PMA 09 Blog

The Impact of PMA

2009-03-17T12:53:00Z

PMA 09 may have ended, but there are still many great moments to review. The video below is probably the highlight of my personal PMA 09 experience.

Tim Hussin, winner of the PMA 09 Student Video Contest, had two days to capture the event and present his vision during the PMA 09 Official Business Session, March 5. Hussin is an award-winning photographer and multimedia producer who graduated in 2008 with a degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. He was named 2008 College Photographer of the Year and will intern at National Geographic in Fall 2009.

It's easy to see why Hussin won the Student Video Contest, and it's clear that he will have a successful career ahead of him.

Save the Date - PMA 2010

2009-03-13T13:31:00Z

Who's up for a road trip? PMA 2010 is heading to sunny Southern California for another knockout show. It's never too early to plan ahead, right?

PMA 2010
International Convention and Trade Show - February 21-23, 2010
Pre-Show Conferences - February 19-20, 2010

See you in Southern Cal!

What a Show!

2009-03-12T19:13:00Z

All good things must end, and PMA 09 has come to a successful close.

It was certainly an event to remember. People are still all a twitter about the great products they saw and some of the big industry news announced. You can still find great show coverage at Newsline International - the reporters are still covering all the trends to emerge from the Ultimate Event for Everything Photo.

Finally if you took some pictures at PMA 09, be sure to share them with the PMA 09 Flickr pool. Here's a look at what others have shared about PMA 09:

Lots to Learn on the Trade Show Floor

2009-03-02T13:40:00Z

One of the things that makes an association-led show like PMA 09 so great is all of the learning opportunities available. I'm not talking just about the great session line-up either. There's lots to see and learn on the trade show floor itself.

Are you a retailer? Learn more about some of the most important issues in retail with these sessions taking place from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on the PMA 09 trade show floor:

Are You Giving Women What They Want?
Starting to Turn Green – Make your business operations easier on the planet - and on your bottom line.
PMA 09 Retailer Hot Picks – Newly Discovered Gems at PMA 09 with Bill McCurry

If photo books are your thing (or you're curious to find out if it's your thing), you can compare kiosk production platforms side-by-side at the DIMA Photo Book Showcase.

Or maybe you need tips and tricks on photo software? Grab a quick 20-minute presentation at the DIMA Software Tutorial Pavilion.

There's plenty to see and learn at PMA 09 - all you have to do is get there!

Want To Be in a Movie?

2009-02-27T12:34:00Z

Smile, you might be on camera – especially when you attend the Ultimate Event for Everything Photo.

This year, the Photo Imaging Education Association (PIEA) will be bringing a budding filmmaker to capture the PMA 09 experience. University of Florida student Timothy Hussin will gain professional experience shooting and editing a short film about PMA 09. Hussin produced the winning entry in the PIEA Student Video Contest.

You might just see your big screen debut when Hussin presents his film at the PMA Official Business Session Breakfast Keynote, Thursday, March 5.

Up for a Morning Run?

2009-02-27T04:31:00Z

Just because you are in Vegas doesn't mean you can't exercise. And Lucidiom is offering a great opportunity for networking with other PMA 09 attendees who are looking for a stretch of the legs:

Come and join Lucidiom staff for a 3 mile Sunrise Fun Run at PMA 2009 on Tuesday March 3rd and Wednesday March 4th. We will meet at the Las Vegas Hilton east entrance (which is on Joe Brown Road) at 6:15am (to stretch) for a 6:30am run. We have an alternate shorter walking route mapped out also if you prefer. Wear red and we’ll know you’re there to run!

Be sure to pack your sneakers!

Personally, I'll be saving my steps for seeing the hottest products on the trade show floor – especially at the Lucidiom booth.

Plan Ahead for PMA 09

2009-02-25T21:42:00Z

It's only days away. While you're packing for PMA 09, be sure to keep these resources in mind to help you plan.

The PMA 09 Official Show Program is available online. Get a digital version of the 200-plus page guide, which includes PMA 09 session listing, conference program, room numbers, and exhibitor list. Don’t forget to pick up your hard copy, while supplies last, at PMA 09 information booths.

For a richer online PMA 09 planning experience, check out the PMA Smart Connect. Or, immerse yourself in the mobile experience and keep track of PMA 09 on your smartphone with PMA Mobile Smart Connect – you can locate Exhibitors and booth numbers, find Sessions, build a Mobile Exhibitor Visit Plan, and even book a reservation at a local restaurant or call a local taxi service.

Prefer to text? Use In-Touch to get up-to-the-minute PMA 09 updates, reminders, special offers and activities. Don't miss out on another key event, an announcement, or a big drawing. You can register online or send a text "PMA09" to phone number 32075.

