frankly speaking

i was beyond flattered to be asked to re-present my the keynote address I gave to the ABC at the annual conference last November in Indianapolis.  I was asked by the groups leader, John Goolsby.  John has done a wonderful job leading group, evidenced by such a wonderfully planned and executed meeting. It was the largest turnout this group ever had.  And John is not a consultant, he is an awesome videographer. You can check out his work at www.godfatherfilms.com

The meeting was held at the Mission Inn in Riverside. It is a historic hotel from the 1920s.  I had the pleasure of stayng there. It was amazing, so much history. I actually took a histoic tour on Tuesday morning after I had breakfast.  For more info www.missioninn.com

The evening titled “Fire and Ice” started out in the courtyard (one of many at the hotel) right by the room we were having dinner. An ice bar and cool lounge furniture set the tone, along with great cocktails and appetizers.  It was nice to mingle and meet so many new people.  We then moved into dinner, where the “fire theme” came through brillantly.  Orange tablecloths, red napkins and great florals in fire tones graced the room, in addition to moving flames created by lighting on all the walls.  We started with our first course of an asparagus bisque.  After this was done, we received a docent tour of the area of the hotel we were in.  He showed us the courtyard, “flyers wall” and statuary.  We then moved into the most lovely chapel, that hosts over 450 weddings a year.   We walked into an organist playing “Canon in D”, and all I could think was “Smile, lower your flowers, slow down,  no not yet, ok, now, smile, lower your flowers… ” things I say to bridesmaids at every wedding. This is still a very popular processional. The docent explained how the chapel came to be, that the owner had purchased this elaborate altar from a private family in Mexico for only $5,000.00   The owner of the hotel collected alot of eclectic things that are on display all over the hotel.  Everything from Tiffany Stained glass windows (in the chapel) to a bell collection, to asian art.  We then were told how these magnifcent floor to ceiling mahagony doors we walk thru, open up small, or when the bride enters, go full size. With this a trumpeteer (with one of those old long thin trumpets, ala the Kentucky Derby) entered, and hearlded in the bride and her Dad (with the organ) to Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary.  What a nice touch!
We then returned back to the dining room and finsihed dinner with an entree of a beef and salmon skewer.  I couldnt finish it, but it might have been nerves, as I was on next.  My presentation was received with great accord.  I got lots of compiments.  I love speaking and really hope I can do more.  What a great trip! 

I will be heading to New Orleans on Monday to attend the Annual Special Event Conference.  I have not missed this amazing conference for the past 14 years. It always inspires me. I am able to find some unique products and services, as well as the latest in linen, floral, and ideas.  It is a non stop week filled with education, a Trade show bringing the latest and greatest in Event Products and services, to over the top events such as the Wedding Luncheon, Welcome Party and Brunch for Masters Only. 

On Tuesday, I will open the wedding track of Education. I have been the “opening act” for so many years I have lost count.  This year I am presenting ” So, you want to be a Wedding pPanner/Coordinator/Consultant”.  It is a very basic Wedding Planner 101.  I get a call a day (seriously) from those wanting to do what I do–because it looks like so much “fun”.   I explain to them, this is not as easy as it looks, there is so much more to this before you get to fluff the train and fix the flowers.  I am being very realistic and showing them the blood, sweat and tears, the countless hours, and the wads of capital you need to be successful.  Reality check indeed!  Lots of great info to share. 

The Wedding Lunch is always the highlight of the conference for me.  One year I walked in and cried (SERIOUSLY) because I was beyond overwhelmed. But this year, I have been asked to be on the of 4 Designers of the Wedding Gallery.  I am so beyond thrilled to be asked to to this, I can’t put it into words.  This year, they are doing the “Designers Challenge”.  Each of us were given an element, Glass, Wood, Metal or Paper, to work with as our starting point. Kinda like Iron Chef!  I chose metal.  My first thought was “Heavy Metal Wedding”, making it a play on words as opposed to just using metal as the design element.  ( and I could  hear Billy Idol singing White Wedding.. thought I might have this on a continous loop!) SInce I knew this was not what they wanted, I immediately got to work on a design working with this element.  I think you will be all happy with what I came up with. 

Looking forward to the Welcome Party on Wednesday night.  It will be t Mardi Gras World.  It’s after my session and the Wedding Lunch, so show me where the bar is!  Also attending the Masters Brunch (Thursday I think) .

SInce I will have my laptop with me, I will try and blog a bit everyday.  If not, expect lots of photos and info when I get back.   It’s a full non stop week, so will be totally vegging on Sunday and Monday before returning back to the studio on the 19th.  Wow, where did January go?

I was asked by the University (I attended 25 years ago for my degree in Business) to sit on a focus group for this new Major!  They asked leaders in the Event Industry to discuss what we felt is relavant in the event industry with respect to the cirriculum for this program.  There were reps from Hotels, Meeting Planners, Corporate Events, Event Production companies, just to name a few who discussed what we felt were important and relative topics and what we would like to see the students study.  It was a very productive afternoon. 

I was honored to be asked to be part of this.  My, DePaul has sure grown.  When I went there was only one building downtown. Since then, they have taken over and renovated the old Wiebolt’s Store on State Street. For more inforamation hospitality.depaul.edu

I am featured again for the third time in a the last few weeks on Lifetime’s Get Married.  My next segment will be shown on Feb 25th.  The show airs at 630am Chicago time, so set your DVR or pour yourself some coffee and watch.  for more info  www.getmarried.com

Judy Alden, our ABC Illinois State Coordinator asked me to plan a meeting. So, please join us for “Frank’s Favorite Things” (ala Oprah) showing vendors and products,  many old and many new.  I want to try to keep the highlights of the meeting underwraps!  For more information www.illinoisabc.com or contact our State Coordinator Judy at 847-289-1945 or
judyalden@aol.com  A link to her is on our ABC Illinois website referenced above.