JACKSON, Mich. – The PMA 2011 International Convention and Trade Show returns to Las Vegas, Nev., at the Las Vegas Convention Center, South Hall, on September 8-10, 2011, with an expanded educational program and interactive exhibition plan.

PMA 2011 will educate dealers on how to expand the expertise of their staff, how to use the products they sell, and how to become more effective at the retail counter. Having the PMA 2011 show on the leading edge of the holiday season is also the best opportunity for dealers to make critical buying decisions for the fourth quarter.

“I’ve been working closely with the PMA staff whose sole purpose is to build the largest educational venue in photography; and it all starts with our members,” says Skip Cohen, industry veteran and PMA consultant. “PMA members will be able to not only attend the most interactive trade show in PMA history, but they will be able to take advantage of dozens of programs to help with marketing efforts and to expand their skill set in imaging.”

The convention will feature hands-on photographic education involving the use of gear and in-class examples of the necessary “how-to’s” for photographers to get the most out of every camera, printer, and even computer. Also, photo safari field trips with industry experts and leading photographers, along with a nighttime shoot on the Las Vegas Strip, are planned.

One of the most compelling features being offered to attendees of PMA 2011, according to Cohen, is networking.

“Networking is far more than collecting business cards,” declares Cohen. “PMA 2011 is going to be about sharing ideas with counterparts and customers. It’s about developing a network that is a resource to help you solve the challenges of your business in the future. The PMA special events, keynote speakers, and exclusive programming are going to help you build that network.”

Cohen drew attention to PMA recognizing a paradigm shift of its role in the industry. “Gone are the days of PMA ‘just being a trade show’ or ‘just being a platform of retail educational programs,’” he says. “In addition to those great features, PMA 2011 will expand the PMA experience and provide an adventure in education, new product development, marketing, and networking for everyone with a serious interest in photography. The PMA 2011 educational platform will have workshops and programs designed exclusively for its members, as well as for professional and aspiring photographers and serious hobbyists.”

Major PMA events coming soon:

• 6Sight Future of Imaging Conference, November 15-17, 2010, San Jose, Calif.

• PSPA/SPAA 2011 Conferences, February 19-20, 2011, Las Vegas, Nev.

• PMA Latin America Peru Expo 2011, June 8-9, 2011, Lima, Peru

• PMA Australia 2011, June 24-26, 2011, Sydney, Australia

• PMA 2011 International Convention and Trade Show, September 8-10, 2011, Las Vegas, Nev.

For more information on PMA events, visit the PMA home page.

About PMA – The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations
As a professional trade association, PMA® helps the worldwide photo imaging community achieve business success and adapt to new technologies. Its commitment to members in 100-plus countries is part of an 85-year legacy that connects business owners to a network of knowledge and support. PMA furthers this purpose through the development of educational programs, marketing research, publications, and trade shows. As a not-for-profit organization, any success PMA achieves in its endeavors directly benefits the industry, providing the means to continually develop services and activities for members.