Ain't technology grand?

Going Green at PMA 09

2009-02-25T17:19:00Z

What happens in Vegas is truly staying in Vegas to be reused and recycled.

This year, PMA and its partners are recycling materials, when possible, and reducing waste generated at PMA 09. You can read about these green initiatives and find out how PMA, official show contractor GES Exposition Services, and the Las Vegas Convention Center are doing their part to lower the event’s carbon footprint.

Eco-friendly efforts include:

Paperless sessions – speaker handouts available online as PDFs
Recycling badges and holders
Using recycled carpet and padding
Energy Star approved lighting in all displays
Water conservation devices in all public restrooms

At PMA 09, everyone is doing their part to do what is naturally good.

Insider Tips from Bill McCurry

2009-02-24T17:44:00Z

Bill McCurry knows a thing or two about attending PMA events. He's shared some of his tips with the Best Photo List, and he's allowed them to be posted here:

Sleep well before the show – Forget the attractions on the strip and focus on picking the brains of the people who you will meet at the convention center. Ron Inkley taught me years (decades?) ago to be an early arrival at all the education sessions and meet people. Ask them about their business and what their best success of 2008 was. Then listen and determine what germ of wisdom you hear can you incorporate into your business. Everyone has at least one good idea in them... your job is to find it, adopt it as your own and adapt it to the uniqueness of your own operation.

Drink lots of water – When you are on the trade show floor, try to stand on the carpeted area when you stop to talk with folks – at the end of the day your back will appreciate it. If your back starts to hurt take and hold deep breaths, this somehow changes the pressure on your spine. Bring breath mints as a courtesy to your fellow PMA members. Drink lots of water, can’t overstate the need to keep hydrated.

Make your meals count – If you meet someone you think is interesting ask them if they are free for lunch or dinner and make it clear you’re thinking each party pays their own. This is true for people who are speaking as well. You would be amazed the number of times speakers eat alone. I had heard this (and know it from personal experience) when I was at a meeting where a VP from Microsoft spoke. I went up after to talk to her and said I was going to lunch, would she like to join me and she was happy (no accounting for some people’s tastes) because she knew nobody at this particular convention. So we ate and she told me PowerPoint ‘secrets’. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know... most people will be pre-committed but not all of them so don’t be shy.

Bring lots of business cards – make sure your email address is on them - bring about 5 times more than you think you need – you can always take the extra home. You will give out more than you think if you are intelligently working the crowd and meeting friends. Also, bring a small note book that fits in your pocket so you can write down what you hear.

Traditionally, the larger the booth, the lower the margin for the reseller – don’t ignore the small booths in the back recesses of the convention center. Look at booths that aren’t real slick or shiny – that’s where the next new thing is likely coming from.

One of the “sleepers” of the convention is the Global Gala Reception on Tuesday night. It's a super value also – cost as little as $29 for qualifying PMA members (max price is $49 for non-members) You can eat there plus hear some sounds and mix/mingle with folks from all over the world. In the past the food has been international as well. Many Yankees didn’t think they could attend because they didn’t have “International” on their badge but this session is really open to everyone. Great value, good fun and superb conversation.

The “A List” event for retailers is the PTN Dealer of The Year Party – Wednesday – 5:30pm to 7:00pm at the Renaissance Hotel – this year honoring Jerry and Rosemary Sullivan of Precision Camera – the presentation is usually at 6:15 – that’s when you hear some of the real story as to what makes these winners so unique. The attendance is usually the who’s who of camera store operators and top manufactures are there too. The free food and drink helps draw the crowd as well.

Here comes a self serving plug - there will be two Idea Exchanges this year – Monday and Tuesday (both are different/unique). You should be able to make at least 7 new acquaintances at each session – people you can you’ll be able to figure out who has similar operations to what you have and how you can share insights with each other. These connections are is very valuable. Plus, you’ll be able to pick up great marketing ideas. Communicate with during the year and meet up with them again next year.

Now – before you leave, read the brochure about all the educational sessions so you can pick the ones where you need the most new ideas. There are great opportunities – don’t be bashful about looking at the framers’ or school photographers’ sessions. Good ideas are where you find them.

PMA has added a superb resource for attendees this year - nobody has the time to investigate every single booth – there’s too much. Imagine having a “staff” to go out and dig for the gems of the show and possibly paying you to listen to their ideas. It will be Thursday, March 5 - "Hot Picks of The Show" starts with a drawing at 1:00 sharp for $1,000 cash. It will feature representatives of the major buying groups around the world showing their best finds of the show. And there will be another $1,000 given away at 2:00 which is the end of this session . . . pretty good reward for showing up to see the hidden gems others have found . . . it will be just before they give away the even bigger cash prizes at the Parting Shot event, so make sure your return flight isn't so early you miss out.

