The National Bridal Market Chicago is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with the Mon Cheri Academy featuring a series of virtual and live in-person MCA Events.
Annual Live Mon Cheri Academy (in Chicago)
We’re excited to invite you to join us for our next in-person Mon Cheri Academy (MCA in CHI), taking place September 23–25, 2026 at THE MART in Chicago.
This is not just another event—it’s a can’t-miss experience designed to move your business forward with clarity, confidence, and real momentum.
Over the course of three focused days, we’ll dive into the strategies that are working right now—from increasing close rates and maximizing profitability to refining your team’s performance on the sales floor through role playing exercises. Every session is built to deliver practical, actionable takeaways you can implement immediately.
Retailers who attend MCA consistently walk away with:
Stronger sales performance and higher closing percentages
Clear direction on inventory, staffing, and operations
Renewed energy, focus, and confidence heading into the season
Just as important, MCA in CHI puts you in the room with other driven retailers—sharing ideas, comparing notes, and learning from one another in a way that simply can’t be replicated.
Stepping away for three days may feel like a commitment—but missing what happens in that room is far more costly. The insights, perspective, and momentum you gain will impact your business long after you return.
We strongly encourage you to prioritize this. The retailers who show up are the ones who move ahead.
Virtual MCA April 20
Are you closing 70% of your traffic? If not—what’s standing in the way?
Join us for our next Virtual Mon Cheri Academy on April 20th at 1 PM.
Nayri and Steve Lang will share proven strategies to help you:
Motivate and energize your staff
Conduct impactful role-playing exercises
Increase average sales through smarter upselling
Implement strong commission and incentive programs
Generate more referrals
Lead your team to sell with confidence—and consistency
Top sales leaders agree:
If your salesforce performs at a B or C level, your sales results will match.
Now consider what’s possible:
Increasing your close rate from 50% to 70% = +40% sales increase
Increasing from 30% to 50% = +67% sales increase
Increasing from 40% to 70% = +75% sales increase
What product line can deliver those kinds of gains immediately? None.
Many stores carry too much inventory without turning it at least four times per year—often because it’s not being presented with intensity or impact.
Every gown in your store is a tool. The key is knowing how—and when—to use it.
We’ll show you how to elevate your team’s performance and maximize the return on every piece in your inventory.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Best Regards,
Steve Lang, CEO Mon Cheri Bridals/Chair NAFAA
Nayri Kalayjian, The Wedding Fashion Expert
Virtual MCA February 9
The next virtual MCA will take place on February 9 at 1 PM EST. This seminar will be led by Nayri Kalayjian, The Wedding Fashion Expert. Nayri is the owner of Lovella Bridal in California and can boast the highest sales volume per square foot of any store in the United States.
The reason behind this success? Her total approach to business is different from any other store owner I have had the pleasure of knowing over my 43 years in this industry. One of her biggest strengths is her ability to "weaponize" social media to drive thousands of consumers to her store.
MCA is about driving traffic to your store, and then understanding how to convert 70% or more of those visitors into clients.
"Education is an investment that pays dividends a lifetime." -Benjamin Franklin
Attend and become a more successful entrepreneur.
Virtual MCA - January 12
We hope you’ll join us for this month’s Virtual Mon Cheri Academy on Monday, January 12.
This session is all about building a stronger, more motivated staff—including a deep dive into our newly launched healthcare program (FAHA) and other meaningful incentives you can offer your staff to attract, retain, and motivate great employees.
Starting the year with MCA is intentional. January is the perfect time to:
Set clear priorities for your business and your team
Learn about new programs and benefits before the busy season ramps up
Make informed decisions that can positively impact retention, morale, and profitability all year long
This session is designed for discussion, so come prepared to ask questions and jump in.
As we plan our 2026 Virtual MCA schedule, help guide our curriculum by sharing:
Topics you want covered this year
Challenges you’re facing right now
Areas where education would make the biggest impact in your business
After all, we’re building these sessions for you!
We look forward to a great conversation and an informative start to the year!
Annual Live Mon Cheri Academy (in Chicago)
What if just 3 days could transform your business to be much more profitable?
Join us for Live Mon Cheri Academy, happening December 8-10, 2025, at THE MART in Chicago.
You will gain exclusive access to strategies and insights that surge the most profitable retailers ahead of others.
Seats are limited and filling fast. All are welcome, and you do not have to be a Mon Cheri Customer to attend. Don’t miss your chance to gain the edge your business deserves.
You will gain exclusive access to strategies and insights that surge the most profitable retailers ahead of others.
The question to ask is not “Can I afford to attend?”, but rather, “Can I afford NOT to attend?”
Boost Your Profits – Learn the buying and inventory practices that directly increase your bottom line.
Future-Proof Your Business – Gain tools to grow your store’s enterprise value and prepare for long-term success.
Outperform Your Competition – Get insider insights on what separates thriving retailers from those who fall behind.
Win Online & In-Store – Master proven marketing and social media tactics to reach today’s customer where they shop.
Network with the Best – Build connections with fellow store owners and industry leaders who share your drive.
Train Key Staff- Bring your key people and get them trained by experts they will listen to and bring back to others.
Maximum Value – Three full days of training, all sessions, all course materials and meals—just $199.
This isn’t just training—it’s an investment with measurable returns. The strategies you’ll walk away with could pay for themselves in your very next buying season.
“Education is an investment that pays dividends a lifetime"...
Benjamin Franklin
Seats are limited and filling fast. Don’t miss your chance to gain the edge your business deserves.
-- DISCOUNTED HOTEL--
Special discounted rates of $153/ night are available at the Holiday Inn Chicago Dwtn-Wolf Point and Voco Chicago Downtown (connected to THE MART via a pedway). EXTENDED Deadline to book discounted rate: Tuesday, December 2nd.
BOOK HOLIDAY INN NOW
BOOK VOCO NOW
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW!
Virtual Mon Cheri Academy
Nayri Kalayjian and Steve Lang are so excited to invite you to the September 15, 2025 Virtual Mon Cheri Academy!
There is no cost to attend. Please register by clicking the link below:
Our Focus Is On Inventory: The Medicine That Can Cure or Hurt
Learn about refined buying strategies that lead to higher sales and profits.
Take one hour to discover why some stores prosper continually while others miss goals.
We will reveal:
Proven metrics on proper buying to maximize sales and profits.
The best buying practices of the most successful operators.
How to calculate return on inventory investment.
How to define the value of your business called Enterprise Value (EV).
How best inventory practices leads to increased value and a path to selling when you retire.
Think about this: If you were running a stock mutual fund, your performance would depend on you choosing the right stocks with very little room for error.
The same applies to you as a retailer. Attend and become a five-star fund at the top of your game!
