This wonderfully dorky picture is of me after the Gateway Bridal Show in 2003, which was the first year that I planned a Gateway Bridal Show on my own.
At the end of that long night, my supportive co-workers tied a ribbon around my head and gave me a sparkle star wand. It was our silly way of celebrating the success of the show (and the fact that it was over).
I wish I knew where that beautiful wand was now because it is time for me to PASS THE TORCH or in this case to PASS THE SPARKLY STAR WAND!
MY ANNOUNCEMENT:
It is hard for me to believe it, but I have worked at Gateway Center for 12 years! I feel very fortunate to work for an organization that has allowed me to continually evolve over the years. I am excited to announce that my position has once again changed. I was recently promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing.
I have put in a lot of time and energy into developing the Gateway Bridal Shows (GBS) over the years. I am very proud of the success of the shows. While I am thrilled about my new position, it is also bittersweet because I am announcing that it is time for me to “pass the torch.” From this point forward, Cassie Hoffman will be the producer and manager of the Gateway Bridal Shows. In my new role as Director of Sales & Marketing, I will oversee Cassie as well as the GBS. Therefore, I will still be very involved. However, ultimately the GBS will now be Cassie’s events to produce.
Most of the GBS vendors have worked with Cassie already. She began working at Gateway Center back in 2007. Now, Cassie is our Sales Manager that works with the wedding market. She is very familiar with the shows because she has worked as my Bridal Show Assistant for many years. I could not ask for a better person than Cassie to take over the shows that have meant so much to me. I know that she already understands the intricacies of the show. Her knowledge coupled with her enthusiasm for weddings truly does make her the perfect person to take over. Like I said, this is a bittersweet announcement for me. It is hard for me to let someone else take over, but the time has come for me to focus on new challenges.
I want to personally thank my co-workers and all of the vendors for helping make the GBS successful. The years have slipped by in a bridal blur and I have enjoyed it thoroughly!
Enough of the mushiness. I am still at Gateway Center, so I will still be involved. Cassie and I will strive to the make the transition as seamless as possible. I am looking forward to watching the show grow and flourish with Cassie in charge!
Cassie Hoffman Sales Manager & Gateway Bridal Show Producer
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Vendor Spotlight
Monday, 14 January 2013 20:21
We have shined our "Vendor Spotlight" on Julia Crunk with Ambassador Travel. Thank you, Julia, for taking the time to share some of your extensive knowledge and experience with us.
Q: What honeymoon planning advice do you have for brides and grooms? A: Plan in advance! Your dates are usually not flexible and many times if the price goes down, you can claim the savings. You can plan up to 11 months in advance.
Q: Do you have a favorite destination to recommend? A: There are many all inclusive adult only resorts in Cancun / Riveria Maya Mexico, it is my most favorite area. Non stop flights almost every day of the week. Only 3 hours and you are there. Crystal blue waters and wihite sand beaches, and many resorts can meet almost any budget! Punta Cana is my second favorite, 3 1/2 hour non stop flights, also has crystal blue waters and white sand beaches.
Q: At the Gateway Bridal Show on 1/24 at Gateway Center, brides can enter to win a FREE HONEYMOON: 3 Nights & 4 Days at the All-Inclusive Now Larimar in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Round Trip Non-Stop Airfare from St. Louis to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. What is your favorite thing about the Now Larimar Resort? A: Start with 700 yards of white sand beach, spacious accommodations, gourmet dining, premium open bars, and excitng night life. Be ready to be dazzled, be pampered and be happy!
Q: Do you have any advice for couples that are going to the Punta Cana, Dominican Republic? A: Weddings are very stressful and this is your time to Rest, Relax, enjoy the sun, food and spa. Enjoy your time together, alone as one. And, PASSPORTS ARE REQUIRED!!
Are you engaged? Be sure to attend the Gateway Bridal Show on 1/24 and enter to win a FREE HONEYMOON courtesy of Ambassador Travel, Apple Vacations and Now Resorts and Spas. See more details below.
FREE HONEYMOON: 3 Nights & 4 Days at the All-Inclusive Now Larimar in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Round Trip Non-Stop Airfare from St. Louis to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Finding your top travel destinations and building memories, one vacation at a time...
Ambassador Travel specializes in Honeymoon Travel Destinations, Family Fun Vacations, Adult Only Resorts, Adventure Travel Destinations, and Destination Wedding Travel.
If you prefer to avoid the headaches and time of booking your own travel, call Ambassador Travel to speak with their experienced and knowledgeable travel agents.
Insider Tips on Attending Bridal Shows
Wednesday, 25 July 2012 16:07
Bridal shows are a wonderful way to meet lots of trustworthy wedding professionals all in the same room.
Here are a some insider tips that will help you make the most out of your Sunday afternoon at the Gateway Bridal Show at Gateway Center on July 29.
1) Pre-register! There are two benefits of pre-registering prior to the Gatweay Bridal Show. You will be eligible to win one of the Vendor's Attendance Prizes and you will be able to bring one guest with you to the show for FREE. Pre-Register Here.
2) Labels are the secret time saver. Bring a couple sheets of label stickers with your contact information printed on them to the show. This will save you time when entering drawings! Be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email address.
3) Create a temporary e-mail to be used while you are planning your wedding. That way you can delete it when you no longer are interested in receiving special offers or hearing from vendors. The amount of offers you receive at first may seem overwhelming, but take the time to read them or you may miss out on some very good deals!
4) Be smart. Bring your smart phone because you will want to snap pics of decoration ideas, cake displays, gorgeous gowns and much more. If you do not have a camera phone, bring your camera.
5) Bring your credit card or checkbook just in case you end up wanting to reserve a vendor, book services or buy a product at the show. Some of the vendors are offering special deals during the show.
6) Bust out a big purse. We will provide you with Bride Swag Bags that you can put vendor’s information into. But, once that is full, you will wish you had brought a larger purse. Gather as much information as possible from all the companies that you are interested in. You can look back through this information when you get home.
7) Bring your entourage! Grab some friends. The more the merrier!
8) Wear comfy shoes.
9) Last, but not least...SMILE & ENJOY! Bridal shows are full of free food, drinks, ideas and inspiration. The vendors are there for YOU. Ask as many questions as you want and take advantage of all the pampering while you can!
Roller Derby at Gateway Center
Thursday, 17 May 2012 17:30
Gateway Center has been around for over 20 years and it is fair to say that in that 20+ years, we have seen a lot. We have hosted events that range wildly in size and type. We host meetings, banquets and weddind receptions as well as consusmer and public shows as well as conventions.
When a person walks through our doors on any random day, they might stumble upon - a gymnastics meet, a Indian Artifact Show, a Jewelry Show, a Car Show, an Animal Expo, a Bonsai Convention... or maybe a ROLLER DERBY!
On Sunday, May 20th, Gateway Center will be the proud host facility of our first ever ever roller derby event sponsored by the Confluence Crush Roller Derby.
The Confluence Crush Roller Derby is a women’s flat track roller derby league that was founded in 2011. They are a group of mixed-experienced skaters from the Saint Louis Missouri and Metro East Illinois area.
What is flat track roller derby? Flat track roller derby is a fast-paced contact team sport that requires speed, strategy, and athleticism. The flat track version of the sport evolved in 2001, and has quickly grown to encompass close to 1,000 leagues worldwide. This is in large part due to the ease of setting up a flat track–it can be done on any flat surface that is suitable for skating. This greatly reduces the capital needed to start up a roller derby league, and allows small groups of people to get a fledgling league off the ground. The DIY spirit that drives the sport allows roller derby leagues to create their own unique identities and adapt their structures to reflect their local communities.
The staff of Gateway Center are very excited to host this action packed event. We hope that a large crowd will come out to support these athletic women as they show us their sport.
You could win a 3 Night Stay at the Ibero Star Resort in Cancun courtesy of Travel One just by pre-registering for the Gateway Bridal Show!
That is just one example of how awesome our Vendor Attendance Prizes are this year.
Prizes will include things such as FREE vacations, FREE Services, huge discounts, and much more! Be sure to Pre-Register for the Gateway Bridal Show so that you can be eligible to win one of these exciting Attendance Prizes…
Organization's Name
Attendance Prize
A Touch of Elegance
$50 Gift Certificate/Headpiece,Veil or Jewelry Set
Aesthetics Studios
$100 Off
All About Eyes
$75 Gift Certificate
American Prestige
2 Tungston Wedding Bands from JVL jewelry
Angie Morgan Wedding Officiant
$50 Off Services
Artistry on Cakes
Free Tiara
Becky Huffman Flowers LLC
$100 Off Floral Order ($1000 min)
Bel-Air Banquet & Event Center
$50 Gift Certificate OR Family Bowling Certificate
The Home Showis an event designed for homeowners in all stages of remodelling, landscaping and decorating their homes. Each event includes hundreds of home improvement and landscaping exhibits with product demonstrations and sample interior and exterior vignettes. With a combination of new products and expert advice from the pros, the Home Show inspires homeowners with countless ideas on enhancing their home's comfort and functionality, as well as its aesthetic appeal and overall value.
After the end of the day, do your bones ache? Are your muscles sore? Is your brain fried?
What if you could come come from a long day and jump in to your new hot tub to soak, relax and destress? Ahhhhh. Hot tub prices are lower than ever these days!
Have you been looking to update a room in your house, but you just can't seem to find the time to research options much less go to all the different stores to compare pricing?
What if you could go to one place to research, compare pricing, and talk to professionals that can help you? Save time and money? Yes, please!
The solution is to attend the Home & Hot Tub Show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Gateway Center! Come check it out! It is FREE to attend! Why not?!
Who should attend? Whether you are a new homeowner, or someone who has lived in your home for years, anyone with an interest in updating, enhancing, or creating a new look or amenity for their home will enjoy the Home Show.
Why should you attend? - Shop, compare and save. Ask exhibitors for show specials - Save time by meeting hundreds of companies under one roof - Discover new and interesting products and services for your home - Get inspired and excited about your home and the countless possibilities - Find the best resources in home improvement, landscaping, and design services - Meet face to face with home improvement professionals - Get expert advice and tips - Be wowed by the possibilities
Jen & Mark are getting married and they are serving Jen-tinis and Mark-aritas at their reception.
A convention has a Hawaiian Theme, so what do they have at the bar? Mai Tais!
Is the company president is a big Cardinal fan? Offer Cranberry and Vodkas to celebrate the red birds at the cocktail party after the meeting.
Signature Cocktails are a fun way to personalize your event to match your event's colors or incorporate your names, professionals, or hobbies.
Eurest Dining Services, which is Gateway Center's in-house caterer, offers Signature Cocktail Bar Packages. Call today to find out more!
Late Night Menu
Monday, 11 April 2011 00:00
It's late, you are tired, and your feet hurt. Yes, you ate dinner just a few hours ago, but your belly is rumbling again. What you really want is a late night snack!
What could satisfy your craving better then a pizza bar, hot nachos, soft pretzels, or a french fry station?!? That's right, nothing!
Your guests will be thanking you if you add a Late Night Station to your menu at your wedding reception, class reunion, birthday party, or awards banquet. Meeting, convention, and trade show clients can also use these Snack Stations to add excitement to their events.
Let's face it, everyone loves an excuse to eat some comfort food. So, add one of these stations to your menu and watch your guests walk away happy after they enjoy a special treat!
For more information, please call 618.345.8998 and ask to speak with a member of our sales staff.
Creating Keepsakes Convention
Wednesday, 30 March 2011 00:00
Creating Keepsakes Convention Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9, 2011
How much does it cost to attend CKC? CKC works hard to make their event affordable for almost every budget.
Vendor Faire Shopping- $10 at the door (look for discount coupons online the week before the event) - access to incredible shopping including the latest products and even discounts on your favorite supplies! You can also expect to see some great Make and Takes, demonstrations, and inspirational samples.
Classes are offered all day and evening, subject to availability. Prices range from $20 to $60. There are over 100 classes to choose from during 3 scrap-filled days! Acquire new skills and perfect techniques in classes featuring popular products, expert instruction, and diverse projects.
For class schedules and more information, please visit Creating Keepsakes at http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com or call customer service at 1-800-815-3538.
New Promo Videos
Wednesday, 30 March 2011 00:00
Over the course of the last year, Gateway Center worked with Lifetime Media to create new promotional videos. Check them out!
We are extremely pleased with the results. And, we are very grateful to our clients both past and present that took time out of their busy lives to be a part of the videos for us.
Nikki & Tom's Love Story
Tuesday, 15 February 2011 00:00
In 2009, Gateway Center had a Rock Your Reception Contest for the Gateway Bridal Show. Engaged couples entered the contest by sharing their love story. Out of all the entries, we picked a "Top 3" stories and then invited the public to vote for the winner. The winner of that contest was Nikki & Tom.
