A Turn of Events™

Join me on Facebook and LinkedIn on Thursday, February 19 at 1:00 PM EDT where I will interview Zipporah Monique about LEADING WITH EMPATHY: HOW EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE CAN DRIVE BUSINESS SUCCESS.Zipporah Monique is an executive coach, emotional intelligence consultant, and leadership speaker with over 11 years of invigorating leaders and high-performing professionals to adopt emotional and social learning to maximize their strengths to foster change. She uses Awareness, Analysis, Action, and Achievement to enhance the lives of her clients and their businesses in a healthy transformative way.In my interview with Zipporah, we will learn:-Zipporah's definition of emotional intelligence, and how important it is in the workplace;-how leaders can cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence in themselves, and how they can promote it in their teams;-examples of how emotional intelligence has led to successful business outcomes, such as increased revenue or employee engagement;-how leaders can use empathy to better understand their customers' needs and improve customer satisfaction;-what some common challenges are that leaders might face when trying to lead with empathy, and how they can overcome these challenges;-how leaders can use emotional intelligence to manage conflicts and difficult situations in the workplace; and-so much more!If you are not connected with me on my FB page, please connect at https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions or on LinkedIn @annettenaif.We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!Zipporah Monique• Instagram: www.instagram.com/zipporahmonique/ • Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/zipporah-monique-67218497/• Website: www.zipporahmonique.com/ • Reclaim Your Reign: An Emotional Intelligence Guide for Women: https://amzn.to/417rSEY • Crowned: Unleashing the Queen Within: https://amzn.to/42BwHHT Naif Productions • Website: www.naifproductions.com/​ • Facebook: www.facebook.com/naifproductions/• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/• Event Planners Society Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssociety/Cheers!Annette

We had a great time on our interview session with Annie McAllister talking about THE GUEST EXPERIENCE- MORE THAN JUST A PHOTO OP.Annie brings a wealth of expertise with 14 years of dedicated experience in event production, positioning her as an invaluable asset to the 15|40 family. Her professional journey encompasses a diverse range of projects, from large-scale extravaganzas to intimate gatherings, making her a seasoned professional in the world of event management. Her comprehensive background spans the realms of broadcast, streaming, and music festivals, where she has demonstrated her prowess in overseeing projects at some of today's most coveted live events and premieres. Annie’s multifaceted skill set extends to various spaces, including conferences, award shows, fundraisers, experiential activations, brand launches, hospitality design, and large-scale live events.In her role, Annie places a strong emphasis on overarching project management, design, and client relations, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for all stakeholders involved. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she has cultivated enduring relationships in the industry. Her collaborative approach, strategic vision, and commitment to delivering unparalleled results have consistently elevated the experiences of both clients and attendees alike. Her dog, Benny and her cat, Pickle are both pretty neat too.Annie shared a wealth of information about: - how she would define a great Guest Experience;- how to respond when a client asks for a ‘WOW’ moment;- an example of a WOW experience;- if there is a starting place of inspiration when building the concept of an event;- which area of the Guest Experience is the most critical to get right; and- so much more!If you are not connected with me on my FB page, please connect at https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions or on LinkedIn @annettenaif.Connect with Annie McAllister:Website: https://www.1540productions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/15l40/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1540productions/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1540creative/featuredLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-40-productions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1540creativeTwitter: https://twitter.com/1540creativeConnect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naifproductionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyCheers!  Annette 

