<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[meghan ely blog]]></title><description><![CDATA[meghan ely blog]]></description><link>https://meghanely.hashnode.dev</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:53:12 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/rss.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><ttl>60</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[Special Events Contributor Meghan Ely Shares Fresh Media Insights for Wedding Pros Facing Economic Pressures]]></title><description><![CDATA[As economic uncertainty continues to ripple across the wedding and events industry, many professionals are re-evaluating how they communicate with clients and position themselves in a competitive landscape. At the intersection of strategy and storyte...]]></description><link>https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/special-events-contributor-meghan-ely-shares-fresh-media-insights-for-wedding-pros-facing-economic-pressures</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/special-events-contributor-meghan-ely-shares-fresh-media-insights-for-wedding-pros-facing-economic-pressures</guid><category><![CDATA[Wedding Photography]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Meghan Ely]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 19 Jul 2025 12:26:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/stock/unsplash/ok0AGh755Po/upload/a96aeb4024763bdd89df44b50a5c67a5.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As economic uncertainty continues to ripple across the wedding and events industry, many professionals are re-evaluating how they communicate with clients and position themselves in a competitive landscape. At the intersection of strategy and storytelling stands Meghan Ely, founder of OFD Consulting and a longtime contributor to <em>Special Events Magazine</em>. Her guidance is helping event pros turn media visibility into a stabilizing force — even amid shifting financial realities.</p>
<p>Through her articles on <em>Special Events</em>, Ely offers clear, actionable insights for vendors navigating rising costs, shifting client expectations, and heightened scrutiny over pricing and value. She does so not by chasing headlines, but by encouraging vendors to communicate with purpose, strategy, and empathy.</p>
<p>"The media isn't just a platform for promotion," Ely has said across her platforms. "It's a space for education, clarity, and leadership — especially in uncertain times."</p>
<h3 id="heading-insight-rooted-in-real-industry-movement">Insight Rooted in Real Industry Movement</h3>
<p>In 2024 and 2025, Ely has consistently addressed the mounting pressure vendors face when it comes to pricing transparency, perceived value, and brand trust. From speaking at national conferences to publishing in respected industry outlets, her message remains focused: communicate proactively and responsibly.</p>
<p>In her <em>Special Events</em> contributions, <a target="_blank" href="https://app.qwoted.com/pr_users/meghan-ely">Meghan Ely</a> helps professionals understand how to position themselves as reliable voices without appearing opportunistic or overly self-promotional. Her content avoids trends that feel performative, instead leaning into steady, real-time expertise.</p>
<p>She also reinforces the importance of media literacy. Rather than encouraging broad or vague pitches, Ely outlines how to research editorial needs, anticipate story angles, and tailor submissions to the right publications — especially when clients are watching more closely than ever.</p>
<h3 id="heading-empowering-vendors-to-own-their-narrative">Empowering Vendors to Own Their Narrative</h3>
<p>Economic shifts often create confusion for both consumers and professionals. Ely's writing frequently emphasizes that visibility during these times should be framed through education, not fear.</p>
<p>For example, when wedding costs increase due to inflation or global supply disruptions, Ely recommends vendors be prepared with press-ready messaging that offers context. That might mean breaking down how service pricing reflects value, labor, or logistics — and ensuring that those messages are echoed consistently across media, client calls, and content.</p>
<p>Through her firm and her thought leadership, she reminds vendors that they can contribute meaningfully to the industry's public narrative — not by being loud, but by being clear, useful, and honest.</p>
<h3 id="heading-a-trusted-industry-voice">A Trusted Industry Voice</h3>
<p>As a contributor, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ustimesnow.com/meghan-ely-and-ofd-consulting-highlight-the-power-of-responsible-storytelling-as-wedding-costs-face-scrutiny/">Meghan Ely</a> brings more than opinion — she brings credibility. Her author archive at <em>Special Events</em> features practical, timely content designed to help wedding professionals not just get featured, but stay relevant and respected. Her voice is one of steadiness, offering media insights that reflect both journalistic understanding and real-world vendor challenges.</p>
