Keynote Presentations, Live Performances, and Evening Social Gatherings Make WPPI Best Community Event in Photo Industry

NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) will host several special events during its conference and expo from February 27-March 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.  The festivities will kick off with the annual WPPI Honors of Excellence Competition live judging followed by an educational and entertaining look at wedding and portrait photography with Jerry Ghionis. Other events include Launch Pad, a sneak peak at some of the technology on exhibit during the WPPI expo, and the WPPI opening night party at the celebrity-favorite nightclub, Hakkasan. A special keynote presentation by Rolling Stone photographer, Mark Seliger, followed by a live concert with his band, Rusty Truck is also scheduled in addition to other nightly social events during WPPI.

Honors of Excellence Competition Live Judging
March 1-2 – 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm. / Room 301-307
Listen, learn and take notes as a panel of judges critique and score photographic prints, albums and films from around the world. Sponsored by Moab by Legion Paper, winners will be recognized during the glamorous and exciting WPPI 2014 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday evening, March 5 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

What Would Jerry Do?
Saturday, March 1 – 8:30 p.m. / Room 319-320
Join Jerry Ghionis, one of the most awarded photographers at WPPI, for an interactive evening presentation with several live demonstrations for wedding and portrait scenarios. Audience members will be invited to the stage for live portrait sessions, and the program will conclude with a DJ and party.

WPPI Launch Pad
Sunday, March 2 – 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. / Studio Ballroom
Launch Pad offers attendees a sneak peek at the latest and greatest products from WPPI exhibitors before the expo opens.  WPPI Launch Pad will be open to all media and WPPI attendees.  Exhibitors include Lowepro, Nikon, Triple Scoop Music, Bay Photo, BrideBox, Neil Enterprises, and FujiFilm, to name only a few.

WPPI Opening Night Party at Hakkasan
Sunday, March 2 – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. / Hakkasan Night Club, MGM Grand
The newly-renovated and favorite celebrity hangout will open its doors exclusively to WPPI attendees on Sunday, March 2 from 8:00-10:00 p.m.  Sponsored by Canon and Bayphoto, WPPI attendees will enjoy food, drink and amazing music from one of their resident DJs.  Attendees are welcome to stay after Hakkasan opens to the public at 10:00 p.m.  21 or older with valid I.D. is required.  Open to Full Conference Pass holders. Please see details for proper Dress Code policy.

Members Only Social
Monday, March 3 – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. / Room 312-320
This is your chance to hobnob with your favorite WPPI speakers, enjoy an ice cream bar sundae and sing the night away with your fellow WPPI members. This special networking event is exclusively for WPPI Members and you must be a WPPI member with a Full Conference Pass or an Expo Pass to attend this event.  Non-members can register to become a WPPI member online or onsite at The Photo Group booth.

Mark Seliger Live!  Keynote and Concert by Rusty Truck
Tuesday, March 4 – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. / Room 312-320
In this two-part presentation, Rolling Stone magazine photographer Mark Seliger will discuss the evolution of his editorial assignments in portraiture and fashion, and how he extends these projects into self- assignment. The second part of the evening will illustrate his personal journey in songwriting and the intersection of music and image-making, with a live performance from his band, "Rusty Truck." Sponsored by Profoto & Triple Scoop Music, this special event is open to Full Conference Pass Attendees.

Prior to the event, we recommend attendees download Seliger's free companion book from the iTunes Store

WPPI After party at PURE
Tuesday, March 4 – 10:30 p.m. / PURE Nightclub at Caesar's Palace
Put on your dancing shoes and head over to PURE at Caesar's Palace.  The 36,000-square-foot Nightclub is touted as "the new standard" of Las Vegas Nightlife and has three rooms of music and stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip. Complimentary admission is provided to all WPPI attendees over 21 with valid I.D., WPPI badge, and proper dress code (strictly enforced).

WPPI 2014 Honors of Excellence Awards Ceremony 
Wednesday, March 5 - 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Room 312-316
The WPPI 2014 Honors of Excellence Awards Ceremony is the most prestigious event celebrating excellence in wedding and portrait photography and filmmaking. Join us in congratulating the competition winners and honoring great achievements in photography and filmmaking! Open to Full Conference Pass Attendees. Sponsored by Adorama, GraphiStudio & Triple Scoop Music. Awards provided by Acrylic Press.

Registration for the WPPI Conference + Expo is now open. People who register online by February 26, 2014 and use the promo code WPPI 50BUCKS will receive $50 off the cost of a Full Conference Pass, which provides admission to over 100 Platform classes and evening special events. More information is available through the conference schedule and pricing guide or the website at wppionline.com

Website:        http://www.wppionline.com 
Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/WPPIOnline 
Twitter:           https://twitter.com/RFWPPI

About WPPI
The WPPI Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference + Expo is the premier industry event for photographers and now filmmakers specializing in the creative and business aspects of wedding, portrait photography and filmmaking. Each year, nearly 13,000 imaging professionals attend WPPI to learn new techniques from industry leaders, build new relationships to grow their business, experience new products and solutions from major manufacturers to improve their productivity, and enjoy the many attractions in Las Vegas.

SOURCE WPPI