CFWA January Education Meeting at The Highland Manor

About our Speaker: Rita Goodroe

Presentation Title: REAL Impact Sales: Show Up. Stand Out. Book More Business!

Presentation Description: In the wedding and events industry, your service isn't your differentiator - the experience you create is. And that experience starts long before the contract is signed. But with potential clients overwhelmed by options and inboxes flooded with noise, how do you become the one they remember - and refer?

Turns out, the best sales strategy isn't about sales at all. It's all hospitality™ .

Not the industry - the instinct. Because how you make people feel is your strategy - and the best businesses know how to use that to stand out, get booked, and stay remembered.

In this energizing, interactive session, keynote speaker and connection expert Rita Goodroe brings humor, fresh insight, and her signature "35 dates in 35 days" experience to flip the script on traditional sales. Through the lens of REAL Impact Sales™, she'll challenge how you think about selling - and show you how to attract high-value clients and grow a referral-rich brand.

Attendees will walk away with:

• A fresh mindset for selling through experience, not just services
• Tangible ways to stand out by leading with presence, trust, and humanity
• Strategies to attract, convert, and retain clients in ways that feel good
• Storytelling techniques that build emotional connection and influence
• Confidence to turn every interaction into booked business or a valuable referral

Bio of our Speaker: Rita Goodroe is a keynote speaker, sales strategist, and host of the upcoming podcast It's All Hospitality™: The Business of Making People Feel. Known for her high-energy storytelling, sharp wit, and viral "35 Dates in 35 Days" experience, she helps wedding and event pros turn every interaction into booked business - or your next great referral.

Her REAL Impact Sales™ approach flips the script on traditional selling - showing you how to stand out through presence, trust, and unforgettable client experiences. She's spoken for leading organizations in the event and hospitality space including NACE, MPI, BBJ La Tavola, the National Concierge Association, and the Club Management Association of America.

Before taking the stage full-time, Rita built two award-winning businesses and coached thousands of entrepreneurs on authentic connection, visibility, and growth. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, NBC, CBS, and Great Day Washington, and she was honored with a Change-Maker Award from the United State of Women Summit under President Obama's administration.

Based in Savannah, GA, Rita's off-stage life includes mentoring young entrepreneurs, scouting out the city's best eats, and serving as the Director of Marketing for the Georgia Chapter of the National Speakers Association.

Email: rita@ritagoodroe.com

Website: www.ritagoodroe.com

Instagram: Rita Goodroe | Keynote Speaker & Emcee

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rgoodroe

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/RitaGoodroe

Thank you to the amazing professionals who are sponsoring this event!

Venue: The Highland Manor

Catering & Bar: Dubsdread Catering

Dessert: Sugar Divas Cakery

Photo: Sonacity Photography

DJ: Xclusive Deejays

Decor: Luxury Candles Orlando

Linens & Napkins: Connie Duglin

Visual Sponsor: TBD

CFWA Members - FREE (must pre-register with your company's unique code)

Not a member, no problem! Anyone is welcome to purchase a guest ticket.

Guests ticket information: $45

Late pricing begins on 12/29/25

The Menu:

Coming soon...