The most comprehensive program for launching, building and growing your wedding and event business.
The program is a unique, one of a kind step-by-step approach that will help you confidently launch your event business with the right systems in place.
You'll eliminate confusion and come to understand how to attain clients, learn the sales skills to confidently book events across all event types, have a clear understanding of how to price yourself with no fear, stand out as an expert, add massive value to your clients, all while enjoying the freedom to choose who you work with, when you work and how you work.
JOIN THE WAITLIST >>Before I tell you all about this program, let’s make sure you’re a good fit.
You are right for Event Planning Academy™ if you want to create a wedding or event planning business that allows you to sayonara to revenue ceilings, build a legacy of your own, and make sure the only “boss” who benefits from your hard work and innovation is a 3-year old in a princess diaper demanding more “uncrustables.”
Event Planning Academy™ is right for you if you want to build a business that allows you to LOVE Sundays again because you’ve designed your calendar year (and work week) so you can work when you want, anticipate your revenue, and live la vida loca in between.
If you are frantically googling these questions on:
- How much can I expect to spend to get my business started?
- How do I set up the foundation of my business?
- How do I get event and wedding clients?
- How should I price my services?
- What should my forms look like?
- What questions do I ask the potential client in the initial call?
- What should be in my proposal to the client?
- What do I do on a site visit?
- How do I put together a timeline and budget?
- What should be on my website?
- How do I get paid by the client?
- What terms can I negotiate with the venue and what clauses should be in the venue agreement?
- What clauses should be in my agreement with the client?
You're in the right place!
Now, you are sorting through thousands of resources and don’t know where to begin.
What if someone could answer all these questions for you?!
How great would that be!?
WHAT WOULD HAVING ACCESS TO AN EXPERIENCED WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNER MEAN FOR YOU?
Event Planning Academy™ will give you the tools, inspiration, and unparalleled support to create and launch a profitable wedding and event planning business that retires your alarm clock, frees up your Fridays, and adds a few more zeroes to your monthly bank deposit.
JOIN THE WAITLIST FOR THE NEXT ROUNDBy the End of this Program,
You Will Have…
01
Built the Foundation of your Business
so you are confident that your business is set up properly without spending a lot of money, and to avoid making costly mistakes.
02
Implemented Systems
to minimize the steps needed to manage your events, creating a much more efficient process so you can focus more on the details of planning events for your clients.
03
Learned Event Planning Tasks
that go into planning a wedding or event along with all the forms, contracts, cheatsheets, templates you will need.
04
Crafted Your Marketing Plan
that makes bringing in highly qualified leads and sales feel super intuitive (and really good on the heart).
05
Nailed Down Your Pricing
so you are sure to be getting paid your worth, and learn how to not leave money on the table.
06
Developed Expert Negotiating Skills
that will position you as a commodity, saving your clients thousands of dollars on the front end.
"I got my first client in the first few months of working with Annette!"
“When looking for a mentor/coach, I came across Annette’s program, and immediately I was drawn to the actionable tasks she listed out. Annette is extremely organized and comes with over 30 years of expertise and knowledge, a highly sought after individual in her profession.
Her ability to adapt the program to my needs showed how versed she is in her work. Through Annette and her coaching program, I would learn about useful tools and practical tips to grow my business. Since finishing my coaching program with Annette, I have received The Knot "Best of" Award two years in a row and this year [2023] been published in both California Wedding Day and Seattle Brides Magazine.
I would not be where I am without Annette as my mentor.”
VICTORIA PAZMANY, BELLE EVENTS & CO
JOIN THE WAITLIST
Gilda Suncar Babau, Gilded Grace Events
“She guided me from start to finish.”
“When I decided to change my career to do something that I was thinking about doing for many years and something I truly loved, I didn’t know where to start. I knew I wanted to be an event planner and designer, and I was talented but I was lacking the business knowledge and the processes. That’s when I turned to Annette for guidance and coaching. It was the best investment. She guided me from start to finish.