Consumers Still Want Luxury

2009-02-24T17:36:00Z

Despite the challenges of today's economy, there is a large segment of consumers who still want high-end goods, and are willing to pay for them.

DIMAcast interviews PMA 09 Keynote speaker Michael Silverstein of Boston Consulting Group, author of "Trading Up: Why Consumers Want New Luxury Goods... And How Companies Create Them."

Silverstein explains the emotional satisfaction consumers feel in paying premium prices for high-end products, and how imaging industry members can tap into that emotional draw.

Get a preview of his Keynote in this week's DIMAcast before he speaks on March 2 at noon, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

Take Your Best Shot

2009-02-23T21:45:00Z

The SPAA Action Photography Shoot-Out competition gets even better.

In addition to the red-hot AntiGravity performers delivering jaw-dropping photo opportunities, you can take your best shot with help from the pros.

Terrell Lloyd, staff photographer for the San Francisco 49ers, will be at the SPAA Action Photography Shoot-Out to offer advice and help you get the best pictures possible. Lloyd's appearance is courtesy of Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc, who will help you print your pictures and enter the competition.

Remember to bring your camera to capture the action-packed aerial athletics of AntiGravity at booth P210. After you've taken your prize-winning shot, visit Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc. at booth Q161. Print your three best shots, fill out an entry label, adhere to back of a single shot, and submit your entry.

You could win a trip for two to PMA 2010, including airfare and a four-night hotel stay arranged by PMA and two All Conference Connection Passes.

Wake Me Up Before You JoJo

2009-02-20T18:41:00Z

Sorry for the Wham! reference, but I couldn't resist – I'm excited over the news of a Photojojo photo safari planned for PMA 09.

Photojojo, with the support of HP and PMA Magazine - Connecting the Imaging Communities, will be taking several lucky shutterbugs to the Las Vegas Neon Boneyard for some breathtaking photography, a photo tour, and an after-event with awesome prizes!

Las Vegas's famed Neon Boneyard is the final resting place for decades of Vegas signage. For a truly surreal, deeply colorful and haunting photos of Vegas, there's no better place than this.

Following the tour, Photojojo will transport everyone to our after-event at a hotel on the Strip, where you'll have the opportunity to print out your best shots from the day, show them off, and win some amazing new printers from HP!

Photojojo Photo Safaris have a reputation for being fun, exciting events. This marks their Las Vegas debut, and it's sure to fill up fast!

All you have to is RSVP and bring your camera to the Main Entrance of the LVCC South Hall (near the PMA sign). The cost is FREE and is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m.

Trinkets + Trash = Cash?

2009-02-19T21:09:00Z

Have you noticed that DIMA members seem to be on the forefront of ... well, everything?

They were the first to go with digital labs, multiple kiosks, the in-store photo book solution, and – you guessed it – in-store photo gift solutions.

Gaby Mullinax, Fullerton Photographics, Inc., and Phil Gresham, Fotofast digifoto, are two retailers on the forefront of photo gifts. In jest, they call photo gifts "trinkets and trash," but they have first-hand experience in how profitable photo gifts can be.

Photo gifts are all the rage, and it's not too late to get in on the action. The Hip Chick and the Aussie, as they like to call themselves, will lead a lively, informal discussion on photo gift opportunities at DIMA 2009 in a session titled Photo Gifting 101.

Learn from the experts about the photo gift solutions you can integrate into your store before you hit the trade show floor.

This session is nearly sold out, so don't delay in registering for the Ultimate Event for Everything Photo.

It's Not Too Late

2009-02-19T20:57:00Z

It’s not too late to purchase Las Vegas Monorail tickets online in advance.

Are you still deciding on how you’re going to get around the Las Vegas Strip? Wait no more.

Purchase your Monorail tickets and receive a voucher to pickup your tickets at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Vouchers must be redeemed at the Will-Call/Concierge Desk located at South Hall on the 2nd floor, near the PMA09 registration desk.

To redeem your voucher, bring it to the Las Vegas Convention Center Will-Call/Concierge Desk, located at South Hall on the 2nd floor near the PMA09 registration desk. The Will-Call/Concierge Desk hours of operation are:

Sunday, March 1, 12 p.m.-6 p.m.
Monday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 4, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 5, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After 4 p.m. on March 5, any unredeemed vouchers become invalid and cannot be redeemed or refunded.

