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! 

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by Margie McCaffrey

On January 27 through January 31, I was fortunate enough to attend The Special Event Conference in beautiful San Diego, CA.  This is my third time attending and I have to tell you, this is by far the BEST conference going for wedding and event professionals!  Educational sessions are offered Tuesday through Friday, covering all aspects of events; Business and Professional Development, Food Services, Event Management, Sales and Marketing, Design, Wedding Trends, Event Tools and Resources and ISES.  You are able to pick and choose from a catalog which provides you with a plethora of information about the session content and speakers.  In being a “repeat” attendee, I now know the seminars I prefer to attend, and of course a few that I like to avoid. 

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by Michael Escalera

On November 7th and 8th, something different happened in Reno.  Four highly successful photographers came together to host a local workshop for anyone looking to improve their imagery, start a photography business, or take their existing business to the next level. 

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by Jeremy Miller

Video Still Photo provided by Starling Video Productions

On Tuesday November 11th, the American Disc Jockey Association in cooperation with the Atlantis Casino Resort and Nevada Wedding Network hosted a fantastic industry event.  It began with a guided tour of the “new” multi-million dollar expansion at the Atlantis.  Wedding professionals were treated to a close-up glimpse at this exciting new wing of this popular resort/casino.

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by Jeremy Miller

Sunday, November 9th marked another phenomenal Wedding and Party Expo produced by the Dayton Valley Golf and Country Club at Legado.  This unique expo offered a smaller take on some of the larger and more overwhelming bridal fairs in an intimate atmosphere that even allowed all of the vendors to do some great networking.

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by Jeremy Miller

Sunday October 26th was an exciting day as Lockett Incorporated presented the 12th annual Bridal and Beauty Expo.  The perfect weather allowed for brides and their entourage to make their way to The Reno/Sparks Convention Center for a fun-filled day of food samples and fashion shows.  As several hundred future brides slowly browsed from booth-to-booth you could see the creative light of inspiration ignite.  Who knew all this was available in “The Biggest Little City in the World?”

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by Jeremy Miller

On Wednesday October 15, 2008 The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) held their monthly meeting on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.

This progressive event began at Cliché’s Lounge in Harrah’s for appetizers (Lamb Chops, Jumbo Prawn Skewers, Ceviche and Salmon Pate) where they unveiled a new Martini which bore the “NACE” name. 

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On Tuesday September 23, 2008 the Weddings of the West organization hosted a spectacular first-of-its-kind event in the Tuscany Ballroom at the Peppermill Resort – Spa – Casino in Reno, Nevada. Facility representative and WOW member Margie McCaffrey first suggested the event after learning of its success in another town. It involved a panel of guests assembled on stage to speak about their experiences through the sales process, pre-event planning stages and wedding day festivities. The panel included a bride and groom, three individual brides and one mother-of-a-bride who spoke of her experiences with two weddings for her kids.

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