If you’re looking for someone to give you one-on-one coaching, 100% attention to you, and help you achieve your business goals, Annette is the right person. Her knowledge, experience, and wonderful demeanor is invaluable!”
Andrea Dasent, A Jay Event Productions
"She gave us the real deal inside scoop on what to do, how to do it, and when to do it!"
"In 2016 I enrolled in NYU’s Meetings and Convention Planning Diploma Program. Annette was the instructor for the Event Operations and Production course. I admired her from day one. I was immediately drawn to her energy and charisma. Her lessons were candid. She gave us the real deal inside scoop on what to do, how to do it, and when to get it done. I learned so much from her experiences and her infamous stories. She had a way of letting you know the worst that can happen but assuring you that it won’t because now you know better! Most people will shy away from giving you the ingredients to their secret sauce, but not Annette. She was always willing to share and assist you in any way because she wanted to see you succeed. I am beyond thankful that life allowed our paths to cross. It was truly a pleasure to learn from her. I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else!
WHAT'S INSIDE
Event Planning Academy™
Module 1
Building the Foundation
Here’s why it pays to learn from someone who’s gone before you. In this module, I’m going to teach you what elements of your business you need to have in place without spending a lot of money.
We’ll set you up for success by getting some big decisions out of the way to help you achieve TOTAL clarity about where you are going and HOW you’re going to get there.
Module 1 Highlights:
> We will start with the set up of your business by choosing your business entity type and making it official, setting up your financial accounts, tracking invoices and expenses, getting legally organized, understanding tax obligations, and implementing a cash flow plan.
> Learn all the equipment you need to set up your office.
> Map out a simple business plan to guide you through how to structure, run and grow your business.
> Identify your ideal client avatar (ICA).
Module 2
Internal Systems
Setting up effective systems is essential for running a successful wedding and event planning business. Well-organized processes can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and ensure a seamless experience for your clients.
Having systems in place are essential for its smooth operation, growth, and long-term success. They provide the structure, efficiency, and consistency needed to deliver exceptional experiences to your clients while effectively managing your resources and team.
Module 2 Highlights:
> Get your systems in place to help you keep your business organized so you can provide exceptional customer service for your clients.
> Setting up your Social Media Platforms for success
> Email Marketing Systems
> Get all your business contracts organized - it’s crucial to have solid contracts in place to keep you protected from legal issues.
Module 3
Finances
Setting up the financial aspects of your wedding or event business is crucial for maintaining control, profitability, and sustainability. It enables effective budgeting, cash flow management, tax compliance, and financial reporting.
By having solid financial systems in place, you can make informed decisions, manage risks, and position your business for long-term success.
Module 3 Highlights:
> Set up all the financial aspects of your business.
> You will learn what Insurance you will need in your business and the right time to have it as well as for your clients.
> When to implement a payroll system and how to set it up.
Module 4
Marketing
Marketing is crucial for event and wedding planning businesses to create awareness, establish a strong brand, generate leads, expand networks, showcase expertise, engage with the audience, increase referrals, adapt to market changes, and maximize business growth.
A well-executed marketing strategy enables you to reach and attract the right clients, differentiate yourself from competitors, and build a thriving and profitable business.
Module 4 Highlights:
> Determine your ideal client
> Learn the many marketing tips I use in my business to keep a consistent client base.
> Create an irresistible lead magnet to help consistently grow your email list.
> Learn 5 steps to batch content and repurpose marketing materials.
Module 5
Planning Mastery I
Learning event planning tasks is crucial for developing professional competence, ensuring client satisfaction, attention to detail, effective communication, adaptability, problem-solving, time and resource management, industry knowledge, and professional growth. We've split this crucial topic into two modules so we cover all the elements.
Module 5 Highlights:
> Establish the services you will provide and craft a detailed list.
> Learn what questions to ask the potential client and exactly what to say and do in the initial call to get them to say YES!
> How to price your services
> Learn exactly what should be in your proposal to the client so you look impressive and show your talents.
