You Snooze...You Lose

I know it's still December and everybody is in the holiday spirit, but if you're headed to any of the major conventions don't forget to make a hotel reservation. Last year for WPPI, I made my reservation late and I think we were in the one room at the MGM farthest away from the Convention Center!  It's no fun when you've got a half hour walk just to get to the show.

Plus, you always want to be in the host hotel if possible. Fifty percent of the reason to even be at a convention is about networking. You miss out on too much if you're off property at another hotel.

Because I've been in the industry as long as I have, every year I get a dozen emails three weeks before any major convention from friends who can't find a room, hoping I've got some mystery stash of hotel accommodations.  While there used to be a day when I often did, especially when Hasselblad was an exhibitor or I had responsibility for WPPI, those days are long gone. Don't wait until the last minute to get your hotel booked!  

There are four shows listed below. This doesn't mean there are only four big shows kicking off the new year, just that these are the conventions I know best. Check with your state associations for other key regional conventions worth attending. You should attend every professional photographic event you can!

Click on any of the banners to find out more and if you're going, don't wait to book your hotel. Don't create a "You snooze. You Lose" scenario!

Photo Pro Expo - Covington, KY

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Imaging USA - Nashville, TN

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WPPI - Las Vegas

Note: WPPI is always in Vegas and has been at the MGM for years. However, if you're making a reservation and want to cut down on the daily hike to the show, you want to be in MGM's Signature in Tower 1. 

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Shutterfest - St. Louis

ShutterFest is sold out for 2015, but I wanted to list it here, because it's not just a convention, but a community. Sal Cincotta set out to build something amazing and he did! I've listed it here so you can be thinking about 2016! You should also get involved in the ShutterFest Facebook page so you can keep tabs on everything that's going on!