<p>To explore Meghan Ely's author archive on <em>Special Events</em>, visit:</p>
<p>🔗 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.specialevents.com/author/meghan-ely">https://www.specialevents.com/author/meghan-ely</a></p>
<p>For more on her work with OFD Consulting, visit:</p>
<p>🔗<a target="_blank" href="https://ofdconsulting.com">https://ofdconsulting.com</a></p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Helping the Industry Speak Clearly: How OFD Consulting Shapes Responsible Storytelling in Press]]></title><description><![CDATA[In an industry built on emotion, celebration, and detail, how professionals present themselves in the media matters more than ever. But in the age of instant exposure and viral content, not every spotlight is strategic. For wedding and event professi...]]></description><link>https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/helping-the-industry-speak-clearly-how-ofd-consulting-shapes-responsible-storytelling-in-press</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/helping-the-industry-speak-clearly-how-ofd-consulting-shapes-responsible-storytelling-in-press</guid><category><![CDATA[wedding]]></category><category><![CDATA[events]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Meghan Ely]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 05 Jul 2025 10:18:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1751710642677/f53f8d89-21d0-4877-af3c-2b475800f3bb.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In an industry built on emotion, celebration, and detail, how professionals present themselves in the media matters more than ever. But in the age of instant exposure and viral content, not every spotlight is strategic. For wedding and event professionals navigating this ever-changing landscape, Meghan Ely, founder of OFD Consulting, has positioned herself as a guide for shaping press narratives with integrity and purpose.</p>
<p>OFD Consulting is known not just for securing high-profile placements in outlets like <em>The New York Times</em>, <em>Brides</em>, and <em>Martha Stewart Weddings</em>, but for how it helps clients craft the stories they tell. At its core, the agency’s mission is to empower creative entrepreneurs to show up in the media in ways that align with their values, tone, and long-term business goals — not just chase fleeting visibility.</p>
<h3 id="heading-storytelling-with-intention-not-attention">Storytelling with Intention, Not Attention</h3>
<p>Ely’s approach is deliberate. She is not in the business of forcing clients into narratives that don’t fit or using the press simply for the sake of being seen. Instead, her firm helps event pros explore what makes their story relevant and educational — and how to share it in a way that serves both the audience and the editor.</p>
<p>“Publicity should inform, not distract,” says <a target="_blank" href="https://www.specialevents.com/author/meghan-ely">Meghan Ely</a>. “We prioritize messaging that’s clear, accurate, and helpful — not overly promotional. Responsible storytelling is about earning trust, not just coverage.”</p>
<p>This principle is reflected in every aspect of her client process. From early strategy sessions to preparing for interviews and crafting press bios, Ely is careful to avoid inflated claims, vague messaging, or language that misrepresents the work behind the scenes.</p>
<h3 id="heading-responsible-visibility-in-an-unpredictable-landscape">Responsible Visibility in an Unpredictable Landscape</h3>
<p>As the wedding industry continues to face public scrutiny around rising costs, changing expectations, Ely believes professionals have a responsibility to contribute to these conversations in a thoughtful way. In recent national coverage around wedding tariffs and inflation, OFD Consulting played a behind-the-scenes role by connecting reputable vendors with journalists — not to promote, but to explain.</p>
<p>Ely’s clients are trained to speak clearly, avoid hype-driven language, and stick to facts. She ensures that no quote is ever attributed to someone without approval and that no sensitive topic is used for visibility without full alignment and consent.</p>
<h3 id="heading-setting-a-higher-standard-for-the-industry">Setting a Higher Standard for the Industry</h3>
<p>Through the OFD Collective and WeddingIndustrySpeakers.com, Ely also mentors others on how to lead with clarity — offering resources, editorial calendars, and pitch training that reflect current industry standards. The goal isn’t just to land media; it’s to help wedding pros speak for themselves, with confidence and control.</p>
<p>At a time when every sound bite can shape perception, OFD Consulting’s work ensures that wedding professionals show up well — and that their stories are told the right way.</p>
