As I’ve already mentioned on Twitter and Facebook, I’m going to be speaking at the Inspire Smart Success Experience in the Dominican Republic May 6-9th.
It’s going to be a pretty incredible event with some pretty incredible folks including Grace Ormonde of Wedding Style Magazine, Stacie Francombe, Steve Kemble, designer Ines di Santo, wedding planner Shawn Rabideau, pastry chef Jay Qualls, wedding planner Kathy Romero, photographer Robert Evans, Dana LaRue of The Broke Ass Bride and Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini of MB Wedding Design.
Whew! So many talented industry folks!
Will you join us? I hope so. In fact, I hope you will SO much, that I’m giving away half-price tickets! (Airfare is NOT included, but everything else. Pretty good, right?)
Leave a comment HERE on this blog post (NOT on Twitter or Facebook but right here below) by 11:30 AM EST tomorrow, Friday, April 27th.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.













Courtney
April 26, 2012
Hi Preston! My name is Courtney Andrews and I am a wedding and event professional from Maryland. I am in the process of starting my event business in which I aspire to push the traditional envelopes of design, and inspire art through celebration. Throughout this arduous process, I have been seeking assistance in how to start and run a successful business. I graduated with a BS in Marketing and have experience coordinating and designing events, yet, as you explain in your posts, often find myself second guessing and questioning my design ability. I believe that your posts have truly given me hope to reach my maximum potential. I hope to attend this event to gain the encouragement and event wisdom I need to successful build and brand my event empire. I look forward to hearing you speak. Thank you for this opportunity.
Julie Simpson
April 26, 2012
Preston, I was at Issenc and I would love to continue my education in the DR! You are so inspiring as well as Stacie! I would love to learn more to jump start my business!
*A dream come true*
April 26, 2012
Dear Preston; you have been such an inspiration to me personally and I have followed your career in complete awe.
My name is Theresa Calcos-Boileau; I have been working in the event planning/hospitality industry for many years exclusively with several major Caribbean and Mexican resort chains. I have recently opened my own business and I am working on developing ways to guarantee my clients a romantic wedding while helping them save money in several cost cutting areas of their event.
I am fascinated by ethnic and cultural destination weddings as the floral, and design possibilities are endless
Planning a romantic destination wedding needs a compassionate listener and knowledgeable planner to alleviate any stress when creating the perfect romance event; our couples want the person planning the most important day of their life to ask them;
“What is your dream, what do you envision for your special day and what is your budget”
It would be such a personal and professional honour to meet you in person and have this opportunity to participate in such a inspirational and educational event.
Its always a bit scary going on your own but worth the risk to be able to express your true creativity and talents without corporate restrictions.
Warmest Regards
Theresa
Doyin (Events by Doyin)
April 26, 2012
Hi Preston,
My name is Doyin Fashakin and i’m the owner of Events by Doyin in Houston, Texas, I would love to go to DR!
Margarite Karamitania
April 26, 2012
The oppertunity to join you all would be a dream come true!! I believe it would be life changing for me and my business. Good luck everyone. Blessings
Cara
April 26, 2012
This is awesome!!!!!! You are amazing!
Harprit Patel
April 26, 2012
Wow this would be an experience of a lifetime. My name is Harprit and I’m from Vancouver, BC. I am 3 years into my business and would love to be able to hear all the knowledge yourself and all these other wonderful business people would like to share! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Anne Griggs
April 26, 2012
Dear Preston,
What an inspiration you are! As a floral designer, I am able to see pure talent and genius in your work. I have an overwhelming desire to learn more and more about this business and I know I could learn an immense amount given the chance to really hear your thoughts. I have such a passion for my work and I want to make it all it can be. I know without knowledge that I will not be able to continue to create new looks and ideas for new brides. I feel like I have the gas in the car, but no tires to go on. My dream is to be the most creative designer that I can be and for people to walk into one of my events and say “Wow” I have to have that designer for my event and no one else will do. I am at a point now, that I just don’t know how to get there from here. I would absolutely love to hear you in the Dominion Republic. I know that would be a chance of a lifetime, so I ask you to pick me and you won’t be sorry. Thank you so much for even your consideration.
Anne Griggs, Floral and Event Design
annegriggs@me.com
New Bern NC 28560
252-670-1651
shaunta fox
April 26, 2012
Would love to share this experience with all the talented individuals listed above. A once in a lifetime opportunity! Thanks Preston, you Rock!
Andy Austin
April 26, 2012
Preston, I am already signed up, and looking forward to the trip!
Mandy
April 26, 2012
Preston,
My name is Mandy and as a child of two entrepreneurs I recently left my job in advertising to become a partner with my parents to help them take their businesses to the next level. Currently, we own a printing business as well as a boutique stationery store. Well over 80% of our business is related to the wedding industry. We help brides every season create the wedding stationery of their dreams. I would love the opportunity to attend this conference and hear from leading industry experts on topics that are relevant to our daily activities.
