In-Person Cost: $795.00 Member / $895.00 Non-member
Virtual Attendance: $195.00 Member / $295 Non-member
January 4, 2022
Day 1 - Welcome Dinner & Reception, 2 drink tickets.
Hotel check-in 3:00 pm. Conference check-in 3:00 - Credentials, Tickets, SWAG Fun & more
Welcome Reception & Dinner - Surprise Guest & Entertainment- 6:00 pm.
January 5, 2022
Day 2 - General Session & Virtual - 8:00 - Noon Join us as we set the stage with our host & NGWA President, Cathy O'Connell. Welcoming industry leaders and advocates that will open your heart and challenge yourself to develop better business practices servicing LGBTQ+ couples.
Keynote Luncheon Speaker & Virtual - Sara Cunningham, Founder Free Mom Hugs with a special guest.
Breakout Sessions 1:30 -3:30 - Four Inclusive breakouts, photography, photo styling, wedding planning & hashtag training.
Leisure Time 3:30 - 6:00 - Lay & soak up the sun or join an additional activity for a small fee.
VIP Reception 5:00 - 6:30 - Meet & Greet with Keynotes, Sponsors & Invited Guests.
Dinner 6:30 - Keynote Speaker - Chasten Buttigieg, "I have something to say." Looking your best on our formal event.
January 6, 2022
Day 3 - General Session & Virtual - 8:00 - Noon Join us on day #2 with your host & NGWA Vice President, Chanda Daniels. Welcoming industry leaders and wedding business owners who will help guide you through a plan of change. From social media to paperwork, we have the tools that you'll need to take away and begin to implement a higher level of inclusive service for LGBTQ+ couples and their families.
Panel luncheon with industry leaders who will lead the conversations on hot topics and ideas. Virtual - Noon-1:30
1:30 - 2:30 Bringing it home! Final Speaker - Get ready to be rocked! TBA
Join us virtually or live in-person from the beautiful Indian Wells Hyatt Resort & Spa with Industry Leaders, LGBTQ+ Advocates and Inclusive Wedding Professionals, as we make history! Recorded links will also be available.
Special event tickets are available to the public and guests for an additional fee beginning August 1, 2021.
Register early to secure your seat! Pay-in-full or payment plans available. Both in person and virtual tickets are limited!
Chasten Glezman Buttigieg, Author and Educator
Chasten Glezman Buttigieg has built a name of his own as an advocate for teachers, inclusion, and the arts. Born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, he received his bachelor’s degree in theater and global studies from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and his master’s in education from DePaul University.
Chasten most recently worked as a middle-school drama and humanities teacher before joining husband Pete on the 2020 Presidential campaign trail. In our country’s biggest cities and smallest towns, Americans were heartened by his charisma, empathy, and infectious positivity. In his moving, hopeful, and refreshingly candid memoir, “I Have Something to Tell You,” Chasten shares his story of growing up gay in his small Midwestern town, his relationship with Pete, and his hope for America’s future. The book was an instant New York Times Bestseller.
Chasten currently lives in South Bend, Indiana, with Peter and their two rescue dogs.
Sara Cunningham
Sara Cunningham is not only the proud, loving Mom of an LGBTQ child, but she has become a leading voice for faith parents of LGBTQ children. She is the founder of Free Mom Hugs, a group of affirming parents and allies who love the LGBTQ+ community unconditionally. They are dedicated to encouraging families, religious organizations, and civic leaders to not only affirm the LGBTQ+ community but to celebrate them.
Sara is a moving speaker, powerful advocate and ally, and the author of the book, “How We Sleep At Night”, an intimate, raw, challenging, and emotional memoir of her personal journey regarding her son’s homosexuality. In her writing and speaking, Sara conveys a unique authenticity and an undeniably tender, caring heart. She and her husband have been married over 30 years and live in Oklahoma City.
Jove Meyer - Jove Meyer Events
National Society of Black Wedding & Event Professionals
Kristen Palladino - Equally Wed
Cathy O'Connell - COJ Events
Chanda Daniels - A Monique Affair
Julie Novack - PartySlate
Jason Rhee - Rheefined Company
Michael & Lawrence Broughton - Black Gay Weddings
Hashtag Society
...more announced after June 1. 2021
Nestled in Greater Palm Springs, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa offers a variety of world-class accommodations. A true wedding destination resort with complete wellness services and outdoor recreation. A true winter get away for our in-person attendees. Special weekend packages are available for NGWA guest who wish to extend their stay over the weekend and enjoy the beautiful Coachella Valley. Limited availability, so book early!
We are pleased to welcome you to our world class host hotel.
NGWA Guest Rate - King $199 nightly + tax. NGWA guest can enjoy complementary parking and no daily hotel fees. Thank you to our sponsors!
There is a NGWA room block. Book early to guarantee your reservations.