We had a great time on our live interview session with Amanda Sherlip discussing PLANNING SUCCESSFUL NON-PROFIT AND SMALL BUSINESS EVENTS.Amanda Sherlip is the Founder and Principal of Avant Grand Consulting and is the outgoing Executive Director with Hands Across the Sea. With two decades of experience spanning philanthropic leadership, entrepreneurship, and executive management, Amanda brings her multifaceted expertise to helping nonprofits, start-ups, and small businesses achieve transformative growth. She is known for her strategic acumen, creative problem-solving, and consistent ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.Amanda shared a wealth of information about:-what role board members play in helping to bring success to fundraising for events;-how consultants work with board members to help them feel comfortable through the fundraising and network building process;-what kind of goals to set for fundraisers;-some ways events play into strategic planning and fundraising for a nonprofit;-how events can make a difference in helping to achieve goals and increase revenue for a for-profit; and-so much more!If you are not connected with me on my FB page, please connect at https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions or on LinkedIn @annettenaif.Connect with Amanda Sherlip:Website: www.avantgrandconsulting.comLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amandasherlip/Connect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyCheers!Annette

We had a great time on our interview with Maria Bayer about IRRESISTIBLE SELLING: MASTERING THE ART OF HIGH-VALUE BOOKINGS.Maria Bayer is a leading sales and mindset strategist for wedding and event professionals who want to book next-level clients and scale their businesses to multi 6- and 7-figures. She teaches a modern sales approach that empowers clients to connect authentically, command top dollar, and achieve rapid results. Her clients often see a 2-10x sales increase within a year, transforming both their businesses and their belief in what’s possible.As the creator of Irresistible Selling, Maria offers forward-thinking strategies for fast, sustainable growth without chasing or being salesy. With over $25 million in personal sales and a background negotiating with industry giants like Target and Best Buy, she equips her clients with advanced strategies that go beyond traditional wedding industry teachings, giving them a competitive edge.A sought-after speaker, Maria has shared her expertise at top industry events and with organizations such as WIPA, ILEA, ABC, Be Sage, The Wedding Pro CEO Summit, Sarah Does SEO, Rock Paper Coin, Refine Collective, and many more, as well as corporate workshops and training sessions. Through her community, speaking engagements, and authorship, Maria is elevating the wedding industry by raising the bar on what business owners can charge and how much they can earn.In my interview with Maria, we will learn: her philosophy and how she helps wedding pros step into the next-level market; the biggest myth wedding pros believe about selling that keeps them stuck at their current level, and how they can shift their mindset to break into the luxury market; how she teaches wedding pros to sell authentically while commanding premium prices; why the slow season is the ideal time to invest in sales skills to break into the luxury market; advice she gives people dealing with challenges at a higher price point; and so much more!If you are not connected with me on my FB page, please connect at https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions or on LinkedIn @annettenaif. We hope you enjoy the episode!Links-Connect with Maria Bayer:Website: https://lnkd.in/eYT2EpatInstagram: https://lnkd.in/emsnyWN8Facebook Group: https://lnkd.in/ef65c5f9Facebook: https://lnkd.in/eHaPZFMAFree offer: For a fast infusion of sales: Take the Book A Client in 5 Days Challenge https://lnkd.in/eNtghZaUConnect with Annette Naif:Website: https://lnkd.in/euzNM8n6​Facebook: https://lnkd.in/dtME4UBLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eBpq2DbYEvent Planners Society Facebook Group: https://lnkd.in/gK3-MskCheers!Annette

We had a great time on our interview session with Lasada Pippen talking about THE CLIMB: MOVING BEYOND BARRIERS AND ELEVATING YOUR IMPACT.Lasada Pippen is a former computer engineer turned motivational powerhouse. As a first-generation college graduate, first-generationcorporate professional, and bilingual STEM expert, Lasada's journey is a real-world story of resilience, grit, and reinvention.Growing up in an underserved community, he navigated his way into the tech industry, spent over a decade in corporate leadership, and ultimately made a bold pivot into keynote speaking, business coaching, and empowerment training. Today, he helps individuals and organizations transform obstacles into opportunities through a mix of personal storytelling, practical frameworks, and deeply relatable insights.Lasada shared a wealth of information about:   ✨how purpose, potential, and perseverance shaped his journey from engineer to empowerment leader;✨what made him pivot into speaking and coaching;✨what the biggest challenge was transitioning from tech into this new calling;✨what The Climb framework means, and how event professionals can apply it to their own leadership and growth;✨how to successfully transition into a new career path; and✨so much more! If you are not connected with me on my FB page, please connect at https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions or on LinkedIn @annettenaif.  We look forward to seeing you Thursday!    Connect with Lasada Pippen:Website: https://www.lasadapippen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasadapippen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasadaPippenX: https://x.com/LasadaPippenLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lasada-pippen-keynoteYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LasadaPippenConnect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyCheers!Annette

