Las Vegas, NV—Owned by Emerald Expositions, the annual Wedding & Portrait Photography International (WPPI) Conference & Expo is host to seminars, classes, photo walks and a comprehensive trade show. However, the event also provides ample occasions for networking and community.
Whether you are an early bird or night owl, you can learn, share and participate in activities tailored for the photographic community at WPPI.
Participate in the annual Fun Run as well as Photo Walks led by leading photographers and instructors. Take advantage of a full day of seminars, the WPPI Expo and a variety of other experiential activities. Then, when the sun goes down, check out some of the hottest nightclubs and social gathering places in Las Vegas with the WPPI community.
WPPI 2019 Special Events & Networking Opportunities
Live Print, Album & Filmmaking Judging
February 25–26, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Excalibur Hotel, Las Vegas
More than 3,000 entries are judged in eight rooms by 40+ judges over two days. Attendees can watch entries get evaluated while hearing feedback from judges. Learn what judges find to be a winning image as well as hear constructive critiques in what is coined a tremendous learning experience. Open to Platform and All Access Pass holders.
Fun Run
February 26, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Meet in front of Bayside C, Mandalay Bay
Participate in the WPPI Fun Run and see the Vegas Strip before the crowds take up the sidewalks. There’s both a walk route (1.5 miles) and a four-mile run that includes a group photo at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. 
If waking up early doesn’t work for you, choose the “Sleep In” category. You still get to support WPPI’s beneficiary, Beautiful Together (in support of children waiting for families), and receive a cool T-shirt while you count more Zs.
An Evening Keynote in Conversation with Alexi Lubomirski
February 26, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Islander Ballroom ABCFGH
Rangefinder’s editor-in-chief, Jacqueline Tobin, and photographer Alexi Lubomirski discuss how he navigated a career shooting fashion for Harper’s Bazaar and developing a signature style. Lubomirski established a name for himself with publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ and Elle. Moreover, in 2018, he was chosen by Kensington Palace to capture the official portraiture for the engagement and wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle.
Master Photographer Challenge
February 27, 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
Mandalay Bay
Four photographers, four genres, one model, 10 minutes in a live shoot out. In this exciting event, master photographers specializing in different genres will be challenged like never before. Roberto Valenzuela, Susan Stripling, Johnson Wee and Rocco Ancora each have 10 minutes to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. They will photograph tethered on stage with the same model, equipment, props as well as location. See how each photographer interprets the same scene to create a unique portrait with no preparation. Moreover, Jerry Ghionis hosts the event.
Opening Night Party
February 27, 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
LIGHT Nightclub, Mandalay Bay
Celebrate the kickoff of WPPI 2019 at this exclusive open bar party. A ticket is included with a registration for an All Access Pass.
Attendees must be 21+ as well as have a valid ID. In addition, upscale dress code of fashionable attire is enforced.
Honors of Excellence Award Ceremony
February 28, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
The WPPI Honors of Excellence Awards ceremony is WPPI’s most prestigious. The reimagined awards ceremony celebrates the winners from the annual WPPI 16×20 Print, Album & Filmmaking Competition and also Grand Award nominees in WPPI’s members-only First and Second Half Competitions. In addition, the event is open to Platform as well as All Access Pass holders.
WPPI After Hours
February 25–28, 10:30 p.m.
Every night of the expo, WPPI goes out “after hours” at Las Vegas nightclubs. Get complimentary access via an expedited line by displaying your WPPI badge. Attendees must be 21+ with a valid ID. A dress code applies. Complimentary entry ends at 1:00 a.m. each night at the following venues:
- Jewel Nightclub at ARIA: February 25
- OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars: February 26
- LIGHT Nightclub at Mandalay Bay: February 27
- Official WPPI After Party at Hakkasan at MGM: February 28
Keynote: Powerful Portraits: An Intimate Look at Humanity and Leadership with Platon
March 1, 8:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Islander Ballroom ABCFGH
A gifted storyteller as well as portrait photographer, Platon shares his experience photographing an eclectic mix of world leaders, celebrities, men and women in the military, members of the civil rights movement and human rights champions. He also relates the poignant and mesmerizing stories behind the photos.
Moreover, his presentation includes highlights from his book, Power, chronicling 100+ heads of state, including Barack Obama and George W. Bush. He also shares the stories from various photo essays, including his photo for Time magazine of Aung San Suu Kyi and of Edward Snowden in Moscow for his exclusive interview with Wired magazine.
