Join us at WIN! University 2026, where we're committed to
Elevating Excellence in Weddings
A half-day educational summit in Madison, Wisconsin, offering wedding and event professionals the tools, knowledge, and connections to thrive.
Wednesday
November 11, 2026
11:00 am
Doors open
11:30 am
Lunch & Networking
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Presentations
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Networking Happy Hour
SPEAKER LINEUP
Kasey Anton
she/her/hers
Meet Kasey Anton, founder of Spark Business Consulting and author of Profit First for Restaurants. A former Boston restaurateur with 20+ years of industry experience, Kasey helps creative entrepreneurs turn financial chaos into clarity, confidence, and profitability. For wedding professionals balancing creativity, client service, and the realities of running a business, she brings practical strategies to understand the numbers, make smarter decisions, and build a more sustainable business. Expect actionable takeaways, real-world insight, and plenty of humor.
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PRESENTATION
Profit First Basics for Small Business Owners
Mariah Taubenheim
she/her/hers
Mariah Taubenheim, founder of HEIM HAUS Co., is a creative entrepreneur, photographer, and brand strategist with 10+ years of experience in the wedding and creative industries. She leads Heim Media, a luxury photography and visual storytelling studio, and Heim Agency, which specializes in social media strategy, content creation, and brand storytelling.
With a background in photography, marketing, and communications, Mariah helps wedding professionals build recognizable brands through intentional imagery and strategic content that looks beautiful and drives connection and growth.
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PRESENTATION
Mastering Reels and Short-Form Videos: Best Practices for Engagement and Growth
Suzanne Doody
she/her/hers
Suzanne Doody is a marketing and business development strategist with 20 years of experience helping businesses clarify their story, connect with the right audiences, and turn marketing strategy into action. Her background spans strategic planning, brand management, communications, proposals, events, and business development, with experience leading marketing efforts for professional services firms and working closely with business owners and leadership teams. Through her firm, CommonThread Marketing, Suzanne helps businesses clarify whom they serve, how they stand apart, and how to turn that clarity into practical marketing and business development strategies. She believes good marketing starts with understanding people, not just promoting what you sell.
PRESENTATION
Know Your Couple: Defining Your Market and Standing Out in a Crowded Wedding Industry
REGISTRATION
Each admission ticket includes:
Lunch provided by The Madison Club (new this year!)
Three top-notch educational presentations with key takeaways
Networking opportunity with fellow wedding & event pros
Meet & greet with our presenters during the networking happy hour
Complimentary appetizers post-event provided by The Madison Club
Complimentary sparkling wine per attendee + cash bar
Early Bird
Members $95
Non-members $125
available until midnight, October 9
Standard
Members $125
Non-members $155
available October 10 - November 8
Week Of
Members $155
Non-members $185
available November 9 - summit begins
Current Madison Chapter WIN! members, check your email for your membership promo code.
Past attendees, watch your inbox for limited-time exclusive admission pricing
The first 100 registrants will be entered for a chance to win a 2027 Madison Chapter WIN! membership! (a $250 value).
Ticket purchases are transferable but non-refundable.
All sales are final, with the exception granted if WIN! University 2026 is canceled.
LUNCH OPTIONS
Indicate your preference when registering
All lunches include chips and pickles, coffee, tea, juice, and milk
Indicate any dietary restrictions when registering
Moroccan Chicken Salad Sandwich
pita, harissa aioli, almonds, carrot-ginger jam, arugula
Roast Beef Sandwich
hoagie roll, blue cheese aioli, horseradish cream, bacon, lettuce, roasted tomato
Crispy Eggplant Sandwich
basil hummus, cucumber, red onion, roasted tomato, arugula
PRESENTIONS
SESSION 1
Know Your Couple: Defining Your Market and Standing Out in a Crowded Wedding Industry
Suzanne Doody
It’s hard to stand out when everyone seems to offer the same thing, and even harder when you’re trying to market to “everyone.” Suzanne will walk attendees through a practical framework for identifying their ideal couples, understanding whom they’re really competing with, and uncovering what makes their business meaningfully different. Attendees will leave with a clearer picture of their target market, a better understanding of their competitive landscape, and a framework to sharpen their positioning and marketing.​
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
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How to clearly identify your ideal couples and better understand whom you are trying to reach.
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How to identify your true competitors and evaluate where your business fits within the market.
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How to uncover what meaningfully differentiates your business from others offering similar services.
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A practical framework for sharpening your positioning and creating more focused, effective marketing.
