Doctors and scientists do it. Executives do it. A lot of professionals invest time and money to attend conferences. And you should too. There are lots of professional conventions for photographers {local and national}. My initial research proved it’s difficult to find an all-inclusive list. I’ve compiled a list of the big ones that are being held over the next 12 months.
October 28-30, 2010
PDN Photo Plus Expo
http://www.photoplusexpo.com
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001-1188
November 9-11, 2010
PartnerCon New Orleans
http://pro.pictage.com/community/ppc/neworleans/
Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, French Quarter
739 Canal Street at Bourbon
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
January 16-18, 2011
Imaging USA
http://www.imagingusa.org
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
200 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
January 16-19, 2011
DWF Convention 2011
http://www.digitalweddingforum.com/convention/
The Hotel Contessa
306 W. Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
February 17-24, 2011
WPPI Las Vegas (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International)
http://www.wppionline.com/storage/2011/home.html
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
March 30 – April 1, 2011
Photoshop World
http://photoshopworld.com/
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
2011 Schedule TBA
Skip’s Summer School
http://www.mei500.com
MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Why should you go? This is a great question…
- to up your game
- to get inspired
- be around other professionals including industry leaders / world renowned photographers
- to learn something new
- hands on training from industry leaders
- mentoring and portfolio review {at certain conferences}
- see and try new gear / technology {and possibly receive a conference discount}
- lots of other reasons {obviously!}
Still not sure how a photography conference can benefit you? Take a look at one pro photographer’s experience at PartnerCon last year and what it did for his business.
Once you’ve decided to attend, how do you prepare? {Other than the obvious logistical planning.} What can you do to actually get the most out of the conference once you get there? One astute attendee outlines his method for making the most of his education / investment.
cynthiajphoto.wordpress.com 