Industry Insider

Imaging USA's Record-Breaking Show

2013-01-31T13:53:35Z

At Imaging USA this year (Jan. 20-22), we set records. It's no promo push--in over 100 years, none of our Imaging USA events has had such huge advance registration ending with 10,800 enthusiastic attendees who are already telling their friends this is the show they can't miss!

Why was it so great? Maybe it was the drool-worthy products and services you exhibitors brought to the Imaging EXPO. Perhaps it was the jam-packed class schedule with topics and experts that helped attendees grow their skills. Maybe it was the inspirational pick-me-ups that were around every corner of the trade show and convention center. And it was probably a combination of all those great things!

So we wanted to send a great big THANK YOU to everyone--attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers--who helped make Imaging USA 2013 the most rewarding and exciting international photographic convention and trade show of the year! The EXPO and your contributions towards creating a lively environment full of shopping opportunities for the attendees remain at the epicenter of this event.

Share Your Thoughts
Were you a part of the trade show frenzy of excitement? We'll be sending you an Exhibitor Survey in February, so you can let us know how we can improve Imaging USA even more in the future. Watch your inbox so you can share the ups and downs of your experience with us.

Save the Date (& Your Booth Space)
Dates for the next convention have already been set, so go ahead and save the date for Imaging USA 2014. It will be in Phoenix, Arizona, January 12 - 14, 2014. Hooray!

Now, did you already reserve your booth space for next year while you were in Atlanta? (Smart move.) Then remember that May 1, 2013, is the deadline for your 50% booth space deposit.

Didn't reserve a spot yet? Now's your chance! Just contact your sales rep and they will help you find the best booth spot to meet the professional photographers who will flock to the trade show floor in Phoenix.

Tara Truitt Eastern Regional Manager 404.522.8600 ext. 230 ttruitt@ppa.com		Marina Anderson Central Regional Manager 404.522.8600, ext. 211 manderson@ppa.com
Amy Walls Western Regional Manager 404.522.8600 ext. 279 awalls@ppa.com		Wayne Jones Dir. of Sales & Strategic Alliances 404.522.8600, ext. 248 wjones@ppa.com

And as usual, you'll be able to keep up with the latest at ImagingUSA.org. See you next year!

New Online Advertising Opportunities on PPA.com

2013-01-31T13:51:20Z

If you haven't been to PPA.com in the last few weeks, you ought to give it a peek--with a fresh new face, our website presents all-new advertising possibilities! There are fewer ads on each page, meaning higher positioning, more visibility and a better message board for your company and its products or services. Plus, these ads have some intriguing design possibilities to increase their "stickiness" in your prospects' minds. Check out the specs here (and contact your sales rep for all the details):

Expandable Ad - This is a 2-for-1 ad opportunity in a sense! You send in one image file that will be cropped or zoomed out, depending on the mouse action. (180x150 pixels expandable to 600x150 pixels...it literally slides out on the mouse over to double its visibility!)
Peel-Off Ad -These ads will have a static corner tab located at the top right of the website to grab viewers' attention. Click on that corner and the ad will unfold (peel down) to reveal your full message. (static corner: 110x80 pixels / full ad: max of 1,100 x 900 pixels)

Medical & Dental Insurance Plans For PPA Members

2012-11-27T19:23:31Z

Finding good medical and dental coverage for professional photographers can be tough (and not much fun), which is why PPA has partnered with Pallay Insurance Agency, Inc. Starting today, there is an affordable and amicable option for PPA members. Details for members can be found at ppa.com/benefits/health_insurance.php.

Imaging USA Updates

2012-11-27T18:31:00Z

Sponsorships Still Available - Want to spread awareness of your brand? Great sponsorship opportunities still available for our amazing closing night party at the Georgia Aquarium...

See your message swimming in the main aquarium tank!
Sponsor any of the exhibits at the aquarium.
Reserve your own VIP lounge area.
Sponsor the buffet or special desserts.
And many more!

Get Ready for the Imaging EXPO - Check imagingusa.org/exhibitor-resources/ for info regarding the Exhibitor Service Kit, housing, floor plan updates and media/press release information. You'll also soon be able to download web buttons and banners to help promote your presence at Imaging USA!

Book Your Nook - Hotels are going fast, so better book now to ensure you're not left out in the cold! The Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel has a room rate of $149/night and the Omni Hotel at CNN Center (our headquarters hotel) has a room rate of $185/night.

See All the New Opportunities: 2013 Media Kit
The 2013 Media Kit is up and open for business! Take a look through all the print/online/event advertising and promotional opportunities available (like our new advertorial sections), the 2013 editorial calendar, specs and so much more.

Best Time to Become a Corporate Member

2012-11-27T18:25:30Z

There's never been a better time to become a PPA Corporate Member! Don't believe us? Here's a few benefits our Corporate Members get that may have you picking up the phone:

Promotion in the monthly PPA New Member Welcome Kit (over 600 distributed monthly)
PPA Facebook promotional opportunities (for Platinum members)
Imaging USA booth discounts & priority placement
Inclusion in the PPA Coupon Book
Unlimited PPA mailing list rental
Inclusion in the Super Monday Bonus Pack
Special advertising packages created exclusively for you (coming in 2013!)

