ABC Business of Brides Conference 2026

Chris Weinberg is the Founder and CEO of Chris Weinberg Events, a full-service wedding and event production company based in Miami, Florida. With more than twenty years of experience in the wedding and events industry, Chris has produced hundreds of celebrations ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale, multi-day events, working with diverse clients, teams, and vendor partners across a wide range of markets. Chris began her career hands-on—doing everything herself—and understands firsthand the challenges that come with building a business from the ground up. Over time, she evolved from sole operator to business owner and leader, developing systems, teams, and leadership practices that support both exceptional client experiences and long-term sustainability. That journey shapes her perspective as an educator and speaker today. Known for her calm leadership style and practical approach, Chris focuses on helping wedding professionals strengthen their businesses through better decision-making, communication, pricing confidence, and team development. She speaks candidly about the realities of growth, delegation, and leadership in a high-pressure, emotionally driven industry. In addition to her work with clients, Chris is the Founder of The Event Summit, an educational conference created to support wedding and event professionals through business-focused education—the same approach that helped her successfully scale and evolve her own company. She has spoken at industry conferences, including ENGAGE, Catersource, and The Event Summit, where she is valued for delivering thoughtful, experience-based education that resonates with professionals at every stage of business. Chris' work emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and longevity—helping wedding professionals build businesses that function smoothly, serve clients well, and support the lives they want to lead.

Shakila Booker is the Owner & Managing Director of SML Assisting LLC. This executive virtual support company provides strategic planning, administrative support, and event management for meeting, wedding, and event professionals. With over 20 years of experience in sales, logistics, and event management, she supports solopreneurs in building scalable businesses with confidence. Shakila is dedicated to exceptional service and high-level performance. This is why she’s known as Your Business Nanny®! The core values surrounding her work are strong relationships, collaboration, and being detail-oriented. When not assisting her clients, you will likely find Shakila traveling and spending time with her family.

Paige Mejia, FPO, FEO, SEO, has been featured on KERA’s Art and Seek, NBC, CBS, The CW, Dallas Child Magazine, The Meeting Professional Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and The Wall Street Journal. A seventeen-year veteran in the events industry, Paige Mejia, is co-owner and serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Pyrotex, the oldest Texas-based professional pyrotechnic display company. This firework lovin’ gal is passionate about the value of networking in growing your event business. Past board member of CCEP, TxACOM, ILEA Dallas, DFW NACE, Past President of the D/FW Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, current President of the Texas Live Events Coalition, Director of Community Engagement for WIPA DFW, and Southwest Regional Co-Chair for MPI Global, Paige resides in McKinney with her high school sweetheart, 2 teens, and a menagerie of animals.