The Summit 2025 - CFWA's 8th Annual Education Conference

The Summit is a not-to-miss two days of wedding pro-education featuring amazing speakers and loads of networking opportunities.

By Central Florida Wedding Association

Date and time

Location

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

8000 Fins Up Circle Kissimmee, FL 34747

Refund Policy

No refunds

Agenda

Agenda - Monday, 8/25
Agenda - Tuesday, 8/26

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

Registration & Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Opening & Welcome

The CFWA Board & Bobbi Brinkman

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Command the Future: AI Won’t Replace You, But Someone Using It Might

David Hanscom


This dynamic, high-energy keynote blends live demonstrations of today’s most effective AI tools with compelling storytelling and actionable strategy. David doesn’t just talk about AI; he brings it to...

10:15 AM - 11:00 AM

The Most Common Legal Mistakes at Each Stage of Business (& How to Avoid Them)

Braden Drake


Is your business legally protected? Braden will share: the legal layers of protection, how contracts and insurance protect your biz, what business entity is right depending on your stage of business...

11:00 AM - 11:15 AM

AM Break


Sponsored by:

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

The Marriage of Sales and Psychology

Meredith Ryncarz


Clients want to be seen, heard and understood but so often we are so busy booking them that we actually destroy a sale that we already had. In this class you will learn how to recognize core needs th...

12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

Lunch


Provided by Margaritaville Resort Orlando

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Breakouts 1A & 2A: Scaling Smart: Growing Your Event Business Without Burnout

Karie MacLeod


Scaling a business isn’t just about booking more events—it’s about growing in a way that’s sustainable and profitable. This session will dive into streamlining your processes, knowing when to hire, a...

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Breakouts 1B & 2B: The Ultimate Email Marketing Blueprint: Client and Industry

Erica Jankowski


Many wedding vendors struggle to stay top-of-mind with potential clients and industry partners, leading to missed opportunities and inconsistent bookings. In The Ultimate Email Marketing Blueprint, y...

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Breakouts 1C & 2C: Your Brand is More Than a Logo

Emily Foster Keller


Emily Foster Keller is the owner of Emily Foster Creative, a brand and website design studio based in Portland, Oregon and working with entrepreneurs everywhere. She specializes in helping wedding ve...

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM

PM Break


Sponsored by:

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

Is Your Marketing Speaking to Gen Z? How to Connect with Your Future Couples

Emily Rochotte


As more Gen Z-ers continue to reach marrying age, we continually gain evolving insight into how they plan their weddings, book their vendors, and spend their money. Learn how to effectively communica...

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

Day 1 Speaker Q&A

Bobbi Brinkman


David Hanscom, Braden Drake, Meredith Ryncarz, Karie Macleod, Erica Jankowski, Emily Foster Keller, Emily Rochotte

4:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing Remarks

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Welcome Party


Sponsored by Margaritaville Resort Orlando

About this event

Each year, the CFWA hosts a highly anticipated two-day educational and networking summit. This conference, now seven years running, was created by wedding pros for wedding pros to promote and encourage ethical business practices, industry wide collaboration, and lifelong learning. We source well-respected and regarded industry leaders across the nation to share their high level of expertise through engaging and actionable presentations, roundtables, breakout sessions, and one-on-ones.

The annual CFWA Summit welcomes in-person attendees comprised of wedding and event professionals and hospitality students. There are a wide range of professions within the wedding industry in attendance including event planners, photographers/videographers/live steamers, DJ / MCs, venues, florists, caterers, bakers, rental companies, stationers, hair and makeup artists, and more!

With an impressive team of sponsors, the Summit is not to be missed! In addition to the wealth of knowledge provided by our speakers, tickets include lunch, afternoon snack, an all-day beverage station, happy hour, the best swag around, and virtual access post event to view any content you might have missed.

If you are looking to grow your network, make lasting connections, gain inside industry information, improve your business, and up your game this is the event for you!

Frequently asked questions

Can I purchase a single day ticket?

We are only offering attendees with the full Summit experience, including two days of education and the welcome party!

Is the hotel offering a special discounted room rate?

Yes and we would love to have you join us! Margaritaville has waived resort fees for our group. https://be.synxis.com/?adult=1&arrive=2025-08-24&chain=23717&child=0&currency=USD&depart=2025-08-26&group=08242025CFWA&hotel=9804&level=hotel&locale=en-US&productcurrency=USD&rooms=1

Will childcare be provided?

We are sorry, however, due to low interest in past years, childcare will not be available for the 2025 Summit.

What should we wear?

Conference Attire Suggestions: https://pin.it/24aqceMUT Party Attire Suggestions: https://pin.it/cDNFFb73P

Organized by

Welcome to the Central Florida Wedding Association! Our trained professional members will inspire you. So we ask... "You've got the ring. What's next?" Collectively, CFWA has the ability to to make your next six to twelve months of planning your wedding a joyful and stressfree experience.

The Association's prequalified wedding professionals are licensed, insured and committed to the highest level of service to you, the couple. The CFWA's members are excited to assist you in creating your dream wedding expecience.

From $135.23
Aug 25 · 8:00 AM EDT