Raising the Standard: How Certified Planners Are Redefining the Wedding Industry

Step into the world of wedding planning leadership as Krisy Thomas, COO of the CWP Society, sits down with four extraordinary certified wedding planners who are reshaping the industry across the globe. Together, they share their journeys from skilled professionals to influential change-makers, highlighting how education and community are redefining the wedding planning profession.

Joining the conversation:

• David Ude of Dafame Concept, raising the bar for weddings in Nigeria.
• Tracy Dapp of Inked Events, leading with integrity and innovation in New Hampshire.
• Tish Clay of Simone Elise Events, bringing warmth, grace, and fierce advocacy from Tennessee.
• Morgan Parker, the visionary behind Golden Forest Events, making waves in North Carolina.

David Ude describes the game-changing impact of international certification in Africa, where his CWP credentials have opened doors and commanded respect in a market eager for proven expertise. “My goal is putting African event professionals on that global map,” he shares with palpable passion. Meanwhile, Tracy Dapp reflects on how certification elevated her 15-year career: “I came into it fairly confident, but being certified through CWP, I'm even more confident in what I do.”

The discussion also challenges the common advice often given to new planners—“just shadow someone” or “learn by doing.” Instead, these leaders advocate for proper education as the foundation of professionalism, drawing parallels to other industries where training is essential. Tish Clay reveals the transformation she’s experienced: “Since obtaining my CWP credentials, my delivery has become so much better, to the point of clients not having questions once we've finished an initial consultation.”

Beyond business growth, the conversation underscores the importance of community in an often-isolated profession. Each of these planners describes the CWP Society as a “safe space” where planners can be vulnerable, ask questions, and find genuine support without judgment—a rare gift in a competitive industry.

Whether you’re considering a career in wedding planning, looking to elevate your business, or simply curious about the future of the profession, this episode offers invaluable insights from leaders who are raising the standard worldwide. Visit cwpsociety.com to discover how you can join this community of excellence-focused wedding professionals.

www.cwpsociety.com | info@cwpsociety.com | IG: @cwpsociety | FB: @cwpsociety

Transcript

Narrator 0:00

You're listening to the Wedding Planner Profiles podcast brought to you by the CWP Society.

Krisy Thomas 0:16

Welcome back to the Wedding Planner Profiles from the CWP Society, the world's premier certification program in the largest community of wedding professionals. My name is Chrissy Thomas and I'm the COO of the CWP Society, and today's episode is nothing short of extraordinary. I'm joined by four Powerhouse certified wedding planners who are not only building thriving businesses in their regions, but are also stepping up as industry advancement directors with the CWP Society. These leaders are working behind the scenes to raise the standard, champion excellence and ensure planners in their markets and around the globe are equipped with education, support and strategies they need to succeed. From New Hampshire to North Carolina, tennessee to Nigeria, this group represents the diversity, strength and passion that makes our profession so special.

Krisy Thomas 1:06

We have David Uday of Defend Concept, raising the bar for weddings in Nigeria. Tracy Dapp of Inked Events, leading with integrity and innovation in New Hampshire. Tish Clay of Simone Elise Events, bringing warmth, grace and fierce advocacy from Tennessee. Brigham Parker, the visionary behind Golden Forest Events and is making waves in the North Carolina wedding industry. Together, these four aren't just planning events, but they are changing the industry. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, get ready to be inspired by their journeys, their challenges and their bold vision for where the industry is headed. Next, let's dive in. I'm going to start off with you first, tish. Can you share your journey with the CWP Society and how you first got involved and what even motivated you to get your certification?

Speaker 3 1:56

Yeah, absolutely. First, thank you for having me here on this wonderful podcast. It's always full of so much great information, so I'm so happy to be a part of it and to share my little bit of wealth and knowledge with the listeners. Oh, it's so exciting to be here, tash. So I've been a part of the CWP now, for I went back and looked at my certification certificates and I've only been here for almost two years.

