Press Release

Special Events at WPPI 2018 Provide Unique and Exciting Networking Opportunities for Photographic Community

Annual Fun Run, Launch Pad, Live Print Judging, After-Hours Parties and Other Networking Events Strengthen Community Bond Among Attendees

New York, NY – January 23, 2018 – It could be the 100-plus seminars, classes, and photo walks that attract more than 13,000 photographers to the annual Wedding & Portrait Photography International (WPPI) Conference + Expo. Or it could be the 200-plus manufacturers on hand to display and demonstrate the latest imaging technology, software, and accessories available on the market today. But, if you asked most attendees why they attend WPPI, the answer will likely be summarized in two words: Networking and Community. Whether you’re an early bird, night owl, or burn the candle at both ends, opportunities to learn, share, and participate in activities with incredible community spirit can all be experienced at WPPI.

Attendees can begin their day by participating in the annual Fun Run or any number of Photo Walks led by many of the industry’s leading photographers and instructors, followed by a full day of seminars, WPPI Expo, and a variety of other experiential activities. And when the sun goes down the fun heats up at some of the hottest nightclubs and social gathering places Las Vegas has to offer. In the end, attendees will enjoy a fun and fulfilling four-day learning and bonding experience that won’t be found anywhere else.

“Education has always been the foundation of WPPI but education comes in all forms and occurs in places outside the classroom,” explains Theresa Raffetto, Director Conferences at WPPI. “Opportunities for attendees to learn, share, and network with friends and colleagues during WPPI literally begins when the sun comes up and continues long after it sets.”

Networking Events

Live Print, Album & Filmmaking Judging

Saturday, February 24 – 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 25 – 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Great Hall, Excalibur Hotel, Las Vegas

A Full Platform Pass is required to attend

More than 3,000 entries are judged in eight rooms by more than 40 judges over two incredible days of intense discussion and learning. Full Platform Pass holders will have the opportunity to watch entries get evaluated while hearing direct feedback from judges. Learn what judges find to be a winning image and hear constructive critiques for one of the most unique educational experiences at WPPI.

Launch Pad

Sunday, February 25 – 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm

Located at Islanders A-H, Mandalay Bay

Get an exclusive look at innovative products and software solutions from dozens of WPPI exhibitors before the Expo officially opens. Launch Pad is an opportunity to mix and mingle with the media, leading industry manufacturers, and colleagues in a warm and friendly social setting.

LIGHT Nightclub (WPPI kick-off party at Mandalay Bay)

Sunday, February 25 – 8:00 pm — 10:00 pm

$25 Admission includes Open Bar

PHOTO+ Members only

Let’s get this thing started…at LIGHT nightclub at Mandalay Bay! Dance the night away with the WPPI community before the conference and Expo kick-in full swing on Monday morning. Open to PHOTO+ members only, a $25 admission fee includes a two-hour open bar. LIGHT combines cutting-edge creativity with incredible music to produce a new kind of nightlife experience and is the perfect way to get the creative juices flowing.

WPPI POP (Power of Print) Live

Monday, February 26 & Tuesday, February 27

Expo Floor in Bayside C, Mandalay Bay

Even in the digital age, we know that photographic prints are still a thriving part of any photographer’s business. During the Expo, WPPI teams up with the editors of Rangefinder to discover the photographers who are using the Power of Print to build their businesses. Attendees are welcome to hear their stories and learn how they can grow their photography business through the Power of Print.

#WPPIStudios

Monday, February 26 through Wednesday, February 28

Sponsored by B&H Photo

Attendees will have a unique opportunity to put a variety of new photo and video gear to the test as they try out cameras, lenses, and lighting in a series of photo vignettes complete with interesting objects and live models.

Annual WPPI Fun Run

Tuesday, February 27 – 7:00 a.m.

Begin the day with a 1.5 mile run (jog, walk or crawl) up the Vegas Strip as the sun rises on a new day. The annual WPPI Fun Run is a great way to get the blood (and creative juices) flowing before embarking on another great day of learning, sharing and networking.

WPPI After Hours*

Late Nights: Sunday, February 25 – Wednesday, February 28

Each night beginning at 10:30 p.m., attendees can party the night away with complimentary access each night by simply displaying your WPPI badge.

Sunday, February 25 – Hakkasan at MGM (DJ Borgeous)

Monday, February 26 – Jewel at ARIA

Tuesday, February 27 – OFFICIAL WPPI AFTER PARTY: OMNIA at Caesars (DJ Burns)

Wednesday, February 28 – 1 OAK at Mirage

*Must be 21+ with valid ID. Dress code will 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 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 by Emerald Expositions, the largest operator of business-to-business trade shows in the United States, with most of our shows dating back several decades. We currently operate more than 50 trade shows, including 31 of the top 250 trade shows in the country as ranked by TSNN, as well as numerous other events. Our events connect over 500,000 global attendees and exhibitors and occupy more than 6.9 million NSF of exhibition space.  We have been recognized with many awards and accolades that reflect our industry leadership as well as the importance of our shows to the exhibitors and attendees we serve.

More information about WPPI can be found at wppiexpo.com

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

Website:         wppiexpo.com

Facebook:        https://www.facebook.com/WPPIOnline

Twitter:            https://twitter.com/RFWPPI

Media Contact:

Lou Desiderio
Synergy Communications, Inc.
917-627-0912
lou@pr-synergy.com

Scott Heath
Synergy Communications, Inc.
951-735-3686
scottheath@pr-synergy.com

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