How Wedding Industry Associations Can be Great for Your Business

When it comes to networking in the wedding industry, there are lots of ways you can grow your network. From meeting another pro for a one-on-one coffee date to attending a multi-day educational conference (like WeddingPro COR!), you can meet new people, swap stories and share resources at events big and small. But sometimes you need more than just the opportunity to network—sometimes you need a group of people you know you can consistently turn to for help, support and education. Sometimes, you need an entire organization of pros behind you! Today, then, we wanted to chat about all the ways being a part of a wedding industry association can be great for your business. Read on for thoughts, ideas and advice from eight different wedding pros who are members and leaders of many of the industry’s thriving organizations.

During the pandemic, many of our members found extra value in their membership through the networks they had built while meetings were in person. Best practice sharing, interpretations of local regulations and creativity were all highlights of the power of our community during this difficult time. Now, as venues and events are surging ahead, our vibrant community has become the best place to find talent and resources as we all ramp back up (in many cases to 100%+ of our 2019 business levels due to pent-up demand). – Jame Filtz, The Ritz Carlton New Orleans, President Elect of NACE

I’ve always been involved at the local level with wedding industry associations and chose to align myself with WIPA to develop my national network. I think there is a common misnomer that if you focus primarily on one region, you should put all your efforts there. I find tremendous value in getting to know wedding pros all over the country (and beyond!) for a number of reasons. I’m able to get fresh insight and inspiration beyond my backyard, and when I travel, I feel like I have friends now in every city. I’m never short on recommendations for pros to meet in town, airport transfers—you name it! Ultimately, becoming involved in an organization that connects me nationally has allowed me to understand other points of view better while expanding my horizons. – Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting, 2021 International President, WIPA, NACE member and partner 

I find WIPA to be a great source for crowdsourcing any items I might be struggling with. Wedding industry associations are great for finding new-to-me vendors who are seasoned and professional enough to have some tenure. Still, I’ve not had the pleasure of working with you yet.  – Laura Maddox, Magnolia Celebrates, WIPA member and past Director of Programs

Wedding industry associations and organizations exist to help us build a stronger community. And, while each organized group’s platform and mission brings something different to the table, it also helps bring us closer—and that unity focuses the mission of each one of our associations. This makes all of us do a better job at achieving, supporting one another and finding everyone a seat at the table to raise the bar in the industry. – Ric Simmons, Founder & Executive Director, National Gay Wedding Association, NACE member

I always ask wedding professionals, “Why aren’t you a member of an association?” The benefits of membership are priceless for the development of one’s entrepreneurial career. But the key to getting the full benefits of an association is being a committed and active participant—you can’t just sit on the sidelines. Associations present indispensable opportunities and grant their members access to career development, including education, brand exposure and an endless community of professionals to network with. – Tara Melvin, Perfect Planning Events, Founder & President of The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals  

You want to be in the room where it happens—better yet, if that room is filled with the brightest in our industry! That’s why belonging to wedding associations is so vital to a business. Furthermore, being in an organization cements your place as a leader in the market, and through this leadership, you’ll build a stronger network, which in turn yields stronger leads and sales. – Michelle Loretta, Be Sage Consulting, member of WIPA

Wedding industry associations are a great way to expand your network for many reasons. First, you get the best of both worlds with wedding industry events: they’re fun and a chance to network with all types of wedding business owners. As a vendor, it is nice to meet your competition, venue managers and planners with whom you can partner. – Meredith Reed, Ace Party and Tent Rental, former Vice President of Programs of the ILEA Las Vegas Board

Ready to join an organization and dust off your networking chops? Learn more about how to network with intention in the wedding industry and grow your network.

Photo Credit: KMD Creations Photo & Film