Live Print Competition, Fun Run, Parties and Sue Bryce Keynote Just a Few Ways WPPI 2016 Plans to Extend Days of Learning and Laughs

NEW YORK, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced today its lineup of special events at its annual conference and expo in Las Vegas (March 3-10) including the keynote presentation by world-renowned photographer and educator, Sue Bryce. In addition to Sue Bryce's keynote, attendees can get a jump on what's new in technology at the annual Launch Pad event Saturday night, party like a rockstar Sunday night at the opening night party at the world-renowned Hakkasan nightclub conveniently located inside the MGM Grand hotel, and begin their day Tuesday by participating in WPPI's Fun Run benefiting Steve and Tamara Lackey's charity, "Beautiful Together." Attendees can also watch live judging of this year's Honors of Excellence Print, Album & Filmmaking Competition. "This year's WPPI conference and expo is filled with activities and celebrations outside conference hours that will keep attendees busy from early morning to late evening," says Jason Groupp, WPPI Director of Education and Membership. "Whether it's participating in our Fun Run on Tuesday, getting a sneak peek at what's new from exhibitors during Launch Pad, or socializing with friends and industry influencers over coffee or cocktails, every moment spent at WPPI will present opportunities for learning."

Special Events

Launch Pad
Saturday, March 5 – 8:00-10:00 p.m.
This is a chance for attendees to see the latest in imaging technology and accessories before the Expo floor opens on Monday morning. Launch Pad includes numerous exhibitors eager to share their latest products and have one-on-one conversations with attendees. For those who have a schedule filled with seminars and Photo Walks, Launch Pad is a great way to see the new tech and gear on the market before classes begin. Open to all registered attendees.

Annual Honors of Excellence Live Print, Album, and Filmmaking Competition Judging
Saturday – Sunday, March 5-6 – 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
(Sponsored by Moab & GTI)
Live Judging of The Annual Honors of Excellence Competition is perhaps one of the most unique educational tenets of WPPI. Imagine a portfolio review where each of your images is reviewed by a panel of five expert photographers in the wedding and portrait industry. Not only will you be able to hear the critique of your submitted images, but you'll also get to compare your work to your colleagues'. You'll learn about the judging process — what components of imagery, composition and lighting are given precedence over others and how your colleagues are earning their points in the Honors of Excellence accolade program. Becoming such an integral part of the revision process will give you the insight needed to enhance your print and film work. Open to WPPI attendees with a Full Platform or VIP Expo Pass.

Opening Night Party at Hakkasan
Sunday, March 6 – 8:00-10:00 p.m.
(Sponsored by Canon & Bay Photo)
After Hours at Hakkasan
Sunday, March 6 – 10:30 p.m.-1:00 a.m.
(Sponsored by Chimera)
WPPI's annual Opening Party is a great way to kick-off the Expo. Hakkasan nightclub will set the scene for a night of drinks, glitzy photo ops, and dancing to the house DJ. Join your colleagues, WPPI speakers, and industry guests for the event of the week. Attendees are welcome to stay past 10 when doors open to the public without cover charge (21 and older).  The dress code policy is business casual and is strictly enforced. Open to WPPI attendees with a Full Platform or VIP Expo Pass. Open to all attendees at 10:30 p.m.

Late Night at XS (at Encore)
Monday, March 7 – 10:30 a.m.-12:00 a.m.
(Sponsored by Chimera)
Party the night away at XS at Encore. Complimentary entry to everyone with a WPPI 2016 badge. All attendees must have a valid 21-and over ID and adhere to the dress code: no sneakers, work boots, athletic wear (women/men), sandals, shorts or hats (men only).

WPPI Fun Run
Tuesday, March 8 – 7:00-8:00 a.m.
(Sponsored by Endurance Magazine)
Start the day with a brisk run with your friends for charity. This year, the annual WPPI Fun Run will benefit "Beautiful Together," founded by Steve and Tamara Lackey, which improves the quality of life for children waiting for a home. Take photos as you weave through the streets of Las Vegas for a great cause and submit your photos for a chance to be featured on the WPPI website! Meet up at the MGM Conference center - at the WPPI Concierge Desk near the glass doors that lead to the Marquee Ballroom.

Keynote Presentation – Amp Up Your In-Person Sales
Tuesday, March 8 – 8:00-10:00 p.m.
(Sponsored by Canon, Animoto & Triple Scoop Music)
Sue Bryce will reveal how she's revolutionizing in-person portrait sales, and how you can boost your portrait business with confidence. "Two years ago I was looking at a printed order and I had a revelation: we are not a digital generation, we are a now generation," she says. "As an educator, I had to change the way photographers were selling. No more online galleries and no more shoot and burn—enough. We need to return to our roots as professional photographers. We need to print our work, and value this legacy we are capturing." This revelation gave life to Sue's Reveal Wall—printing her top package and having it finished and ready to go at the sales session—and since then, hundreds of photographers are significantly changing their income with magnetic and tactile in-person sales that have emotional impact and instant buying power. Open to WPPI attendees with a Full Platform or VIP Expo Pass.

After Party at Omnia (Caesar's Palace)
Tuesday, March 8 – 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
(Sponsored by Chimera)
Show your WPPI badge and use the exclusive, expedited entry line. Save up to $50 on the cover charge with your WPPI badge and enjoy headliner DJ Calvin Harris. Must have a valid 21-and over ID and adhere to the dress code: no sneakers, work boots, athletic wear (women/men), sandals, shorts or hats (men only). Open to all registered attendees.

Honors of Excellence Award Ceremony
Wednesday, March 9 – 6:00-9:00 p.m.
(Sponsored by Sony & Triple Scoop Music)
The most prestigious event of WPPI and annually for wedding and portrait photographers, the Honors of Excellence Awards ceremony is the finale of the conference and attracts over 1,000 photographers to celebrate both emerging and established photographers. Join us as we celebrate the end of another great week and amazing photography. Guaranteed inspiration for all who attend. Open to WPPI attendees with a Full Platform or VIP Expo Pass.

Three-day Expo
WPPI 2016 will host more than 300 exhibiting brands with more than 80,000 square feet of exhibit space at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. Attendees will experience new photographic products and solutions first-hand from the biggest and best manufacturers, service providers and retailers dedicated to the needs of emerging and professional photographers. Open to all registered attendees.

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, over 13,000 professional photographers and imaging professionals attend WPPI to learn new techniques from industry leaders, build new relationships to help grow their business, experiment with new products from major manufacturers to improve productivity, and to use Vegas as a backdrop while expanding skillsets and portfolios.

The WPPI Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference + Expo is owned and operated by Emerald Expositions, a leading operator of large business-to-business trade shows in the United States, producing more than 50 trade shows and over 100 face-to-face events in total, including conferences, summits and other events. Emerald Expositions connects more than 335,000 sellers and buyers each year and operates within the U.S. in 10 end markets (Gift, Home, General Merchandise and Manufacturing; Sports & Apparel; Design; Jewelry, Luxury & Antiques; E-Commerce; Creative Services; Licensing; Healthcare; Military; and Food). 

Additional information and a complete schedule of seminars and activities are available online at wppionline.com.

SOURCE WPPI

Related Links

http://www.wppionline.com