Playa del Carmen FAM Trip: The Joy of Networking

So, here I am in fantastic Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I am visiting Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen for a familiarization trip (FAM) with the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Donna, a woman I recently hired, and I were invited to come down to check out the resort. I am also teaching three different seminars to the other wedding planners that are in attendance.

At dinner tonight at La Sirena restaurant, after my Be a COSTAR seminar, I was able to get to know a couple of the women in attendance, several of whom will be taking the AFWPI Destination Wedding Specialist Certification Course tomorrow. Among these women were Jules Rupae (an energetic and bubbly wedding planner from Oregon), Taia Younis (a savvy and outgoing wedding planner from New York) and Lisa Barr (a writer, totally not related to Roseanne). The three of them totally saved me during dinner, since I'm allergic to shrimp and was absolutely terrified to eat any of the seafood that was served. Unfortunately, we were at a seafood restaurant.

Don't get me wrong-- the food looked fantastic. I've just been having allergy issues lately, and didn't want to have to break out the epi-pen. I showed the girls how to use it, just in case... The three ladies seemed to love the food, and Donna really enjoyed what she tried. I did have a crostini with steak and carmelized onions on it, which was FABULOUS, but that was about it. Fortunately, Donna and I found a little sidewalk cafe where we wolfed down some authentic Mexican food. It was fantastic.

Tomorrow, I am teaching two seminars. I truly hope that I have some time to at least enjoy the sun and take some photos. We will see...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!