TSE Featured Speakers: Randi Bushell & Renée Sabo

Randi Bushell, Owner, Merri 

Randi Bushell is the Founder & CEO of Merri, a collaborative software bridging the gap between event professionals through immersive 3D technology, hands-on design tools, and integrated workflows. Having built her career in e-commerce as a strategic leader for national brands like Macy’s, Walmart, and Jet.com, Bushell founded Merri as the missing solution she needed when planning her wedding in 2018. Named an industry disruptor by Authority Magazine, Bushell’s commitment to innovation has led Merri to become one of the fastest-growing platforms in the event industry. 

An Insider's Look into Today's Intentional Consumer 
4:15 p.m. Tuesday, February 13 

As we shift from the age of the “inspired consumer” to the “intentional consumer,” Generation Z continues to make its mark on the events industry. But to stay ahead of the curve, you need to know exactly who you're marketing to...and what they want from you. We'll examine today's consumer, leaving no stone unturned—you'll learn who they are, how they buy, and what they value most in an event. Learn about the generational trends influencing these up-and-comers as you position your business to market, sell, and celebrate this new generation of clients and their events. 

Renée Sabo, Owner & Lead Wedding Consultant, Urban Soirée 

Renée’s lifelong love affair with weddings started out as a high school dream that quickly evolved as she pursued a career in the industry throughout college and beyond. From rentals to planning to catering, her diverse experience has touched every corner of the industry and has led to her role as a multifaceted thought leader for event professionals everywhere. Inspired to start her own business, Renée received her MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship and quickly put her degree to work when she launched Urban Soirée® in 2017. Today, her award-winning company delivers elevated and romantic celebrations through full-service wedding planning and design for couples on the East Coast and destinations worldwide. Renée’s success with Urban Soirée® has earned her and her company numerous accolades, including being named as the Best of Boston® 2020 - Best Wedding Planner by Boston Magazine. When she’s not busy bringing her clients’ dreams to life, she’s committed to providing quality education to the industry through her podcast, The Confetti Hour, where she shares insight and fosters candid conversations with experienced wedding creatives. Her devotion to the future of the industry extends to her role as President of WIPA Boston, as well as her passion for one-on-one mentoring with the next generation of planners. Renée resides in Boston with her husband, Chris, and their dachshunds, Lincoln & Louie. In her spare time, you can often find her sipping on bubbly & oysters with friends, exploring the charm of New England, or traveling to far-flung destinations seeking out new cultures and design inspiration. 

A Guide to Creating A Process-Driven Approach to Wedding Planning 
1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15 

As a wedding pro, do you feel like your clients are constantly overwhelming you throughout the planning process? Do you feel scattered and like you never know what is actually a priority to get done first? Wherever you hang your hat in the industry, the planning aspect can seem like such a simple task, but these days, weddings have become larger and more complex. It is time to start treating your client's weddings like projects and building out a multi-phase approach to collaboration so that both you and your clients can have a more seamless, fun, and organized experience. 

Within this topic, Renée Sabo will share her exact approach to how she plans weddings with her luxury clients. You will walk away with the knowledge to create your own framework for your wedding business, no matter the style, budget, or type of clients you serve. 

You can see Randi & Renée LIVE at Catersource The Special Event in Austin from Feb 12-15.