I had time this weekend to sit down and schedule out my calendar for WPPI and it’s looking a little hectic.

You probably think I’m a little crazy, since WPPI is more that two months away and I’m already thinking about how each day is going to look like down to the last hour. If this is your first time to WPPI, trust me, when I say that scheduling out your days as far in advance as possible will help you narrow your focus and lots of events are being announced now so if there is a particular activity you want to do while at WPPI you can purchase tickets before it’s sells out. Last year, I felt so overwhelmed, there is LOTS to do and you will feel like you are being pulled in all different directions so a game plan is never a bad thing.

Sooo…here are five things to think about when working on your calendar for WPPI.

1. Platform classes: Think carefully about what you need to improve on and what you are interested in shooting. In 2011 I picked some classes at random because they were available in the time slot that I needed and I think I went to a portrait class and while it was great information I wasn’t interested in anything the speaker had to say. Its good to figure out what speakers would most interest you so you are maximizing your time.

2. Schedule time for the trade show: All the awesome photography vendors will be there. Bag companies, off camera flash equipment, album and print companies. You will really want to take your time in the trade show to pick up new products and ideas for your clients.

3. Make time to meet up with other photographers: Have lunch, dinner or drinks….I feel that networking is so important! You can learn so much from other photographers. They are such an awesome resource. Putting yourself out there is the best thing you can do for your business, plus new friendships are always a plus!

4. Travel time: It takes forever to walk anywhere in the casinos! It may look small on the map, but each casino is huge and the mgm is one of the biggest.

5. Stylize Shoots: There is tons of workshop opportunities and stylizes shoots happening. People are starting to promote for these now so don’t miss out on learning from the best photographers in the business, plus take home some fantastic images for your portfolio.

One of the things I’m really looking forward to this year is photographers ignite. This is image from the presentation last year. It’s a special event happening on Sunday night this year so I hope to see you there. :)

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