Recap – The “Peter Merry” Effect
by Larry Williams
The very first co-sponsored event from the Nevada Wedding Network was a huge success! Book author Peter Merry was invited to the area by Shirley Lockett and presented his seminar “The Starbucks Effect” to wedding professionals on the eve of the two-day Premier Bride Showcase. On Thursday April 2nd, the Peppermill Resort Casino opened it’s doors of the beautiful Capri Ballroom and hosted the largest gathering of wedding professionals for a seminar this area has ever seen! The room was set for more than 100 people. Just before things began, it was apparent to everyone that this was going to be one very special event. Guest after guest kept arriving, filling the ballroom to capacity. By the time it was all said and done . . . it was standing room only!
An impressive e-mail and media campaign preceded the event. KOLO TV news reporter Karoline Wightman interviewed Peter Merry “live” from the Peppermill on the morning of his Thursday seminar. A big thanks to Margie McCaffrey at the Peppermill for being on-hand at four in the morning to make this possible. As expected, the welcome and introductions began shortly after 6pm. Matthew Strong, President of the Reno / Lake Tahoe Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association (co-sponsor for the event) took the stage to welcome the audience who were still filtering in. In a manner consistent with their monthly meetings, Matthew proceeded to detail the tremendous educational offerings that will be a part of future ADJA meetings – which will now be “open” to all wedding vendors.
ADJA Membership Director – Jared Newland was then introduced and spoke about the many benefits that go along with membership. With more than a dozen DJs in attendance, on-lookers were treated to an eye-opening appreciation as the majority of them were attired in business suits. Yet another strong example of the professionalism exhibited by the DJs associated with the American Disc Jockey Association.
As I was introduced, I immediately looked about the audience to see many familiar and new faces. The diversity of wedding vendors was very interesting to see. This ranged from; florists, facility managers, photographers, videographers, DJs, wedding coordinators and many other types of businesses. After briefly discussing the Nevada Wedding Network and recognizing our writers and advertisers, it was important to properly recognize the event sponsors and related industry leaders. This included the Peppermill’s Theresa Andrew, Shirley Lockett, ADJA Directors and Directors (in attendance) from Weddings of the West. Weddings of the West was quick to “step up” and sponsor this event. They have become a great partner to the Nevada Wedding Network and our local wedding industry.
After my introduction, which detailed his amazing credentials, Peter Merry took the stage to a great round of applause and probably rose an eyebrow or two when he walked out wearing a Starbucks apron. His seminar entitled “The Starbucks Effect” was quick to lay down a foundation that was very relative to the wedding profession. “Years ago, the only drink options for coffee were cream and sugar. Today, thanks to Starbucks, there are more than 80,000 drink options!” Stated Mr. Merry. He proceeded to draw many other correlations to our profession that established the Starbucks model as one that could be implemented in our service offerings as wedding vendors to attract more brides and offer more choices to them.
He satirically touched upon the nature in which brides try their best to avoid eye contact as they walk past a wedding booth at a bridal show. The five aspects he explored throughout the seminar offered useful ideas that contribute to the branding and attraction that customers will have to your service. He invoked some very heartfelt moments that included how to manage children at events and a touching story regarding a member of the United States Military.
As the seminar concluded, audience members enjoyed networking and made their way to the foyer where Peter Merry signed copies of his book “The Best Wedding Reception . . . Ever!“ It was a great opportunity for everyone to meet the author and share a few moments with him. This co-sponsored event was a huge success and greatly showed the possibilities of what can be achieved when our industry works together. We were very pleased to co-sponsor this event with other fantastic groups who worked so hard for it’s success! A big thanks, once again, to: Lockett Incorporated, Peppermill Resort Casino, The Reno / Lake Tahoe Chapter of The American Disc Jockey Association and Weddings of the West. The Nevada Wedding Network is committed to participating in avenues such as this and opening the doors of networking and educational opportunities for many years to come.
