POSITIVE EXPOSURE AT SUCCESSFUL SOCIETIES SHOW

BPI News visited the final March outing for The Societies of Photographers Convention and Trade Show before it returns to its regular January slot in 2024. We discovered an upbeat CEO in Colin Jones and positivity emanating from the photo trade

The second annual Societies of Photographers Convention and London Trade Show since the disruptive dark days of the pandemic – and its 20th such event in total – took place back at its regular venue of the Novotel in London’s Hammersmith last month.

Once again the Trade Show took over a floor of the hotel for a three-day stint, and BPI News visited on the Friday. With transport strikes earlier that week, this seemed to be the sensible choice. Fortunately, exhibitors we spoke to reported an encouragingly healthy amount of attendees on the Thursday too, with visitors and trade feeling the benefits of attending far outweighed any effort required to be there. It was good to be able to network with colleagues and peers we hadn’t seen in a while, and there was a real buzz on the trade show floor at what, for many, could well be their only opportunity to collectively mingle this year (although also see the box out on this spread about further Societies’ roadshows!).

“This year’s London Photo Convention was such a positive event. We’ve literally been inundated with photographers and trade members writing in to say how much they enjoyed the event and how beneficial it’s been to their business,” enthuses The Societies CEO Colin Jones.

“We are already full steam ahead for the 2024 Convention, which is scheduled to take place back in our usual January calendar slot – Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th January 2024 – at the Novotel London West, Hammersmith. Exhibitors have been quick to rebook their space, with 50% already booked or reserved for 2024. So if you are looking to exhibit, please do get in contact.

AWARD WINNERS:

“Thank you once again to everyone who has helped make this year’s event the success it’s been. I really do appreciate everyone’s efforts.”

Also taking place on the Friday of the event, the annual Trade Awards saw the great and the good of our industry garlanded. There were 12 categories in total, with results selected from the votes of over 3,000 photographers, and the winners each receiving a trophy.

Best Professional Lighting once again went to Elinchrom, while another regular victor in Loxley Colour took Best Professional Lab and Best Professional Album.

Best Professional Paper went to Permajet Photo Art Silk 290, while the Canon EOS R5 was named Best Professional Camera two years in a row. The Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM took Best Professional Lens and Best Professional Photo Printer went once again to the Canon ImagePROGRAF PRO-1000. Best Professional Accessory was Hand Painted Backdrops, while LSP Actions won Best Professional Software. Best Professional Training went to Kelly Brown.

Colin concludes: “I’d like to congratulate all the companies who have won an Award, voted for by our members and their customers. This is the 15th year of our trade awards, and they have become extremely popular both with the trade and with photographers who want to recognise these suppliers for the excellent services and products they bring to the industry.”

Next year’s show dates for your diary: Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th January 2024. Thinking of exhibiting? Get in touch NOW on 01745 356935 or email info@thesocieties.net www.thesocieties.net

Non-stop promotion: After a busy Convention & Trade Show last month it’s full steam ahead for January 2024, with more chances in between to engage with photographers at one of The Societies’ Roadshows - see right hand panel!

Not too late to hit the road with The Societies

Remember there’s no Photography Show this year.

Don’t miss the chance to exhibit to a captive audience of enthusiastic photographers. Roadshow events are planned throughout this year. Make a date of the following in your diary and get in touch to book exhibition space.

UPCOMING ROADSHOWS:

„ 9th May – Falkirk

„ 10th May – Newcastle Upon Tyne

„ 11th May – Wetherby

„ 20th June – Weston-Super-Mare

„ 21st June – Reading

„ 22nd June – Coventry

„ 19th September – Crawley

„ 20th September – Stevenage

„ 21st September – Thetford

With an average of 250+ delegates attending each roadshow, stand prices start from just £350 + VAT.

More info at: www.thesocieties.net/roadshows/ WANT

Or visit: www.thesocieties.net/ roadshows/exhibit-at-our-roadshows/

Elinchrom: