We have all heard the phrase "you can't afford to miss it." In these hard economic times, this phrase is often replaced with the fear "I can't afford it." We all make choices about what we can and cannot afford but we should not let our fear dictate every decision. Ironically, now more than ever, small business owners should invest in their business and distinguish themselves from competitors. For this reason, I make a point of being involved in cutting edge conventions that will improve my business. 

This year a world-renonwned event is taking place in my very own San Francisco. Jubilee Lau  and Jean Marks founded Wedding 360 with the goal of giving back and improving the wedding industry. These extraordinary women originally created the "Wedding University" with the purpose of educating brides. Now they have expanded and created a must attend event for all wedding professionals (including photographers!). You are probably asking if The Academy for Wedding Planners and Designers is worth the money. Yes it is, and here's why: 

-Learn how designers and planners think, how every detail of design is pulled together, and how all professionals working on the a wedding can compliment each others work. 

-Meet and mingle with wedding planners and designers from all over the country. There will be a large number of representatives from the West Coast who are a great resource even for those from out of state looking to expand their business. 

-Meet and learn from outstanding wedding leaders such as Grace Ormonde, Abby Tait Larson, and Sean Low as well as photographers such as Gene Higa and myself.