Kiss The Brides Expo at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center

Holiday Inn/ Northwest Arkansas Convention Center

1500 South 48th Street, 72762, Springdale, AR, United States

Kiss The Brides Expo

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralph Desuse.Ralph began his career in the wedding industry as special event floral decorator then later launched Kiss The Brides Expo Bridal Show in 2003. There was a major need in providing an atmosphere where young couple can attend an expo to fresh new wedding ideas, and have fun doing so as well. It has been said that the kiss the brides expo provides an experience that is nothing like the others. The Kiss The Brides Expos are held in San Diego, Temecula, Palm Springs and Los Angeles. The Kiss The Brides Expo has also expanded nationwide to other markets which include, Little Rock AR, Bentonville AR, Fort Smith AR and Branson, MO. Ralph became served as Communication Director for the BSPI from 2012 to 2014 (Bridal Show Producer International).The wedding industry is his passion and finding ways to connect vendors and brides is what he takes pride in. Not only he has created a way to connect vendor to brides by face to face marketing, He has Co-Founded a brand-new wedding app WeddingHopper which helps streamline the wedding planning process for brides and grooms. This new app is set to launch in the next few months which will help couple connect, raise money, collaborate and share, all through your mobile device. There is no telling where this journey will take him. Considering that the wedding business presents a 50 billion industry, he anticipates that he will stay busy in finding ways to make wedding planning easy and affordable for couples getting married.Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?I began my floral business at the age of 20 and began my career as a Bridal Show producer at the age of 23 years of age. I became the young bridal show producer to join the Bridal Show Producer Association. Typically, the average age of a bridal show producer is around 50 years old. It took time for wedding pros to take me seriously. However, my professionalism and determination made them feel at ease to invest their marketing dollars with this young producer. I can remember pitching the idea of hosting a bridal show at the Pala Casino Spa & Resort. The director at that time Jerry Meseck asked me if I was prepared for the possibility that this upcoming show could flop?Through good marketing decisions, the Kiss The Brides Expo turned out to be a success with 100 exhibitors along with an attendance of over 1000 attendees. My most challenging show was held in Century City Los Angeles. I learn fast that a marketing plan in one major city may not work for another. My attendance was very poor in 2005 which cost me dearly. Over time, it took quite some time figure out what works from a marketing standpoint. going through growing was a very expensive endeavor. Now, I have comprised a formula for advertising which has helped kept my attendance strong show after show.Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kiss The Brides Expo – what should we know?They say that most business is being done online from computers, tablets and smartphones. The bridal industry is different as face to face marketing is the most effective way to engage with potential customers. The best way to do this is through a bridal show and that’s where Kiss The Brides Expo comes in. Since 2003, we have been the nation’s leader in consumer bridal shows and expos designed to give wedding professionals the opportunity to reach more potential clients and become more successful.From travel and tour companies, florists and caterers, to venues, bridal gown and accessory retailers and more, Kiss the Brides Expo has you covered. If you want to reach more consumers and grow your customer base, contact our team of wedding show professionals and let them show you what Kiss The Brides Expo can do for your business now.My responsibilities include leasing the convention space, selling the exhibition space, sponsorship packages, advertising, fashion show production, presiding over admission, set up crew, productions assistants etc.There are 100 of bridal shows in southern California. However, most of them are boring. You’ll find that at the Kiss The Brides Expo not only will you have a chance to get inspired and meet with vendors face to face, you will also have a chance to participate in a number of fun contests that everyone can enjoy. These events include our mother-daughter dance-off, Kiss The Bride Cake Dive, Battle of the Brides, Wedding Trivia, and more. Participants can win up to $20,000 worth of prizes. These challenges give brides and their bridal party an opportunity to post pics on Facebook, Instagram and snap chat.Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?Bridal Show Producer International Association which I’ve been a member of since 2005. This association consists of bridal show producers who strive on upholding to ethical standards. We believe that professionalism is key in maintaining a good reputation in our respective markets. Each member of the BSPI are season veterans who have produced consumers shows for decades. Their insight and wisdom has helped me to make the right decisions in growing my company.