Join me LIVE on Facebook and LinkedIn on Thursday, May 1, at 1:00 PM EDT where I will interview Doug C. Brown about how to TURN LOST SALES INTO WINS: LEARN HOW STRATEGIC FOLLOW-UPS RECOVER WHAT’S LOST AND UNLOCK FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH-VALUE DEALS. Doug C. Brown is the founder of CEO Sales Strategies and a renowned Sales Revenue and Profit Growth Expert. Over his career, Doug has founded or built 35-plus businesses, collectively generating over $960 million in sales for himself and his clients. As the creator of a predictable, reliable, measurable math-based model for sales revenue growth, he has helped businesses achieve remarkable outcomes, including raising close rates by 143% and boosting product sales by over 4,150%. Additionally, he is the creator of Vibitno, a SaaS platform that helps people stay in connection, recover lost relationships, and gain future sales and relationships through automated personalized, relevant, and meaningful follow-up.In my interview with Doug, we will learn: why follow-up is considered a critical component for achieving success in the event industry (or any industry), and what common pitfalls event professionals encounter when neglecting this step;what ways consistent follow-up directly impacts client retention and helps build long-term relationships with vendors and partners;the key steps business professionals should take to develop a systematic follow-up process that ensures every potential lead or opportunity is nurtured effectively;how to balance the use of automation tools with personalized communication to create a follow-up strategy that feels efficient and genuine;innovative follow-up tactics that significantly boost the conversion rate of leads into clients; and    so much more! If you are not connected with me on my FB page, please connect at https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions or on LinkedIn @annettenaif.We look forward to seeing you Thursday!  Connect with Doug C. Brown:Websites: https://ceosalesstrategies.com/ https://vibitno.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dougcbrown123/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougbrown123/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougcbrown_/Masterclass on May 15, 2025- Creating Follow Up That Converts Into Sales and Relationships: https://ceosalesstrategies.com/stoptheleakConnect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naifproductions/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyCheers!  Annette

Join me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram October 10 at 1:00 PM EST where I will interview Jessica Stewart about BRINGING PLANNERS TOGETHER AT THE EVENT PLANNER EXPO IN NYC.Jessica Stewart embarked on her career journey with a Communications Degree as a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. She went on to assume positions at two of the most prestigious cosmetic companies, Estee Lauder and later Chanel, where she devoted 11 years to developing her sales administration skills. In 2008, she joined EMRG Media and realized her true calling.As the Sales Executive for EMRG Media, Jessica Stewart helped transform The Event Planner Expo to be the leading conference in the US. for the events and hospitality industry. This B2B conference has over 2,500 attendees including companies like Google, JP Morgan, Blackrock, Wieden + Kennedy, Big Brothers, Estee Lauder and more.Jessica has shared the stage with Daymond John, Mel Robbins, Gary Vaynerchuk, Jesse Itzler, Sharon Lechter, Martha Stewart and many other Keynote Speakers, Celebrities & Entrepreneurs. Today, Jessica Stewart serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Sales for EMRG Media and The Event Planner Expo. And she continues to impact the lives of others, sharing her experiences and inspiration.In my interview with Jessica, we will learn: -what made her get into the events industry;-what inspired her company to start the Event Planner Expo, and how it has evolved over the years;-what makes the Event Planner Expo unique compared to other industry events;-how events foster meaningful connections and strategic partnerships, and why that is so important in today’s business landscape;-more about the keynote speakers, like Tim Grover, Sharon Gai and David Stark, and what attendees can learn from them; and-so much more!Hope you enjoy the episode!Join Me At The Event Planner Expo 2024October 15th - 17thTheEventPlannerExpo.comThe Event Planner Expo is the leading event for event professionals to mix and mingle, network, learn and to be inspired. Make new connections and event partners while learning from some of the best in the events industry. Find out more at: TheEventPlannerExpo.comREGISTER FOR YOUR TICKET AND SAVE 20%Attend 1 Day or All 3 Days and Save on Your TicketUSE PROMO CODE: AnnetteN20Cheers!Annette