Module 6
Planning Mastery II
In the second Planning Mastery module we delve into some of the finer details to completely plan your event with ease. Building on your knowledge, you'll learn about different event types and how to manage an event budget and timeline effectively.
Module 6 Highlights:
> Manage a complete event budget, mapping out every element needed
> Formulate a timeline so you say on track every step of the way
> Learn about the different types of event you can run and how to design them for maximum impact.
> Education on the safety guidelines you need to be aware of.
Plus!
These Bonuses To Help You Generate Unstoppable Momentum (And Keep It) All The Way Through Launch
9 Weeks of Live Q&A Sessions with Annette & Team Inside the Event Planning Academy™ Facebook Community for Members Only
Our private student-only Facebook groups are active, highly curated communities full of supportive go-getters who are on the exact same journey as you are. Meaning, you’ll get unstuck in in a matter of minutes instead of days or weeks if you were to go at it alone. With myself, my team, and your peers in your corner, you’ll turn isolation into inspiration - - - and frustration into fearlessness.
What You'll Get:
Bonus #1
9 Weeks of live Q+A sessions
Make sure you get your burning questions answered and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Bonus #2
An active and highly supportive Facebook community
With fellow students, Alumni Ambassadors, and Team Naif to make sure you get unstuck in a matter of minutes instead of weeks.
Bonus #3
Setting you up for Success
Receive my exclusive, highly-valued Referral Letter Template to leverage your network and get your first clients (value $197).
and!
Overcome isolation and constantly refill your motivation tank
Connect with other wedding and event planners who “get” the journey and are here to help you across that finish line.
PAY IN FULL BONUS
1 hour 1:1 private Zoom Consultation with Annette
To discuss where you are in your business and map out the next steps
Value $300
JOIN WAITLIST NOW →Inside Event Planning Academy™ alone,
You Get...
Our money-back guarantee
Plus You’ll be Backed by a Risk-Free 14-Day Guarantee
If this was 2010 and it was me considering whether to invest nearly $2,000 in my brand new event business- my scrolling fingers would race to this part of the page.
I get you!
You’re not afraid to invest in your business as long as it’s a wise one…with plenty of ROI to show for it (Sooner rather than later.)
So here’s why you can place your confidence in a money-back guarantee and set any enrollment nerves aside.
By the end of 14 days, you’ll have received access to the first two modules of Event Planning Academy™.
Meaning you’ll have had the opportunity to set the foundation of your business up BEFORE making a final commitment.
If you don’t feel totally confident and motivated by the direction of this course (and your ability to launch, build and grow your business like a pro) in the first 14 days after module 1 release, simply reach out by emailing me here, show us you’ve put in the work, and we’ll refund your investment. Full details here.
Burning Q’s your fellow wedding and event planner business owners asked before grabbing their access
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the things I’m going to need to learn and execute inside this program. Are you sure I can do this?
How much time and effort goes into launching, building and growing my business? What’s a rough idea of this time and schedule commitment needed to do it successfully?
Will I need to invest in any other trainings to launch, build and grow my business?
I’m fairly new to event planning, is this going to be too advanced for me?
When does the digital course start?
How long will it take me to get clients?
Outside of the coaching fees, what is an estimated range of business costs I can expect?
How much does the course cost?
Do I get the full course all at once?
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Are there any essential skills and qualifications required to be a successful wedding or event planner?
Do I need to get a business loan to start my business?
How long have you been offering coaching services?
I have another question that isn't answered here
Real talk, my friend
If you’re thinking “this sounds amazing but I’m still not 100% sure” keep reading…
You should give Event Planning Academy a 14-day risk-free shot if you’re motivated by any of the following...
01. You want a different lifestyle. BADLY.
Whether it’s a super demanding day job, or wanting more in your life, you’re fully aware that you don’t have the time, location, or financial freedom you TRULY need to feel fulfilled. More importantly, you’d prefer not to spend the rest of your career flirting with burnout while changing the mantra of “I don’t have time” every time something fun and exciting pops up. You get to pick who you work with and set your own schedule. It’s all about a work life balance. Nothing makes me happier than helping you create your dreams!