<p>To learn more, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://ofdconsulting.com">https://ofdconsulting.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[OFD Consulting Unveils Custom Media Kits for Wedding Pros Seeking National Exposure]]></title><description><![CDATA[For wedding professionals looking to elevate their brand and secure national visibility, the tools of the trade are evolving, and now, so are the resources. This month, OFD Consulting, the leading publicity and media strategy firm founded by Meghan E...]]></description><link>https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/ofd-consulting-unveils-custom-media-kits-for-wedding-pros-seeking-national-exposure</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/ofd-consulting-unveils-custom-media-kits-for-wedding-pros-seeking-national-exposure</guid><category><![CDATA[wedding]]></category><category><![CDATA[wedding planner]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Meghan Ely]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2025 14:28:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/stock/unsplash/NO8Sj4dKE8k/upload/1249326f1f8046b5b4d0b7953ec618cb.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For wedding professionals looking to elevate their brand and secure national visibility, the tools of the trade are evolving, and now, so are the resources. This month, OFD Consulting, the leading publicity and media strategy firm founded by Meghan Ely, introduced a new offering designed to bridge the gap between talent and press: Custom Media Kits tailored specifically for creative entrepreneurs in the wedding industry.</p>
<p>These media kits are more than just polished PDFs. They are strategic assets, built to position wedding professionals as press-ready experts capable of landing features, speaking engagements, and media collaborations with high-profile outlets.</p>
<p>“Media kits have always been important, but in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, they are essential,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://meghanely.com/">Meghan Ely</a>. “Editors, producers, and podcast hosts want to know immediately who you are, what you stand for, and why your work matters. A media kit makes that clear within seconds.”</p>
<h3 id="heading-meeting-the-growing-demand-for-professionalism-and-press-readiness">Meeting the Growing Demand for Professionalism and Press Readiness</h3>
<p>Over the years, Ely has worked with clients featured in major publications including <em>The New York Times</em>, <em>People</em>, <em>Brides</em>, <em>Martha Stewart Weddings</em>, and <em>Architectural Digest</em>. One consistent challenge many professionals face, however, is presenting themselves and their work in a way that resonates with the media’s fast-moving workflow.</p>
<p>“A great pitch is important,” Meghan Ely noted. “But it becomes even more effective when paired with a media kit that demonstrates credibility, clarity, and value.”</p>
<p>The new offering includes one-on-one consultation, custom design, and copywriting that aligns each client’s messaging with their larger visibility goals. Whether it’s for a planner looking to become a go-to industry expert or a designer hoping to land editorial features, each kit is customized to reflect not just the service but the story behind the brand.</p>
<h3 id="heading-bridging-visibility-gaps-with-strategic-tools">Bridging Visibility Gaps with Strategic Tools</h3>
<p>This launch builds on OFD Consulting’s broader mission to provide meaningful visibility opportunities for all professionals in the events space. <a target="_blank" href="https://ipsnews.net/business/2025/05/23/meghan-ely-recognized-by-eventex-as-one-of-the-most-influential-wedding-professionals-in-2024/">Meghan Ely</a> has long spoken out about the need to remove barriers to access in the publicity process and believes media kits are an important step in leveling the playing field.</p>
<p>“Too often, incredibly talented professionals miss out on press simply because they weren’t prepared with the right materials,” she said. “These kits help close that gap and ensure their work is presented in the best possible light.”</p>
<p>In addition to custom kits, OFD Consulting will also begin offering template-based solutions for members of the <strong>OFD Collective</strong>, Ely’s PR membership platform designed to support wedding pros with affordable, ongoing access to media tools and opportunities.</p>
<h3 id="heading-supporting-an-evolving-industry">Supporting an Evolving Industry</h3>
<p>As more wedding professionals aim to grow beyond local exposure and embrace national media, speaking platforms and thought leadership roles, OFD’s custom media kits arrive at an ideal time. With increased demand for press-ready assets, this service reflects a shift in the industry — one that values clarity, polish, and preparedness.</p>