Krisy Thomas 2:28

I'm blown away by that In two years, the presence you have made and the impact you have made in our industry with our CWP Society members and it's only been two years. I'm almost like holy crap, what's going to happen in the next 10 years? Because we've got Tish on our side.

Morgan Parker 2:47

Listen, I thought that I had been here longer too. So I mean, but I received my introduction to CWP was back when it was under a different name, actually, so I've been receiving emails for so long. But at that time I was thinking you know what I paid for? So much education I'm not going to pay for any more.

Morgan Parker 3:12

And so the timing of me being introduced to the CWP I always wished that it would have been sooner, because the education that I was getting I just felt like, nope, I'm not paying for anything else. I guess I'm going to just have to figure it out trial and error, which is what we definitely don't want anyone doing. But I got introduced formally, or should I say in the best way way, through a free certification from Timeline Genius Awesome, yes, yeah, I heard Lori speak and she spoke with such intent on making sure there was care and consideration in all of her words and what she was teaching and for the audience, and I was like, okay, there's more to this, I need to dive in. And from there I just kind of started my education and jumped in on almost every certification that was offered.

Krisy Thomas 4:19

I love that so much. I think that shows, through your journey, the fact that you were like I've already gotten a lot of education A. That speaks volumes to you stepping into this industry, wanting to have so much. I think that shows, through your journey, the fact that you were like I've already gotten a lot of education A. That speaks volumes to you stepping into this industry wanting to have so much wealth and knowledge but not quite finding that right education that you felt super comfortable with. That you felt that security and that family with. Then you found it with the CWP Society. So for that we are so grateful that we have you here. David, what about you? Can you share your CWP Society journey? When did you first kind of get going?

Morgan Parker 4:51

Hello everyone. You know I stumbled across CWP Society when they were a bride out society. That was in 2000. During the COVID I was like I just wanted to get something unique out of the event industry. So I started digging, like searching online and I came across this bridal society then and I said, okay, let me just give it a try and see what I can make out of this. And I realized that, man, I kept on learning what I never learned before. I learned so many things that each time I speak, I speak with full confidence, like, Like people will ask me man, what kind of electric brain? Like? You know it's something like in Africa, it's something that has never been heard of. And, you know, I bring in something new, as in, I learn something new from the CWP society. I bring into the, into the African market and it works out very, very well. So, and I'm so excited I'm part of this family.

Krisy Thomas 6:15

Oh, david, honestly, your story means a lot to me, especially the way that we kind of transitioned our certification. We used to do these in person, just mainly in the United States, and the timing for us was switching it over online. It ended up being just very perfect. It just obviously wasn't in our cards the world shutting down, but literally we had launched our certification online probably three weeks before the world shut down and it was able to. It allowed us to open it up to people from all across the globe, and that includes you and David.

Krisy Thomas 6:51

I can say just from the people that you have brought into our fold, because it just showcases how much you want your industry and your market to be better, to do better. You have brought so many people over into CWP because of just your wealth and then, recognizing gosh, david is on top of it. Where did you get all this information from? And you also again wanting to make such a huge impact on your market. It's been a phenomenal thing to see and obviously to me it makes sense. It's like, okay, we did the right thing by switching to doing this virtual and online. It just opens up the door to even more people to hopefully have a positive impact and help you know help grow their career. So thank you for sharing that. David and Tracy, what about you? I want to learn a little bit more about your journey with CWP as well.

Narrator 7:38

So I was also thinking of how long I've been part of the CWP, because I feel like it's been forever.

Krisy Thomas 7:44

However, I believe it's just over a year, so okay, can I say I'm blown away that it's been such a short period for both you and Tish, because you guys have just been on it Like Johnny on the spot. You guys have been involved, you have been helping other wedding planners, just you have poured so much into CWP already that it feels like you guys have been in for decades. I'm grateful for.

Narrator 8:10

And I'm grateful for it too, because at the time I was looking for something to freshen up my own skills I've been doing this for 15 years and I was looking for more education. I was looking for a more in-depth sense of community, and taking the certifications and continuing to take the certifications have been so amazing to me and so eye-opening. And then the wealth of information that you and Lori provide to us on a weekly basis, as well as to other event pros on a monthly basis, is mind-blowing. Mind-blowing, and I just want, like I'm appreciative of everything that the two of you bring to the table and the community.

Krisy Thomas 8:54

I think my favorite part about both you and Tish is that because it's a misconception with CWP is that our program is built for newer planners, planners who are fresh out of the market, wanting to get their toes into this industry.

Krisy Thomas 9:08

We definitely do serve that type of wedding planner we want you to come on board when you're brand new but we also do serve planners who've been doing this for a while who, like you, tracy I've got the experience. I want a little bit more. How can I make myself better? And I think that just shows you that within this industry, the mindset of I've learned everything just cannot exist. It's just not possible in this industry and the two of you prove that that if you want to keep growing and you want to be better, you have to invest in your education all the time, because you can't just be stagnant, you can't just be still if you want to continue to grow and evolve. And I think that speaks volumes that both of you have been like. I've been doing this for a while. I found you guys you know well into my career and that's definitely helped me, but we weren't your first stop.

Narrator 9:59

Exactly, exactly, and I've learned different new or not different new techniques in something that I had already known. So it gives me a fresher perspective of, oh, I've been doing it like this and now they've just given me information of how to do it even better.

Krisy Thomas 10:10

And so, morgan, how did you first get involved and what motivated you to pursue your certification with CWP?

David Ude 10:18

Yeah, okay. So I first discovered the CWP society when I was looking for a way to elevate my business and take the skillset to the next level. I'd already been in the industry, but I wanted something more formal, something that truly reflected, like, the level of professionalism I wanted to. More formal, something that truly reflected the level of professionalism I wanted to bring to my clients. So the structure and the educational depth the community like of mine. Professionalism grew on me. Once I completed my certification, I knew I found the right organization and it aligned with my goals and values as a planner. And then, as I've grown, I've had my planners actually start taking the certifications to better their education. So then, that's making the team even stronger.

Krisy Thomas 10:59

Oh, I love that so much. Again, I love how similar all of your journeys are with doing it for a while, but I still want an education. And now, morgan, with you, before you're even allowed to be one of my planners, you got to get your base education, because you know what that reflects for your entire company, so that's so incredibly important. I'm glad that you mentioned that. Yeah, and I will say so. Let me see with Ms Tish. So let me sorry I think I messed it up. Yeah, tish. So what has been your most rewarding experience being part of the CWP society so far?

Speaker 3 11:34

Well, being a part of the CWP has given me support unlike I have ever experienced in this industry thus far, because we touch on so many different aspects of the whole person. It just allows for you to feel more seen and more heard on all kinds of levels. I mean, yeah, granted, we don't go through the same exact experiences, but there's likeness in everything that we discuss and that we talk about, and we do get personal, although it is professional, but those things help. They help to show the sense of community that you need in this industry. This is a heartfelt industry. We do it with our hearts. For people who are in this, who are getting married with their hearts right, and so knowing that we are nurturing one another, I mean that's the best.

Krisy Thomas 12:47

It really is Tish, and it's one of those things where when you think about especially with our industry because it's so unique, and especially not when you think about it especially with our industry because it's so unique, and especially not just with our whole industry, but with us as wedding planners no one knows our crazy like we know our crazy. And while our stories may be different, our journeys may be different, we go through a lot of the same struggles and it's hard to talk to, let's say, our significant other or best friends who aren't in the industry. They're like what are you talking about? Why are you crying over table linens? And it's like it's so much more than this, the table linens. She wants to look like her grandmother's lace blanket and it's so much more.

Krisy Thomas 13:24

And it's so incredibly stressful and that sometimes I think what happens with a lot of other outside communities outside of CWP is they're so focused on our job and what we do as planners that you're right, so that personal aspect is lost and I think the reason why that's so important here at CWP is because we do pride ourselves on really being like a family a good family, not the crazy kind of family Because we it's also a safe space, and I think that's what's missing with a lot of these communities is that safe space to be vulnerable and to say, hey, I'm struggling, and not be met with a bunch of negativity or cattiness or judgment, and I'm so glad that you shared that, because I do think that's what makes us so different, is it's more than just certification.

Krisy Thomas 14:13

It is, again, like Morgan Morgan mentioned, that community of like-minded professionals that you feel safe in talking to and having those heartfelt conversations that are hard to have with people who don't understand what it's like to be in our industry at all. Now, Tracy, can you talk about how your confidence in your skills and services have evolved as a certified wedding planner, especially as you've been doing this for 15 years before you even gain your certification?

Narrator 14:42

Fantastic question and when I thought about it is, I came into it fairly confident, but, being now certified through the CWP, I'm even more confident in what I do. You and Lori have provided a education and platform that is undeniably what's the word I'm looking for. Um, fantastic, that aligns with and that's not the right adjective, but I'm going to go with it. Right now, your certifications and the community aligns with what I've been doing in my business practices and my process. So now I'm feeling more confident in said business practices and process, because I see that that's what you're teaching.

Krisy Thomas 15:34

you know newer planners, and even experienced ones, who maybe did not have those process and business practices in place prior to finding the CWP Exactly, and that's one of the benefits of even if you've been doing this for decades, still gaining our certification and knowing that we've had a lot of planners who do exactly what you said, tracy, we're like, okay, pat myself on the back, I have been doing things right. Now I can elevate it and become an even better version of myself, but, thank God, I've been doing things right. But we've had on the flip side, where we've had some experienced planners being like, oh my gosh, I have been doing this wrong the entire time. Thank you, there is some benefit. Even if you have had decades of experience, you still gained your certification. Now, morgan, in what ways has being a certified member helped you or impacted both your personal and maybe even your professional life?

David Ude 16:28

Professionally. It gives me more immediate, I guess, credibility to what we do and what we offer to our clients and even the wedding pros that we work with. It's been a game changer from the start on how I perceive the industry versus when I first started in the industry. It gives me a deeper sense of confidence to back into that as well. I knew what I was supposed to do and how I was supposed to do it, but having that extra boost behind me saying like yeah, you're doing it right, Cause it was a lot of self-taught, definitely helped grow that in the backing to make it more professional for me when I came across the folks and being consistent and then, sharing what I've learned through us and the impact that I'm able to show from what CWP has taught me to other wedding pros and even my team is just amazing.

Krisy Thomas 17:20

Absolutely, and two to kind of between both of you and Tracy.

Krisy Thomas 17:24

There it's making me feel so good about the CWP because you know, similar to what us as planners, we want to find that ideal client.

Krisy Thomas 17:38

And even with CWP we have what our ideal wedding planner who comes through our program. And the fact that both of you said going through your certification means I've been doing things right, means that we're attracting our ideal planner planners who have the same values and morals, planners who understand how important education is, planners who understand that having integrity in business is everything. That's the kind of people that we want to attract. That's the kind of people that come into our community and because of that that also piggybacks to what Tisha mentioned about that community we all kind of have that similar philosophy and mindset and level of integrity and how we run our businesses, that because of that we all respect each other so beautifully. So thank you guys for mentioning that, because it does make me feel like we're doing something right. We are getting the word out to the type of planners who we want to be a part of this organization. Now, david, for you, how do you feel that your CWP certification sets you apart from other wedding professionals or planners in your industry and in your area.

Morgan Parker 18:35

My certification is a game changer. Let me use that word because you know, when you talk about international certification in my continent, they give you that I value you more. And you know, sometimes when I talk to people about CWP Society, like, oh, I'm a certified CWP Society, they're like no, no, ah, let's, I would just give this guy a try, let's see what his cap is worth. And when we, it's just like putting a food on the table inviting people to come and dine with you. That's just how strong the CWP certification, that's the weight it carries. So it has really given me like it has taken given me, like it has taken me up there, like to the top, most of so, and I'm so excited and I'm so thankful that I came across the CWP Society.

Krisy Thomas 19:47

Absolutely. I love that, david. Again, it just like you said, it took you up another level, it just elevated you and also it kind of also commanded respect like okay, david, again, it just like you said it took you up another level, it just elevated you and also it kind of also commanded respect like okay, david, you got this international certification, like let me see what you can do. So I love that you mentioned that so much. Now, tracy, can you discuss any particular skills or knowledge that you gained through the CWP that you feel is going to advance your career even further? You're how many years? In more than 15 at this point. So how does it exceed your career even further with some of the things that you've learned?

Narrator 20:21

So this is going to be a little hard for me, because I have a notebook full of notes and knowledge that I have gained from. Four hours later, tracy is still that I have gained from. Four hours later, tracy is still talking Between the certifications and the workshops and the weekly meetings. So to narrow it down to just one might be impossible, because I've learned something and I'm going to quote the word something on every level. Wow, because I've learned something and I'm going to quote the word something on every level, and it has been game changing for me. As David said, I'm going to steal that word as well and I'm looking forward to what the master certification is going to do for me.

Krisy Thomas 21:05

Oh gosh. And let me tell you, we are revamping it. We're also revamping our main certification program. Hopefully, by the time this goes live, it may be out. I'm not sure, quite sure yet, because, again, as you guys know, we've invested so much into everything that we put our name into, so this is going to be just even better than what we have out there now, especially the master. It's just going to be even more nuggets of wisdom to help elevate our wedding planners.

Krisy Thomas 21:30

But I love that so much because, tracy, that just means that there's always room to continue to grow, which is one reason why we do offer those free weekly workshops for our executive certified members is because there's every single week there's still more information to learn, which is wild when you think about it, when you think about the fact that you've been doing this for over 15 years. Yet there's still things that you can learn and help you grow and improve. That's that, to me, is the fun part about this industry is that there's always room for improvement. There's always room for growth and change, because industry is always changing, and how much fun is that, as a wedding planner, that we get to be a part of that.

Narrator 22:07

Absolutely, absolutely.

Krisy Thomas 22:09

Now Tish, have you noticed an increase in job opportunities or client inquiries since obtaining your CWP credentials?

Speaker 3 22:18

I've definitely noticed an increase, mainly in the services that we provide for full service clients. I think that since obtaining my CWP credentials and, of course, going through the master certification program Tracy, you're going to love being a master it appears that my delivery of what we do has become so much better, to the point of clients not having questions once we've finished an initial consultation. They fully understand what they're getting from us and they know, without a doubt, that they want who we are, which I mean before CWP we were. I don't want to say how much we were striking out, cwp we were. I don't want to say how much we were striking out, but it was definitely, definitely a noticeable change in the increase in clients who were signing up. I mean for for services, but mainly for that full service that we were giving.

Krisy Thomas 23:28

And planning Exactly Because at that point you were kind of probably able to explain the value in us a lot better, and I think that's something, and why we do focus on it within our certification program but also within our weekly workshops, is because nine times out of 10, we didn't get into this job to be salespeople. We got into this job, like you introduced, because we love love, because we want to make wedding day dreams a reality, but we also have to at some point that we have to sell us and our services because we want to make wedding daydreams a reality, but we also have to at some point we have to sell us and our services because we have to have people book us, and there is a science behind that. There's a science in selling for wedding planners specifically, and we talk about that. We talk about how to nurture clients, we talk about how to attract that ideal client, we talk about your presentation, how to showcase your value, and I think that's what is missing from a lot of planners who are just trying to learn on their own, and that's I'm so glad that you mentioned that, because that is a huge benefit of going through our program and being a part of our weekly workshops is ultimately our goal at the end of the day is we want every single CWP who's part of our program to be a success.

Krisy Thomas 24:28

So we want to set you guys up for that success. I'm so glad you mentioned that because it is a science. Initial consultations is a science. Explaining what we do because, again, no one really knows the crazy that we deal with but explaining why we do it, why it's a value for these engaged couples and that's going to sell you time and time again, because we do give you that knowledge of how to sell your services and how to sell you.

David Ude 24:51

Yes.

Krisy Thomas 24:52

And it definitely helps in the long run of saying it to the people who are interested in your services and knowing with confidence why you're doing what you're doing and making sure they hear what you're saying Exactly, and I love that you mentioned with confidence, because I think sometimes what happens during those consultations, especially when we're talking numbers, is that's when some planners just don't feel confident in their pricing or they don't feel confident in what they're offering. We talk about that for hours on end pricing and how to be confident. Because why to charge your worth? Because you are a certified wedding planner. There's so much that goes into it. So I'm glad that you mentioned that. Yeah, yeah for sure. Now, morgan, if you don't mind me asking you, when it comes to being a CWP, what advice would you give someone who's considering being a part of CWP?

David Ude 25:44

Oh my gosh, it's like the most exciting conversation I have with people. I've brought a lot of people vendors and planners like into CWP just from my excitement. I talk about what we learned how much they just need to jump on our free monthly for wedding pros. Listen to the workshop. Enjoy us Like. If you like my personality, you're going to love us because my personality is like what I feel our whole entire society is made up of. So talking about it is one of my favorite things. And telling people what I learned, what I experienced. I'm always gaining from each other's knowledge and everything that we talk about. Or if I don't have an answer, I'm like let me get back to you, I can ask someone and someone can get it to me. And that's just amazing how supportive it is and not feeling that like belittleness when you have that conversation with folks or even other wedding pros.

David Ude 26:40

So, um, being able to have our society to lean on is like a huge thing that I tell people like it's a safe place, it's a fun place, like everybody's a person and we all enjoy each other. And so, um, being able to talk about what we learn, what conversations and stuff we have, it's enough to intrigue people to be like hey, just come visit us for a month. Like just come jump in, it's fine, the water's warm.

Krisy Thomas 27:08

The water's warm. I promise there are no sharks in the water. Lori and Kirstie don't bite. And I'm so glad that you mentioned even outside professionals, not just wedding planners that that's one reason why we did open up and have this free pro membership is because we built this phenomenal community of wedding planners that we thought, gosh, other professionals deserve this too. It's not out there for them. I've I've seen the negative spaces that they're in and I'm like I promise you it's. There is a community who's not going to talk down on you because you asked a simple question. It's us. I promise Come on over. So that's one reason why we offer that free pro, because we feel like, okay, photographers, bakers, filmmakers they also deserve to have a safe space to ask questions, to get more education and to connect with fellow like-minded wedding professionals. Let's open up our door for them.

David Ude 28:01

And that's where that free pro membership started. It is awesome. And the ones that start with the free then are like, oh, I ended up getting a membership and I'm like, good Cause, if you didn't, I'd be dragging you by the collar Like come on.

Krisy Thomas 28:09

Come on over to our side. I love that so much. Morgan. Now, Tracy, since you've been, you know you're a veteran in this market, so you've seen different levels of the industry. You've seen the involvement of it. How do you envision the future of the wedding planning industry and what role do you see, or do you think that the CWP will play in shaping that future?

Narrator 28:33

I love that the CWP is embodying new planners to get certified and learn how important education is, that it's not just being a wedding planner, it's about learning to be a wedding planner.

Krisy Thomas 28:48

Oh great, that was a mic drop moment.

Narrator 28:53

I mean, I know we all started somewhere, but you know that little spark can turn into something bigger once you are in a space that is supportive and you're learning how to do things correctly and not learning the bad habits along the way. But the CWP is taking this industry by storm and I'm here for it.

Krisy Thomas 29:22

Yeah, tracy is a long further ride and supporting us in the process. I'm so glad that you mentioned that, tracy, with the new planners and why we are really trying to get in with them as soon as possible. And it's because we see in a lot of these social media groups, we see online, when people ask I want to be a wedding planner, what should I do? And the first advice we're seeing is shadow another planner, just get experience, book a client and get experience. And our mouths drop because in what other field of work would you say just go ahead and do your job. I think about like an attorney. I want to be an attorney, all right, just get a case and go to trial and learn from there.

Krisy Thomas 30:04

No, even as something as like hey, I want to be a barista at Starbucks, all right, we're just going to put you in. Here's a recipe, good luck. Like there's training involved with everything but us, and it's mind blowing. And we don't realize, as seasoned planners, when we're giving that advice, we are hurting our industry. And then we get upset and we get mad at these new planners who are undercharging or who are going into venues and messing things up. We're not telling them to get educated. We're telling them to go mess up and learn from their mess ups, so it's not their fault, it's our fault for not providing them with the resources that they need, and that's that's something that we're trying to change at CWP Tish. Do you have any thoughts about that?

Speaker 3 30:48

Yeah, I do. I. Um, when you were talking about the new planners and the advice that people give, which I was one of those people who received that, dare I say, bad advice. But I remember a newer planner coming to me asking what advice I could give her and I just told her and this was before I was a part of the CWP to get educated and continue education, to get educated and continue education. Years later, maybe about a year or two from here, she told me you know, you gave me one of the best pieces of advice, and I felt like at the moment she wanted me to say, yeah, come on, shadow me. But that wasn't something I told her, and so to hear years later that she appreciated the advice of education made me feel like, ok, great, go start for Tish, because there's something that was positive and on the right track for her. And she's still playing her today.

Krisy Thomas 31:48

Exactly, Trace. Did you have any other thoughts about that?

Narrator 31:51

I do. I want to chime in on giving advice. Chime in on giving advice. I have a new summer intern and she's studying event management in college and she's been wonderful. But the one thing I said to her is I want you to get certified by the CWP because that will take you in a different level and stand out when you're going looking for jobs in the future. And she just completed it yesterday and she said it was very invaluable to her and she was so glad that one. She found me to be her mentor and I, you know, gifted that to her because I found it so informative and necessary for her future.

Krisy Thomas 32:38

Oh, I love that so much, tracy. Thank you for sharing that, david. Yes, what are your thoughts there?

Morgan Parker 32:44

My thoughts, though they've said it all, but you know they said getting educated is one of the keys in achieving success. Because when you get educated through the right source, because you know we have a lot of educational stuff around there but it's not educational enough. But to the CWP society, I'm telling you you have let me use the word you have the armor to hit the nail on the head. That's just it.

Krisy Thomas 33:28

Oh, I love that. David, thank you so much for that input. I do want to ask you, david, what are your future goals with CWP society? And I want to ask you this because you, what you have done as an industry advancement director blows me away, because, again, there have been so many planners and professionals who have joined because of your input, because of the growth that you want to see within your continent, within your market. What are your future goals, whether it's with CWP Society or just business in general? How do you see yourself moving forward within this community?

Morgan Parker 34:03

You know, cwp Society is my number one goal, Besides my business. There's one thing it's just like we had an event today. I have to run out of the event because I have to attend this um uh podcast. So, um, I keep telling people um being part of the cwb society because I know the number of people are spoken to just today alone. I just want us to build, because my major goal is putting African event professionals on that global map, on that global stage. That's my number one goal and, by the grace of God, I've been able because I'm going out of Nigeria, I'm talking about Africa, west, south and Eastern Africa to come be part of the CWB society. And for me, as a business owner, I just want to take myself up there to the top, most top. So as the CWP society grows, I grow. That's one thing, I believe, because people just want to be part of the CWP society and I keep telling them that place is a place to be. Thank you, I love that, I love that I love that so much.

Krisy Thomas 35:38

David, my favorite part about that is the fact that you are obviously wanting to level up and grow, but you're wanting to bring your entire market, your entire continent, with you in that growth.

Krisy Thomas 35:50

That gives me chills and that, to me, embodies what CWP is all about that it's not just about us and our little egos and our businesses, but it's about the entire industry and elevating it to a completely different level, and that is what each and every single one of you guys are doing, and we see it.

Krisy Thomas 36:09

And if it takes us and the rest of our IIDs unfortunately it's not just going to be me and Lori it's going to take all of us to really set the standards and raise the entire industry in order to make an impact on the industry. Because, like we've mentioned, tracy and Tish and Morgan we've seen the negative, we've seen the bad, we've seen the mistakes and all that does is mess us up and we don't want that for people. We want people to be the best versions of themselves and you guys are completely doing that within your markets, and it's such a phenomenal thing to see and I just simply adore and love all of you for that. Now, before we wrap up, I do want to ask all of you and I'll start with Morgan if you can summarize the impact of CWP in your life in one sentence. What would that be?

David Ude 36:55

for me it would be. It's not just a certification but it is the transformation from a planner into, like a true industry professional and leader, to be that mentor for other folks.

Krisy Thomas 37:09

Oh, Morgan, God, that was so good. Thank you for that, Tracy. What about you If you could summarize the impact of CWP in your life in one sentence? What would that be?

Narrator 37:22

Game changing, the best investment that I have made. The value and knowledge I have received from every aspect within the CWP has been inspiring, educational and has completely blown my mind on the amount of openness that is given at all times. Oh, I love that so much.

Krisy Thomas 37:41

Tracy Tish. What about you, my friend?

Speaker 3 37:46

So I don't know if this is going to sound cliche or not, but the I guess the best thing for, in my opinion, would be to trust the process. I feel I often feel like or I used to often feel like man. I'm thinking and look at it and know that everything happens for a reason. I have to trust God's timing. Then I know, trusting the process gets me here.

Krisy Thomas 38:30

Exactly. Oh, I love that so much. Tish, I love that so much. And for those of you listening, tish is actually. We are right in each other's backyards. Tish is one of my go-tos. If I'm both, I'm recommending Tish. So we are planners who really we live the community over competition. That is for sure between the two of us.

Speaker 3 38:49

In the same neighborhood.

Krisy Thomas 38:50

No, I love it. We're literally in each other's backyards. We get to hang out with each other all the time. So, David, what about you? Is there? If you could summarize the impact that CWP has in your life in one sense, what would it be?

Morgan Parker 39:03

I would say exceptional game changer. Let me still use my same word it's a place to be yeah, to be yeah. Join the flight and you're going to love it. Thank you.

Krisy Thomas 39:22

I love that so much. Thank you, guys so much. What an inspiring conversation with the four of you who are not only elevating your own businesses but you are actively shaping the future of our profession through the CWP Society and through your advocacy. Who are your journeys? How certification deepened your confidence, opened doors and connected you guys to a larger purpose reminds us all in this industry that it isn't just about weddings. It's about passion, people and progress. To David, tish, morgan and Tracy, thank you for showing us what it looks like to lead with both heart and excellence. And to our listeners if you ever feel the pull to do more in this industry, to grow, to connect, to stand out, let this episode be your nudge. Like Morgan said, the CWP Society isn't just a certification, it's a community, it's a launchpad and it's a commitment to being better for yourself, your clients, but also the industry. Visit cwpsocietycom to learn more about our memberships and our certifications. Thank you, guys. I appreciate all so much.