CFWA January Education Meeting at The Highland Manor

Tue Jan 06 2026 at 06:30 pm to 09:00 pm UTC-05:00

The Highland Manor - Events Venue | Apopka

Central Florida Wedding Association
Publisher/HostCentral Florida Wedding Association
CFWA January Education Meeting at The Highland Manor
Advertisement
Come learn & network with Central Florida's finest wedding professionals!
About this Event

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: [email protected]

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:

DJ:

Florals:

Linens & Napkins: Connie Duglin

Visual Sponsor:


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...

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Highland Manor - Events Venue, 604 East Main Street, Apopka, United States

Tickets

USD 49.87 to USD 60.54

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Apopka

Free for Seniors: Breakfast & Bingo
Tue, 06 Jan at 10:00 am Free for Seniors: Breakfast & Bingo

Perkins American Food Co.

Legend of the Geezers 2026
Tue, 13 Jan at 10:00 am Legend of the Geezers 2026

City of Apopka Camp Wewa

PMU Termite Foundations,  Jan 14-16, 2026 IN-PERSON
Wed, 14 Jan at 08:00 am PMU Termite Foundations, Jan 14-16, 2026 IN-PERSON

UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center

General PTA Meeting
Wed, 14 Jan at 08:30 am General PTA Meeting

Wekiva Elementary School

R&B Picnic Fest
Sat, 17 Jan at 04:00 pm R&B Picnic Fest

3710 Jason Dwelley Pkwy

Glow Lab: Women's DIY Sugar Scrub (Apopka)
Fri, 23 Jan at 06:30 pm Glow Lab: Women's DIY Sugar Scrub (Apopka)

Apopka Fl. 32712

Alliance Cup Charity Scramble Presented By Taino Golf
Sat, 24 Jan at 08:30 am Alliance Cup Charity Scramble Presented By Taino Golf

Wekiva Golf Club

Apopka is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Apopka Events