The State of ABC: Reflecting on Our Progress and Looking Ahead
By Veronica Foster, President, Association of Bridal Consultants
The wedding industry continues to evolve—and so does the Association of Bridal Consultants.
As we move through 2026, I've been reflecting on everything we've accomplished together during the first half of the year and, more importantly, where we're headed next. One question has guided nearly every conversation we've had as a leadership team:
How do we create more value for every type of ABC member?
Whether you're a wedding planner, travel advisor, venue professional, florist, photographer, educator, or another member of the wedding industry, our goal has always been to provide education, community, recognition, and opportunities that help you grow your business and your career.
Listening First
Many of the improvements we're making didn't begin with a strategic planning document—they began with conversations.
Throughout the year, we've gathered feedback from our Leadership Retreats, State Director meetings, Advisory Council discussions, webinars, networking events, and one-on-one conversations with members across the country.
We listened carefully to what you told us.
You asked for more educational opportunities.
You wanted additional networking and leadership pathways.
You wanted more visibility for your business.
You wanted stronger partnerships and new ways to grow your revenue.
Those conversations have shaped many of the initiatives we're building today.
Making Membership More Valuable
One of the things I hear most often is, "I didn't realize ABC offered all of those benefits."
Your membership includes far more than a designation or access to a professional association.
ABC members enjoy:
Education
Weekly Wednesday Webinars
On-demand educational content
Continuing education opportunities
Industry certifications and professional designations
Business development resources
Networking
Local State meetings
Members-at-Large virtual events
Local Networking Groups
Leadership opportunities
National conferences and educational events
Visibility
Opportunities to contribute to Wedding Planner Magazine
Educational blog submissions
Guest appearances on the ABC Weddings Unveiled podcast
Member spotlights across ABC's social media channels
Speaking opportunities at events and conferences
Business Growth
Destination wedding education
Host Agency travel resources
Room block training
Vendor and supplier partnerships
Referral opportunities through the ABC network
The more you engage with your membership, the greater the return you'll receive.
Building for the Future
Behind the scenes, our leadership team has been working on several exciting initiatives designed to create even greater value for our members.
Among them are expanded educational opportunities through projects like our continued collaboration with Style Me Pretty, new partnerships that increase member visibility, and stronger opportunities for our Master Wedding Planners to share their expertise through educational content and mentorship.
We're also investing heavily in our Academic Partner Program by building relationships with colleges, universities, hospitality programs, and career schools. Our vision is to introduce future wedding professionals to the industry through education, mentorship, and student membership pathways.
Our Hotel Program continues to grow through expanded hotel certifications, corporate memberships, and partnerships with venues and resorts that strengthen relationships between hospitality professionals and wedding planners.
We're also expanding our travel initiatives through destination wedding education, travel certifications, supplier partnerships, room block education, and Host Agency resources to support one of the fastest-growing segments of our industry.
Celebrating Excellence
One of my favorite parts of serving as President is recognizing the incredible accomplishments of our members.
Through our professional designations, the Trendsetter Awards, annual awards program, magazine features, and speaking opportunities, we are committed to celebrating excellence across every segment of the wedding industry.
When we recognize outstanding professionals, we elevate the profession as a whole.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through 2026 and prepare for 2027, our focus remains clear.
Members can look forward to:
Expanded educational programming
New professional certifications
Additional networking opportunities
Stronger university partnerships
Continued growth of the Academic Partner Program
More strategic industry partnerships
Expanded member resources
Continued growth of the ABC Weddings Unveiled podcast
Enhancements to Wedding Planner Magazine
Increased advocacy for wedding professionals
We're building an organization that not only serves today's professionals but also helps shape the future of our industry.
How You Can Be Part of the Future
The Association of Bridal Consultants has always been more than a membership organization.
It is a community.
Every member has something valuable to contribute.
Whether you attend a webinar, volunteer on a committee, mentor a newer member, submit an article, share a real wedding, apply for an award, or simply introduce yourself at your next State meeting, your involvement strengthens our entire organization.
If you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback, I encourage you to reach out.
Some of our best initiatives began with a conversation.
As we continue building the future of ABC together, I want to thank each of you for your support, your professionalism, and your commitment to raising the standard of excellence within the wedding industry.
The future is bright, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together.
Thank you for being part of the Association of Bridal Consultants.
