Director leading a training session

3. Always wondered how to make an emergency bouquet or what should you do if the wedding cake collapses? Attend one of our evening workshops to find the answers. Keep checking our events page  for details of the next one. Have a topic in mind? Email Bernadette@ukawp.com

Wedding planners workshop

4. Already run a successful business but not sure on how to actually plan a wedding? Or perhaps you are a venue co-ordinator looking to launch independently? If so consider our training courses, more information via our brochure

Photo Credit: Lloyd Dobbie

How can I get the most from WPE?

Monday, January 9th, 2012

In order to ensure you get the most from the seminar here are our top tips.

  • Attend both days to benefit from full range of speakers
  • Introduce yourself to the speakers during the networking opportunities and ask advice if applicable
  • Try to network with all attendees, don’t be shy, you could be making some good friends for the future
  • Don’t forget your business cards, you never know when you’ll need them
  • Don’t be afraid of asking questions at the end of each presentation
  • Attend the dinner as this is when attendees unwind and the topic of discussion can get interesting and bizarre!

wpe11-tamsin

So what do our past attendees think?


“Can’t wait to get started, putting everything I’ve learnt into one place.”

“Great venue, superb content, lovely group of planners and great networking opportunities.”

 ”I feel really  motivated following the sessions and am excited about transferring these new skills into my business!

 “I’m pleased I have attended the event - and I’m taking away a number of useful tips to help me with my business”

 “absolutely brilliant for exceeding my expectations and I couldn’t have asked for more”

Questions?

If you have any questions about WPE don’t hesitate to email (Planners) sandy@ukawp.com or (suppliers) bernadette@ukawp.com

Photo Credit: Lloyd Dobbie

Events 2012 Overview – 1st Quarter

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

As always the UKAWP are going to be incredibly busy with events throughout 2012 so we thought we better start telling you about some of the plans for the first few months of the year!

WPE ‘12 - Wedding Planning Excellence

WPE ‘12‘Wedding Planning Excellence’ was first established in 2009 and in essence is a training seminar for wedding planners. The directors of the UKAWP along with our members devised a specialised programme designed to inspire and educate you with your business, there are 2 days of intelligent, inspirational speakers for you to learn from.

WPE is held over 2 days Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd March 2012 at the fabulous 51 Buckingham Gate in Central London. There will be a Friday night dinner off sire which again is optional, more details to be published on the dinner in the New Year.

UKAWP member rate - for one day £170, for both days £320 / non member rate - for one day - £180, for both days £350 / Dinner is £45

We suggest you visit the beginners guide to WPE and will leave you with just one testimonial:

Testimonial

UKAWP “did WPE inspire you for 2011?”

WPE Delegate “Hell yes - thank you” & “Yes, yes, yes”!

Training Webinars

Following our successful webinar launch in November we will be running a series of additional ones throughout 2012. The webinars will be a combination of topics designed for new planners and for more advanced learning by already established planners.  We hope that the flexibility of being able to join a webinar online will appeal to many who cannot travel easily to other training we organise or have missed a previous session.

Please keep checking our blog and website for details as and when we announce them.

Title:  ‘The basics of organising a marquee reception‘ - based on the presentation given at WPE ‘11

Tutor: Bernadette Chapman, UKAWP Director

Date: Wednesday 8th February 2012

Time: 6pm-7pm

Cost: £60

How to book your place:  go to our booking form here

Technical details:

You will need internet access with speakers and will be sent an event invitation which will require you to set up a password. At the relevant webinar time you will need to log in. You will be able to hear the tutor deliver the session as well as be able to see a slide presentation on screen. You will be able to ask questions online via a chat page. Further notes will be posted to you following your registration.

Testimonial following our marketing your business webinar

I think it’s an excellent way to offer a bite-sized training course as it means it’s easily accessible. This is really important for those of us that are trying to juggle other responsibilities such as jobs or children, as it’s often difficult to get away for a full day. I really liked it that you talked around the slides/course notes rather than just reading them verbatim. The discussion gave some really valuable insights into starting your business.”

Workshops

We held various workshops in 2011 both in London and Wimslow. Topics have included: Floral Emergencies, Fixing the Bridal Dress, PR Basics

We plan to run the workshops again from April 2012, if there are any topics you would like us to cover let us know!

In the meantime save the date for the 9th February in Manchester for a Northern PR Workshop hosted by Julia from Bridesup North

Training Courses

The successful training courses run by the UKAWP start again in February 2012.  See below for the planned dates. To find out more information, to download the brochure or indeed to book please visit our training page

Business Practicalities: 18th & 19th February (Northamptonshire) and 21st & 22nd April (London)

Step by Step: 24th & 25th March (Northamptonshire) and 19th & 20th May (London)

WPE earlybird rate nearly expires

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

logo12You have just 12 days to buy WPE tickets at the reduced early bird rate - prices are due to increase on the 2nd January. To purchase your ticket go to our booking form.

