Connecting, Learning, and Growing Together: ABC North Carolina's 2026 Annual Fall State Meeting
Celebrating education, collaboration, and the power of community in North Carolina's wedding and event industry.
Greensboro, North Carolina | September 13, 2026
The Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) North Carolina brought wedding and event professionals together on Sunday, September 13, 2026, for its Annual Fall State Meeting, "State of Our Industry," hosted at the beautiful McAlister-Leftwich House in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Under the leadership of Jenn Ball, ABC North Carolina State Director, the gathering created an opportunity for industry professionals to step away from their busy schedules, exchange ideas, strengthen relationships, and explore the evolving landscape of weddings and special events.
From wedding planners and venue professionals to photographers, caterers, florists, DJs, rental companies, travel advisors, and other creative partners, the meeting celebrated the diverse professionals who contribute to North Carolina's vibrant event industry.
The message at the heart of the gathering was simple yet powerful:
Connect. Learn. Grow. Elevate.
Conversations That Move Our Industry Forward
As the wedding and event industry continues to evolve, opportunities for professional education and meaningful collaboration have never been more important.
The Annual Fall State Meeting focused on topics affecting today's event professionals, including digital visibility, authentic business development, artificial intelligence, hotel room blocks, and travel opportunities.
The educational program featured industry professionals sharing their expertise and perspectives.
Elevating Your Visibility Online — Terry Power
In today's digital marketplace, a strong online presence is essential. Terry Power's session, "Elevating Your Visibility Online," focused on a topic that matters to every event professional: building visibility and connecting with potential clients in an increasingly competitive digital environment.
Crafting Your Path: Embracing Authenticity for Business Growth — Dana Kadwell
Building a successful business involves more than following industry trends. Dana Kadwell brought attention to the importance of authenticity, encouraging professionals to consider how their individual strengths, values, and perspectives contribute to long-term business growth.
Let AI Be Your Best Friend — Katie Sautter
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape how businesses operate, market their services, and manage daily responsibilities.
Katie Sautter's presentation, "Let AI Be Your Best Friend," introduced an increasingly relevant conversation about how wedding and event professionals can embrace emerging technology as a resource for their businesses.
Let's Talk Hotel Room Blocks — Renita Williams, CMP
Hotel accommodations and room block management are important components of weddings, conferences, and group events.
Renita Williams, CMP, Sales Manager with the Guilford County/Greensboro Tourism Development Authority, contributed her expertise to this important industry conversation.
Destination Travel and Industry Opportunities — DaVon Clack, Vacation Express
With destination weddings and group travel continuing to create opportunities for event professionals, DaVon Clack of Vacation Express joined the program, bringing a valuable travel-industry perspective to the gathering.
Together, these sessions reflected ABC's commitment to helping professionals stay informed, competitive, and prepared for the future.
More Than a Meeting: The Power of Community
One of the most meaningful aspects of an ABC state meeting is the opportunity to connect face-to-face.
In an industry built on relationships, gathering with fellow professionals creates opportunities that extend beyond any single educational presentation.
These events help encourage new collaborations, strengthen existing partnerships, and remind professionals that they are part of a larger community dedicated to excellence.
Whether someone is just beginning a career in weddings and events or has spent decades serving clients, there is tremendous value in learning from one another.
ABC's North Carolina gathering reflected the association's four foundational pillars: Education, Advocacy, Revenue, and Networking.
Celebrating Our Event Partners
Events like the Annual Fall State Meeting are made possible through the generosity, creativity, and collaboration of dedicated industry partners.
The Association of Bridal Consultants extends its sincere appreciation to the following businesses and professionals for their contributions.
Venue Host
McAlister-Leftwich House — Greensboro, North Carolina
Event Partners
DJ Seth Felder
Connie Duglin Linens
Food and Beverage Partners
Artsy Cakesy
Thyme2Cater
Bartending Unlimited
McAlister-Leftwich House
Photography Partner
Straight to the Heart Photography — Complimentary professional headshots
These partners represent the collaborative spirit that makes North Carolina's wedding and event community so special.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to each business and individual who helped support this gathering.
Photo Gallery: Moments from the 2026 North Carolina Fall State Meeting
Take a look inside ABC North Carolina's State of Our Industry gathering in Greensboro.
Photography credits: Straight to the Heart Photography.
A Message of Appreciation from ABC North Carolina
"There's something incredibly powerful about bringing our wedding and event community together in one room. The relationships we build, the knowledge we share, and the support we offer one another are what help our industry continue to grow. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this gathering possible."
— Jenn Ball, ABC North Carolina State Director
Your ABC Community Is Waiting
The North Carolina Annual Fall State Meeting is one example of how the Association of Bridal Consultants creates opportunities for professionals to connect, learn, and grow throughout their careers.
Through educational programming, state and national events, industry partnerships, professional designations, and networking opportunities, ABC supports wedding and event professionals at every stage of their journey.
Whether you're an established wedding planner, a creative event professional, a venue representative, or someone exploring a career in the industry, there is a place for you within the ABC community.
Ready to get connected?
Discover the benefits of membership and become part of a professional community committed to elevating the wedding and event industry.
Learn more and join the Association of Bridal Consultants:
Event Details
Association of Bridal Consultants — North Carolina Annual Fall State Meeting
Theme: State of Our Industry
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location: McAlister-Leftwich House, 507 N Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
State Director: Jenn Ball
#AssociationOfBridalConsultants #ABCNorthCarolina #NCWeddingProfessionals #NCEventProfessionals #WeddingIndustry #WeddingEducation #WeddingNetworking
