Event Recap — Expanding Your Business with Corporate Events!
- treasurer8512
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
On April 8th, ILEA San Antonio welcomed event professionals to the stunning Briscoe Western Art Museum for an evening of learning, inspiration, and connection with industry leader Susan Sutherland of Just Right DMC.
Susan shared her powerful personal journey of transforming her wedding planning business into a multi-million-dollar destination management company — all through the art of strategic networking and building genuine relationships. She emphasized how identifying the right clients, vendors, and supplier connections can unlock a whole new level of business growth.
In addition to sharing her story, Susan walked attendees through:
💡 How to network with purpose and approach connections with both curiosity and intention💡 Why helping others succeed creates opportunities for your own business in the long run💡 Practical strategies for reaching out, asking the right questions, and building real relationships
Before the evening wrapped, Susan challenged attendees to put the lessons into action with these steps:
📝 What To Do Now:
Identify Who/Where — Write a list of 5 people you can contact today for research.
Prepare to Meet — Decide who to approach and plan your introduction.
Schedule a Meeting — Send a warm-up email and book a Zoom or in-person conversation.
💬 Conversation Starters:
What kinds of events do you do?
What’s difficult for your clients?
What’s difficult for you?
If you had a magic wand and could eliminate one thing about your job, what would it be?
What do your clients expect that is getting harder to deliver lately?
The evening also featured a delicious plated dinner by True Flavors Catering and showcased some of San Antonio’s top creative event partners:
✨ Showcasing Vendors:
🍽 True Flavors Catering | Culinary Excellence: Stephanie Olivares
🖼 Briscoe Western Art Museum | Venue Partner: Valerie Burciaga
🍸 Bartenders 4 You | Beverage Service: Melissa Gaines
🎀 Bluebonnet Events | Linens, Napkins, Chargers & Tablescapes: Amanda Brown
💐 Bluebonnet Floral | Floral Designs: Ceneforth Kropp
Gaines Entertainment | DJ, Emcee: Winston Gaines
📸 Ata-Girl Photography / Sā Events | Event Photography: Tammy Blalock
This was a fantastic night of real-world advice, great conversation, and new opportunities!
Thank you to everyone who joined us — we can’t wait to see how you apply these lessons in your business. Stay tuned for our next event!