<p>To learn more about OFD Consulting’s media kit offerings or to explore membership in the OFD Collective, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://ofdconsulting.com">https://ofdconsulting.com</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Meghan Ely's Clients Featured in Top Publications: From The New York Times to Martha Stewart Weddings]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to visibility in the wedding industry, few names command the same respect and results as Meghan Ely, Founder and President of OFD Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Ely has transformed the way wedding professionals approach p...]]></description><link>https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/meghan-elys-clients-featured-in-top-publications-from-the-new-york-times-to-martha-stewart-weddings</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://meghanely.hashnode.dev/meghan-elys-clients-featured-in-top-publications-from-the-new-york-times-to-martha-stewart-weddings</guid><category><![CDATA[events]]></category><category><![CDATA[wedding event planner]]></category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Meghan Ely]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 17 May 2025 13:14:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1747487603590/60c9342f-6311-4dc4-85fa-bfe22ba636a1.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When it comes to visibility in the wedding industry, few names command the same respect and results as Meghan Ely, Founder and President of OFD Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Ely has transformed the way wedding professionals approach publicity, helping them tell compelling stories that earn national attention. Through her boutique PR agency, she has consistently placed her clients in some of the most prestigious media outlets in the world, including <em>The New York Times, Brides, People, Martha Stewart Weddings,</em> and <em>Architectural Digest</em>.</p>
<p>This track record isn’t by chance—it’s the result of Meghan’s deep understanding of both media trends and the unique challenges facing wedding and event creatives. Whether working with planners, florists, photographers, or venues, <a target="_blank" href="https://ofdconsulting.com/blog/meghan-ely-evolve-podcast/">Meghan Ely</a> and her team specialize in crafting tailored pitches that align with editorial calendars, trending topics, and the authentic voice of each client.</p>
<p>“It’s never just about getting press—it’s about getting the right press,” Ely often says. “We’re not looking for one-off wins. We’re helping creatives build long-term visibility that supports their brand and business goals.”</p>
<h3 id="heading-from-boutique-firms-to-global-brands">From Boutique Firms to Global Brands</h3>
<p>Ely’s clients span the spectrum—from boutique firms to nationally recognized brands—and each benefits from OFD Consulting’s strategic approach. The agency has secured high-impact coverage in <em>Bridal Guide, Style Me Pretty, Southern Weddings,</em> and <em>Destination I Do</em>, helping clients expand their authority in their respective niches.</p>
<p>In an industry where consumer trust is often built through third-party validation, being published in an iconic outlet like <em>The New York Times</em> or <em>Martha Stewart Weddings</em> can instantly elevate a business’s reputation. Ely’s work not only opens these doors but ensures her clients are media-ready, offering media training, copywriting support, and crisis PR strategies as needed.</p>
<h3 id="heading-an-advocate-for-storytelling-in-the-wedding-industry">An Advocate for Storytelling in the Wedding Industry</h3>
<p>What sets <a target="_blank" href="https://www.crunchbase.com/person/meghan-ely">Meghan Ely</a> apart is her commitment to authentic storytelling. She helps her clients find and refine the human element in their brand, whether it’s a couple’s moving love story, an entrepreneur’s path to success, or a creative solution to a major planning challenge. This results in features that resonate with both journalists and audiences.</p>
<p>Ely’s belief in meaningful visibility is evident in the creation of the <strong>OFD Collective</strong>, a PR membership platform for wedding pros seeking consistent media exposure. Through the Collective, clients access editorial opportunities, curated resources, and a supportive network—all underpinned by Ely’s expert guidance.</p>
<h3 id="heading-elevating-the-industry-standard">Elevating the Industry Standard</h3>
<p>Meghan Ely’s influence extends far beyond media placements. She is a past national president of WIPA, serves on the Allied Council for the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals, and is a member of the National Nominations Committee for NACE. Her work continues to inspire and elevate the industry standard for publicity and brand storytelling.</p>
<p>To learn more about OFD Consulting and explore recent client features, visit: <a target="_blank" href="https://ofdconsulting.com">https://ofdconsulting.com</a></p>
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