Sony Fashion Show at WPPI to be hosted by Nigel Barker, celebrity judge and photographer from America’s Next Top Model

Los Angeles, CA (February 2, 2011) – Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) announces its high energy events schedule for its 2011 Convention taking place February 17-24, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Grand.

Upcoming events later this month include the new Launch Pad, Sony Fashion Show, Canon Mardi Gras Party, Women in Contemporary Photography, 31st Annual WPPI Awards Night and the second annual Photographers Ignite.

“WPPI has long been known for its top-notch educational opportunities as well as unlimited networking opportunities with colleagues and new friends in the industry,” said George Varanakis, WPPI’s Group Publisher and Executive Vice President. “And this year, the special events offered to our attendees are sure to keep everyone energized even after a long day of sessions and trade show.”

Event Details:

WPPI Launch Pad
Sunday, February 20th
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Studio Rooms outside MGM Grand Garden Arena
Take a sneak peek at the latest and greatest products from WPPI’s exhibitors before the trade show even opens. WPPI’s Launch Pad will be open to all media and all WPPI attendees. Hors d'oeuvres and Refreshments will be served.

Sony Fashion Show
Sunday, February 20th
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Join WPPI for a reception and fashion show hosted by Nigel Barker, the celebrity judge and photographer from America's Next Top Model. The fashion show starts at 8:00 p.m. and is open to all registrants, including trade-show only attendees.


Canon Mardi Gras Party
Monday, February 21st
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
MGM Grand Garden Arena
It might be early, but WPPI is ready to celebrate Mardi Gras - WPPI-Style! Join Canon and WPPI for a night filled with fun, food, and festivities that will be the talk of the convention.

Women in Contemporary Photography
Tuesday, February 22nd
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
MGM Grand Garden Arena
Join WPPI and some of the top women in professional photography in a panel discussion. Listen to Lindsay Adler, Jules Bianchi, Joy Bianchi Brown, Jessica Claire, Kay Eskridge, Catherine Hall, Sarah Petty, Dawn Shields and Jasmine Star as they discuss how they have succeeded in this very competitive market. They’ll share ideas and philosophies that will help other photographers with their own business and personal life too. Sponsored by Canon, Black River, Sigma, Simply Canvas, and Adorama.

WPPI Awards Night
Wednesday, February 23rd
6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Rooms 312 – 317 in the MGM Convention Center
Sponsored by Nikon, this is the night WPPI honors the winner of the 2011 WPPI Awards of Excellence in Print and Album Competitions, along with the four winners of the International Photography Competitions. Join WPPI for a night of fun, food and what this industry is all about – excellence in imaging.

Photographers Ignite
Thursday, February 24th
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Rooms 312 – 317 in the MGM Convention Center
Once again hosted by Professional Photographer Kevin Kubota, who will also give the Opening Ignite, Photographers Ignite at WPPI 2011 will feature 18 experienced and upcoming photographers sharing their cool techniques, trends, ideas and inspirations as they relate to photography as a profession in this fast-paced and exciting two-and-a-half-hour session.

For more information about WPPI 2011 and all of its workshops and events or to register, please visit: http://www.wppionline.com/storage/2011/home.html . The registration rate for access to the WPPI 2011 Convention and Trade Show is $259 for members and $399 for non-members.

WPPI is the largest annual expo and conference in the United States for professional photographers. Last year, more than 14,000 professional photographers gather in Las Vegas, NV, to learn from the best and see the latest and greatest products from the hundreds of exhibitors that participate in the trade show.

About WPPI
Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) is an organization that serves the educational and business needs of wedding and portrait photographers. WPPI is a professional organization that exists to help member photographers by providing them with exclusive information, programs and professional services to assist with their photographic artistry and business needs. WPPI routinely supplies its members with new benefits and valuable industry information enabling them to compete effectively, especially in tough economic times. WPPI membership gives photographers the resources they need to succeed and the tools they require to build and develop a strong personal support network.

In 2010, WPPI completed its 30th annual Convention and Trade Show, drawing over 14,000 attendees and 320 exhibitors to its convention space in the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. For more information visit: www.wppionline.com.

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