And don’t forget:

  • If you attended WPE’ 11 you are entitled to an additional 10% discount.
  • All entries prior to the 25th Dec will be entered into a prize draw for a free dinner on Friday 2nd March , winner will be announced on the 3rd Jan 2012

For further information on WPE and updated schedule of events pop along to our website  or read an earlier blog post

Can’t attend WPE…..so join us for dinner instead!

Friday, February 18th, 2011

We are delighted to announce the dinner location for WPE ‘11. We have partnered with 10:11 Carlton Terrace  and superb caterers Foodshow  Even if you are unable to make WPE  we hope you can join us for drinks and dinner on Friday 4th March from 7pm with dinner scheduled for 8pm. The evening is priced at £40 and only open to wedding planners. To book please go to our booking form .

The directors recently attended an opening at 10:11 Carlton Terrace and were astounded at the opulence of this gorgeous London Venue and the food served by Foodshow was truly scrumptious. We sincerely hope you can join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity to dine at one of our former prime minister’s residences.

british-academy

About our partners

carltonThe former residence of Prime Minister William Gladstone sits at the very heart of the capital, overlooking St James’s Park, Whitehall and the Mall, which runs between Admiralty Arch and Buckingham Palace. It has been described as one of London’s finest Georgian treasures, ranking among ‘the greatest terrace houses ever built in Britain’.  

Following a £2.5 million redevelopment, the British Academy opened the doors of No. 11 on 20 January 2011 to reveal a space like no other. 

The classical Nash architecture includes the opulent plasterwork of the Music Room, a grand Regency staircase flanked by torchere candelabras (like others in Buckingham Palace), and a state-of-the-art auditorium.

no-10-reception

Foodshow

Owner, Andrew Gosling leads by example and is supported by an enthusiastic team who are committed to absolute attention to detail for each and every event. They go to great lengths to ensure they cater for the individual tastes of their clients.

 staircase

 Photo Credit:

Claudine Hartzel & Colin Streater

Events 2012 Overview – 1st Quarter

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

As always the UKAWP are going to be incredibly busy with events throughout 2012 so we thought we better start telling you about some of the plans for the first few months of the year!

WPE ‘12 - Wedding Planning Excellence

WPE ‘12‘Wedding Planning Excellence’ was first established in 2009 and in essence is a training seminar for wedding planners. The directors of the UKAWP along with our members devised a specialised programme designed to inspire and educate you with your business, there are 2 days of intelligent, inspirational speakers for you to learn from.

WPE is held over 2 days Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd March 2012 at the fabulous 51 Buckingham Gate in Central London. There will be a Friday night dinner off sire which again is optional, more details to be published on the dinner in the New Year.

UKAWP member rate - for one day £170, for both days £320 / non member rate - for one day - £180, for both days £350 / Dinner is £45

We suggest you visit the beginners guide to WPE and will leave you with just one testimonial:

Testimonial

UKAWP “did WPE inspire you for 2011?”

WPE Delegate “Hell yes - thank you” & “Yes, yes, yes”!

Training Webinars

Following our successful webinar launch in November we will be running a series of additional ones throughout 2012. The webinars will be a combination of topics designed for new planners and for more advanced learning by already established planners.  We hope that the flexibility of being able to join a webinar online will appeal to many who cannot travel easily to other training we organise or have missed a previous session.

Please keep checking our blog and website for details as and when we announce them.

Title:  The basics of organising a marquee reception- based on the presentation given at WPE ‘11

Tutor: Bernadette Chapman, UKAWP Director

Date: Wednesday 8th February 2012

Time: 6pm-7pm

Cost: £60

How to book your place:  go to our booking form here

Technical details:

You will need internet access with speakers and will be sent an event invitation which will require you to set up a password. At the relevant webinar time you will need to log in. You will be able to hear the tutor deliver the session as well as be able to see a slide presentation on screen. You will be able to ask questions online via a chat page. Further notes will be posted to you following your registration.

Testimonial following our “marketing your business” webinar

I think it’s an excellent way to offer a bite-sized training course as it means it’s easily accessible. This is really important for those of us that are trying to juggle other responsibilities such as jobs or children, as it’s often difficult to get away for a full day. I really liked it that you talked around the slides/course notes rather than just reading them verbatim. The discussion gave some really valuable insights into starting your business.”

Workshops

We held various workshops in 2011 both in London and Wimslow. Topics have included: Floral Emergencies, Fixing the Bridal Dress, PR Basics

We plan to run the London workshops again from April 2012, if there are any topics you would like us to cover let us know!

In the meantime save the date for the 9th February in Manchester for a Northern PR Workshop hosted by Julia from Bridesup North

Training Courses

The successful training courses run by the UKAWP start again in February 2012.  See below for the planned dates. To find out more information, to download the brochure or indeed to book please visit our training page

Business Practicalities: 18th & 19th February (Northamptonshire) and 21st & 22nd April (London)

Step by Step: 24th & 25th March (Northamptonshire) and 19th & 20th May (London)

Last Chance for WPE

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Today is the last chance to buy WPE tickets at the reduced rate - prices are due to increase on the 23rd December. To purchase your ticket go to our booking form.

WPE '11