WHAT HAPPENED AT WEDDING SPACES GOING PLACES LIVE

The event dedicated to supercharging the success of ambitious wedding venues.

I’m usually a keen writer. But, there’s an extra spring in my pen (or rather steam from the keyboard) as I have the pleasure of telling the story of what happened at Wedding Spaces Going Places LIVE last month.

I feel fortunate to have the most stunning light-filled images from the talented Terri, of Terri and Lori. These images illustrate and capture this 8 hour day of learning, growth and best practice sharing.

We were very grateful to be greeted with a sunny winter’s morning in rural Oxfordshire.

With long journeys for many, I’ve always been very honoured that venues make the effort and travel the distance to attend my training sessions. Taking trains, planes and passing passport control at times too, this event was no exception.

Caswell House was worth the wait. The elegantly restored series of barns and cottages, celebrating 10 years of hosting weddings next spring, is every inch the popular wedding venue.

Caswell House is truly an ideal showcase of successful family farm diversification at its finest.

Indulgence Boutique Hospitality (our superb catering partner for this event) greeted us with a beautiful, nutritious welcome breakfast that tasted delicious and looked the part too.

One of my favourite elements of the day is the arrival.

It’s just so special for me to meet and catch up with former clients, current clients and so many venue teams known to me over more than 15 years in the wedding industry.

Most important is the chance to introduce venue teams to each other which is a theme that runs through the whole day.

One of the inspirations for launching Wedding Spaces Going Places LIVE was to provide an intimate forum. One in which unique venues can talk openly, meet like-minded and like-challenged colleagues and help each other grow.

This second edition of the event had THE most diverse range of venues present. And, as I said in my opening speech and summary of the state of the wedding market:

“What a fabulous bunch you are and today we have some of the finest venues. From country houses, farms, barns, landmark gardens, charitable trusts, private members clubs, hotel groups, maritime buildings and museums. As well as a castle and a palace, thrown in for good measure!”

It was straight into the conference programme. This is one action-packed day, so timings are tight and ambitious. But, I’m always mindful how much of an investment it is for a venue team to be out of their office. So I like to deliver maximum value for money and opportunity.

Wedding Spaces Going Places LIVE is always about practical strategies and about making do-able changes and action plans so I created a ‘take-away and to-dos’ booklet to help delegates take notes in a structured and useful format.

“We left the event feeling inspired and excited after listening to Kelly and other industry professionals share their ideas and business experience. We were over the moon that we got the chance to network with like-minded and creative venues across the UK.”

– Annie Tolputt, Ashridge House Events –

There was also a large tasty dose of dark chocolate from Rococo as a gift from me as it’s known to help brain function and we were all using those cells to the maximum on 12th November!

Our speaker programme was varied with the morning session covering Facebook and Instagram Ads techniques.

The ‘how-tos’ of visual branding and venue photography, the latest in compelling social media that converts as well as a humorous and insightful walk and talk through the making of iconic wedding venue Hedsor House.

Learning requires delicious fuel

Our very on-trend grazing lunch beautifully created and served by the wonderful team at Indulgence Catering, in house caterer at Caswell House, kept us all talking, mingling and learning on the move.

I know from my own private consulting work that there is nothing like a one-to-one session. So, these were made available at various points in the day for each delegate. This allowed them to gain short bursts of expertise from myself and other speakers.

The afternoon conference had a practical exercise, that got everyone helping each other. After that, we took a close look at wedding enquiry responses. Along with a popular hot seat panel discussion on how to get the best return on investment with wedding directories.

“The speaker line-up was absolutely brilliant, informative, inspiring and entertaining! Loved Caswell House too. All-round 10/10!!”

– Alexandra Dollin-Webster, Somerley Weddings –

We also had a Q&A on creating and nurturing the best venue/caterer business relationship and a walk through the power of film in selling venue spaces for weddings.

We were certainly ready for the gin-bar and post-conference bowl food by 5pm. Then, it was sadly time for farewells and journeys home. Until the next time.

And on that note, I’m proud to announce that Wedding Spaces Going Places LIVE will be back! This time in central London on Friday 27th March 2020 at RSA House. For more details on booking your spot, click HERE.