Wed KC Workshops : Education + Networking
Wed KC is proud to host quarterly Wed Workshops – where Kansas City wedding professionals get educated on various topics to feel empowered to hone-in and implement real positive change for their business while networking with fellow vendors.
Workshops Include:
- Half-Day Networking + Educational Opportunity
- Expert Speaker for the Topic at Hand
- Q&A Session with the Expert Speaker
- Panel of Couples or Wedding Pros (dependent on the topic)
- Breakout Sessions to Explore the Topic More Deeply based on Your Business Journey
- Catered Lunch for Networking & Continued Discussion
TICKETS:
Wed KC Advertisers – $30 for workshop + lunch
Non-Wed KC Advertisers – $40 for workshop + lunch
August Wed KC Workshop:
Weight of the Words You Choose + Use
DATE: August 1, 2023
TIMELINE: 9:30am – 1:30pm
LOCATION: 28 Event Space 1300 W 28th St, Kansas City, MO 64108
TOPIC: Weight of the Words You Choose + Use
Learn the conflicted meaning behind everyday sayings that you use and find ways that your company can communicate more accurately to a diverse client base and community.
PANEL TYPE: Wedding Pros: Behind the NFL Draft
Hear the behind-the-scenes experience of wedding professionals that were involved in the production of the NFL Draft.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
9:30 – 10:00am : Arrival, Check-In + Networking
10:00 – 10:30am : Expert Speaker for the Topic at Hand
10:30 – 10:45am : Q&A Session with the Expert Speaker
11:00 – 11:30am : Breakout Sessions to Explore the Topic More Deeply
11:45 – 12:30pm : Panel of Couples or Wedding Pros Answers Questions
12:30 – 1:30pm : Catered Lunch for Networking & Continued Discussion
August Workshop Sponsors
Get Tickets to the August Workshop
Meet the August Expert: Adam Miller
Adam Miller is the Founder of Bespoke Consulting, a culture consulting practice that demystifies human interaction to drive relationships and results forward through engagement and a dash of humor.
An educator by trade, Miller parlayed his five-year tenure at Teach for America into a purposeful career that addresses the systemic inequities within the public and private sector. His impact in the private sector began in 2020 when he served as inaugural Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Barkley, an advertising agency, where he counseled rural and urban brands on inclusion efforts.
In terms of civic engagement, he is a member of the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. Additionally, he is a mayoral appointee to the board of directors for Visit KC, Kansas City’s destination marketing organization. In 2023, he was appointed by Mayor Quinton Lucas to the Charter Review Commission, a group of nine Kansas Citians gathered once a decade to review the city’s charter.
Key Workshop Take-Aways
Gain insight into the impact of everyday phrases that are troublesome in origin. Learn their meaning and make way for less troublesome wording to be used in your everyday conversations.
Learn techniques for communicating effectively with a broad and diverse set of clients in mind.
Explore ways that you can leverage diversity as an advantage in the experience of your clients and peers.
Members of the Panel
Pro: Icon Event Group
Ray is the owner of Icon Event Group and provided production assistance for the NFL Draft.
Pro: Brancato's Catering
Jenn is from Brancato's, but also serves as the point person for Union Station, having seen things from the venue, catering and bar side.
Pro: Marquee Event Rentals
Eli Parker, the General Manager of Marquee Event Rentals, will discuss the logistics of tent set up around Liberty Memorial for the Guest Experience of the Draft.
Pro: Lost Wax
Chris is the head of Lost Wax, the headlining band to play between draft picks on the main stage in front of Union Station.
Breakout Group Leaders
Christa E. Ellis
Christa E. Ellis is a woman of many talents and an unbridled passion for learning and development. With her Masters in Organizational Leadership from Baker University, Christa has utilized her education to soar to great heights in the telecom field, working for prestigious companies such as T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon. She later went on to work in Human Resources as a Project Manager for Learning & Development. In this role, she was able to influence countless lives through Day of Learning events that focused on inspiring topics like Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and leadership skills. Her ambition to continually grow motivated her to begin Luxe Photos KC – a vibrant photo booth rental business located in Kansas City – which she proudly owns and operates today with the help of 10 talented employees. Christa embodies her motto of being a continuous learner every day as she continues on her journey of success and personal growth.
KT McCalla
A multifaceted hospitality professional, advocate, and inclusion consultant, KT has been a vibrant member of Kansas City's food, beverage, and events industry for over 12 years. Their gift for hospitality can be attributed to a passion for inclusion and advocacy, and their dedication to making "everybody feel like a somebody". KT is the Sales & Events Manager at Dutzel's Catering & Events. Their innovative, people-first, perspective has helped the company gain notable recognition as a Top Caterer in Kansas City and the only certified LGBT Owned and Operated Catering Business in the Midwest. Not only does the company provide impressive food and hospitality, it's an incredible and inclusive place to work. KT's industry contributions were noted by peer professionals earlier this year as they were honored with an Academy All-Star Award through WedKC’s Wedding Vendor Choice Awards, which recognized their impeccable service standards and dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy in the Wedding Industry. Their influence has prompted professionals across all industries to seek guidance as the workforce demands equality. KT offers education on the topics of allyship, advocacy, accessibility, positive workplace culture, client retention, and increased profitability through the lense of inclusion. KT serves on the Mid-America LGBT Chamber WECo DEI Committee, the International Caterers Association D&I Committee, and the Board of Directors for The Modern Family Alliance.
Before the Workshop
Leading up to the workshop you will be provided a Preparation Worksheet relative to the upcoming topic. This will help prepare you to get the best out of the workshop by organizing your business-specific details prior to arrival. You can also prepare questions you want to ask the speaker and members of the panel prior to the event.
At the Workshop
Refer to your Preparation Worksheet throughout the workshop to take note of ways that you can elevate and perfect your business using the tools presented at the workshop. Lean on the expert, fellow wedding pros, and the responses from the panel to help get a comprehensive view of what you need to do in order to grow.
