FROM THE WPPI SHOW DIRECTOR

Did you feel that? Oh yeah, we just kicked off the best week of our year. Welcome to WPPI 2020! This is my fifth WPPI (first as show director!) and I could not be more proud and excited because for the past 12 months, our team has painstakingly worked to produce a high octane, experiential event, to provide YOU every educational and hands-on opportunity we could think of. While I could spend at least ten pages going over every feature and program of the show, I really want to take this time to point out a few of my absolute favorites.

The WPPI conference provides the best wedding and portrait education and experiences in the industry, hands down! On top of the 150+ classes in our conference, this year we’ve worked with several partners to produce various studio suites across the show floor, where you’ll find sets, models, lights and so much more. We encourage everyone to walk the Studio Experience circuit and take this golden opportunity to capture stunning images for your portfolio. Bring your camera to the show floor —you’re not going to want to miss out!

Speaking of portfolios, is yours the best it can be? Make sure to schedule a review time in our first-ever WPPI Portfolio Review, live on the show floor. Attendees will have the chance to schedule 15-minute reviews with a variety of WPPI speakers and staff, as well as the RF editors. Bring your images (and videos, if you have them) and engage in some honest conversations with your peers and mentors. Make sure to secure your time as soon as possible!

Right now, I know what you’re thinking: “WPPI, OMG, that’s AWESOME!” You’re right, it is! But, I’ve only gotten through what’s happening during the day. Once the sun goes down remember: WE’RE IN VEGAS, BABY! For 2020, we’ve put together two parties that have me beyond stoked.

First, we’re popping into the time machine for our Totally ‘80s Party Monday night, open to all conference platform pass holders. So like, grab your posse and throw on your fave ‘80s outfit and get poppin’ and lockin’ to the wicked sounds of the Spazmatics. On Tuesday Night, get ready to hit the stage and work those beautiful pipes to your favorite tune in our Mic Drop Karaoke party. DJ Scoobie will be rolling in 35,000-songs strong, ready to let you light up the stage. And for those who want to keep the party going and embrace what Vegas has to offer, we have after-party events every night at a series of clubs across the city. THE FUN DON’T STOP!

Last but certainly not least is our Annual Print Competition and Honors of Excellence Awards Ceremony. This is the largest live-judging print, album and fi lm competition in the country, welcoming entrants from all over the world every year. WPPI kicks off with two days of live judging before we hang the winners’ work for all to see on the WPPI show floor. Then on Wednesday evening, we’ll host our awards ceremony, honoring the best images in each category. This is the time when our community truly comes together as a whole to appreciate and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. If you have other plans, cancel them; this is something you really need to be a part of. Seriously, be there! To close out, I want to say thank you! Thank you for coming out to Vegas. Thank you for your passion. Thank you for your support. Thank you for showing you have as much love for our community as we do. We’re an industry of passionate people and, for me, seeing everyone come together like this every year to inspire and drive one another brings the biggest smile to my face. For that, thank you! When it does come time for this year to end, remember to mark your calendars for next year’s WPPI, March 7 – 11, in our new home, The Mirage! We’ll be releasing more teasers and tidbits soon, but until then, BE READY and keep creating. Woo!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

—Joe Kowalsky