I have heard you speak in the past (in Lincoln, Nebraska at the Lied Center for Performing Arts) and would truly appreciate another opportunity to learn more from you as well as the distinguished panel that is scheduled to be in attendance.
Best Regards,
Mandy
Tiffany
April 26, 2012
Mr. Bailey,
I’ve been a fan of your work since seeing the wonderful job u did on Melissa Rivers wedding. I was forever inspired by the 1 goblets u places on the table and made them look like a million.
Christina Safford
April 27, 2012
I am the owner and founder of Muse Couture Weddings and would love to attend this experience and hear you speak. I have heard how inspiring you are and would love the opportunity to broaden my exposure with these amazing speakers.
At Muse, we are known for working outside of the trends and pushing the envelope with new, one of a kind events. You have been one of our inspirations!
Thank you for the opportunity.
Eirc
April 27, 2012
Hello! I would love to attend such an Event, to absorb knowledge from industry leaders such as yourself.
Knowledge is power! I’ll always cherish my life changing weekend at Bailey & Blum!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed and bags ready!!!
Shannon P
April 27, 2012
WOW! What an amazing opportunity for such an awesome experience! Thank you for offering such a great giveaway.
Kim Ahonoukoun
April 27, 2012
Amazing opportunity!!! Make my dream come true
Gabriela
April 27, 2012
Would love to attend!! Been to the local one in our state, but who wouldn’t want to extend that fabulous education with some fun in the sun and great friends and colleagues?
Justin S.
April 27, 2012
Would love to attend!
Sandra Elidor
April 27, 2012
Hello, I am a wedding and event planner in South Florida. I am the owner of WOW FACTOR Weddings and Events. I would love to be part of great people that love what I do. I would love to be part.
Aisha Thomas
April 27, 2012
Preston-
It would be awesome to be selected. What the perfect piece to add to my year of “fresh starts”.
Maria viteri
April 27, 2012
Ever since I found out about your work I’ve become such a fun. Not only I’m I currently your student but follow your twitter, blog, etc. I am fascinated by how talented you are and incredibly grateful that you are willing to share. Thanks and would be so excited to actually meet you
Kerrian Latty
April 27, 2012
Dear Preston,
I am a photographer and Invitation designer that would love to expand to a store front however I am very scared. Attending would be great for me to get over my fear factor, to learn when is it ok to grow, etc.
And added plus is my mother is traveling from Florida and will be here in NY that week anyway.( I will have already have a baby sitter Yeah!).
Thank you for taking the time out to read each post.
I know you will make a great choice.
Kerri
KERRIAN LATTY
Capturing memories one moment at a time!
203-215-7363
http://www.kerrivision.com
http://www.kvluxdesign.com
Sara Barnhill
April 27, 2012
Would love them!!:) Great meeting you in Vegas! I have my signed blog by you and picture up in my office now:)
Sarah Campbell Needham
April 27, 2012
I just wanted to say what an inspiration you have been to me. When I first saw your work years ago, I was just a frustrated floral manager at a supermarket. As soon as I saw your work, I knew that I wanted to do event flowers or organic installations and the like. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing designs with us all. It really helped to solidify in my mind where my career needed to go. I hope to one day work on an event with you and learn some cool tricks!!
Ricardo Rivera
April 27, 2012
Dear Preston I would love to go everywhere you go and listining all your speaches, but I have five kids And I have to work hard to give them the best opportunities in life to succede and at the same time I have to spend as much time as pissible with them everyday to help them grow safe. I hope some oe else win this wondeful opportunity.
Shade Fatusin
April 27, 2012
Hi Preston, I would love to attend the Iss experience. I am currently a wedding planner/ event designer just starting out. I am looking to educate myself in the industry. I recently attended your seminar at the Caesars Palace and was extremely intrigued by how you got started and also how you worked your way to the top.’i would love to experience ISS Dominican Republic because of the exposure to so many talented professionals as yourself. I follow your blog and absolutely love how you transform spaces. This would be a great opportunity for me to continue to learn as I try and form a brand for my self. Please consider me. Thank you
Bessie Wright Astacio
April 27, 2012
Hi Preston, I would love to attend the Iss experience. I am currently a wedding planner/ event designer just starting out. I am looking to educate myself in the industry and learn much more from a person like yourself who love doing what you do. you are a inspiration to so many people This would be a great opportunity for me to learn from one of the best in the business.My name is Bessie Wright and I’m a Wedding and Event planner at Diamond Star Ceremonies in NYC Hope I get the chance to meet you.
Desiree
April 27, 2012
Im such a big fan of you and your work since years ago!!! I would LOVE LOVE to go to this incredible event with you and the other masters of the industry!! I hope I get the ticket to finally meet you!!!! Thanks for the opportunity
Arabelis
April 27, 2012
Hi Preston,
This is an amazing opportunity to anyone in the event planning/decor business. I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, it will be a great honor to attend such an inspiring conference in my country.
