SWEL Summer Summit - Powered by WeddingPro

ON SALE JULY 1, 2025

Learn, network, and grow at our 7th SWEL Summer Summit – Powered by WeddingPro!

Spend the day discovering fresh ways to scale your business and increase bookings with four dynamic mainstage presentations and two breakout sessions, each offering three engaging topics for you to choose from. You’ll connect with a vibrant community of like-minded wedding and event professionals from across Florida’s Gulf Coast—all under one roof.

Our expert educators—sponsored by WeddingPro, with accommodations courtesy of The Sarasota Modern—are traveling in from across Florida as well as New York, Texas, Virginia and Atlanta to help you elevate every facet of your business. This year’s lineup includes something for everyone, with the exciting addition of a photography-focused breakout session and two venue-specific sessions presented by Venue Help Desk. Whether you’re behind the camera or managing a space, you’ll walk away with strategies tailored to your world.

The event takes place in the stunning ballroom at The Ora in Sarasota, creating the perfect setting for both inspiration and connection. Your ticket includes coffee and pastries to start your morning, a delicious lunch buffet, and a lively happy hour to close out the day with new friends and fresh momentum.

TICKETS & PRICING:

GENERAL ADMISSION

Full Day - $125 / ticket ($141.73 with taxes and fees)

SWEL MEMBER

2 Tickets included with membership (use your member access code)

SCHEDULE:

9AM to 9:30AM – Check-In. Pastries and Coffee Available

9:40AM – Welcome from Emcee Malike Adigun

9:45AM - Session 1 - Meghan Ely on the WeddingPro Mainstage

10:50AM – Session 2 - Tom Chelednik on the WeddingPro Mainstage

11:50AM to 12:50PM – Lunch 

1PM - Session 3 - Kunbi Odubogun on the WeddingPro Mainstage

2PM - 2:10PM – Break

2:10PM – 2:55PM – Breakout Session A – Choose from 3 Sessions

     WeddingPro Mainstage – Meagan Culkin

     Venue Help Desk Room - Ian Ramirez (Venue Specific)

     Breakout Room - Shauna Cooney (Photography Specific)

2:55PM – 3:05PM – Break

3:05PM – 3:50PM – Breakout Session B - Choose from 3 Sessions     
     WeddingPro Mainstage - Shantel Campbell

     Venue Help Desk Room - Shannon Tarrant (Venue Specific)

     Breakout Room - Andrea Shah

3:50PM - 4PM - Break

4:00PM - Session 4 - Brian Green on the WeddingPro Mainstage

4:55PM – Closing Remarks

5PM - 6:30PM – Cocktail Hour

HOTEL:

Want to make a night of it? Sarasota Modern is offering $/night for attendees of this event. To make your reservation, CLICK HERE.

The Sarasota Modern is also our accommodations sponsor for our educators this year.

PREMIER SPONSOR:

WeddingPro is a business-to-business platform created by The Knot and WeddingWire to support wedding professionals in growing their businesses. They offer tools for advertising, lead management, and client communication, along with educational resources and community support. By connecting vendors with millions of engaged couples through The Knot and WeddingWire, WeddingPro helps professionals expand their reach and book more weddings.

We are proud to have WeddingPro sponsoring our educators for this summit. 

Visit them at pros.weddingpro.com or on Instagram at @weddingpro

VENUE:

The Ora | theorasrq.com

AUDIO/VISUAL SPONSORS:

Conference Live Streaming and Videography - MakSchu Productions - makschu.com

Professional Photography - Foto Bohemia - fotoboho.com

Projections, Lighting, Sound and DJ Services - Amplified Productions - amplifiedprod.com

Breakout Session Videography / Event Videography - Imagery Wedding Films | imageryweddingfilms.com

DECOR SPONSORS: 

Beneva | beneva.com

Connie Duglin Linens - cdlinen.com

WeberSCENIC Productions | weberscenicproductions.com

WELCOME BREAKFAST SPONSORS:
Der Dutchman Restaurant - dhgroup.com/restaurants
Storii Coffee Mobile Bar | linktr.ee/storiicoffee

CATERING SPONSOR:
Simply Gourmet by Metz | simplygourmetcaterers.com

SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS AND SPEAKER BIOS:

Meet Your Emcee:

Hey there! I'm Malike Adigun, a traveling DJ originally from New York and currently residing in Florida. Over the past 5 years, I've taken my multi-op DJ company from its humble beginnings to a thriving $2 million enterprise. How did I do it? By harnessing the power of storytelling and branding to engage and captivate my ideal clients.

