Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo

About Us

About the Association for Wedding Professionals Int'l (AFWPI)

Since 1995, the Association for Wedding Professionals Int'l (AFWPI) has been the secret weapon for wedding businesses looking to shine. We don't just "assist" with marketing; we supercharge it, making sure our members stand out in a crowded market. With our top-notch industry connections and proven strategies, we help wedding professionals attract more clients, grow their reputation, and consistently over-deliver on the benefits they receive from us.

Trade Shows & Industry Events We Sponsor: and that are available to you!

One of our key benefits is connecting our members with the top trade shows in the industry. Here's what's coming up:

🗽 New York Event Planners Expo — Oct 27-29, 2026 | NYC
The premier event for event planners and wedding professionals on the East Coast.
👉 https://theeventplannerexpo.com/

🌍 IMEX America — Oct 13-15, 2026 | Las Vegas
Perfect for event planners seeking global connections, destination wedding planners, and travel agents.
👉 https://imexamerica.com/

💍 WeddingMBA — Nov 17-19, 2026 | Las Vegas
The largest trade show for wedding professionals. Over 150 seminars covering every wedding category — if you're in the wedding industry, this is a must-attend. Check them out, and using the link below will save you some bucks!
👉 https://weddingmba.com/index.php/afw

🌟 Seasonal Spectacular — California's premier hospitality event | Sacramento, CA
An awesome show for any California-based wedding and hospitality professional. 2026 dates coming soon!
👉 https://calsae.org/events/seasonal-spectacular-...

How We Got Started

At the Association for Wedding Professionals Int'l (AFWPI), we've been the cornerstone for wedding business success since 1995. We understand the unique challenges and exciting opportunities in this vibrant industry, and our mission is to provide the comprehensive support you need to truly thrive.

We offer a robust suite of benefits designed to address the core needs of every wedding professional:

Powerful Marketing Support: Get the tools, strategies, and visibility to significantly boost your brand and attract more ideal clients. We help you cut through the noise.

Credibility & Verification: Enhance your professional standing with our trusted verification process. This signals reliability and excellence to potential clients, giving you a distinct advantage.

All these invaluable benefits are available at an affordable membership fee. In return, we ask our members to uphold our Code of Ethics, a living document meticulously crafted by wedding professionals, for wedding professionals

The products and services we offer

Connecting To The Resources You Need Wedding Professionals Trade Shows Wedding Promotions Idea's Credit Card Acceptance Programs Connections To Wedding Pro Speakers Creating Live Networking Groups In Your Area Locating Wedding Professionals In Your Area Wedding Planning Service Table Linens Catering Consulting Entertainment Consulting Show all 11

"Richard Markel and AFWPI are a valuable resource for wedding professionals nationwide. Richard is..." Read more "Richard Markel and AFWPI are a valuable resource for wedding professionals nationwide. Richard is knowledgeable, connected, and genuinely interested in supporting local venues and vendors. Highly recommended for anyone in the wedding and events industry!"

"Richard has many years of experience in event planning. He has been overseeing all details to..." Read more "Richard has many years of experience in event planning. He has been overseeing all details to make events run smoothly. "

Membership in the Assn for Wedding Professionals Int'l

We assist wedding professionals in developing their business through great connections, leads and education since 1995. We are able to assist due t...

Connections to companies that do offer wedding planner education.

Catering Consulting

We offer catering consulting in Sacramento through our Catering and Venue members. As a wedding professionals organization since 1995 we can assist...

Highly Recommended

"I hae been in business for many years, it is not often that you run across nice people. Carmen..." Read more "I hae been in business for many years, it is not often that you run across nice people. Carmen isa a pleasure to speak with and ceertain someone who will take excellent care of her customers. Richard"

Highly Recommended

"Marie, is an awesome lady, I have known her for many years. As a venue owner, and a great treavel..." Read more "Marie, is an awesome lady, I have known her for many years. As a venue owner, and a great treavel agent. I will strongly recommend her to anyone seeking a travel agent."

Recent Activity

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on May 16, 2026

As Eddie suggested , use your contacts, ask them to send an invite to their connections, welcom eash one that asks to join, and ssk them the same thing. Richard (more) As Eddie suggested , use your contacts, ask them to send an invite to their connections, welcom eash one that asks to join, and ssk them the same thing. Richard

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on April 13, 2026

Like the concept. And am doing that in local markets outside of the one I am in. Well trying too. (more) Like the concept. And am doing that in local markets outside of the one I am in. Well trying too.

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on February 19, 2020

Networking, meeting the professionals in a group on a consistent basis. Breaking bread for our group holding the events in a desired location. (more) Networking, meeting the professionals in a group on a consistent basis. Breaking bread for our group holding the events in a desired location.

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on May 23, 2019

Most sales are completed by phone. All other communication plays a part in the process. (more) Most sales are completed by phone. All other communication plays a part in the process.

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on January 03, 2019

Evening Atul, I am presuming the clients you are seeking are brides and grooms that are planning weddings. The most cost effective way are bridal shows. A Good show will spend thousands of dollars to attract people planning weddings. Done well you could get dozens of new customers. The time is... (more) Evening Atul, I am presuming the clients you are seeking are brides and grooms that are planning weddings. The most cost effective way are bridal shows. A Good show will spend thousands of dollars to attract people planning weddings. Done well you could get dozens of new customers. The time is perfect as the bigger show will be held the next two months. I am aware of one excellent company Bay Area Wedding Fairs <info@bayareaweddingfairs.com> Call Wasim (925) 202-8803 Here is a Facebook link to develop a good plan on working a show. (It does take more then just showing up. Ask to join. search Facebook for MoreThanJustAPrettyBooth Richard

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on December 26, 2018

Hello Veronica, Both offer advantages. Much will depend upon the service. A Photographer or Video will need to be better trained as would an event planner or a decorator. Your market will also play a roll. Richard (more) Hello Veronica, Both offer advantages. Much will depend upon the service. A Photographer or Video will need to be better trained as would an event planner or a decorator. Your market will also play a roll. Richard

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on June 20, 2018

Yes, not only ok but wise (more) Yes, not only ok but wise

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on May 21, 2018

Do look for those that want your service. This is potentially a very romantic evening for them. So targeting brides at a bridal show offering to do their rehearsal dinner, their next morning breakfast etc. Where are you located? as I am in that industry I likely can recommend the better shows to... (more) Do look for those that want your service. This is potentially a very romantic evening for them. So targeting brides at a bridal show offering to do their rehearsal dinner, their next morning breakfast etc. Where are you located? as I am in that industry I likely can recommend the better shows to exhibit at.

Richard from Association For Wedding Professionals International & The Senior Expo Answered this on May 21, 2018

Have you emailed them a special offer? Two for one on a special dish or another promotion?? (more) Have you emailed them a special offer? Two for one on a special dish or another promotion??

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