Be Smart. Be Bright. Be Sage.
This year we are SOO EXCITED to be a sponsor of the Be Sage Conference – Meeting of the Minds! The Branch is doing the event design and decor for the conference. And of course, we are here to give you a sneak peek of the Iron Cactus Welcome Party!
We asked one of the owners, Michelle Mansfield Loretta, a few questions about the conference to give you more of an idea about what this conference is! 
Why did you start the Be Sage Conference?
We started Be Sage Conference because we felt that most of the education being offered in the wedding and event industries is created for people in the first years of their business. So – what happens when you hit year 5 and you want to continue growing, learning, evolving? Where do you go for education? This is the focus of Be Sage Conference. It’s to give experienced wedding professionals hard solid tools to use in their growing business.
What is the focus of this conference?
The focus of this conference is to help business owners evolve into the next stages of the business: expansion, team-building, expanded services, and career evolution.
What are some of the good things that have come from the conference outside Dallas?
Last year was Be Sage Conference’s first year, and we held it in Chicago. (We are also known for our business planning workshop, The Simple Plan, which began in 2009.) Last year, we saw a lot of people implementing the lessons learned pretty immediately. Sheena Kalso, Owner of Invisible Hostess in Seattle began to use the lessons learned from Allison Howard to create videos showcasing her business (and personality). Wendy Kidd, owner of Each & Every Detail, has implemented many of the lessons learned from AAB Creates to grow her team and strengthen her Day-Of Wedding planning services. And, Kawania Wooten of Howerton Wooten Events in DC has spent the last year refocusing her company’s core philosophy with an improved website, and a stronger commitment to core values and mission. The biggest thing that we’ve personally noticed is the relationships that these wedding professionals have with one another. It’s wonderful to see the ‘meeting of the minds’.
We also asked Debby J some questions to show how our sponsorship came to be! 
Why did you want to work with them this year?
I attended Kelly and Michelle’s very first conference and didn’t exactly know what to expect. I volunteered to exchange some centerpieces for a seat at the conference, and was amazed at how eye opening the conference was. These two ladies, and their business, have been very inspirational and influential in the development in my business. Paying it forward to thank them is why I was excited to be a sponsor at this year’s conference.
How have they helped you as a wedding professional?
Michelle helped me really set up a financial structure, that would help my business grow in the coming years, through the Sage Wedding Pros financial planning. Kelly has really helped keep me sane in this chaotic industry. We exchange a lot of helpful advice! I have been able to watch a colleague who is so professional, yet approachable – which is very similar to our philosophy at The Branch – and learn a lot from how she interacts with her clients and other vendors.
Be on the lookout next week for more decor sneak peeks and awesome pictures!
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