Annual PhotoPlus Expo Bash Will Host Benefit for Japan Fundraiser in New York to Help Victims of Earthquake and Tsunami

NEW YORK, Oct. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo announced its annual bash will host a special fundraising event during PhotoPlus Expo on Friday evening, October 28th to benefit the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.  The benefit will take place at the Highline Stages located at 440 West 15th Street (between 9th / 10th Ave.) in New York City, from 8:00 p.m. -- 12 midnight.  To help raise funds for the Red Cross, fifty of the world's most respected photographers will donate an original print as part of a silent auction that will take place throughout the evening.  Benefit attendees will have an opportunity to bid on original, signed images from a broad range of world renowned photographers including Harry Benson, Susan Meiselas, Douglas Kirkland, Ryszard Horowitz, and John Isaac, to name a few.

Tickets for the PhotoPlus Bash and Benefit for Japan event can be purchased online at the PhotoPlus Expo website for $35.  After October 26th, tickets will only be available on site for $50.  Proceeds from the event will be presented to the Red Cross for its dedicated efforts to aid the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

"The disaster in Japan last March has had an incredible impact on the photo industry and we wanted to create an event that would allow us to help -- as an entire photo community -- those most affected by the disaster," explains Jeff McQuilkin, Director – PDN PhotoPlus International Conference & Expo.  "The response we received from photographers invited to donate prints for auction has been overwhelming and in most cases their initial response was, 'what else can I do?'  The benefit will not only help raise needed funds, but will continue the tradition of PhotoPlus Expo social events as being celebrations of community and photography," McQuilkin added.

Highline Stages is the venue for this year's PhotoPlus Bash and Benefit for Japan and with 45,000-square-feet of large studio spaces and cycloramas for fashion shoots, video commercials, and productions, it is the perfect backdrop for hosting an event that celebrates the world of photography and motion.

Registration  to attend PhotoPlus Expo and WPPI NYC Expo is free through October 25, 2011. The WPPI NYC Expo will be held October 27-28 and PhotoPlus Expo will be held October 27-29 at the Javits Convention Center, New York, NY.

About PDN

PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo

Designed for professionals in the photographic and imaging industries, PhotoPlus Expo showcases the latest advances in photography. Held annually at the Javits Convention Center, attendees have the opportunity to explore an inspiring array of photography and imaging products and services - everything from image capture and color management to retouching and storage - all from the industry's leading manufacturers.  The show also offers over 115 photography and imaging seminars and hands-on labs taught by world-renowned experts with a focus on cutting-edge innovations in digital imaging products and techniques.

About WPPI

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), a division of Nielsen Photo Group, is an organization that serves the educational and business needs of wedding and portrait photographers. WPPI is a professional organization that exists to help member photographers by providing them with exclusive information, programs and professional services to assist with their photographic artistry and business needs. WPPI routinely supplies its members with new benefits and valuable industry information enabling them to succeed in today's active photo market business.

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SOURCE PDN; WPPI