The National Bridal Market Chicago at THE MART hosted the highly anticipated Mon Cheri Academy last month, December 8-10, where over 90 bridal retailers gathered to learn from industry leaders Steve Lang, Nayri Kalayjian, Julianna Granito, and Peter Grimes during an engaging three-day event filled with valuable insights and strategies.
Participants left the academy equipped with essential knowledge to enhance profitability, outshine competition, boost online sales, and expand their professional networks. The event emphasized actionable strategies retailers can implement to thrive in the dynamic bridal industry.
The National Bridal Market Chicago and Mon Cheri Academy solidified their partnership mid 2025, launching a series of both virtual and in-person MCA events.
"This event marked the first in-person Mon Cheri Academy in Chicago in several years," explained Monique Kieler, vice president of marketing, apparel for the Mart, "and we are excited to plan more sessions, both in-person and virtual, throughout 2026."
The next in-person event will be held one day before National Bridal Market Chicago on Saturday, March 14.
"Education remains a cornerstone of our mission," she added, "with the March National Bridal Market Chicago set to feature an enriching Educational Series. This will include over seven compelling seminars covering crucial topics for bridal retailers, culminating in a full day dedicated to furthering education through the Mon Cheri Academy.
The National Bridal Market Chicago is the largest premier tradeshow in the US featuring the industry’s top designers. The one-stop-shop market floor is designed to help attendees network, learn and celebrate all things bridal and special occasions. The show runs twice a year at THE MART in Chicago. The next show will run March 15-17, 2026.
For more information on the National Bridal Market Chicago visit https://www.nationalbridalmarket.com/.