Win a Trip to PMA 2010

2009-02-18T20:52:00Z

It may seem like we're getting ahead of ourselves by talking about PMA 2010, but next year's trip could start when you get to PMA 09.

Bring your camera and capture the exciting, action-packed aerial athletics of acclaimed performance troupe AntiGravity at the SPAA Action Photography Shoot-Out competition, at booth P210.

After you've taken your prize-winning shot, visit Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Inc., booth Q161. Print your three best shots, fill out an entry label, adhere to back of a single shot, and submit your entry.

You could win a trip for two to PMA 2010, including airfare and a four-night hotel stay arranged by PMA and two All Conference Connection Passes.

It's a great opportunity to show off your skills. Just don't forget to bring your camera (but I have a feeling you shutterbugs will bring multiple cameras).

Counting Down to PMA 09

2009-02-17T13:31:00Z

PMA 09 is only a few days away, and the industry is looking to the Ultimate Event for Everything Photo to see what's new and what's next. For all you Twitter fans out there, here's a novel suggestion from Mitch Goldstone on the Best Photo List:

We know the traditional Yellow Pages and other analog marketing is ineffective. I just learned a similar lesson with newspaper interactive banner ads (few clicks and no conversions). But, Twitter is new, free, and instant.

If you’re on Twitter, please share the below message with your followers to help promote our industry’s convention. To sign up for Twitter, visit: http://www.twitter.com.

Cut/paste and RT [retweet or forward] this message:

Counting down... ONLY 13 more days until #PMA09 ... everyone in photo biz should attend! http://tinyurl.com/86mjcd

You can even add your own twist to the end, such as "Can't wait to see new cameras from Nikon." Have fun with it and let people know why you are going to PMA 09.

Rumors, Speculation, and Predictions

2009-02-16T14:58:00Z

While my crystal ball is a bit fuzzy, others are prognosticating which products will drop at PMA 09. So, what might you see?

Let's start with what you won't see: Sony confirmed to PDN that no new DSLRs will debut. The company is launching new consumer point-and-shoot models and pro-related accessories instead.

You might see Fujifilm announce a follow-up to the Fuji S100f for the prosumer market. That's the buzz according to 1001 Noisy Cameras.

Pentax is expected to debut a new series of SLRs, if Photography Bay is right. That site is also predicting a follow-up to the Canon Rebel XSi.

Finally, PhotographySavvy is taking a different approach to its crystal ball gazing: it's focused on the trends that might emerge from the trade show floor, including Micro Four Thirds and video/still camera convergence.

With only 15 days until the Ultimate Event for Everything Photo, the only way to know what you might see on the trade show floor is to attend.

A Look at Love

2009-02-13T13:29:00Z

In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a look at relationships around the world from National Geographic photographer Jodi Cobb. Her assignment was to document the various ways in which people and cultures express love and relationships in this photo gallery.

In her Field Notes, Cobb discusses the quirkiness of Las Vegas weddings:

Las Vegas calls itself the Wedding Capital of the World, and I found just about every conceivable permutation of a ceremony there. I photographed one place where an Elvis impersonator drove couples into a building in a pink Cadillac. Once they got inside, Elvis jumped out of the car, performed the ceremony, and sang as the couple danced.

I also saw a guy in a Dracula costume perform a wedding; the bride and groom were dressed in black. Then there were the weddings at the Venetian Hotel, where people got married in a gondola that floated through canals — on the second floor.

But my favorite Vegas wedding was a drive-through. A couple in a red Jeep showed up, and when I asked why they were getting married there, they said it was because half of their wedding party was too ugly for anyplace else. Then they pointed to their dogs sitting in the back seat. They didn't want to get married without them.

Cobb is this year's Evening With an Artist, a free event for PMA 09 attendees, scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. Pre-registration and a ticket is required. A book signing for Cobb's book, Geisha: The Life, The Voices, The Art, is scheduled to follow.

What Do Moms Want?

2009-02-12T13:11:00Z

Anyone involved in portrait photography might welcome this opportunity: PSPA 2009 is hosting a panel of moms and kids, eager to share the motivation behind their portrait purchase decisions and buying habits.

It’s like having your own focus group without having to organize it.

Talking to the End Customer is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 9:10 a.m.

Shooting a Safari

2009-02-11T13:07:00Z

OK, shutterbugs, ready to go on a photo safari?

Before the PMA 09 trade show opens, join PIEA members and fellow photo enthusiasts on a journey to Zion National Park for an all-day photo shoot. From massive canyons to an amazing array of plants and animals, you'll find plenty to photograph as you hike along the Virgin River.

The PIEA Photo Safari is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 6:00 a.m. (buses depart from the Sahara Hotel and Casino).