PMA Announces 2012 PSPA/SPAA Conference Dates

From PMA:

PSPA/SPAA conference dates set for Feb. 18-19, 2012

School portrait and sports/event photographers return to Las Vegas following successful 2011 event

JACKSON, Mich. – PMA – The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations announces two member associations, the Professional School Photographers Association International™ (PSPA™) and the Sports Photographers Association of America (SPAA®), will hold their annual meetings at the Renaissance Hotel Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nev., in February, 2012. The event begins Friday, Feb. 17, with a kick-off reception, and PSPA and SPAA programming will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19, 2012.

Conference attendees can attend without charge the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) trade show, Feb. 20-23, 2012, at the MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, Nev.

In 2011, nearly 560 attendees spent two full days attending sessions, luncheons, and receptions. The show also included a Vendor Reception, which many members cite as a highlight, says 2011-2012 PSPA President Bill Glover of Strawbridge Studios Inc.

"Overall, the response to the [2011] show was overwhelmingly positive,” says Glover. “There were lots of familiar faces but also many new ones as well. I love the turnout we had, and the tracks were well-received.”

“PMA remains committed to these two important photographer groups,” says Ted Fox, executive director, PMA. “This arrangement allows PMA to continue to provide industry-specific educational and networking opportunities at this more convenient timeframe to these important industry segments.”

SPAA Committee members are enthusiastic as well with the announcement, heading into their 6th annual conference since joining as a member association of PMA.

"Those of us working in sports photography as a career are hungry for information and embrace the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow industry colleagues," says Tom Hayes, Visual Image Photography Inc., Cedarburg, Wis., and chairperson, SPAA committee. “We are going to have a focused group of photographers and vendors meeting together, networking, and figuring out together how to make our respective businesses and industries prosper."