SESSION 2
Mastering Reels and Short-Form Videos: Best Practices for Engagement and Growth
Mariah Taubenheim
Short-form video has become one of the most powerful ways for wedding professionals to showcase their work, connect with potential clients, and boost their online visibility. In this session, Mariah Taubenheim will break down how to create effective Reels and short-form videos, from choosing the right platforms and formats to understanding video length, music, voice-overs, and current trends. Attendees will gain practical strategies to create content that feels authentic to their brand, increases engagement, and reaches the right audience.​
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Learn how to determine which social media platforms best support your content and business goals.
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Discover practical techniques for creating polished, engaging Reels and short-form videos.
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Understand best practices for video length, format, music, voice-overs, and current content trends.
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Learn strategies to increase engagement, expand your reach, and measure the success of your video content.
SESSION 3
Profit First Basics for Small Business Owners
Kasey Anton
Cash flow can feel especially unpredictable in the wedding industry, where long booking cycles, seasonal revenue, special orders, and fluctuating expenses are part of doing business. In this session, Kasey Anton will introduce the Profit First method and show small business owners how to create more structure around their money, pay themselves consistently, and make clearer financial decisions. Through practical examples and an interactive assessment, attendees will learn simple strategies they can begin using right away to reduce cash flow stress and build a healthier, more sustainable business.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Understanding the core principles of the Profit First method and how they apply to small businesses.
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How to create more structure around unpredictable revenue, seasonal income, and business expenses.
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A practical approach to setting up accounts and allocating income with greater intention.
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Three actionable steps you can take immediately to reduce cash flow stress and improve financial clarity.
GETTING THERE & PARKING
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace
9 East Wilson Street
$5/hour • max $28.00 daily rate
next door to The Madison Club
Public Parking Garages
WILSON STREET GARAGE
20 East Wilson Street
$1.80/hour
about a 1-minute walk
BLOCK 89 PARKING RAMP
10 East Doty Street
$6.00/hour
2-block walk
MONONA TERRACE PARKING GARAGE
1 John Nolen Drive
$3.00/hour
take the skywalk to the Hilton Hotel; exit the front of the hotel
Madison Metro Transit
​Service to the Capitol Square
Routes: A, B, E, F, R, 75
approximate 5-minute walk from Capitol Square
SpotHERO​
OUR SPONSORS
EVENT ESSENTIALS
Rentals
Korrine Engelke
Creative Director
she/her/hers
Event Essentials is a Wisconsin-based, family-owned and operated event rental company that has served our community since 1954. Together, we're passionate about helping clients create meaningful, memorable event experiences through quality rental solutions, creative expertise, and a commitment to elevating every celebration.
HILTON MADISON MONONA TERRACE
WIN! University 2026 Accommodations
Ada Hays
Sales Manager
she/her/hers
Nestled in the vibrant heart of the city, the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace offers wedding guests a sophisticated, seamless stay. Rising above the shores of Lake Monona and located just two blocks from the majestic Wisconsin State Capitol, this 4-star hotel perfectly pairs upscale comfort with the very best of downtown Madison.
THE MADISON CLUB
WIN! University 2026 Host
Jillian Weingart
Sales and Events Manager
she/her/hers
Your wedding deserves a setting as unforgettable as the moments you’re celebrating. At The Madison Club, elegant spaces, exceptional cuisine, personalized service, and breathtaking views come together to create a celebration that feels uniquely yours. And with our Platinum Wedding Package, your wedding can be the beginning of a lifetime of connection, community, and possibilities.
MELODY ROSE DESIGNS
Decor & Floral
Sarah Lopez
Florist
she/her/hers
Sarah, the creative mind behind Melody Rose Designs, brings floral visions to life with unique designs for any budget. She’s dedicated to making each couple’s experience stress-free, fun, and truly one of a kind.
PAUL F. GERO PHOTOGRAPHY
BTS & Editorial
Paul Gero
Photographer & Videographer
he/him/his
Paul Gero, a wedding, portrait, and commercial photographer and videographer with over 35 years of experience. He specializes in capturing authentic moments and the natural beauty that makes each wedding day unique.
SUGAR PEAR DESIGN
Graphic Design
Kathy Marcelle
Stationer & Designer
she/her/hers
Kathy, the talent behind Sugar Pear Design, creates custom wedding invitations and stationery that reflect each couple’s unique style. Her attention to detail and organized process ensure a seamless and meaningful experience.