Inspiring Conversations with Kim Horn

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Kim Horn.

Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
After working in the publishing field since 1986, in 1989, I branched out to start my own publishing company by publishing the Wedding Guide magazine.

I eventually changed the name to Arizona Bridal Source, in addition to planning weddings to help engaged couples enjoy their wedding day without stress. At this time, there was minimal information for couples to get knowledge on the ins and outs of agreements or what to ask to make sure the vendor was a right fit for them and their wedding. It is all about the bride and groom for their wedding.

In 1994, I started producing my first wedding show at Gammage in Tempe, where we constructed a huge tent on the lawn of Gammage with 38 exhibitors and had a radio promotion where one couple was selected to receive a free wedding ceremony. They were able to get married on the stage at Gammage with a total of 50 guests, and we dressed the wedding party up just like Barbie and Ken.

In 1995, our company, Wedding Marketing, Inc., moved to more of a media and public relations with the wedding show because of the knowledge and skill set I had in planning weddings, plus sold exhibit space and focused on connecting vendors with couples. We decided to partner with the Bridal Fashion Debut, and after working with three different companies that owned the show, in July of 2023, we were asked to purchase the show and became the fourth owner.

In 2002, I was selected as the Arizona State Coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants. With my connections, help grow their Arizona membership from 36 to over 100, plus held monthly educational meetings to help wedding planners and vendors connect.

In November of 2009, I was selected to become one of the 75 Master Wedding Planners in the World because of my continuing education, educating others, volunteering in our community and in the wedding industry, then had to sit before a jury of peers to be judged and a unanimous decision had to be made.

In November of 2010, I was the Annual Chair for the Association of Bridal Consultants annual meeting, which took place at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, and the attendees were 350 wedding planners from 7 continents; no pressure, right?

We add the dynamic duo by adding my daughter, Alexa, who has been involved with the wedding show since she was three years old by being a model on TV as a flower girl, junior bridesmaid, bridesmaid, bride, and now she joins me to be the Show Manager and handles twenty-four models and two fashion shows each day at our shows.

Alexa works remotely (until show days) since she is graduating from the University of Arizona this May (one year early) and has been accepted into grad school at NAU to achieve her Doctorate of Physical Therapy starting this August. We are a small local business that is a mother-and-daughter team.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everyone thinks they are able to be a wedding planner, and many think that producing a bridal show only means getting a few vendors and getting couples to attend. There are currently wedding planners at wedding shops, venues, entertainment companies, and more, yet with different end games for a focus and vision for the couples.

When I took over the show, we found out that APS was going to have a transformer project shutting down the power to the South Building at the Phoenix Convention Center (where we have had the shows for years). We moved for the June 9 show to the North Building, Lower Level, Halls 5 and 6, since who wants to be anywhere without air conditioning in Phoenix, Arizona, in June?

COVID changed the world, especially the wedding industry, forever. All events were shut down. I was interviewed by helping couples to mention the word “postpone” instead of “cancel” so they wouldn’t lose thousands of dollars.

Social media has changed the wedding industry too since when a bride builds an inspiration board and realizes her vision is not easy or logistically sound to implement, it is a lot.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
The Arizona Wedding Show returns on June 9, 2024, and January 11 & 12, 2025, to the Phoenix Convention Center.

June 9, 2024
8:30 am – 3 pm
North Building, Lower Level, Halls 5 & 6

January 11 & 12, 2025
8:30 am – 3 pm
South Building

Connect for cutting-edge ideas and inspirations with Arizona’s Premier Wedding Professionals in one place.

-Save thousands on your wedding!
-Win one of 3 wedding gowns sponsored by AW Bridal.
-One lucky couple will win the Ultimate Wedding Package
-The first 50 couples receive complimentary specials
-Each couple receives a complimentary canvas bag sponsored by AW Bridal
-High Energy Runway Fashion Shows sponsored by The Young Agency
-Win one of the fantastic giveaways at the Fashion Show
-Interactive Experiences
-Taste Sweets & Savories
-Attend and support local businesses.
-Must be present to win
-30th Year Anniversary

Register now to attend or exhibit at www.ArizonaWeddingShow.com.

Early registration $12 (+ tax and fees)

What changes do you expect to see in your work and the industry over the next five to ten years?
This June, we are implementing an Engage App where our attendees and exhibitors are able to scan each other’s QR codes to connect with each other immediately and share their social media, too. The days of writing down your information or sharing business cards are dwindling as the world becomes completely digital.

Since COVID, larger weddings have been more focused on inviting your family and friends that you truly want to celebrate with you in a smaller setting. Before COVID, the average wedding was 150 guests, now the average is 80 guests.

Pricing:

• Early Registration $12 (+ tax and fees)
• On-Site Registration $15 (+ tax and fees)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ArizonaWeddingShow.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/azweddingshow
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArizonaWeddingShow

Image Credits
SignatureWeddingPhotography.com