Registration Now Open for 2016 Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference + Expo (WPPI) in Las Vegas

NEW YORK, Dec. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announced today that registration is now open for its annual Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference and Expo from March 3-10, 2016 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The largest education conference in the world for wedding and portrait photographers will feature more than 200 classes taught by world-class photographers and instructors in 11 different subject tracks.  Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in more than 50 Photo Walks led by some of the most respected leaders in the photo and film industries. In addition, WPPI officially welcomes members of the Professional School and Sports Photographer's Association (PSPI) and world-renowned portrait photographer Sue Bryce will deliver this year's keynote presentation.

For the first time, WPPI is offering PHOTO+ Members (WPPI and PhotoServe) a free, Full Platform Pass to this year's conference and expo.  With free access to more than 80 Platform classes, the annual membership ($149) more than covers the cost of attending this year's conference.  Members also enjoy complimentary subscriptions to Photo District News and Rangefinder magazines, discounts on entries to photo competitions, and much more.  Non-members planning to attend WPPI are encouraged to become members to receive their free Full Platform Pass, which will cost $329.99 for non-members.  Additional details about registration pricing can be found at http://www.wppionline.com/wppi-show.shtml.

"WPPI is one of the most anticipated events of the year for wedding and portrait photographers, and now school and sports photographers as well, and this year's lineup of classes, photo walks, competitions, and special events will provide another rewarding experience for our amazing community," says Jason Groupp, WPPI Director of Education and Membership. "The level of education attendees receive during WPPI is unmatched and the level of camaraderie and knowledge-sharing among our members adds a dimension to this show that is simply not experienced in any other industry."

PLATFORM Classes
A Platform Class is a 1 1/2 -hour, theatre-style session that prepares you for everything from becoming a better photographer to running a more successful and profitable business, and beyond. Seven learning tracks include Lighting, Wedding, Portrait, Inspirational, Business, Workflow and Filmmaking. Your Full Platform Pass gives you access to over 80 Platform classes.  A PHOTO+ membership (WPPI, PhotoServe) provides access to all Platform classes at no additional charge.

PLUS Classes
A PLUS Class is a one-day, intimate and intensive learning experience. Limited to 25 participants per class, you'll experience classroom learning through a 2-3 hour presentation by one of our world-class photography instructors followed by hands-on training through an afternoon of shooting on location. Plus Class tracks will include off camera lighting, posing techniques, workflow and more. Plus Classes traditionally sell out quickly. Classes may be purchased while registering online.  To register, CLICK HERE.

MASTER Classes
A Master Class is a focused two-hour, hands-on session limited to 50 participants that provides a detailed learning experience on a variety of vital photography and filmmaking topics including Lighting, Wedding, Portrait, Inspirational, Business, Workflow and Filmmaking.  Classes can be purchased while registering online. To register, CLICK HERE.

Photo Walks
Photo Walks are exclusive 1 1/2-hour, hands-on shootouts limited to 25 people that focus on teaching the participants to sharpen their observation and composition skills while shooting alongside an industry leader. Each Photo Walk will demonstrate the leader's unique skill set including off camera lighting, posing, gear and lens selection and more. Photo Walks can be purchased while registering online. To register, CLICK HERE. To learn more about each Photo Walk, join the Facebook Group. Each leader will be available to discuss their class and answer questions.

Special Events

Launch Pad
March 5 (8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
This is the chance for attendees to see the latest in imaging technology and accessories before they hit the Expo floor 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 all the new tech and gear on the market before classes begin.  Attendees will be able to compare and contrast their own equipment with newer models throughout their week of classes, giving them better insights into what features and models best suit their needs.

The Annual Honors of Excellence Live Print, Album, and Filmmaking Competition Judging
March 5-6 – 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (each day)
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 products.

Opening Night Party at Hakkasan
Sunday, March 6 – 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
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 opps, and dancing to the beats of the DJ.  Join your colleagues, WPPI speakers, and partners 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.

WPPI Fun Run
Tuesday, March 8^th – 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
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^th 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
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.

Honors of Excellence Award Ceremony
Wednesday, March 9^th – 6:00 – 9:00 pm.
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. 

Three-day Expo
WPPI 2015 hosted more than 300 exhibiting brands over 80,000 square feet of exhibit space in the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. WPPI 2016 will be no different. 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.

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 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.

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

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

SOURCE WPPI

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