Meet some of the brilliant minds who have attended Be Sage over the years:
Kristi Drago-Price,
Editor’s Edge
Reytheda Jackson,
Stoh-ree Events
Sheena Kalso,
SK Creates
Christie Osborne, Mountainside Media
TERRICA - Cocktails & Details®
Be Sage helped me get past the pretty and emotional of our industry and down to the brass tacks. I learned things to not only make my business an operational success, but also profitable, which is key for success in the industry. The connections I've made have lasted years and have been some of my most phenomenal collaborations. Be Sage is the educational experience to add to your must have for your business.
Lillian Wright - Mimosa Floral
The Be Sage Conference has now become an essential part of my year and mental health! As an entrepreneur, all too often it's easy to get swept away with the day to day of running a business so I am grateful to have the conference every year because I know that it's my designated time for focusing on the big picture.
Jordan Kentris - A Good Day
I've been to a number of industry conferences and by far, Be Sage is one of the best - the education is focused, compelling and actionable. There is a perfect mix of activities, networking (they take the time to mix up who you are sitting with each day and event so you always get to meet new people) and a core of enhancing our businesses. The connections I've made have been so fruitful, leading to projects years later. It's also been an opportunity to meet other vendors IRL that I wouldn't have had the chance to in any other place.
Meghan Ely - OFD Consulting
The Be Sage Conference is the perfect blend of high-level networking and master level education for the established wedding professional. I know firsthand how deeply Michelle cares about the Be Sage experience for her attendees and it's evident in every detail planned. It's permanently on my calendar every year.
Ebony Cattouse - Ebony Cattouse Events
I restructured my systems and dive into my community of event pros. I’m able to bring a level of service to my clients because this retreat gave me time to reflect, connect with others and learn more about our ever changing industry and business
Leah Weinberg - Oduberg Law, LLP
Not only has Be Sage provided me with quality education to improve my business, but it has also provided an environment for making incredible connections. Last year was my first time attending and everyone was incredibly welcoming -- no cliques here -- and so knowledgeable about business. Be Sage tends to attract high quality and highly experienced business owners, making it such an inspiring environment. Can't wait to go back!
Vijay Goel - 440 Elm by Bite Catering Couture
The BeSage conference is a great place to meet really engaging, experienced event people and really get to know them and what makes them tick. The setting is idyllic, the events are inspiring, the setup in the stage and conference room is everything you'd want an event to look like (with ideas you can steal for your own events). The speakers and content reflect ideas for more established pros. It's a really well produced event for people who are ready to make some changes in their business (we're opening a venue and the feedback was invaluable)
Saraí Flores Mendívil - Saraí Flores
Attending Be Sage Conference gave me and my business the motivation and skills to bring new systems and ideas to life. Each session was thoughtfully designed to inspire and equip attendees with practical tools for success. Above all, I valued the purpose driven atmosphere, and all the effort put into every talk and carefully curated speakers.
Joan Cinquegrani - Five Grain Events
The confidence and education that I have gained in attending Be Sage over the past decade is truly unmatched. I had taken a few years' hiatus due to family matters and was so happy to have been able to return in 2024 to my wedding industry "family". It felt like a homecoming. I love sharing my experiences and learning from others' hard-earned wisdom in an ego-less environment with spectacular and accessible speakers and educators. Cannot recommend Be Sage Conference more highly.
Sharon Becker - SB Beauty
I got the chance to meet warm and friendly wedding vendors from across the country and some outside the country! Since I really enjoy meeting other vendors and building my network, I appreciated all of the structured conversation time that Michelle planned for us. She thoughtfully curated our daily seating arrangements so we could mix with new people and we didn't just gravitate to the folks we already new. These details made the conference less cliquey. Michelle's warmth permeated the whole week!
Rebecca Grant - New Creations Weddings
Attending the Be Sage Conferences over the years constantly up levels my business. Being a "veteran" in the industry, I believe it is super important to stay relevant, continue to network to learn from peers around the world, and to push for the "what's next" in my business. I am so appreciative of the educational content & leadership that Michelle brings in. Well worth your time & resources!
Sofia Ocampo - Events by Sofia
I had heard wonderful things about Be Sage, but I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. Michelle is extremely intentional and thoughtful about everything she does. Every attendee was genuinely kind, open and warm. The location and events were stunning and the speakers were top notch. So grateful for the experience and excited about the next one!
Katherine Healy Brown - Clover Events
I have been a loyal Be Sage attendee since the first one in Chicago and I can't recommend it enough! I have made lasting relationships with like-minded business owners that have enabled me to expand and grow my business in ways I never could have dreamt. The education is engaging and actionable and I always leave reinvigorated and excited to work on my business! Michelle is so intentional with the speakers and networking opportunities. Meaghan does an incredible job planning the conference with no detail left behind. Be Sage is truly a conference I look forward to attending every year!
BreeAnn Gale - Pink Blossom Events &
Evergreen Custom Gifting
Be Sage Conference has been a tremendous support for my business over the years! The opportunity to connect with other wedding and event professionals around the country has made a tremendous impact on my business and the community around me.
Through my connections while attending the Be Sage Conference I have not only gained business from other event leaders but have also been made aware of other educational opportunities that would help make the community around me thrive. I will forever be grateful for all I have learned and been inspired by while attending The Be Sage Conference and can't wait to attend the next one!
Kehrin Hassan - JetSetWed and Set Soiree
Be Sage was such an incredible experience. It really is hard to find an educational resource in the wedding industry that truly dives into the numbers, leverage opportunities, long term goals ect. of your business. This confrence is what a true business owner is looking for if they want to take their business seriously. Michelle understands the great success that can be had in this industry and she helps others to see it too. Highly recommended.