There truly could not have been a more deserving couple...
Nikki was diagnosed with cancer at the young age of 25. She began a long battle to fight for her life. And, Tom stood by her side the entire time. Their love grew as they rode this roller coaster together. Their story touched the lives of all of those that knew them and even those who did not. Their love endured through thick and thin and it was so inspiring.
Sadly, Nikki recently lost her battle with cancer. I may not have known Nikki and Tom very well, but what I do know is how much they are loved. I remember the outpouring of care and concern from the nearly 500 people that voted for them to win the contest.
In honor of Nikki and the love that Nikki and Tom shared, I wanted to share their love story that Nikki entered the contest with. I hope this love story will inspire people to not take one minute of their lives for granted and to hold on tight to their loved ones.
Nikki & Tom's Story:
For better or for worse-a vow most couples have only really seen one side of when they eagerly commit to each other on their wedding day. No one ever plans for that “worse” side of the “better.” When I first met Tom six years ago on my 21st birthday, neither of us could have ever foreseen the wonderful, and yet tumultuous road ahead of us.
Tom and I have shared a million wonderful experiences together; we’ve traveled together, and celebrated together. In many ways we’ve become adults together, finishing college, searching for careers and finding a life together. He is my best friend, and a wonderful man. I can’t imagine my life without him. However I’m inclined to believe that the true test of a lasting relationship isn’t how amazing it is when things are good, but rather how two people come together when things are bad.
Tom was holding my hand a year and a half ago when the doctor came into my hospital room to tell me that at the age of 25 I had cancer. I was diagnosed with a very rare cancer, and the outlook did not look good. He looked at me and said, “We can beat this.” Tom was by my side through debilitating rounds of chemotherapy that left me weak and extremely sick. When he couldn’t be with me because of his job, he would sit on the phone with me for hours until I was able to fall asleep. He held me when I cried, and told me every day how beautiful I was despite the fact I no longer had hair. He was at the hospital with me through a rough surgery, and he celebrated with me when I was told the cancer was gone. Two short months later, he cried with me when we found out the cancer was back. He was by my side through another difficult surgery, and when I was admitted to the hospital for a month to undergo high-dose chemotherapy with a stem cell transplant, he slept next to my hospital bed every night. He held me tight and told me not to give up when we found out these did not work, and the cancer had spread.
Through much of this we had been working to plan a June 2009 wedding, a goal that kept me focused on getting past all this. While in the hospital I surrounded myself with bridal magazines and we dreamed about all the details we wanted, all the time knowing how uncertain the future really is. After much talk, Tom and I decided that while we still wanted to work toward our June wedding, we also wanted to spend as much time as we could as husband and wife. We eloped in September, one day before the 6 year anniversary of our first meeting. We decided to keep our June date, but if we’ve learned anything it’s that life is unpredictable. It is very important to us to celebrate our love with all of our family and friends in June, and we are still excitedly planning our wedding.
In July I started a new kind of chemotherapy. By October we were seeing wonderful results. Tom was by my side December 9th when I had my very last round of this new treatment. I left the hospital cancer free, and in remission. We have no idea what the future will hold, but we do know how strong our love is for one another. We’ve battled through the “worse” and we are cherishing the “better.” We are counting down the days to our wedding in June, and hopefully a long life together.
- - -
Thankfully, Nikki and Tom were able to have the wedding that they had dreamed of. The pictures from their special day (see above) were captured by Nikki & Tom's wedding photographers (and friends) Karin & Roger Doolin with Starry Eyed Studios.
In 2009, Gateway Center had a Rock Your Reception Contest for the Gateway Bridal Show. Engaged couples entered the contest by sharing their love story. Out of all the entries, we picked a "Top 3" stories and then invited the public to vote for the winner. The winner of that contest was Nikki & Tom.
Through much of this we had been working to plan a June 2009 wedding, a goal that kept me focused on getting past all this. While in the hospital I surrounded myself with bridal magazines and we dreamed about all the details we wanted, all the time knowing how uncertain the future really is. After much talk, Tom and I decided that while we still wanted to work toward our June wedding, we also wanted to spend as much time as we could as husband and wife. We eloped in September, one day before the 6 year anniversary of our first meeting. We decided to keep our June date, but if we’ve learned anything it’s that life is unpredictable. It is very important to us to celebrate our love with all of our family and friends in June, and we are still excitedly planning our wedding.