Lansing, MI—The Dead Pixels Society announced the speaking lineup for Photo Imaging CONNECT 2025. The conference is scheduled for March 16–17, 2025, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a special partnership with WPPI, the Dead Pixels Society is hosting an executive-level conference to bring together sectors of the photo-imaging industry to discuss trends, opportunities as well as new technologies.
Further, early bird registration is now open. Additionally, you can save almost $50 off the full $189 conference fee by clicking here and using code PIC30. Notably, Photo Imaging CONNECT registration includes a full WPPI conference pass ($119 value). The pass provides access to the trade show, classes as well as WPPI parties, March 18–20, 2025.
“Dead Pixels Society readers have asked for a spring meeting to share ideas and network with a variety of imaging business leaders,” said Gary Pageau, editor-in-chief, The Dead Pixels Society. “Photo Imaging CONNECT is designed for high-level executives to meet and to exchange ideas across the imaging spectrum.”
Photo Imaging CONNECT 2025 Highlights 
The event kicks off March 16 with The Getting to Know You social event at the Flight Club in the Palazzo Tower at the Venetian. Flight Club is an upscale social darts venue serving great cocktails, and more, in an intimate environment.
The following are samples of the sessions in the all-day educational program at the RIO on Monday.
How Did We Get Here and Where Are We Going?
Drawing on more than 30 years of photo-imaging industry background, Gary Pageau will set the stage for the conference. What lessons can we learn from the successes and the challenges of the past? What trends are impacting the business now and how can we, as an industry, build a strong foundation for success in 2025 and beyond? Speaker: Gary Pageau, editor, the Dead Pixels Society
U.S. and Western European Photo Markets—Post-Pandemic Revival
The global Covid-19 pandemic changed the dynamics of consumer buying behavior. The photo market is no different. In this session, Futuresource analyst Jeremy Wills shares insights into the firm’s recently completed U.S. photo market research, as well as observations for Western Europe. Speaker: Jeremy Wills, principal analyst, Pro Displays & Imaging, Futuresource Consulting
Photo Printing Monetization Opportunities in a Fast-Changing Photo-Imaging Value Chain
How can photo print output providers tap into today’s technology and biz trends that are reshaping every stage of the photo-imaging value chain, ranging from capturing to editing, curation, sharing and selling photos? Speaker: Hans Hartman, principal, Suite 48 Analytics; conference chair, Visual 1st Conference
Sustainability in Print: Bullshit or Bullish?
Join us for this frank discussion of the realities of sustainability in print. Whether it’s environmental concerns, local and state regulations, consumer demand or employee recruitment and retainment, business owners and leaders will have to address their sustainability programs in 2025. Speakers: Rick Bellamy, Inflecton; Hans Scheffer, CEO, HelloPrint
Positioning the Photo Category for Future Success
Like many retail categories, the photo category is facing an uncertain future. The way forward is to position “photo” and “personalization” to not only survive but dominate. No surprise, many consumers are cutting back. However, they are indulging in affordable luxuries—especially ones that are meaningful and heartfelt, strengthen relationships or bring personal happiness. Plus, photo has the added endorphin rush that personal creativity brings. Photo as a category has the potential to blow up, as people are now celebrating “minorstones,” integrating ethnicities and younger consumers. This adds/expands beyond the traditional holiday, birthday, baby, grad, etc. As it relates to DIY, a photo also has an emotive power no other gift has. Speaker: Wendi Flores, Foto Crush
The Family Legacy/Heritage Opportunity
The digitization potential of more than a century of family images and mementos is an amazing opportunity for the industry. From services to digitizing images, preserving family documents as well as capturing stories for future generations to amazing output products, this session will discuss the entire ecosystem. Panel moderator: Rob Comeau, Advertek Printing. Panelists: Adam Pratt, Chaos to Memories; Rick Voight, Vivid-Pix; Dave Anderson, DAPhoto/PhotoScanExpress
The program will conclude with a cocktail party, sponsored by Photo Finale.
