Jackson, MI—PMA announced further details of its four-day educational lineup coinciding with the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas, Nevada. For the first time, photo industry members can combine the Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA) conference with the classic PMA education program, along with attending hundreds of PMA@CES exhibits.
“PMA@CES is shaping up to be the largest photo technology and education event ever,” said Ted Fox, executive director and CEO, PMA. “By partnering with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), PMA@CES offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore emerging technologies at the acres of exhibits, then enjoy industry-specific classes, seminars and networking opportunities. Hotels and flights will fill up fast, so retailers, photographers and lab owners—especially those who have not attended a past CES—should register right away.” Since registration opened for PMA@CES, more than 4,000 trade registrations have been received.
The DIMA program, January 8-9, 2012, at Bally’s Las Vegas, features five tracks: Professional Imaging; Retail Strategy; Social Media; Photo Publishing; and IS&T Technology for Digital Photo Fulfillment. The DIMA program is designed to give attendees exposure to cutting-edge concepts to help them market imaging products and services better, to build a stronger business base, to increase revenue and to become more efficient.
The 2012 DIMA conference, which requires a separate fee from the PMA educational program, includes a PMA@CES Exhibits Plus Pass (cesweb.org/conferenceProgram/pricing.asp), which allows access to exhibit show floor, keynote addresses, SuperSessions and select conference sessions. The full program and registration information is available at pmai.org/PMA_CES.aspx?id=21838.
The PMA@CES conference takes place January 10-12, 2012, at The Venetian, the hub for all things photo at CES. Two tracks—Retail Strategy for the Photo Industry and Trends and Technology—will offer a clear picture of opportunities in photo and the future direction of digital imaging. These educational sessions complement the PMA@CES exhibits at The Venetian.
Because of the relationship with CEA, photo industry members will have access to dozens of different workshops, all designed to elevate their expertise in marketing, technology, social media and sales, as well as CES keynotes.
There are thousands of PMA members who have never attended CES, the largest consumer electronics show, and PMA@CES offers a unique opportunity. The International CES typically draws more than 140,000 attendees each year and, with The Venetian serving as the PMA@CES hub, PMA photo retailers, imaging labs and professional photographers will have an opportunity to experience the excitement of both.
2012 PSPA/SPAA Conference Registration Discounts until October 31
PMA also announced early member registration for the 2012 PSPA/SPAA annual conferences, which will be held February 18-19, 2012, at The Renaissance Las Vegas. Members registering (regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=996970) by October 31 pay $229—$70 off the normal $299 fee. Nonmembers, who are not eligible for this discount, pay $479.
Registration includes a choice of all PSPA and SPAA educational sessions on February 18 and February 19, including the luncheons; February 17, evening Welcome Reception; February 18, evening Vendor Reception; coffee breaks; and admission to Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) exhibits on February 20-22 at the MGM Grand.
Sessions will be divided into four tracks: Sales and Marketing; Business Management; Technology; and Posing, Lighting and More. The event includes two days of top presenters like Haim Ariav, Will Crockett, Ed Monahan and Dave Stock.
The 2012 PSPA/SPAA conference room rate at The Renaissance Hotel is $139 single/double. Attendees staying four nights (February 17-20) receive 50% off Monday night at checkout. Log on to marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasbr-renaissance-las-vegas-hotel/?toDate=&groupCode=psppspa&fromDate=&app=resvlink to automatically insert the group discount code. To book by phone, call 1-800-750-0980 and ask for the PSPA/SPAA rate.
PMA to Support WEVA Expo 2011
In related news, PMA is an exhibitor/sponsor of the 21st annual WEVA Expo 2011 – The Digital Imaging SuperShow, featuring Wedding & Event Filmmaking and Digital Photography Live Online Worldwide, October 5-6, 2011 (weva.com).
“WEVA Expo 2011 is an ideal opportunity to promote the PMA@CES program to the wedding and event videographer,” said Ted Fox. “This is another example of how PMA is broadening its audience to the growing image capture market.”
The Expo SuperShow is WEVA’s second worldwide Live Online Conference & Trade Show. EXPO SuperShow programming includes two full days of conference sessions, sponsor presentations, panels, live face-to-face group chat, and live video Q&A with featured speakers and sponsors.
New WEVA Expo SuperShow sponsors include PMA and Digital All-Star, featuring their new Pescara Studio for live event production. More EXPO SuperShow speakers and sessions will be announced soon. Online registration opens this month with a pre-early bird special.
Watch WEVA.com and the WEVA Facebook group for show updates. Group video chat, which will be a new feature of this year’s SuperShow for live online face-to-face networking and demos just got another boost: Google+ has started rolling out Hangouts for watching YouTube videos with friends on-screen, videoconference style. pmai.org
