Andy hopes that you will join him today as he chats with recurring guest Laurie Arons of Laurie Arons Special Events which she founded nearly three decades ago in 1994. Laurie has become a staple in the industry, working with high-profile clients like Sofia Coppola, Vanessa Getty, and Christy Turlington. In this candid conversation, Laurie shares insights into her experiences navigating the wedding industry, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on the challenging years of 2020 and 2021, Laurie discusses her strategic approach to having managed events during the pandemic. Laurie's adaptability and foresight allowed her to successfully handle the uncertainties, emphasizing the importance of staying prepared in the face of unforeseen challenges. Andy and Laurie also take a dive into the evolving landscape of the wedding industry. They explore the rising expectations of clients, driven in part by social media and the desire for unique, personalized experiences. Laurie emphasizes the importance of being able to meet these elevated demands while acknowledging the challenges that come with finding and holding onto dedicated staff. Together, they discuss the intricate balance between delivering exceptional service and maintaining the well-being of the professionals involved in crafting these unforgettable events. In addition, Laurie shares her thoughts on staying relevant in an industry that has witnessed significant changes, particularly with the advancement of social media and artificial intelligence. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and genuine expertise. Her dedication to fostering a sense of community among professionals is evident, as she discusses her successful masterclasses, providing attendees with not just valuable knowledge but also meaningful connections and friendships. Laurie also touches upon her future plans, revealing that despite her decades of experience, her passion for the industry remains undiminished, underscoring her love for the work she does and the joy she derives from creating magical moments for her clients. Andy, as always, had such a wonderful time catching up with Laurie and hopes that you enjoy this captivating conversation with her. If so, please be sure to share it with a few friends or colleagues who might also enjoy it. Andy would also appreciate it if you were to leave a top review wherever you listen because that really helps him and the show out! Be sure to also subscribe to the podcast so that you never miss a new episode, and we will catch you next week on The Wedding Biz!   Have you heard about Stop and Smell the Roses with Preston Bailey on The Wedding Biz Network? Listen as Preston shares the secrets, tools, and technologies behind his extraordinary ability to create a theatrical environment out of any space. Also, don't forget about Sean Low's podcast The Business of Being Creative, where Sean discusses the power of being niched, pricing strategies, metrics of success, and so much more. You can find both shows on The Wedding Biz Network.   SUPPORTING THE WEDDING BIZ Become a patron and support Andy and the show! If you are so inspired, contribute!   Time Stamps [0:56] - Today’s guest is returning guest Laurie Arons of Laurie Arons Special Events! [3:00] - Laurie moved 2020 clients to 2021 due to COVID, leading to a very busy 2021. [5:38] - After 2021, Laurie drastically scaled back weddings, prioritizing rest. [7:16] - Laurie reveals that after COVID, finding staff became very challenging. [9:29] - We learn that staff shortage persists due to long hours and weekend work. [11:30] - Client requests for extras strain planners, leading to overwhelming workload. [12:23] - Andy discusses what staying relevant in a saturated industry requires. [13:57] - Laurie argues that embracing diverse opportunities fuels professional growth. [16:59] - Laurie effectively shared special wedding moments with help from Follow the Bride. [18:16] - Laurie mana