By Susan Reiris, Elegant Occasions, New York Cityphotos courtesy of ABC and sandals This year’s Association of Bridal Consultants’ (ABC) Business of Brides Annual Conference was like no other. ABC President David Wood gathered members for a tropical treat, Nov. 8 – 12, 2014, at Sandals in Whitehouse, Jamaica.A Caribbean-themed beach partyABC members, new and seasoned, were welcomed with true Caribbean hospitality by Kim Sardo, director of Sandals business development, and the resort staff. The Caribbean-themed conference (#OneLoveABC) kicked off with a moonlit beach party. Guests enjoyed the soothing sounds of the nine-piece steel drum band, Silver Birds, beachside. Margie Heath, owner of 3T Wedding & Event Planning in Raleigh, N.C., expressed the feeling of the evening, “It’s fantastic! Puts you in the mood to party!”Guests were then treated to a beachfront tropical buffet followed by entertainment that set the mood for their mini getaway. Entertainment included a high-wire act, fire thrower, acrobats, and a Jamaican carnival with performers attired in amazing costumes. The night was capped off with the attendees dancing in the sand to the DJ’s greatest dance hits.Executive talks kick off sessionsConference sessions began with Wood welcoming the ABC members and thanking them for traveling to Jamaica. He presented special awards to a few outstanding members for their hard work as well as to the Sandals Resorts executive team who helped make the unforgettable event possible. JoAnn Gregoli received an honorary award for her outstanding contributions as the 2014 conference chairperson.Next, Gary Sadler, senior vice president of Sandals Resorts, spoke about his 25 years of employment with the Sandals family, thanking everyone present for being part of the extended family. Sadler also acknowledged ABC members for referring clients to Sandals Resorts for their honeymoon and destination wedding needs. Adam Stewart, Sandals Resorts CEO, made a surprise appearance to welcome the group and share his inspiring story of success and partnerships. He was received with a standing ovation. Stewart spoke of Sandals’ continued goal to be the number one luxury all-inclusive resort for couples. He said one of the ways they are striving for high standards is to train Sandals employees that the only time they can say “No” to guests is when they say, “No problem!”Education sessions inspireThroughout the next two days, many speakers offered a plethora of knowledge, insight, and ideas. Featured speakers included Ceci Johnson, Ceci New York, who instilled “start creating the business you want to work for!” She also emphasized the importance of proper branding, stressing that if you are unique, people will beat a path to your door. Gene Huddleson, CWP™, of Detail + Design, Indianapolis, enlightened members about exploring design and color. JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions, New York City, shared her expertise and experiences with destination weddings. “Become a necessity, not an accessory to your client” was the mantra of Allison Kline, MBC™, sash&bow, Little Suamico, Wis., and Tonya Shadoan, MBC™, of International Image, Indianapolis. Tracy Fricke, CSEP, CMP, MBC™, Special Occasion By Design in Omaha, Neb., spoke about moving your business from good to great. Joann Moore, MBC™, Mountains & Meadows, Edwards, Colo., gave insight on how to remain professional, polite, and positive when you are at the end of your rope. John Goolsby, Godfather Films, Riverside, Calif., shared “advice you can’t refuse.” In all, members were given so much information, advice, and inspiration to, as Fricke stated, “thrive not just survive.”Prizes, awards, and goodbyesThroughout the conference, Sandals Resorts provided many ABC members with additional experiences while visiting the Whitehouse, Jamaica, property including a Catamaran cruise and tours of the Sandals Negril and Whitehouse resort locations. The final day of sessions ended with prizes being presented to 10 lucky winners (see sidebar, “Prize Winners Named”).That evening, guests enjoyed a farewell gala starting with cocktail hour poolside. In the Grand Ballroom, Sandals created a fabulous menu for the evening. The décor included lavish tabletop floral arrangements, and the evening ended with a true feel of the island when the Jamaican band got guests to their feet dancing for hours. As everyone said their goodbyes and reflected on the experience, they were already making plans to reunite at next year’s gathering in Laguna Beach, Calif. (#Californiadreaming).By the Numbers500 number of acres of nature preserve within which Sandals Whitehouse is situated204 members in attendance+7,900 most number of miles traveled to attend, by Yoshi Kohara, MWV™, director of Asian markets, who traveled from Tokyo, Japan.7 first-time attendees26 Master Bridal Consultants™ in attendance2 Master Bridal Consultants™ who received their designation at conferenceThe 2014 ABC Annual Trade ShowDuring this year’s conference, trade show vendors were given the opportunity to get up in front of the entire audience to familiarize ABC members with their products and services. Vendors included:• The Ava Method• Bella Caroll Wedding Wines• Jamaican Tourist Board• Mexican Board of Tourism• Oasis Hotel & Resorts Cancun• Palace Resorts• Table Top Fashions, Inc.• Sandals & Beaches Resorts• To Romance With Love, LLC.Prize Winners NamedThe following Business of Brides attendees received prizes awarded from a random drawing during the final day of conference:Weddings Customs and Traditions by Lois A. Pearce, MBC™—Steven Hulbert, Hulbert Officiating Weddings & Events, Metamora, Mich.To Romance, With Love by Dave Valletta—Saminta Harris, Chicago, and Jacqueline Alfaro Dobles, CWP™, Eventos Villa Alegre, San Jose Goicochea, Costa Rica.Los Cabos (three days/two nights)—Jemi Adcock, LMF, Adcock & Associates, Benton, La.Cabo San Lucas (three days/two nights)—Susan Hermele, CWP™, Susan B Party, West Orange, N.J.;Los Cabos (four days/three nights)—Melissa Fife, PBC™, Events by Missy & Company, West Harrison, N.Y.Oasis Resorts Cancun—Laurie Beckman, MBC™, MWV™, A Gracious Event and The Appel Inn, Altamont, N.Y.Oasis Resorts—Tina Little, CWP™, Lavender Doves, Farmington Hills, Mich.Palace Resorts (choice of Jamaica or Mexico)—Catherine Katz, MBC™, Cherished Celebrations, Cary, N.C.Sandals Resorts (four days/three nights)—Kevah Lewis, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobego.Until Next Year…The Association of Bridal Consultants next Annual Conference is at Costa Mesa, Calif., Nov. 8 – 10, 2015.