WPPI 2013 Conference + Expo Draws More Than 13,000 Registered Attendees

April 30, 2013

In early April, 13,000 attendees from the United States and 70 other countries attended the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) 2013 Conference and Expo in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand hotel and conference center.

The conference and expo, which is run by Nielsen Expositions and was held April 7-14, reports it is the largest show in the world for wedding and portrait photographers.

"WPPI 2013 had something for everyone! With so many options and opportunities for learning, choosing which Platform, Master and Plus classes to take was challenging and exciting for our attendees," said Jason Groupp , WPPI show director.

The 33rd annual WPPI 2013 featured 176 speakers, 168 conference classes and more than 300 exhibitors and brands, occupying 80,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Additionally, there were nearly 2,000 submissions in this year's annual Print & Album Competition, which is nearly 25 percent more than last year.

Attendees take part in the annual conference to sharpen their technical and business skills, to learn from the most successful and talented photographers working in the business today and to network with their peers.

Those new to the business had the option of attending the WPPI University, a two-day workshop, with a focus on sharpening technical skills and running a profitable business.

The expo also is a draw for attendees searching for the latest and greatest products and services from show exhibitors.

The three-day expo featured manufacturers and distributors displaying everything from cameras and lenses to lighting solutions, plus post-production techniques, online- and print-presentation ideas and more.

Attendees also could attend a live photo shoot by famed wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis and learn how to bring out the best in their subjects and locations. People and props were pulled from the audience and the photographs were instantly displayed on a big screen.

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), a division of Nielsen Photo Group, is an organization that serves the educational and business needs of wedding and portrait photographers. 

The annual WPPI 2014 Conference + Expo is set to take place again at the MGM Grand Feb. 27-March 6.

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