Atlanta, GA—Imaging USA, the largest annual convention and expo organized by professional photographers, for professional photographers, has been taking place each year since 1880. Hosted by the nonprofit Professional Photographers of America (PPA), the event will be held January 20–22, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Imaging USA features three days of artistic and business education, trade show deals and all-important business networking opportunities. Not only will attendees find the help and inspiration they need to improve their photography skills, but they will also learn how to make more money with their craft and balance business with their family life.
“Over the years, we have attended many conventions, but the highlight of each year was and still is attending Imaging USA,” said Tim Walden, PPA president. “The education everyone has access to here is nearly unlimited, from speaker after speaker presenting their messages, to when friends come together and share. Seeing the vast pools of talented speakers and accessing vendors from across the country—all in one place—is simply amazing.”
Photography classes focus on different specialties and tricks of the trade geared toward improving business and photographic skills, including a slate of classes sponsored by Adobe on how to better use their software tools.
Some of the industry’s biggest names will speak, including Greg Gorman, Matthew Jordan Smith, Dane Sanders, Sarah Petty, Amina Moreau and Julieanne Kost. And education expands beyond the classrooms at Imaging USA. The Imaging Expo trade show highlights hundreds of leading vendors showcasing their products, and attendees can watch product demos, grab show special deals and pick vendors’ brains.
Networking opportunities include parties (like the one at the famous Georgia Aquarium), chances for free image critiques and mentoring, and daily #Hash It Out smart talks where attendees powwow solutions to challenges.
Other notable features of Imaging USA 2013:
- International Photographic Exhibit: Open to the public, this is one of the largest annual photographic exhibits, and there is no charge for admission.
- Special Events: A full slate of exclusive events includes award galas to a convention-wide party that will take over the Georgia Aquarium.
- Preconvention Courses: Imaging USA offers three days of preconvention workshops for an additional fee (from business classes to hands-on workshops).
- Free Mobile App: Anyone interested in the event can download the free mobile app for detailed schedules, maps and more at http://crwd.cc/iusa2013
Registration is still open and several options are available, including full-convention and expo-only passes. A special Join & Go promotion includes a free full-convention registration for new professional active members who join PPA prior to the show. imagingusa.org or 888-260-0016.