Mary’s #TSE2016 recap – You are NOT Alone.

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Hello fellow #eventprofs and colleagues!

As always, it’s such a pleasure to work with each and every one of you…can I just say, we work in one of the most amazing industries, creating live events and one-of-a-kind experiences for clients all over the world?

How lucky are we that every week, we get to work with people like you who are creative, dynamic and always ever-evolving every step of the way  – can I  get an AMEN from the back row?!

I had the pleasure of speaking three times at The Special Event Show conference in Orlando, FL (aka. #TSE2016) last week, each time to a room of about 150-200 people.

Here were my topics:

Design and Plan Differently for the Non-Traditional Bride
supported by CMP, ISES, WIPA:

The Binder is Broken: #eventtech will Fix It
supported by CMP:

Superhero Sales Strategies to Book More Brides
supported by WIPA, CMP:

If you missed any of my talks, please feel free to email me and I’ll be happy to share my slides with you.  Just fill out this contact form below:

My top 5 takeaways from #TSE2016:

(left to right) Mary Baird-Wilcock, CSEP – The Simplifiers, Lauren Chumbley – Eclipse Event Co, Jordan Adams – Big Time Creatives, Jenn Guthrie – Marquee Event Group

• You are NOT alone.

Remember, there are colleagues within the events industry, in different cities all over the world that are dealing with the same challenges you are, whether that’s where to find quality talent, how to book more clients and/or how to streamline the operations side of your business.

When you attend conferences like TSE, you network expands as you build contacts with fellow #eventprofs…Don’t be afraid to reach out, introduce yourself with a confident handshake and exchange business cards.

#eventprofs are friendly people!

hey, that’s ME! (Mary Baird-Wilcock, CSEP – The Simplifiers + The Apprentice Program)

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

It’s okay to press the “pause” button in a session and ask a clarifying question, no matter how silly it may seem.  More than likely, there are about 5 other people wondering the same thing you are.  Your presenter will (likely) appreciate the moment to go into detail and see the ‘light bulb’ go on for you and others once answered.

the largest panel at #TSE2016 – “The Global Question on Ethics” from all over the world

• Global access is available to you.

One of my favorite sessions was “The Global Question on Ethics” which was a mastermind session of about 20 top event leaders from all around the world, including Canada, Nigeria, Germany, England, America, Malaysia, France and more.

Again, all friendly people, all willing to talk openly about the events industry challenges in their region and work together to discuss solutions.  Fascinating conversations, lots to be learned when you put some of the top minds together in one room.

Richard Aaron – President of BizBash + Mary Baird-Wilcock, CSEP – CEO of The Simplifiers

• We all need mentors.

You’re never too old or too senior in your career to have a mentor.

Most would believe that the events industry is just for people in their 20s-30s.  The truth is, keep your eye on the thought leaders who are making news, winning the Gala Awards and producing awe-inspiring live events, who happen to be in their 40s-50s and beyond.  They are who I look to for inspiration, advice and wisdom.

No matter what age you are, look for people about 5-7 years ahead of you, in your career.  Reach out, be brave, say hello and ask questions.

Tips and Tricks from the Top Wedding Bloggers (left to right) Sara Burnett – @BurnettsBoards, Lauren Grove @everylastdetail, Erika Pitera @artfullywed, Preeti Moberg @bfindianwedding, Chelsea LaVere @TidewaterTulle, Meghan Ely @OFDConsulting

• …and don’t discount the power of reverse mentoring.

Some of the brightest speakers at TSE that I heard were also younger than me…way, way younger than me.  Like the panelists from “Tips & Tricks from the Top Wedding Bloggers”, specifically Erika at @artfullywed and Sara at @BurnettsBoards who shared how important it is to submit your full vendor list + their URL links when submitting a wedding for consideration to be published on their wedding blog.

Thank you to Lisa Hurley at Special Events magazine and the entire staff at Penton for inviting me to speak at #TSE2016 and I look forward to seeing y’all in Austin, Texas for ISES Live 2016!

meet me in Austin, Texas and I promise to show you my top 3 secret places for breakfast tacos, BBQ and street food!

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