High Energy, Networking Events Add Excitement, Optimism for Future of Photo Industry Staple
NEW YORK, April 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Not since 2019 has the WPPI conference and trade show for wedding and portrait photographers experienced more attendees, exhibitors, interactive classes, and most importantly – energy – than it enjoyed in 2023. Held at The Mirage in Las Vegas, the five-day conference and event featured more than 30,000 square feet of exhibit space filled with household brands including Canon, Nikon, and Fuji. The conference hosted 68 interactive photo walks, 63 seminars resulting in 94 hours of education, and numerous Photo Bays for a truly interactive experience for attendees. Special events and networking parties helped add to the undeniable energy and enthusiasm felt throughout the conference.
"The energy is back at WPPI. The aisles were packed, the classrooms were standing room only and the special events and networking parties were incredibly well attended," exclaimed George Varanakis, Strategic Advisor to Emerald's Photo Group, which includes WPPI, Portrait Masters, and The Portrait System Powered by Sue Bryce. "We had eight weeks to turn this around and we couldn't be happier on how WPPI 2023 turned out. We've already started planning for 2024," he added.
The trade show floor at WPPI was filled with industry manufacturers demonstrating the latest in camera and lens technology, as well as innovative lighting and studio gear, and a wide range of accessories for the wedding and portrait photographer. Many exhibitors also hosted in-booth seminars, hands-on demos, and other interactive activities including a wide range of photos bays where attendees could photograph live models in a variety of studio settings using the latest imaging technology. The expo also included the WPPI Lounge and Stage where numerous podcasts featured interviews with exhibitors and photographers. The aisles remained full throughout the event, and exhibitors were treated to an active trade show floor reminiscent of pre-pandemic times.
Throughout the entire five-day conference, attendees had an opportunity to participate in 68 photo walks, which were sponsored by exhibitors including Fuji, Canon, and StellaPro, and led by some of the photo industry's leading photographers and educators. In addition to the photo walks, 63 seminar classes and five new "Photo Mastery" classes provided nearly 100 hours of education on a variety of topics including lighting, posing, and the business of photography, among other topics.
Networking events are a critical lifeline to members of the photographic community and WPPI coordinated several events throughout the conference beginning with the conference's opening night party sponsored by Fujifilm. Nikon sponsored the "WPPI Shootout," which gave attendees an opportunity to watch four photographers go head-to-head to see who could create the best photographs in a few minutes using the same model, lights, and props. And the closing night party celebrated the conference's "1980's" theme with giveaways, more interactive photo-ops, and lots of smiles and laughter. Just like it used to be.
About Emerald
Emerald's talented and experienced team grows our customers' businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit http//http://www.emeraldx.com/
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Media Contact
George Varanakis, EmeraldX, 1 310-897-5602, [email protected]
SOURCE WPPI
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