Ready to take advantage of all the PPA Corporate Member benefits throughout the year? There are 4 Corporate Membership levels available: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Just contact your rep for all the details! We know you're serious about reaching out to photographers, and we're serious about help you.

Imaging USA Updates

2012-09-20T21:26:53Z

If you're planning on exhibiting at Imaging USA in Atlanta (January 20-22, 2013), you won't want to miss these important reminders:

Make your final booth payment by October 1, 2012!
Update your Imaging USA Exhibitor Online Profile by October 5, 2012. You want to ensure your company name, booth number, city/state, business phone and email are correct, right? And do you want to list the types of products you'll be displaying? Updating your profile by October 5 is the best way to do that! (Your user ID and password were emailed to you, but you can always contact Bill Ingwersen if you have questions.)
Book your hotel rooms now to ensure you get the closest spots available. For example, the headquarters hotel is the Omni Hotel at CNN Center...and it is connected to the convention center via a short, outside walkway for easy access. All hotels and special rates (and booking links or numbers) are online here: www.imagingusa.org/hotels-travel/.
Watch for the Exhibitor Service Kit to be out very soon!

Invite Your Best Customers to Imaging USA

2012-09-20T21:22:00Z

Are you going to showcase your company and products at Imaging USA in Atlanta? If so, share the love with your best customers! There's a great deal photographers can use to build up their businesses and join you at Imaging USA for free:

If a photographer joins Professional Photographers of America (PPA) as a new Professional Active member, he or she gets a free registration to Imaging USA! (www.imagingusa.org/join-go)

By spreading awareness of this deal, you will not only encourage photographers to visit your Imaging EXPO booth, you'll also help them find the resources and support they need to continually grow (with PPA membership)--which is also good for YOUR business! (And your customers are sure to enjoy the savings that you'll share with them.)

Here is sample copy you could use in spreading the word about this deal:

Time is money, so what if we told you about a way to save both while improving your skills? Join Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and go free to Imaging USA in Atlanta--you'll find inspiration for your photography and pick up some serious business know-how, all in one place, in just a few action-packed days. www.imagingusa.org/join-go

We're always on the lookout for deals that can help you out--and here's a great one: Join Professional Photographers of America (PPA) as a new Professional Active member now, and you'll get one full registration to Imaging USA in Atlanta absolutely FREE! Your business could thrive with PPA's resources...and by attending Imaging USA's gathering of great minds, product deals and inspiration. www.imagingusa.org/join-go

Not involved with Imaging USA yet (as an exhibitor or sponsor)? There's still time to make a big impression. Get booth and sponsorship information here: www.imagingusa.org/exhibitor-resources/

Better Images, Better Business

2012-09-20T21:19:11Z

While photography itself isn't the reason a photographer is successful, it's definitely a big part of the equation! That's why many of your photographer customers enter competitions--it pushes them to fine-tune and refresh their imagery. And PPA's annual International Photographic Competition (IPC) is the gold standard. (The 2012 results are online now: www.ppa.com/competitions/international.php)

One thing that makes the IPC different from other photographic competitions is that the images are judged according to a standard of excellence, not against each other. The jurors--made up of professional photographers--are carefully trained to evaluate images based on stringent guidelines for technique, composition and creativity. This standard of excellence is a point of pride with PPA members, not only from a perspective of recognition, but also as an opportunity to evaluate their work, improve their craft and strengthen their businesses.

"A professional photographer who approaches every client engagement as if it's an entry for the International Photographic Competition will consistently produce better images, and that will translate into more clients," says Tomas MuÃ±oz, a multiple IPC Loan Collection winner from Florida.

The most recent IPC took place this summer, with nearly 5,000 entries. Over 1,800 images were selected for the General Collection and just 476 (about 10 percent) were selected for the esteemed Loan Collection--the best of the best. Both collections will be on display January 20-22, 2013, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga., during Imaging USA, the convention and trade show for pro photographers. This International Photographic Exhibit will be open to the public, and admission is free.

Some of your own customers may have earned a Loan or General Collection placement! Browse the results to see: www.ppa.com/competitions/international.php.

Use Mobile Apps, Games & More to Stand Out at Imaging USA

2012-09-20T21:15:24Z

We've all been to events where there's so much going on that you can't focus on one thing, right? Well, that's why PPA offers special sponsorship opportunities for their Imaging USA convention and expo for serious professional photographers.

Want to raise your brand above the rest? You could use our sponsorship packages, and/or customize what you do to sponsor a speaker, a party, backlit panels...even a mobile app!

Yep, the Imaging USA Mobile App Sponsorship is a new opportunity, where up to 10 companies can get in front of photographers during the entire Imaging USA event lifecycle (planning, attending and following up).PLUS, you could sponsor the splash page of the app, or part of the photo-based scavenger hunt game!

The possibilities are nigh endless--just ask your sales rep for the best way to get your name out there more and more.

The next Imaging USA event will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, January 20-22, 2013. For more show details, visit www.imagingusa.org/exhibitor-resources/.

Professional Photographer Brings Home the Gold...and Silver and Bronze

2012-06-18T22:20:22Z

You want your company to be associated with excellence, right? That's one more reason you should get involved with Professional Photographer magazine! This publication took home 17 of the Magazine Association of the Southeast's 2012 GAMMA Awards, including one for General Excellence that names it the best business-to-business/association magazine in the Southeast.

One judge commented: "Professional Photographer knows how to select case studies that can educate their readership."

Recognizing editorial and design excellence in magazine publishing, the GAMMA Awards validate Professional Photographer's 100-plus years of helping readers--some of your best customers--excel in the photographic industry with professional advice and inspiration. You can see the entire list of awards here.

Want to learn how you can get involved with this award-winning publication? Visit http://mediakit.ppmag.com/

Thousands of Photographers Vie for the Cover

2012-06-18T22:18:31Z

Professional Photographer magazine just launched their fifth annual Cover Photo Contest, which draws the interest of thousands of portrait, wedding, commercial, sports and event photographers around the world. More than 6,600 individuals entered the 2011 contest and PPmag.com traffic increased almost 50 percent during the contest months, thanks to the "Viewer's Choice" voting capability, which brought in over 37,000 voters. (People can browse entries and vote for their favorites.)

Entries are already pouring in for the 2012 contest, and the submission deadline is August 31. Along with landing the cover of Professional Photographer magazine, the winner of the contest will be awarded prizes from sponsors WHCC, Photobiz and Michaels Custom Framing.

Those sponsors get a "prize" as well, thanks to the exposure their involvement brings. For example, they are featured on full-page promotional house ads in three issues of the magazine. Their logos appear on the contest section of PPmag.com, in every promotional email and in promotional ads on PPA.com.

Want to learn more about the current contest? Visit www.ppmag.com/cover-contest-2012/. Want to get involved in future contests like this? Ask your sales rep today!

Catch Attention at Imaging USA

2012-06-18T22:16:21Z

If you want to engage the decision makers in your industry, you first need to be where they are. Then you then need to catch their attention. Your opportunity to do just that is coming up at Imaging USA, the convention and expo for serious professional photographers.

Since Imaging USA is where professional photographers--your customers--go to soak up the best business and artistic ideas for success, it's the perfect place to show how you can help them. It's your chance to stick in their minds as the ideal solution, product or service. And since you want them to remember you all show and all year long, don't limit your exposure to your exhibit space. Raise your brand above the rest with a sponsorship that keeps your company top of mind.

The next Imaging USA event will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, January 20-22, 2013. For more show details, visit www.imagingusa.org/exhibitor-resources/. And ask your sales rep for the best ways to get your name recognized and remembered!

Imaging USA Updates

2012-06-18T20:28:14Z

If you're planning on exhibiting at Imaging USA in Atlanta (January 20-22, 2013), you won't want to miss these important reminders:

Book your hotel rooms now to ensure you get the closest spots available! For example, the headquarters hotel is the Omni Hotel at CNN Center...and it is connected to the convention center via a short, outside walkway for easy access. All hotels and special rates (and booking links or numbers) are online here: www.imagingusa.org/hotels-travel/.
Watch for the Exhibitor Service Kit to be out later this summer.

Bettering Business with Benchmarks

2012-06-18T20:27:01Z

Professional photographers will soon have the most up-to-date resource for bettering their businesses. PPA is preparing to launch the results of their 2011 Benchmark Survey, which gives studios key performance indicators (benchmarks) based on financial data compiled from hundreds of studios.

By following these benchmarks, photographers are virtually guaranteed to improve profit margins. The benchmarks will help them determine how much they need to sell in order to achieve the personal income they seek; how much they must charge to achieve that level of sales; and how much it will cost to pay day-to-day business expenses.

And these benchmarks work. Over the course of the three PPA Benchmark Surveys (2005, 2008 and 2011), we've seen a marked improvement in performance by the studios that participated multiple times. Take as evidence the 66 studios that participated in both the 2008 and 2011 Benchmark Surveys: By applying the benchmarks to their businesses in the intervening years, they easily eclipsed the results turned in by other participating studios.

PPA is the only organization that creates such comprehensive financial guidance for photographers. Following that guidance can help photographers create a stronger, healthier business...and that can lead to good business for the rest of the industry!

On PPA.com, PPA members will soon be able to see these latest recommended benchmarks and additional resources that will guide them through how to use the benchmarks to make key decisions.

The New & Improved ShopPP

2012-04-20T15:59:24Z

Have you been on ShopPP lately? Our online directory (putting photography products and services at the consumer's fingertips) has a brand-new look and even more features. So, head on over and...

Update or upgrade your listing
Offer exclusive deals to the browsers
Share photos/videos
Drive traffic to your website

Come see how others are using it and how you can, too! Visit: shop.ppmag.com.