Grand Rapids, MI—An executive conference for the photo-imaging industry, Pro Imaging Connect announced additional speakers for its free Worldwide Photo Imaging Market Trends. The virtual conference is May 4-6. Registration is free at this link.
The Pro Imaging Connect program is hosted by Gary Pageau, editor of the Dead Pixels Society. Furthermore
, following the executive-level education sessions, Pro Imaging Golf will provide networking as well as the famous scramble golf tournament.
“The first Pro Imaging Connect virtual conference continues to draw considerable interest from imaging executives from around the world,” said Pageau. “The conference will provide valuable insight into the fast-growing photo personalization market.”
Entrepreneur Matt Sweetwood will lead off the event at 11 a.m. EST with a motivational address titled “Successful Business Is All About You.” Sweetwood is currently the CEO and cofounder of Insurious. Moreover, he has 30+ years of imaging industry experience and is an in-demand speaker and coach.
In addition, the hot topic of “AI in Imaging” was added to the program. It is covered by Hans Hartman of Suite 48 Analytics. Hartman will provide an overview of the areas where artificial intelligence is making the most impact in the imaging world. Joining him is Brad Malcolm, cofounder and president of EyeQ, the creator of Perfectly Clear. 
Each conference session will start at 11:00 EST and feature extensive online interactivity. The event, conducted on the ShareMe.chat platform, is sponsored by Photo Finale, Canva, EyeQ, Mediaclip, Autopilot Print as well as Mailpix.
Pro Imaging Connect Conference: May 4
The conference kicks off on May 4 with Rise Above Research analysts Ed Lee and David Haueter discussing North American photo and device trends.
Part 1: The U.S. Photo Print Market after Covid-19
In this session, David Haueter of Rise Above Research will give an update on the U.S. photo printing market. Moreover, he will provide highlights from the research firm’s recent consumer survey. This will include how consumer printing habits changed during Covid-19, as well as areas of opportunity. He will also reveal top-level forecast data.
Part 2: The U.S. Photo Merchandise Market Trends and Opportunities
Haueter will talk about some key areas of opportunity within the photo merchandise market, based on their latest consumer survey. He will also discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted consumer buying habits. Again, he will present top-level forecast data. 
Part 3: The Role of Aspiring Photographers in the Future of Photography
Aspiring photographers are people who are no longer satisfied with just taking snapshot photos. They have or are developing a passion for photography. What’s more, they want to feed this by taking their skills to the next level. Ed Lee of Rise Above Research will define who they are; their part in the future of photography; as well as what role photo merchandise plays in their lives.
Pro Imaging Connect Conference: May 5
On May 5, the focus of the conference shifts to Western Europe and video apps.
Part 1: Photo Prints to the Rescue. The Revival of the Western European Photo Market
Jeremy Wills of Futuresource Consulting will present “Photo Prints to the Rescue. The Revival of the Western European Photo Market.” He’ll describe how the Western European photo sector is a combination of markets and cultures with their own individual dynamics.
The last 10 years have seen the rise of photo books and photo merchandise (cards, wall décor, calendars and photo gifts) while photo prints continued a decline trajectory. However, Wills will explain there is now new life in the photo prints category. He will also explore some of the market drivers and the individual dynamics of the major Western European photo markets.
Part 2: Video Creation Apps: What Is Driving the Market
Hans Hartman of Suite 48A will present “Video Creation Apps: What Is Driving the Market.” Do-It-Yourself video creation apps, which are used by non-video professionals, are a powerful driver behind the current surge in sharing and in the viewing of user-generated videos. Suite48A’s recent study takes a deep dive into the trends at the core of more than 80 successful DIY video creation apps; they include smartphone, web as well as desktop-based apps. 
Part 3: AI in Imaging
Hans Hartman will also host the “AI in Imaging” session. He will provide an overview of the areas where artificial intelligence is making the most impact in the imaging world. In addition, Brad Malcolm, cofounder and president of EyeQ, will join Hartman in the presentation.
Pro Imaging Connect Conference: May 6
On May 6, the conference program will cover trends in the Far East.
The program features Don Franz, publisher of Photo Imaging News. Franz will review key market developments in Asia, as well as new approaches to wedding photography. Aaron Day, global partnership lead at Canva, will also join the discussion. Day will showcase how personalization and also graphic trends are driving business in Asia.
Pro Imaging Expo
The Pro Imaging Expo features networking, education and golf events for the imaging industry. Pro Imaging Golf, with more than 30 years in existence, now partners with SGIA. They host more than 140 industry attendees for three days of fun-filled activities; they include golf, parties, networking events and educational events.
