Registration Now Open for 2014 WPPI Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference and Expo in Las Vegas

NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced today that registration is now open for the annual Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference and Expo. The Conference will be held February 27-March 6, 2014 and the Expo will be held March 3-5, 2014 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. WPPI is the largest event in the world for wedding and portrait photographers where a single Full Conference Pass provides attendees with up to 6 days of comprehensive learning through an extensive series of seminars and workshops developed to help grow their skills, techniques, artistry and business.  Based on demand, a new track of classes will be added; WPPI: Filmmaking for filmmakers, videographers, and other attendees interested in learning the art of filmmaking and how to incorporate this popular form of event documentation into their portfolio of client services.

The 2014 WPPI conference will feature specialized education programs including over one hundred Platform Classes, fifty-five Master Classes, 4 Plus Classes, and WPPI University. In addition, the annual 16x20 Print, Album will feature an updated accolades program, which will now be called The Honors of Excellence. New rules, guidelines, and an online informational hub where members can view their accolades, download certificates will offer an extra dimension of excitement and recognition, culminating with the Awards Night extravaganza on March 5, 2014. The Honors of Excellence program was written by Jerry and Melissa Ghionis under the supervision of Jason Groupp, and Brad Kuhns. We're also proud to announce Jerry and Melissa will be our Competition directors this year, overseeing all aspects of the rule implementation. 

"WPPI is a 'rhythmic pilgrimage' for professional and emerging wedding and portrait photographers where friends and colleagues gather to learn about, teach, and be part of the conversations that are so important to our industry.  Knowledge and information on the latest imaging tools, techniques, and business practices is shared in an open, fun environment that makes WPPI truly unique from any other photography conference," explains Jason Groupp, WPPI Director of Education and Membership.  "The creative energy that surrounds WPPI is why the conference and expo have become the largest and best attended event of its kind in the world. Adding a new track of classes for filmmakers further expands our education platform for all attendees."    

The early bird registration rate for a Full Conference Pass to the WPPI 2014 Conference and Expo is $199 for WPPI members and $379 for non-members, through December 12, 2013. After December 13, 2013 registration rates increase to $275 for WPPI members ($399 for non-members) through February 26, 2014.  A Full Conference Pass includes one (1) free guest*, and provides access to up to 6 full days of comprehensive learning, including all Platform classes, live 16x20 Print, Album and Filmmaking competition judging, all special events, and a 3-day pass to the biggest photography expo for wedding and portrait photographers in the world. Plus Classes, Master Classes, WPPI University and the WPPI: Filmmaking class cost additional. More information is available through the conference schedule and pricing guide.

Conference, Expo, and special Events

WPPI University- February 28 & March 1, 2014
WPPI University is a 1 ½ -day workshop for emerging and professional photographers who will learn how to strengthen their shooting skills, market their services and run a profitable business. WPPI University includes WPPI's signature roundtable portfolio review where images will be reviewed and critiqued by top professionals. A WPPI Full Conference Pass is not required to register for WPPI University.

PLUS Class - February 27 & 28, 2014
A PLUS Class is an in-depth 2-day, hands-on workshop limited to only 20 participants. Each class is designed to help attendees conquer challenges while developing useful skills and techniques, which can be applied to their business and craft.  A WPPI Full Conference Pass is required to purchase a PLUS class (WPPI Membership is not required).

MASTER Class - March 2-5, 2014
A Master Class is a focused 2-hour, hands-on session limited to 50 participants that provides an intimate learning experience. Master Class tracks cover a wide variety of vital photography topics including Lighting/Posing, Wedding, Portrait, Boudoir, Business/Marketing, Video and more. A WPPI Full Conference Pass is required to purchase a Master Class (WPPI Membership is not required).

PLATFORM Class - March 2-6, 2014
A Platform Class is a 1 ½ -hour, theatre-style session that prepares attendees for everything from becoming a better photographer, to running a more successful and profitable business. Eleven learning tracks will cover Lighting, Wedding, Portrait, Post Production, Filmmaking, Business, Inspirational, Hybrid, Boudoir, Posing, and Seniors. Attendees may choose from over one hundred Platform classes when they purchase a Full Conference Pass, which includes one (1) free guest.*

WPPI: Filmmaking
Created by many of the industry's best cinematographers, this multi-day class is designed to provide a creative outlet for filmmakers specializing in weddings and special events. The class will specifically focus on new techniques and technologies to help filmmakers reach the next level of creative expression. The class will cater to the needs of filmmakers and photographers looking to expand their knowledge of filmmaking and video production.

16x20 Print, Album and Filmmaking Honors of Excellence Competition Judging – March 1-2, 2014
This 2-day live competition, judged panels of professional photographers and open to WPPI attendee spectators, is the culmination of the WPPI 16x20 Print, Album and Filmmaking Competitions. Entries are displayed individually and anonymously and critiqued by the panel of judges for the strengths or shortcomings and are voted upon using a point scoring system. WPPI attendees are encouraged to enter the competition in advance and/or spectate to learn more about the artistry of wedding and portrait photography. Honors of Excellence Awards are presented to category competition winners during the award ceremony on March 5, 2014.

WPPI Launch Pad – March 2, 2014
Launch Pad is a special event where attendees can take a sneak peek at the latest and greatest products from WPPI's exhibitors before the expo opens. WPPI's Launch Pad will be open to all media and WPPI attendees.

3-day Expo – March 3-5, 2014
Attendees will experience new photographic products and solutions first-hand from the biggest and best manufacturers, solution providers and retailers serving the needs of emerging and professional photographers. More than 300 exhibitors will be on hand for attendees to touch, test and compare the latest products, and some very special offers. Attending the expo only is free by registering online in advance.

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

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

*Restrictions may apply.

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 and 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 2014