Looking to stay ahead in the wedding planning game? "A Turn of Events" brings you the latest scoop on the top wedding trends for 2024 with host Annette Naif, CEO and Creative Director of Naif Productions. In this episode, Annette, a seasoned expert based in New York City and creator of the Event Planning Academy, shares her insights into the evolving nature of the wedding industry, catering to the diverse and modern tastes of couples.Annette dives into the realm of sustainable celebrations, a growing trend where eco-conscious choices are becoming a priority for couples. Think locally sourced food, biodegradable decor, and digital invitations. These green solutions are not just thoughtful but are setting the standard for future weddings.The shift towards intimate and personalized experiences is reshaping the wedding scene. Annette discusses how smaller gatherings are focusing on creating unique experiences, reflecting the couple's story in every detail. Alongside this, she explores the rise of technology integration in weddings. From virtual reality experiences for guests to interactive digital guestbooks, tech is adding a futuristic touch to traditional celebrations.Bold and unconventional wedding attire is another trend on the rise. Annette talks about how couples are moving away from traditional norms, embracing colorful suits, non-white dresses, and personalized accessories to express their individuality. When it comes to venues, the trend is steering away from the conventional. Art galleries, historic mansions, and natural settings like beaches and forests are becoming favored choices for their distinctive ambiance.Annette also sheds light on the culinary front. Fusion menus that blend different cultural cuisines are becoming increasingly popular, celebrating the union of diverse backgrounds. Mindfulness and well-being are also playing a crucial role, with elements like wellness retreats and yoga sessions becoming part of the wedding itinerary.Interactive entertainment options are evolving too. Annette predicts more innovative choices like virtual reality games and live painting in 2024. Even wedding transportation is getting an eco-friendly makeover with options like electric cars and bicycles. Extended celebrations are becoming a norm, transforming weddings from a single-day event to a multi-day experience. This allows couples to spend more quality time with guests, especially those traveling from afar.Annette also touches on additional trends for 2024, such as unplugged ceremonies, organized toasts, and a focus on guest comfort in seating arrangements. She discusses the fading away of certain trends like awkward seating arrangements and lengthy pre-ceremony photo shoots.Personalization, sustainability, and embracing technology are at the heart of 2024's wedding trends. These trends are making weddings more memorable and reflective of our changing societal and environmental values.Join Annette in her Facebook group, Event Planner Society, for more insights and free training for wedding and event planners looking to elevate their game. The future of weddings is brimming with endless possibilities!Quotes:“In 2024, expect to see couples making conscious choices to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes using locally sourced food, biodegradable decor, and digital invitations. Venues that offer green solutions will be particularly in demand.” (1:09 | Annette Naif) “While grand weddings have their charm, there is a growing preference for smaller, more intimate gatherings. These weddings are not just about reducing the guest list, but also about creating personalized experiences for each attendee, reflecting the couple's unique story.” (1:32 | Annette Naif) “From live streaming ceremonies to drone photography, technology continues to play a significant role in modern weddings. In 2024, we might see more advanced tech like virtual reality experiences for guests who can’t attend in person and interactive digital guestbooks.” (1:52 | Annette Naif) “With a growing focus on mental health, couples are incorporating elements of mindfulness and well-being into their weddings. This could be in the form of wellness retreats for the bridal party, yoga sessions on the morning of the wedding, or quiet zones for guests to relax and recharge.” (3:13 | Annette Naif) “The 2024 wedding trends are all about personalization, sustainability, and embracing technology. These trends not only make the wedding experience more memorable for the couple and their guests, but also reflect the changing social and environmental consciousness of our times.” (7:00 | Annette Naif) LinksConnect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naifproductionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Are you looking to build lasting business relationships in the wedding and event planning industry? In this episode, Annette Naif chats with Brian Worley, the creative force behind B Worley Productions. Brian brings an arsenal of high profile event experiences with over 22 years of experience in the business in wedding and event planning industry. Brian was named Harper's Bazaar top wedding and event designer in the world.Brian delves deep into the art of forging strong connections with both vendors and clients. He sheds light on the significance of trust and teamwork with vendors, highlighting how their expertise can elevate the success of any event. Brian also underscores the importance of maintaining robust client relationships, not just for the immediate business they bring, but for the potential referrals and future opportunities they can