5 Tips for Flawless Destination Events By Milena Santoro, Expo Della Sposa International – Destination Italy Destination weddings are becoming very popular. According to Huffington Post Weddings, “More than 2 million American couples wed every year and just under 25 percent plan destination I do’s”. That means almost 500,000 newly betrothed couples in the U.S have destination weddings each year, but the question is: are you tapping into that market? If you’re a wedding planner interested in this growing market, here are some tips you should be mindful of when planning destination weddings in Europe. CSI Destination! Know the destination inside and out! Yes, that’s right. You should be as knowledgeable about the area as the locals. Your expertise about the destination, including its venues, vendors, hot spots, and in’s and out’s, will not only set you apart from the competition, but give you the extra insight you need to make your client’s dreams come true. Show me the money! What are the realistic costs involved with destination weddings? Airfare, accommodations, transportation, food & beverage – these are all important factors that will help you determine your budget and keep you on track with your wedding expenditures. Is that legal? Getting married in your local state can sometimes be confusing for many couples, but getting legally married in Europe is another maze in itself. Marriage requirements may vary according to the couple’s nationality and can take up to 6 to 9 months to obtain all documentation. Some couples opt to skip the red tape and bureaucracies, deciding to instead marry legally in their hometown and afterward host a blessing ceremony elsewhere. Before this happens, know the legal requirements and be prepared to inform your client couple of such procedures.  I recommend you contact your local Consulate as well as the Tourist Boards for more information. Relationships, relationships? In other words, who are your service providers? When you’re working with a local market, you tend to work with people you like and trust, right? Well, this is no different.  In order to ensure your destination planning goes as smoothly as possible, you need to make sure you are working and communicating with destination service providers. After all, you’re relying on them to execute your vision based on a mutually agreed upon contract.  However, if they don’t deliver, what do you do? Who do you turn to?  In this case, it’s always important to maintain your service provider relationships because at the end of the day, it’s all up to you and whoever you have on your speed dial. Are we speaking the same language? English is the most common international language.  However, not everything translates in the same manner. Things such as event lingo, acronyms, sizes,...

Leadership and Management for the Volunteer Manager We get so involved with the work that must be completed, we are often not aware of our leadership or management approach. Have you ever asked yourself ‘what type of leader am I and what is my leadership style’? How would your volunteers, clients, staff and vendors answer that question? In this interactive workshop, you will: • Define leadership versus management – leadership entails more than managing • Learn the difference between effective and ineffective leadership • Discover how your leadership style contributes to your success. • Learn how to approach and motivate people, provide direction and implement plans. • Identify the most common styles of leadership and their impact • Discover your leadership style • Implement your leadership style Time:  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Location:  Baker Centre #400, 10025-106 Street Date:  March 11, 2014 Cost:  $110.00 Method of Payment:  Online through Paypal If paying through Paypal is not an option, please contact Volunteer Edmonton at 780 732 6649 to make arrangements for other methods of payment. Note:  You will not be registered until payment has been made in full. Cancellation Policy While Volunteer Edmonton strives to ensure there are no disruptions in our workshop dates there may be occasion where issues arise that are out of our control. As a result we are committed to re-scheduling the program as soon as possible and providing options to participants Refund Policy All cancellations and requests for refunds must be received in writing. Refunds will be made on the following schedule: Full refund up to one week out No refund – less than one week out or no shows Disclaimer Volunteer Edmonton reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a course or program; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of acceptance both prior to and after acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient registrations, budgetary constraints or for other such reasons.  In the event Volunteer Edmonton exercises such a right, Volunteer Edmonton’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the participant to Volunteer Edmonton. Instructor Profile – Milena Santoro The VMC was developed, and will be delivered in part, by Milena Santoro, CMM CMP PIDP.  She is an author, international professional speaker, educator, award winning certified meeting and special events professional who has earned many accolades managing events for corporations, international associations, social clients and non-profit agencies.  Milena is President and CEO of MS Productions Inc. She...

The ones we most admire ALL reinvented themselves during the most challenging chapters of their lives.  Today, use your discomfort as your inspired catalyst to re-examine what means most to you and the impact that you want to make on others.  Your reinvention is your new driving force and accelerator of your greatest legacy...

  Q:  Marriage is not something I take lightly and when I think of the importance of it, I can’t help feeling nervous and a little sad at times. I  am in love and happy to be engaged and really believe I’m making the right decision to get married. I’m just wondering if it’s normal to feel happy and worried at the same time? A: In every other major life transition, feelings of happiness and sadness are not only expected but are also understood and supported by those closest to us. When you started middle school, when you reached a milestone in a hobby or sport, or when you took a job away from your hometown, those around you could relate and understand the varying emotions you faced. Did those nervous feelings, sadness or loss stop you from following through with your plans? Probably not. You were allowed by others and yourself to work through your thoughts and emotions and feelings of discomfort to make the transition. Engagement is also the time where you should be doing exactly what you have done in every other life transition. It is a vital time to recognize and process anxiety and sadness as normal, allowing yourself the time and space to feel these feelings and discuss and analyze them with your fiancé and others who can be supportive and sympathetic to what you are going...

  In a recent survey conducted by the knot, 85% of couples are interested in implementing as many eco-friendly options into their wedding day as possible. Since heating, cooling, and lighting can play a large role in energy use; consider asking your wedding planner or venue manager for ways to minimize the amount used at your reception. Inquire about efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, and don’t be shy about making suggestions or requests to reduce or eliminate energy that will not be of use to anyone on your Big Day.For more information on creating an earth-friendly wedding; Kate L. Harrison’s, The Green Bride Guide(available through Amazon) is full of simple and easy to implement ideas for reducing your Wedding Day carbon...