02. You’re not afraid of putting in the work.
By now, you fully understand that when it comes to this course the barriers to entry are low – but the barrier to success is high. This doesn’t scare you. It lights you up! You appreciate that this barrier to success also serves as your biggest competitive advantage against the dabblers and those without a COMPLETE, step-by-step implementation plan. But above all else, you’re ready, willing and excited to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
03. You recognize there is no “perfect time” and waiting is not the answer.
That doesn’t mean you don’t break a sweat when you think about pressing the buy button below and investing in your incredibly promising future. But it does mean you’re fully aware that it’s “one day or Day One” and only YOU can decide. For what it’s worth, if there ever was a “right time,” it would be now.
The Event Planning Academy™ Course is Not Magic
But it IS a powerful step-by-step framework that allows you to launch, build and grow your business, and gives you the ability to work with the people you LOVE to work with…
You are here because you want to start your own wedding or event business…but have no idea where to start.
NOW IS THE TIME!
I was in the same boat when I started my business over a decade ago. I could not get anyone to teach me how to start and run a successful event business.
I had no idea how to get clients, what I should include in my initial call with the client, how to price my services, how to close the client, what forms I should have in my business, how to setup the business properly and so much more.
I would google questions on how to start an event business but I was getting very confused and frustrated with trying to figure out what was legit and what wasn’t.
Sure, I could get any form on the internet but I still didn't know the systems I should have in place to use that form. I needed someone to teach me the nitty gritty of running my business. And most importantly, I wanted to be sure my business was legally set up properly.
I needed someone there to hold my hand through all the ups and downs. And believe me, there will be plenty along the way but …
That’s why I created Event Planning Academy™.
It was my dream to some day teach aspiring wedding and event planners how to launch, build and grow a successful wedding and event business because I didn’t want them to go through the struggles I went through and make costly mistakes.
AND HERE WE ARE!! 🎉
I’m so excited you are here and I have an opportunity to help you start and grow your business.
Running a wedding and event planning business requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. You WILL have challenging times but it will be WORTH it.
I will be there along the way to hold you accountable, and share everything I’ve learned in the last 30 years of my career.
By staying informed, providing exceptional service, and continuously improving your skills, AND NOT GIVING UP you can build a successful and rewarding business in this exciting industry.
If you follow what I teach you, you WILL be successful!
YOU CAN ABSOLUTELY DO THIS! 🥳
I’m extremely proud of what I’ve put together in this program, and I am confident you will learn a ton as long as you put in the time and do the work.
There is room for you at the table, friend. And I’m here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
I can’t wait to meet you, teach you, and cheer you on inside Event Planner Academy™!
ALL my best,
Still have questions?
Chat with Annette to discuss the program & see if it’s a right fit for you.
CHAT WITH ANNETTEyour teacher
I’m Annette Naif, an event producer, strategist, speaker, coach, host of A Turn of Events Live Show and Podcast, the 5-day Event Planning Business Workshop, and the CEO & Creative Director of Naif Productions, where I produce corporate, social, non-profit, and weddings.
For 30+ years, I’ve been strategically designing and producing custom events. Helping clients create their unique signature style that translates into a memorable experience has been my passion from the beginning.
For almost a decade, I’ve been coaching event planners around the world to create a six-figure business with systems, strategy, and team so they can accomplish all of their financial goals without compromising their quality of life.
In addition to being an Adjunct Professor at New York University where I taught event operations and production to event planners from all over the world, I have received many accolades for my contribution to the event industry along with being featured in many publications.
I am the Founder and past President of the Event Planners Association for the New York Chapter. Over the years, I've received:
- Finalist for the BIZBASH Reader’s Choice Awards Finalist for Producer of the Year
- The Outstanding Leadership Award from the Event Planners Association
- The 40 Over 40 from Senior Professionals Industry Network (SPIN)
- The Top 29 Influencers in the Event Industry to Follow
- Placed 5th on the Top 100 Eventprofs Leaderboard, and
- The Top 25 Women who Rule the Event Industry.