I’m packing my bags today because I’m heading to Las Vegas, NV for my 4th WPPI convention. WPPI is the Wedding and Portrait Photographers’ International convention that is held yearly using our off season in fabulous Las Vegas. Vegas is such a great place for a convention of about 15,000 photographers because there is so much to do and see when you need to get out of class and have some vacation time. As a seasoned photographer, people often ask me how to get the most out of their WPPI experience. These are my top tips for arriving prepared, but also being willing to be spontaneous and not being a slave to the schedule.

1. RESEARCH CLASSES AHEAD OF TIME. I cannot stress this enough. Study the schedule on the WPPI website and write out your top priority classes and backup options in case those classes fill up (an many of the popular speakers do hit capacity.) I also note ahead of time the ones I absolutely don’t want to miss and the ones I’m flexible on. This helps me with last minute decisions about seeing a spontaneous speaker on the trade show floor or even giving myself a break and catching a nap.
2. BE FLEXIBLE. Don’t pack your schedule too much. Or if you do, let yourself change your mind last minute and miss some things to rest a little bit or grab dinner with random friends you just met. 
3. COMFORTABLE SHOES. Seriously. Don’t be a hero. You will need the support of your running sneakers. You will walk many miles each day going back and forth from classes, exploring the trade show and then exploring the Strip at night. If you must wear heels for parties then pack flats in your bag. Trust me.
4. BRING YOUR CAMERA. Not only will you want to document things but there are tons of shooting opportunities and chances to try out new lenses right in the trade show. I’m even going a shoot in the desert for the first time! But you will be happy you brought your gear, just pack light. Maybe leave the 70-200mm at home.
5. BUSINESS CARDS. Not only for networking and meeting tons of awesome photographers but for contests. Yes! Each booth an many classes will have things to give away and they often have people put their card in a bowl and have a drawing. You will want the awesome free stuff. And speaking of free stuff…
6. AN EXTRA BAG. Or at least room in your suitcase to bring him tons of catalogs, brochures, samples, books, you name it. Many booths give out all kinds of swag (I personally love getting my two rolls of film from Kodak each year).
7. OTHER ITEMS: Notebooks and pens for taking LOTS of notes, juice pack charger for your phone, chapstick and other things to prepare for the dry Las Vegas air. The temperature fluctuates a lot our there so prepare.

The WPPI website is a great reference too. I already bought my monorail pass at a discount through their link. My favorite site-seeing things to do: The Bellagio Fountain, the bakery & cafe in Paris, Wicked Spoon buffet in The Cosmopolitan, shopping- I love shopping everywhere in Vegas. There are lots of websites that can direct you to other ideas, including this one with lots of Vegas deals. 

The most important thing though is don’t be afraid to meet people. Just walk right up to them an start a conversation. You never know when you’ll randomly be talking to someone whose work you really admire. And if you see a girl with glasses wearing the Straight Out Of Camera shirt pictured above, please come and say hi to me! I love meeting people and will totally grab coffee or dinner with you.