generate.Brian talks about the internal dynamics of running a successful event planning business. He shares his belief in giving his team creative freedom and the trust necessary to execute remarkable events. He candidly discusses the challenges of staff turnover in the industry and the strategies to keep the team engaged and motivated.Staying current in this ever-evolving industry is crucial, and Brian and Annette touch upon the importance of keeping up with new trends and innovations. They talk about the benefits of attending industry events and conferences to stay informed and network with fellow professionals.Wrapping up the episode is a lightning round where Brian reveals his sources of inspiration, favorite business tools, and exciting plans for the future.Quotes“It's your vendors that help make you look good, but it's also your clients who are referring you and who are your business card. I always look at every event as the opportunity to showcase what I do, and every person in the room is also a potential client.” (7:42 | Brian Worley) “When you give people, especially creatives, the space to be creative, you're going to get so much more out of them and you're going to a better product. So I always am like, go with it. This is my, this is my vision. This is what I want. Now you have fun with it because I think that when they have fun with it, then it makes me look good, too.” (20:19 | Brian Worley)“When I started, I was in tears. First of all, I had done events for 20 years, so I knew how to do events. I just didn't know how to run the business. What should my pricing be? What forms should I have? How do I talk to the client? What's the whole process, right? My systems and all of that. So I was in tears. I couldn't get anybody to help me. I'd reach out to people who were successful in the business because I wasn't starting really at the bottom. I just needed to know what should my business look like so I can just run it? And nobody would help me. So I knew... Nobody would help me. I knew then that someday when my business is going and things are going, I've been coaching one-on-one for about eight years because people have reached out and said, can you help me? And I said, sure. And so I put a coaching program together for one-on-one, but now I'm building a group program so I can help many.” (52:42 | Annette Naif) LinksConnect with Brian Worley:Website: www.brianworley.comInstagram: @bworleyproducitons Connect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naifproductionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Need expert advice on growing your email list? Look no further! In this episode of "A Turn of Events," host Annette Naif sits down with Natalie Gray, an online business founder and mentor, to discuss the power of lead magnets in attracting clients and growing your email list. Natalie shares valuable insights on creating compelling lead magnets that resonate with your audience and bridge the gap between their current situation and their desired outcome. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling and authenticity in capturing the attention of potential clients. With practical tips and advice, Natalie guides wedding and event planners on leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to promote their lead magnets and monetize their reach. She also highlights the significance of data analysis and troubleshooting to refine and improve your lead magnet strategy. Whether you're just starting out or looking to book repeat business, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiration to take your wedding and event planning business to the next level. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from Natalie's expertise and build a successful online business. Quotes“A lead magnet is something like an e-book, a guide, a checklist, a worksheet, a template. And it starts with a topic that resonates with your audience.” (7:18 | Natalie Gray) “Lead magnets can be helpful in growing your email list and growing your business by building authority as an expert in your niche. It helps with educating your clients on know, like, and trust. You can provide information that educates, you can entertain, answer a question, solve a problem, you know, just give value to take the next step.” (11:00 | Natalie Gray) “Don't just sell yourself short and price low with the hopes of getting a client. Price your value.” (25:21 | Natalie Gray)“You can use storytelling to build authority as an expert in your niche. You can use it to, you know, highlight that problem, outcome, you know, sort of gap where you're going to bridge that transformation for them.” (27:03 | Natalie Gray) LinksConnect with Natalie Gray:https://nataliegray.ck.page/1b872be3cahttps://nataliegray.mehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliegray-misstraction/https://www.instagram.com/nataliegray.misstractionhttps://twitter.com/misstractionhttps://www.facebook.com/NataliegraytxConnect with Annette Naif:Website: https://www.naifproductions.com/​Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naifproductionsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettenaif/Event Planners Society Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/eventplannerssocietyPodcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm