Don't become a small business statistic!

Of all the new business startups, 1/3 eventually turn a profit, 1/3 break even, and 1/3 never leave a negative earnings scenario. According to a study by the U.S. Small Business Association, only 2/3 of all small business startups survive the first two years and less than half make it to five years.

What does it take to succeed?

Facilitated by veteran ABC Consultants and business educators, Expanding Horizons 2009 will provide you the tools and tips to help your wedding business “blossom.” Addressing business startup and issues encountered during the first years of business, seminar attendees will be able to:

• Discuss elements of a business plan
• Differentiate business structures.
• Determine business startup expenses.
• Prepare an advertising budget as part of a business marketing plan.
• Determine how to establish fees.
• Describe contract elements and negotiation skills

Take advantage of this opportunity to plant seeds for success, meet and network with ABC wedding experts, and prepare to “Let Your Business Blossom.”

ABC members will receive 2 educational points towards Education and Professional Development.  Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Certified Sandals Specialist

We'll start a little early so that you can take advantage of the add-on Sandals Workshop.  Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive sales and marketing support in the business, through the training workshop. Gain Comprehensive information on Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, Royal Plantation Collection and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts Learn new product and marketing information and the many tools available to help you grow  professionally and achieve your personal and business goals.

This spectacular Georgian-style mansion on the banks of the Niagara River is perfect for everything from family vacations to high-level corporate gatherings providing outstanding accommodations in a waterfront setting. Each of the 142 rooms at Queen's Landing is bright, spacious, and beautifully appointed in the contemporary furnishings reflective of its waterfront setting.
Slip on the luxurious bathrobe provided for every guest, curl up on the comfortable couch, and spend the afternoon in your room, perhaps reading a book and sipping a cup of tea, as the sun streams in the window. Traditional guestrooms have a King, Queen or 2 Double beds. Bath amenities, as well as hairdryer, bathrobes, iron and board, coffeemaker and CD alarm clock radio, are provided for your convenience. Also featured are in-room safes, high speed wireless internet, daily newspaper, 37 inch LCD television, and pay per view movies. Nightly turn down service includes a rose placed on the bed.

PLEASE NOTE: ROOM RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY MAY 16  to receive the group rate. Reservations at Queens Landing, single or double occupancy are available for $99/night (C) plus tax.  (that's $108.90 inclusive or about $98 US - a super deal! ) Call 1-888-669-5566 and request Association of Bridal Consultants Reservation # 818763.

Make this a mini-retreat!  Visit http://www.vintage-hotels.com/niagara-on-the-lake/hotels/queens-landing.php  to see more of this venue.

Directions and Parking

Please click to
http://www.vintage-hotels.com/niagara-on-the-lake/hotels/queens-landing/fact_sheet.php 
for directions from:

From Buffalo Niagara International Airport
• Head southwest toward Genesee St
• Slight right at RT-33 W (signs for I-90/New York Thruway/RT-33 W/Buffalo/Niagara Falls)
• Take the exit onto I-90 E/New York State Thruway E toward I-290/Niag Falls/Albany
• Take exit 50 to merge onto I-290 W/Youngmann Expy toward Niagara Falls
• Take the exit onto I-190 N toward Niagara Falls
• Partial toll road
• Entering Canada (Ontario)
• Continue straight onto Queenston-Lewiston Bridge
• Canadian Customs Inspection
• Take 405 W to Stanley Avenue
• Turn right to stay on Portage Rd, continue East on Portage
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Niagara Pkwy
• The Niagara Parkway eventually becomes the main street in town
• At the four-way intersection of Wellington turn right. Then turn right on to Byron Street. The Queen’s Landing will be on your left

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From Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
• Head east from Monroe St
• Turn left at Drummond Rd
• Turn right at Morrison St
• Turn left at Portage Rd
• Continue on St Paul Ave
• Continue on Four Mile Creek Rd
• Turn right at Niagara Stone Rd
• Continue on Mississauga St
• Turn right at Mary St
• Turn left at King St
• Turn right at Picton St

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From Toronto Pearson International Airport
• Take HWY-427 South to QEW West
• Take QEW West (Hamilton/Niagara)
• Follow the QEW Niagara all the way around the lake and over the St. Catharines Skyway Bridge
• Take Exit Glendale North (Niagara Stone Road/Niagara-on-the-Lake)
• Turn left on York RD/RR-81
• Turn right onto Airport Road. Follow Airport Road until it intersects with Niagara Stone Road/Highway 55 (2nd stop).
• Turn right onto Niagara Stone Road/Highway 55 and follow it until you enter Niagara-on-the-Lake "Old Town" (approximately 13 kms).
• Turn right on Queen Street. This will take you through the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Turn left on Wellington Street
• Make a quick right on Byron Street. The hotel will be on your left hand side, up one block.
• Pull up in front of the hotel and our door person will assist you with your luggage and Valet park your vehicle.

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From Buffalo, New York, U.S.A, via Peace Bridge
• Head west on Peace Bridge - Entering Canada (Ontario)
• Continue straight to QEW
• Take exit 38 for Glendale Ave/RR-89/HWY-55 toward Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Turn right at Glendale Ave/RR-89
• Turn left at York Rd
• Turn right at Airport Rd/RR-90
• Turn right onto Niagara Stone Road/Highway 55 and follow it until you enter Niagara-on-the-Lake "Old Town" (approximately 13 kms).
• Turn right on Queen Street. This will take you through the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Turn left on Wellington St
• Make a quick right on Byron St. The hotel will be on your left hand side, up one block.
• Pull up in front of the hotel and our door person will assist you with your luggage and Valet park your vehicle.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED FOR US RESIDENTS TO ENTER CANADA AS OF JUNE 1st, 2009. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

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 Click "Respond Here" below for special early registration and pricing.