Judy Maligaspe - Wera Events LLC
Before I went for this conference, I did not know anything about it, with many events conference to choose from I did do my research and went
But my god, this was a breath of fresh air, I went with an open mind and met some amazing people who was also open minded to learning from each other. The whole experience was amazing.
I am so looking forward to the next one
Sheena Kalso - Behind Your Scenes
Be Sage has helped me make huge pivots in my business, ones I wouldn't have imagined making, because of key conversations had over a meal with fellow attendees. You're surrounded by people who have so much valuable experience that a simple chat can turn into a "my mind has been blown" revelation. I'm forever grateful to Be Sage for creating a space where magic can happen.
Dana Kadwell - Hustle and Gather
I had heard about Be Sage for a few years before I could actually attend. I was curious about what made this conference different from every other one I had been to. I had been to all the major ones, and even the luxury ones - and none really seemed to address those of us that are in this messy middle of a successful business.
Be Sage was a breath of fresh air with great content - but even better networking and relationship building. I met friends that even years later, I still call on when I need business advice. You are surrounded by people who are just like you - business owners who are in the hard parts of their business- deciding how to scale, how to stay relevant, and how to balance it all.
kristal hancock - sublime stems
This community is like no other. If I am stuck on an idea, problem or just a question I do not hesitate to reach out to past guest speakers, fellow industry friends or Michelle herself. The knowledge from each speaker Be Sage brings in is so valuable. Even if I think I might not relate to a presentation, I always take away so much. I walk alway from the conference feeling energized, inspired and with a clear vision of my next step in my business.
SUSAN MCCLEARY, PASSIONFLOWER
I decided to attend the Be Sage conference because I was at a crossroads in my business. I’d been flying by the seat of my pants for the past 7 years, allowing things to just “happen” to my business, instead of taking the reigns and deliberately choosing my direction. I knew I’d hear from speakers who have achieved big things, and I knew I’d be surrounded by business owners like me looking to blossom professionally. Placing myself within that inspirational mix allowed me to glean much of the practical knowledge I needed to grow, and also boosted my courage and confidence. I now have a successful online course that is providing the passive income I needed to be able to pursue my passion ever further.
Heather Ann Leavitt, Sweet Heather Anne
When I arrived at the Be Sage Conference, my passion driven bakery was balancing tenuously on the countless hours I was putting in to make it work. Now I have training materials, a handbook, a kitchen manager, a dishwasher, and time to devote to working on the business instead of in it. Dare I say work-life balance? It's amazing!
Jesi Haack, slaack Design
This experience has been flawless from start to finish. Things I loved about this conference:
The impeccable organization of the itinerary. So well-planned and thought out!
The fun surprises at every turn. A treat in my room, a treat at the welcome party, a treat at my table, another treat at my table every time I come in from a break. So intentional!
The community of shared experiences you have created. What a unique experience. None of us are experts, we ALL are! No division between speakers and attendees.
The wide arrange of wise people and stories you placed on the speaker panel. SO MUCH BIGGER than weddings and the wedding world. This was my most favorite of surprises.
Gretchen Culver, Rocket Science Events
The Be Sage Conference is one of the best conferences for wedding industry professionals who are really looking to better their businesses. I was so impressed with the depth of content and relevant takeaways that each speaker provided. The other attendees were all awesome and I loved learning from them as well. There was plenty of time for connecting and relationship building at the many fantastic parties and activities that surrounded the time in sessions. I left Be Sage feeling energized with actionable steps to take my business to the next level AND new friends in the industry. If you are serious about your profession and like having fun don't hesitate to sign up for this conference, it is worth every penny!
Kelly Thompson, Fleur
Attending Be Sage always leaves me with volumes of great information that I utilize to grow my business. But most importantly it energizes me. Be Sage rejuvenates my passion and focus, which makes it so much easier to appropriate the knowledge I took away. And, I always love seeing old friends and meeting new ones as well!
Christiane Zweifler, Floranova
3 years ago, it was time to make big changes to my business. I was burned out after running my business for 12 years with just part-time and freelance assistance and working almost every weekend. I needed to hire a reliable team. That’s when I attended the Be Sage Conference for the first time: several speakers there gave me the encouragement, the tools, and the processes to implement the changes for my business: since then I hired 2 wonderful, full-time employees and several part-timers who are able to run most aspects of the operational side of my business. And with some more help from Michelle over the years with financial advising I am now in a position that gives me a healthy work-life balance. I couldn’t be happier!
Christy Weber, Action & Co.
The Be Sage Conference is truly unique in the world of weddings. It has a laser-like focus on helping wedding professionals build rock-solid business foundations, and maintain them for the long haul. Michelle Loretta and the Be Sage speakers offer attendees an incredible combination of tactical business advice, big picture strategic thinking, creative inspiration, and of course, a whole lot of fun. There is no way to walk out of Be Sage without a stronger, more effective business approach and a community of like-minded peers to support your business evolution.
Claudia Smith, Fig 2 Design
Attending the Be Sage Conference was a great investment. Being in the stationery business, I was initially afraid the conference would be geared heavily towards planners and issues they face, but instead was surprised at how much of the content was applicable to anyone in the weddings and events industry. The speakers knew their audience and shared great insight on various topics. Everything from building culture to productivity were covered—even scary topics like accounting, legal, and SEO were covered in a format that was easy to understand and then apply to all businesses across the board. If you’re looking to connect with more people in the wedding and events industry and learn more ways to improve the ins and outs of your business, I highly recommend Be Sage!