It’s 2023 and a new convention season is upon us. If you haven’t gotten the most out of your attendance to these education events in the past, here’s a few ideas to make it better this year. These convention attendance tips can make it more worthwhile. Above is a street scene from Nashville when I was there in 2018.

Imaging USA

My next convention, and the first since COVID made its appearance, is Professional Photographers of America Imaging USA. To be held in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center on Jan. 19 to 24, 2023. This list leans toward this IUSA convention but is applicable to all education and convention events.

Be comfy

• Clothing: Be comfortable in your clothing, but in my opinion you should still be professional. You never know whom you are going to meet and you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I recommend a business casual. And, wear comfortable shoes. There’s a LOT of walking in Nashville at this hotel. The convention is in a completely covered complex under roof and climate controlled. I recommend having a sweater or fleece you can pop on or off to stay comfortable in rooms that might be a bit on the chill side.
• Stay hydrated: I carry a refillable water bottle. I use an old long lens case to keep my hands free.

Trade Show

• Do you have vendors you work with that are showing? Go meet them. Putting faces to names and getting yours in front of them can lead to extra service.
• Make a list of equipment and/or software you are interested in and visit with new vendors. See your listed vendors first and if there’s still time wander and see what’s new. Having a plan makes a big difference in getting the most out of the vendors. If you are planning to make a purchase see if you can do it during the convention. Vendors track the viability of being on these events by sales. They often have discounted prices only available there.

Image Competition

• Visit the display. Inspiration awaits there …
• Participating in Image Competition is one of the strongest and fastest ways to improve your photography. If you wait until you think you are ‘ready’ your improvement will be much slower.
• There will be speakers on the trade show floor sharing information about the Twelve Elements used to judge your work in the new Merit Image Review (MIR) that PPA has instituted for the coming year. I’ll be speaking on Creativity and the presentation will be Monday the 23rd at 1PM on the trade show floor.

Education Programs

• Find the programs that you want to see and keep a list. Choose the ones that will help you with business, marketing, sales and, of course, photography and lighting skills.
• Get to the programs early and introduce yourself to your neighbors and ask questions. I’ve learned as much doing this as I have in programs, which can double your take home info!
• Make general notes on ‘take-aways’ that you wish to implement in your business. You will probably have 8-10 from each program. Don’t get bogged down into taking too many notes, as you’ll end up missing lots of info. This is very important! Learn about things you need to learn … Don’t try to learn it all on site. (See post-convention advice below.)

Networking

• Networking is a great way to learn more. If you travel with another photographer from your hometown, don’t hang with them because it’s more comfortable. Expand your network and introduce yourself to new people.
• Networking Part two — Meet up with other photographers for a coffee, drinks, lunch or dinners. I have learned tons over a beer at the bar. If you see people with ribbons and metals around their neck think of that as permission to ask questions. These are people who have participated in image competition and sharing their knowledge through teaching programs throughout their careers.

Post Convention

• Following the convention, set aside a morning to review all your ‘take-aways’ and prioritize them in order of importance.
• Schedule time on your calendar each week (or each day) to work on the items on your list in order of importance. You should probably have about 6 months or more worth of things to learn, practice and implement. This will ensure that you actually use the info you learn rather than going back to the next convention saying “Oh, that was a great idea! I meant to do that last year …”

Best of luck to you on your convention attendance. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.

Yours in Creative Photography, Bob