I’ve only been in the business 4 years now and since day one been a fan of your work. I recently just registered for the Preston Bailey’s Wedding & Event Design Course, I can’t wait to learn from such a talented person. I believe attending the conference will give me the push that I need to build a successful event & design business.
Best Regards,
Arabelis
Desiree
April 27, 2012
Im such a BIG Fan of you and your precious work!!! I would looveee to go to this event and meet you and all the other professionals!! Thanksss
Amber M. Moltimore
April 27, 2012
I would relish the opportunity to take part in this wonderful event. To hear words of wisdom from some of the industry’s greatest pros! I want to listen and learn as much as I can in order to make my own business a success and achieve longevity.
Rosemarie Pettengill
April 27, 2012
Hi Preston- would love to win and experience this Inspire Smart Success contest. Good luck to me! Thanks for the chance.
lisa rodriguez
April 27, 2012
It would be so fantastic to be chosen to attend this event! Even more so at half price! I believe this would help me get my business to the next level. Crossing my fingers!
Donata Podesta
April 27, 2012
Hi Preston! As the amazing influence you have been to my life I will LOVE to attend to this conference in my country! My name is Donata Podesta and I am an event planner, from the Dominican Republic!
I attended several months ago to your class at the Event Solutions Trade Show and even helped a bit going on stage putting flowers, just loved it! And learned so much!
Has sido una inspiracion para mi!
Un abrazo
Donata
Kris
April 27, 2012
Reading your blog is an everyday ritual for me. Usually in the morning with a cup of coffee before my day starts. It helps me in the inspiration side of my small business. It makes me re think business decisions and make smart choices. The support I receive is so encouraging. Thank you for helping all of us who are small designers to build our business and still love doing it. By the way, I would love to go!
Jessica
April 27, 2012
You are my mentor Preston! I would Lovvvde the opportunity to go!
Aimee Wendell
April 27, 2012
Hi, it’s Aimee Wendell of 2Chic Events, and one of your instructors! I helped the students plan your party in Vegas. I would LOVE to join you and get another kiss on the cheek!
Anetra G.
April 27, 2012
Mr. Bailey, I’d love to attend as you are a great inspiration.
Having been in the business for seven years its still rough gaining clientele and building the business as a whole to the point of great success, but I refuse to give up. I know there’s more in store for us!
Jenee Elmer
April 27, 2012
Bags packed, would love to get inspired by the top wedding and event professionals!
Jillian Santiago
April 27, 2012
Hi Preston,
I am just starting in the wedding planning industry & would love to experience this. I would love to learn everything this workshop has to offer. I would love the opportunity. Wedding planning is my passion. You are an inspiration to me & I would love to share this experience with you. Thank you for the opportunity.
Jillian Santiago
Antoinette
April 27, 2012
I LOVE what you do Sir Preston Bailey! Liberation Magazine is an extension of my PR business (http://StandingTallRevolution.com). It’s critical that women entrepreneurs #StandTall in their messaging for maximum exposure + maximum profit. Liberation Magazine celebrates those women who live the entrepreneurial lifestyle and in the June 2012 issue, the focus will showcase local businesses that cater to the Wedding Industry! What a theme! What a feat! What greatness resides in these stellar businesses! Would love to see you in the DR and provide coverage for this elite occasion. Get Liberated & always #StandTall!
Saman Bangloria
April 27, 2012
Please pick me! Hi Preston! My name is Saman and I am the owner of 2create designs in orange county, CA. I’ve always been so inspired by you and would love to go DR for more inspiration! Being in this industry in the OC you constantly need more inspiration and new ideas. Hope you pick me
Kam
April 27, 2012
I would love the opportunity to meet and learn with you! You are a true inspiration. On my bad days I log onto your website and remember your success story and it inspires me to continue on! Thx you for being such a great role model and inspiration to us all.
Magdalena
April 27, 2012
Hello,
My name is Magdalena and I moved to USA few years ago from Europe. I am greatly inspired by your work. I am currently a student inspiring to become event designer. I would love to be a part of this wonderful event in order to gain a better knowlege of the industry in which I want to succeed. And wha would be a better way then learning from the best? This is pricless.
Thank you for this opportunity,
Magdalena
Sheena
April 27, 2012
Preston I would love to learn from you. As a budding event professional having access to you wealth of knowledge is priceless.
Pam Archer
April 27, 2012
Oh, I would jump on this opportunity in a heartbeat, but my daughter is graduation grad school that weekend. Have a wonderful time and slay them! You are among great company, but YOU are still the best!
LARA Estaras
April 27, 2012
Dear Preston,
Hope you are doing well!
I work in a event and wedding decor bussiness down here in Dominican Republic, Punta Cana and would love to assist to your speaking in Sanctuary Hotel. We actually work for this hotel.. I know it is difficult but it would be a real experience for me and would learn lots about it.. i’m sure.
The company I work is Caribbean Celebrations and you can check our work in our Facebook page .. Hope hearing from you!!
Best Regards,
Lara Estaras