My expertise lies in crafting a compelling brand, ensuring cohesive messaging, and establishing a strong social presence, which has resulted in record-breaking leads year after year. But my passion doesn't stop at my own success—I'm driven to help other people achieve the same level of triumph.

I firmly believe that us entrepreneurs possess exceptional skills, passion, and business acumen, yet struggle to attract the clients they truly desire. That's where I come in. I want to empower you to enhance your quality of life and enjoy a successful career by attracting the right clients who recognize the unique value they bring to their market.

When I'm not busy assisting my community build their empires, you'll find me globe-trotting, spinning tunes at weddings across the world, and of course, on the hunt for some delicious food.


Social Proof: Understanding it, Earning it + Leveraging it in the Event Industry presented by Meghan Ely

Building a brand reputation isn’t just about what you have to say — it’s also heavily influenced by what others say about you. From informal chatter to client reviews, your prospects listen closely before making an inquiry. Yet, of all the ways word gets around, there’s one channel that is pure social proof gold: media features. Award-winning publicist Meghan Ely speaks to how a third-party stamp of approval builds authority with ideal clients and referral sources alike. 

Takeaways include:

•  The psychology of persuasion and the elements you need to become influential and set yourself up for success.

•  Real-world examples of how social proof has transformed brands

• The first steps in creating a publicity plan that leverages the idea of social proof

Bio

OFD Consulting owner, Meghan Ely combines in-the-trenches event experience with a love of wedding PR to empower her clients to take their businesses to new heights. Her team’s publicity efforts are regularly honored by the Public Relations Society of America, and more recently, Eventex named her one of the most influential Wedding Professionals in the Industry. 

A long-time industry speaker and writer, she is a WeddingPro educator with The Knot + WeddingWire. She has regularly earned clients' press in such outlets at the New York Times, Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, People, Bridal Guide, Architectural Digest and Style Me Pretty, among many others. 

Meghan is a past national president WIPA and is a member of the Allied Council for the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals. 

WeddingPro Signature Session

Mastering the Consultation Process for Sales Success presented by Tom Chelednik

Want to build trust and rapport with couples that lead to more bookings? This session is designed to help you elevate your sales consultations by focusing on preparation, needs analysis, and handling objections. You’ll walk through a step-by-step consultation framework, enabling you to create a personalized process that closes more deals and builds lasting client relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Develop a consultative talk track unique to your business

• Master the essential steps to organize effective sales consultations

• Build confidence in your process to lead more successful consultations

Bio

Tom Chelednik brings over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, including 17 in the wedding industry. From 2008 to 2020, he held key roles at The Knot, including Regional Director of Sales and Director of Training and Enablement, leading teams across 20 states and Canada. He’s traveled extensively to meet with wedding pros, helping them grow their bookings and businesses. Tom also served as COO of The Treasury Venue Collection, gaining hands-on venue experience and co-creating Venue Profit Pro, an online sales and marketing platform for venues. He rejoined The Knot Worldwide in 2022 and now serves as the Director of Vendor Engagement, traveling the country to learn from wedding professionals and teach them about the business side of the wedding industry.

The Call Is Coming from Inside the House presented by Kunbi Odubogun

Uncover the often overlooked but crucial elements that could make or break your wedding and event business. Using the engaging metaphor, "The Call Is Coming from Inside the House," Kunbi will reveal how internal challenges, if not addressed, can stealthily undermine your success. This session is designed to empower you with the tools to spot and strengthen weak spots in your operations, streamline your processes, and protect your business from the inside out.

Key Takeaways:

1. Spot the Weak Spots: Learn how to take a good, hard look at your business's inner workings to find areas that need tightening up—from your legal setups to your day-to-day operations.

2. Contracts & Compliance - legal essentials that keep your business secure and your operations smooth.

3. Pick up strategies to fine-tune how you manage events and client interactions, ensuring every part of your business is running like a well-oiled machine.

4. Equip yourself with the know-how to nip potential issues in the bud and keep your business on track, no matter what comes your way.

Bio

Kunbi Odubogun is a leading business attorney and the Founder of Legally Set, a legal education platform and contract template shop providing ready-to-use contract templates and resources for creative entrepreneurs and wedding professionals. With over 15 years of experience, Kunbi has built a thriving legal practice focused on helping small business owners, planners, designers, and other creatives launch, grow, and legally protect their ventures.

Known for her relatable, no-fluff approach to the law, Kunbi has been a trusted legal voice in the wedding and events industry, empowering professionals to operate with clarity and confidence. Through Legally Set and her law practice, she’s helped hundreds of business owners across the country strengthen their contracts, avoid costly mistakes, and set themselves up for long-term success.

Cracking the Social Media Code: Understanding what to post where on social media: So you’ve created some content and now you need to share it on all of your pages right?  Wrong.  In this presentation I will walk attendees through the different social media audiences and why not all content will perform the same on each different platform. 

Bio: 

Meagan is the owner of Magnolia Collective, a wedding planning and design company in its 15th year of business, with teams serving both North Carolina and Virginia.  She is the Associate Publisher for Heart of NC Weddings Magazine in Durham, NC and has spent the greater part of the last decade offering consulting services for wedding industry professionals.  

The Power of Personalization: Why One-Size-Fits-All Tours Are Killing Your Sales presented by Shannon Tarrant

If your venue tours feel more like a routine than a relationship-builder, you’re leaving bookings on the table. In this session, you’ll learn how to ditch the cookie-cutter approach and create personalized experiences that resonate with each couple. Stop giving tours that blend in—start giving tours that book. 

Attendees will leave… 

• Knowing how to uncover key details before the tour to tailor the experience

• With strategies to incorporate thoughtful, unexpected touches that make tours unforgettable

• Equipped with tech tools to help couples visualize their perfect day

Bio

Shannon Tarrant is on a mission to help event pros learn a proven system for success. With over 20 years as an off-site caterer and then venue manager, she developed both companies into local powerhouses.  

A professional go-getter today, she is a no-bs speaker and the co-host of The Venue Helpline podcast, sharing her industry wisdom while running her own businesses - Wedding Venue Map and Venue Help Desk.

Shannon tells it like it is, whether you’re ready for it or not.

Persistent, Not Pushy: Mastering the Art of New Lead Inquiries presented by Ian Ramirez

In today’s wedding industry, venues face The Great Ignore—where engaged couples inquire, then disappear. With a generation accustomed to ghosting and avoiding sales pressure, how do you stay top of mind without feeling like a pest? This session will teaches the difference between being persistent and being pushy, equipping you with follow-up strategies that add value, build trust, and lead to more conversations and bookings.

Attendees will leave…

• Discovering how to make every touchpoint feel helpful, not salesy

• Getting a proven timeline and cadence strategy that doesn’t overwhelm

• Learning how to leverage email and text automation to stay in front of couples

Bio

Ian Ramirez is a wedding venue owner, sales specialist, and co-founder of Venue Help Desk. As co-owner of Madera Estates—a top-rated Spanish-style venue in Texas— he leads a team that hosts 85+ events per year and generates nearly $3 million in annual revenue.

Named to Houston Business Journal's 40 Under 40, Ian brings nearly a decade of hands-on venue experience to his teaching. He’s passionate about helping fellow venue owners streamline systems, improve follow-up, and turn more leads into booked tours.

Ian is a sought-after wedding venue coach, nationally recognized speaker, and WeddingPro educator. He also holds the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation—because he believes great service starts with great systems.

Questions Couples Need Your Website to Answer presented by Andrea Shah

Whether they know it or not, clients expect your website to answer certain questions. We’ll cover what they’re wondering, and how to weave the answers into your marketing.

Bio

Andrea Shah is a copywriter and marketing consultant for wedding creatives who want to spotlight their artistry and client experience. She has over a decade of experience working on websites and brand voice for Fortune 500 companies and luxury brands alike. She teaches wedding professionals how to use psychology, storytelling, and market research to make their perfect-match clients feel deeply seen and heard. 

Become a Reel Rockstar: Mastering the Art of Scroll-Stopping Videos presented by Shantel Campbell

In today’s visually driven world, video isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool to connect, convert, and grow your wedding brand. This session will show you how to create strategic Instagram reels. Whether you're a venue, planner, photographer, or rental company, you’ll walk away knowing what to post and how to structure videos to attract your dream clients.

Learn how to:

• Create strategy-driven content buckets 

• Craft scroll-stopping reels that grab attention in seconds

• Turn passive viewers into engaged followers (and future clients!)

Whether you’re just starting out with Reels or looking to level up your current video strategy, you’ll leave with a clear framework and content ideas designed specifically for the wedding industry. Get ready to stop blending in and start standing out—one Reel at a time.

Bio

From receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communications from the University of Delaware to conducting marketing research at Stanford University, Shantel Campbell has developed a strong background in all things strategy, branding, social media, and digital advertising. Shantel started her career in the wedding industry and has been hooked ever since! She has over 10+ years of experience working with everyone from caterers and venues to rental companies and DJs. Today, she is here to give you the secret sauce on how to strategically create reels that will skyrocket your views and engagement. This is a session you won’t want to miss!

The Art of Storytelling: Capturing & Curating a Compelling Wedding Narrative presented by Shauna Cooney

This talk is all about intentionally weaving a compelling narrative throughout a wedding day—seeing the threads, following them, and curating them with purpose. This session will break down how to pre-plan for storytelling by understanding the unique dynamics of each wedding, how to recognize and anticipate key emotional moments as they unfold, and how to stay adaptable when the story shifts. We’ll also dive into the art of curation—how to select and refine images for social media, your website, and full galleries so that the story feels both intentional and deeply compelling.

Attendees will walk away with a clear framework for approaching wedding photography with a narrative-driven mindset, ensuring their work not only documents the day but tells a powerful, connected, and emotionally resonant story.

Bio

Shauna Cooney brings a unique blend of educational insight and leadership to her work. With two master's degrees and a background as an assistant principal and educator, she infuses her wedding photography with a level of understanding and professionalism that sets her apart. Her commitment to preserving legacies and maintaining the highest standards of excellence ensures that every client receives an extraordinary experience.

With her sharp business sense and passion for helping others thrive, she serves as an invaluable mentor for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of running their own ventures. Shauna's guidance empowers small business owners to confidently forge a path to success and financial stability in their industries.

Leading with Emotional Intelligence presented by Brian Green

During this session, you will gain an understanding of emotional intelligence (EI) and learn to develop self-awareness and self-management, cultivate social awareness and relationship management, and apply EI to leadership and organizational culture. EI is the cornerstone of effective leadership, fostering an environment of understanding, empathy, and adaptability. Leaders with a high EI navigate complexities by acknowledging and regulating their own emotions while empathizing with others' feelings and perspectives.

Bio:

Brian A M Green CMP, CMM, is a globally recognized, award-winning event planner
with over two decades of transformative experience in the international events
industry. As the Chief Event Architect and Creative Visionary of By BrianGreen LLC
(Atlanta) and Crown Events (Barbados), he has pioneered exceptional social and
corporate event experiences across six continents.

A distinguished former Diplomat for Barbados, Brian brings a unique international
perspective and diplomatic finesse to event design and execution. His expertise
garnered national recognition when he was featured as the expert guest on The Steve
Harvey Show's annual Wedding Hour, and he has been prominently published in
every major premier industry publication.

Recognized as a thought leader, Brian is a distinguished WeddingPro Educator and
Advisor for The Knot/Wedding Wire's Fellowship For Change Program. In 2024, he
was nominated for Speaker of the Year at the NACE One Awards.

Committed to advancing industry representation, Brian is the Immediate Past
Chairman of the Board for the National Society of Black Wedding & Event
Professionals (NSBWEP), championing Diversity, Equity, and inclusion initiatives
that transform professional landscapes.