This past March, I hosted the first annual La Bonne Fete Mastermind Workshop alongside two dear friends and fellow creatives, Kate Preftakes and Emily Herzig.  The workshop was a one-day gathering of like-minded event professionals at the beautiful Inn at Burklyn in East Burke, Vermont. It was an incredible experience, and we’re already looking forward to hosting the next one! If you’re an event professional desiring a supportive community, we would be delighted to welcome you to next year’s workshop. Keep reading to discover why we started the La Bonne Fete workshop and what you can expect when you attend!

Why We Created the Workshop

As event professionals, Kate, Emily, and I know how isolating it can be to operate a small business. I remember when I started planning weddings and I had no one who could relate to the unique struggles of this industry. Now I’m fortunate to have two dear friends who support me through the ups and downs of owning a business as I do the same for them. We realized that a community-building workshop designed for wedding pros by wedding pros would change the game for other creatives feeling stuck and isolated in their businesses. From there, the La Bonne Fete Mastermind Workshop was born!

The La Bonne Fete 2023 Mastermind Workshop

For the first half of the one-day workshop, we split into three groups according to profession. The photographers went with Kate, the florists went with Emily, and the planners stayed with me! From there, we put our heads together to discuss the current and future state of the wedding industry. From trends to handling a new generation of clients, using software to automate your business, and so much more, we shared our expertise and learned from those who attended. I left the planners-only session feeling so encouraged, and I know Kate and Emily felt the same.

Then, in the afternoon, we came together for a staged photoshoot on the grounds of the Inn at Burklyn. We all know how easy it is to leave that ten-year-old headshot on your website—you have better things to do, and most of us event pros feel more comfortable behind the scenes than in front of a lens! But the truth is that it’s incredibly empowering to gather with fellow creatives and capture yourself doing what you love. Everyone left the workshop with gorgeous new headshots to share with clients and new friends to cheer them on.

 

Stay Tuned for La Bonne Fete 2024

Kate, Emily, and I are so glad we started the La Bonne Fete workshop to fill the need for community among small business owners and event professionals. We’re already planning the next one, so connect with us on Instagram and stay tuned for the details! We can’t wait to see you there.