INDUSTRY ROUND UP...The Inside Scoop on the Events & Wedding Industry

Join Us for the Ultimate Industry Roundup & Friendsgiving!

Richmond & Tidewater VA Industry Pros, get ready for The National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals (NSBWEP)’s annual signature event, INDUSTRY ROUNDUP: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE EVENTS & WEDDING INDUSTRY on November 20th. This is your exclusive invitation to an unfiltered, no-holds-barred conversation with your peers, where we spill all the “T” on the latest happenings in our industry.

Expect a day filled with transparent and blunt discussions covering everything from weddings to social and corporate events. No topic is off-limits as we dive into:

• Current Industry Trends: Discover the latest consumer buying habits and innovative event ideas.
• Entrepreneurial Insights: Learn about the nuances and challenges of running your own business.
• Event Day Bloopers: Hear hilarious and enlightening stories of what can go wrong and how to handle it.
• What’s Working and What’s Not: Get the inside scoop on strategies that are making waves and those that are falling flat.

3-COURSE SEATED DINNER | NETWORKING | PANEL DISCUSSION

WHY ATTEND:

Unparalleled Networking and Community Building: Connect with a diverse group of fellow industry professionals who understand your challenges and triumphs, and build lasting relationships within a supportive community.

Valuable Learning Opportunities: Learn from seasoned entrepreneurs who simply get it and want to share their experiences with you.

Reassurance and Solidarity: Engage in transparent conversations without the fluff, providing reassurance and solidarity and leaving you with a renewed sense of confidence and motivation, knowing you have a community to lean on.

Join us at INDUSTRY ROUNDUP and be part of a transformative experience that will elevate your career and connect you with the best in the business. Register now and be a part of the conversation that everyone will be talking about!

REGISTRATION:

MEMBERS – $50.00

NON-MEMBERS - $70.00

Friendor Rate Limited Time Offer! Non-Members special friendor rate $55 will expire midnight on October 23rd.

$10 Late Fee after 5pm, November 8th

All ticket sales are non-refundable and non-transferable to another event.

OUR SPEAKERS:

BRON HANSBORO is an award-winning floral and event designer who has devoted his career to navigating clients through the creative process and transforming their visions into exquisite events since 2014. Fondly referred to as “The Flower Guy,” he is the lead creative and floral designer at The Flower Guy Bron and the owner of event production company, The Event House. He provides bespoke design and styling experiences for weddings and events of all types. Bron deeply values his interactions with clients and peers alike, and understands the power of making connections through design. His motto is, “We don’t sell flowers, we sell experiences.”

Bron has received the WeddingWire’s “Couples Choice” designation for four consecutive years and is a Special Events “2019 Young Event Pros to Watch" designee. He is a sought-after speaker and has been featured at several national wedding & event conferences including Wedding MBA, The Special Event, and Catersource. Bron is dedicated to providing seamless and stress-free design services and loves seeing the look on his clients’ faces when they see their completed concept come to life. When he’s not dreaming up magical events, he loves to cook, travel, entertain, shop and connect.

CIERA POPE is the owner and managing partner of Copper Hall RVA and a seasoned professional in the event industry. With a rich history as a full-time wedding planner at the Hive Wedding Collective since 2014, Ciera boasts an impressive portfolio of over 100 beautifully executed weddings, earning her a well-deserved reputation as an esteemed expert in the field. Beyond her role as a wedding planner, Ciera is also a licensed Virginia civil celebrant, eager to officiate ceremonies not only for Copper Hall couples but for those seeking her touch of magic beyond the venue. Her dedication to ensuring your special day is uniquely tailored to your vision is unparalleled.

Ciera's journey into the world of events began at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where she graduated with a degree in Merchandising. Her early contributions to the production of the first-ever fashion show hosted at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) showcased her commitment to creating memorable experiences. Additionally, she has served as a Board Member for RVA Fashion Week, further deepening her insights into the industry. Armed with this diverse background, Ciera is thrilled to bring her expertise and creativity to Copper Hall, ensuring that you and your loved ones can savor every moment of your celebration. Collaborate with Ciera to turn your dreams into reality and create lasting memories at Copper Hall RVA.

ANGEL WALKER is the owner, lead planner and designer of Exclusive Events, LLC is the mother of three beautiful daughters, primary caretaker for her disabled mother, works full time for the state of Virginia, and manages event planning with a passion. She never thought in a million years that she would be an event planner. She desired to be an Architectural Engineer and design computer software that architects use to design buildings and structures. She always gravitated to art, poetry, and anything creative. At an early age, she learned how to sew clothes and design hairstyles. She also enjoyed drawing and writing poetry. As a young adult, she ventured into entrepreneurship with Mary Kay and has been professionally trained in sales and employee recruitment. Unfortunately, none of those things gave her the satisfaction she yearned for. Angel found herself helping friends and family members plan private events and eventually started planning some of her own. Seeing people socializing, smiling, dancing, and feeling good in an environment she created gave her a great sense of fulfillment. The more she did it, the more satisfying it became.

A previous corporate employer gave Angel the creative control to plan events at work and as a result, she was recruited on many occasions to plan corporate events which included team building outings and award ceremonies. As these opportunities allowed her to strengthen her event planning skills, Angel decided to transform her passion into a purpose and that is when Exclusive Events, LLC was born. She formalized her business, created a brand, and begin applying all the business acumen she had acquired during her extensive tenure in corporate America. This allowed Angel to grow her business in the event planning industry and not only build productive relationships and a respected reputation, but to also be taken seriously as an event planning organization in Virginia.

DORA BREAUX is the dynamic owner of Dora Breaux Photography, a premier wedding and portrait photography studio, and Rent A Set, a popular studio rental business designed for creative freelancers. Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, NY, Dora's journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Photography, she has turned her lifelong passion into a thriving career, capturing meaningful moments and providing artists with an inspiring space to bring their visions to life.

As a mother of three, a veteran, and a military spouse, Dora has a unique perspective on balancing personal and professional life while navigating the challenges of both entrepreneurship and military family life. Her experiences have not only shaped her business philosophy but have also inspired her commitment to community-building and inclusivity. Dora's approach to photography is rooted in storytelling, and she specializes in wedding and portrait work that reflects the beauty of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

In addition to her creative work, Dora is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of creatives. Through her businesses, she empowers young photographers and freelancers, providing them with the tools and knowledge to thrive in today's competitive market. Her passion for teaching and supporting others shines through in her studio rental space, where she cultivates an environment that fosters artistic growth and collaboration. Dora is a proud advocate for the arts, inclusivity, and the power of creative entrepreneurship.

BRANDON WATERS is the Founder of Waters Films, a video production company specializing in capturing social and professional events through videography, photography, and aerial drone photography. Brandon began his storytelling journey in college and has since expanded his passion for visual storytelling across various industries. His expertise has led him to work on projects worldwide, delivering powerful, engaging stories that resonate with audiences.

Known for his innovative approach, technical proficiency, and collaborative spirit, Brandon excels in translating client visions into compelling narratives. His dedication to the craft is reflected in his commitment to every project, ensuring a seamless production experience and high-quality results.

With Waters Films, Brandon helps clients elevate their brand presence by covering weddings, corporate events, conferences, festivals, and more. His work isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about creating lasting stories that leave an impact.

Host or Publisher The National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals