For those who have not been before, we normally have 80+ people in attendance at our LNG meeting!  ABC has been hosting networking meetings in the Panhandle of Florida since November 2008.  This event will be limited to 80 people. 

About the Speakers: 

Mike Colón

Mike Colón has been recognized by numerous publications worldwide including the cover of People Magazine, Studio Photography & Design, Rangefinder Magazine, Photo District News, American Photo, Popular Photography, Shutterbug, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Grace Ormonde Marriage, Ceremony Magazine, InStyle Weddings, Modern Bride, The Knot, WPPI Monthly, "The Best of Wedding Photojournalism", "The Best of Digital Wedding Photography", the Orange County Register, and dozens of other industry related periodicals.

Nikon recently named Mike Colón a "Legend behind the lens" and included his work and biography in their permanent Legends archive online. Mike is one of just three wedding photographers in the world to receive such recognition from Nikon. Mike has traveled the world photographing weddings for the rich and famous (including Usher and Timbaland). He also travels regularly teaching and sharing his passion with others. Mike resides in sunny Newport Beach, California with his beautiful wife and four children.

David Jay

David Jay is an international lecturer, photographer, and saavy entrepreneur who is best known for award-winning images as well as his revolutionary “FreeStyle” shooting, marketing and workflow. After creating a system that marketed his business quickly and automatically, David has gone from shooting weddings for under a $1,000 to shooting weddings for over $15,000 in less than four years. As one of the industry’s newest leaders, the Wedding Photojournalists Association named David one of the Top 15 Wedding Photojournalists in the world.

David’s thriving business ventures expanded in 2005 when he created ShowitFast, Inc. and has since developed new products with 10,000 clients spanning across 42 different countries. David was recently featured on the cover of Professional Photographer Magazine, Studio Photography and Design, and People.com, all while completing a national speaking tour. In addition to international and domestic platform lectures such as WPPI, PPA, FotoWerkstatt and PartnerCon.  David resides in beautiful Santa Barbara, California.

Lodging Information:

Watercolor Inn & Resort - http://www.watercolorresort.com - AAA Four Diamond hotel

Tucked away on the shores of the gorgeous Gulf Coast, the Watercolor Inn & Resort has become a luxury escape for those looking for a vacation destination to unwind and indulge in a natural paradise. This magnificent beach resort is situated on 499 acres, with 1,400 linear feet of beachfront on the renowned sugar-white Beaches of South Walton and coastal pine forests alongside Western Lake. Nearly 50% of the property is devoted to open space and preservation areas. Designed by famed architect David Rockwell, the Inn captures the essence of a tranquil getaway. The perfect combination of Florida family resort, warm Southern hospitality, the intimacy of a bed and breakfast, and the fun of a classic beach house, the Watercolor Inn & Resort creates the ideal setting to relax—and to play. Maybe that’s why families have been visiting Watercolor Inn & Resort year after year. Each guest room at the Watercolor Inn features the charm and elegance of a posh resort coupled with the views of a gulf coast destination. Your room is your own personal luxury oasis, rich with amenities that make your stay more comfortable.  Beachfront rooms bring the outdoors mere footsteps from Santa Rosa Beach. Rotunda rooms with wi-fi and high-speed Internet access offer spectacular views of the Gulf. From the soft linens that adorn the bed to the spa-inspired toiletries in each bathroom, every well-appointed room has been furnished with the full comfort of the guest in mind.

For lodging information, please contact: Carol Russell at 850.231.7104. You must call in order to receive a 10% off discount.  Please book under ABC Networking Event.

Closest Airports: Pensacola (PNS) - 64 miles, Ft. Walton Beach (VPS) - 35 miles,  Panama City Beach (ECP) - 29 miles

Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) Membership:   We are encouraging wedding consultants/professionals in the area to join.  We want to build a strong network in the area to pass business back and forth.  There are annual dues of $195 for wedding professionals and $185 for novice wedding consultants and $265 for wedding consultants (this membership level is based on your educational credits and experience).  Please contact Samantha Jackson if you need a membership application.

Please spread the word to all your friends!  Everyone is welcome!