WPPI…preboarding…and THE CLAW!

In about a month or so, thousands of photographers will descend in Las Vegas for the world's largest Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference. When I try to explain WPPI to industry outsiders, I'm flummoxed and usually resort to ridiculous comparisons to help articulate my point. It's like a high school homecoming…photo school on crack…and college frat party all rolled into one. Riiiight, like THAT explanation clears ambiguity.

The one thing I can say with confidence is I have a love/hate relationship with WPPI. I mean, I lovelovelove meeting new people and catching up with old friends (if we see each other in the halls, pleeeeeease say hi…oh my gosh, that sounded so high school, right?), but I hate that I'm a ball of nerves until I give my presentation. Yes, I'll be giving a platform presentation this year and I'd be honored to see you there…and who knows, maybe THE CLAW might make another appearance!

I'll be speaking on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 @ 4pm. The title of my presentation is Dear Me, Please Stop Making the Same Mistakes. Love, The Future Me and I'll be working through the top five mistakes I continually made that prevented my business from growing and how to avoid a pattern of mishaps. I hope we get a chance to meet after my class! {And I also hope to see you there because I always worry I'll be standing in front of an empty room, except for JD sitting in the front row…this is a reoccurring nightmare, Internet}. There is limited seating, so be sure to pre-board when you register for classes online which will guarantee your seat!

And because I love lists, here's my Top 5 Tips for Getting the Most from WPPI:
5. Bring chapstick and water. You'll be constantly dry due to the air-conditioning and cigarette smoke in the MGM conference center. No, really, you'll thank me later for this.
4. Bring a ton of business cards. You'll be meeting so many people (in line for Starbucks, happy hour at Rogue, snagging pizza and Wolfgang Puck's), so be sure to come prepared to connect and leave a lasting impression.
3. Before the conference, stop at a grocery store (there's a Whole Foods just 2 miles south of the Strip, and an Albertson's less than a mile from the MGM) and stock up on healthy food. The only options in the MGM are typical food court varieties and high-budget restaurants, so if you have well-rounded snacks in your room, you'll be in a better mood. Promise.
2. Wear layers. Las Vegas is usually warm, but each conference room has a mind of it's own. It's best to always keep a sweater on hand.
1. Smile. The best thing you can do for your business is be happy. Sure, WPPI can be totally overwhelming and feel like there are cliques in every corner, but closing yourself off will make the situation worse. Trust me…I've made that mistake. A simple smile allows people to approach you and the connections you make are, really, the best thing you'll walk away from Las Vegas with. If you're unsure of my sentiment, allow me to quote Tony Benn, “Most things in life are moment of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.”

Happy Friday!