PMA 08 Blog
Save the date for PMA 09
Once again, PMA will return to Las Vegas for the PMA 09 International Convention and Trade Show. Be sure to note the dates and make plans to attend:
Finally, if you have any feedback on PMA 08 or suggestions for PMA 09, be sure to take our PMA 08 survey.
PMA 09
March 3-5, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
March 3-5, 2009
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
Finally, if you have any feedback on PMA 08 or suggestions for PMA 09, be sure to take our PMA 08 survey.
PMA 08 comes to a close
Whew! It's been quite a week with the PMA 08 International Convention and Trade Show. Lots of new products were launched and lots of new ideas emerged. Here's just a few places that perfectly recap PMA 08:
- PMA 08 Show Daily (product news, announcements, and more)
- PMA 08 Video Library (for selected sessions)
- CNET at PMA 08
- Popphoto.com at PMA08
- G4's Attack of the Show at PMA 08
Remember to check out the PMA 08 photos on Flickr from attendees around the world.
There's also lots of videos out on YouTube covering PMA 08 (it may be best to search for "PMA 2008"), but there's only one that completely rocks and captures the PMA experience (while plugging the good folks at digitalcamerainfo.com).
It's either 100% pure cheese or 100% sheer genius, but the digitalcamerainfo.com crew demonstrate exactly what's needed for the kind of viral marketing success that PMA keynoter Andrew Lippman described:
Insider tips for going to PMA 08
Hard to believe that PMA 08 is right around the corner, but next week marks the start of a week of innovation and inspiration for the memories market.
Here are a few insider tips from past PMA attendees:
1) Buy a book of Las Vegas monorail tickets when you arrive. They come at a discount and will save you a bundle in cab fare.
2) Leave yourself plenty of time when departing the Las Vegas Airport. Recent security upgrades mean longer than normal delays.
3) Take lip salve and skin moisturiser. Those who have been before know how dry the atmosphere is.
4) Book online in advance for the shows you want to see.
5) Advise your credit card that you are traveling to the United States. Some cards are blocked when used outside of your normal travel area.
6) Register online and pick up your badges in the Registration Area, located on Level 2 of the South Hall. If you pre-registered, badges were mailed from the United States on January 3 and 4. If you did not receive your badge package, come to the pre-registered badge pickup desk.
7) Use the morning to meet with your key vendors. During the opening of the show, people often rush to see big-name companies first, but crowds will even out in the booths of the major manufacturers as the day continues.
8) Start at the back of the hall and work your way toward the front. You’ll find the accessories that really sell and you’ll have more time with company representatives.
9) Use your PMA Business Card (included with your registration). You can scan this card and give your contact information to the exhibitors that interest you.
10) Attend an education session. The afternoon sessions provide an opportunity to rest during a full day of exploring the trade show and provide insightful business ideas.
11) Plan ahead using PMA Smart Connect, a powerful, simple, free planning tool for PMA 08 attendees. PMA Smart Connect helps you find just what's uniquely relevant for you: what exhibitors to see, what products to check out, what educational sessions to attend, even what peers to network with.
12) Post your photos on Flickr. There's a PMA 08 group created by PMA for attendees to share all their favorite PMA moments.
2) Leave yourself plenty of time when departing the Las Vegas Airport. Recent security upgrades mean longer than normal delays.
3) Take lip salve and skin moisturiser. Those who have been before know how dry the atmosphere is.
4) Book online in advance for the shows you want to see.
5) Advise your credit card that you are traveling to the United States. Some cards are blocked when used outside of your normal travel area.
6) Register online and pick up your badges in the Registration Area, located on Level 2 of the South Hall. If you pre-registered, badges were mailed from the United States on January 3 and 4. If you did not receive your badge package, come to the pre-registered badge pickup desk.
7) Use the morning to meet with your key vendors. During the opening of the show, people often rush to see big-name companies first, but crowds will even out in the booths of the major manufacturers as the day continues.
8) Start at the back of the hall and work your way toward the front. You’ll find the accessories that really sell and you’ll have more time with company representatives.
9) Use your PMA Business Card (included with your registration). You can scan this card and give your contact information to the exhibitors that interest you.
10) Attend an education session. The afternoon sessions provide an opportunity to rest during a full day of exploring the trade show and provide insightful business ideas.
11) Plan ahead using PMA Smart Connect, a powerful, simple, free planning tool for PMA 08 attendees. PMA Smart Connect helps you find just what's uniquely relevant for you: what exhibitors to see, what products to check out, what educational sessions to attend, even what peers to network with.
12) Post your photos on Flickr. There's a PMA 08 group created by PMA for attendees to share all their favorite PMA moments.
Rololight giving a pro-kit system at PMA 08
Rololight, the maker of the Rololight Softbox, is giving a complete Pro-kit lighting system to the best photograph taken at their booth. To win, go to booth #U-163, take a picture of the wedding couple and send it to Rololight by e-mail. Rololight will have their Rololight Softbox lighting system set-up so all you have to do is shoot and win, the company says. The photograph will be judged by an independent selection committee.
Whitech, PNY announce appearances at their booths
PMA 08 is a great educational opportunity, not only in the sessions, but also in vendor booths. Whitech Software Solutions and PNY Technologies are two exhibitors who have advised us of their in-booth education sessions. Here's the details:
At the Whitech booth (#R151), keynote speakers and presentations will feature the newest information and technological updates regarding Whitech Software Solutions' Photo. Teller CREATIVE and Photo.Teller UNLIMITED kiosks and their unique capabilities allowing retail customers to order hundreds of creative products via their kiosks. Information on the new CREATIVE@HOME software program will also be available. This software makes it possible for retailers to bring their kiosk right into the comfort of their customer's home!
Speakers include Brian Segnit, manager of Xerox Corp.'s Digital Photo and Book Printing initiative, and Andy Luedecke, director, On Demand Business, Unibind Inc. Segnit will discuss how to enhance profits with digital solutions that complement traditional processes and how to increase the value of a book by making it an event-driven product. Luedecke will discuss the firm's On Demand case binding technology and share his photo book and digital scrapbook expertise.
The schedule of presentations is:
PNY Technologies Inc. (Booth # G231) is presenting live presentations featuring famed photographers who capture life’s greatest moments, Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.
10:00 a.m. – Members of the National Geographic Emerging Explorers Program and the creators of the new television series, "4Real," Sol Guy and Josh Thome. Each year National Geographic recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring young adventurers, scientists, photographers, and storytellers. Sol and Josh are new media cultural storytellers reaching and inspiring a new generation to engage them in today’s most pressing issues through entertainment, online education and live events. The duo will showcase their adventures and explorations from around the world, as well as explain what it takes to expand their mission and expose viewers to some of the most pressing issues of our time.
1:30 p.m. – Award-winning photographer for the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA), Chris Usher.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a photojournalist hot on the campaign trail? Award-winning photographer, Chris Usher, from the White House News Photographers Association will take you on a visual journey and explain how he’s been able to “capture the moment” through his years of covering presidential campaigns.
4:00 p.m. – Associate producer and principal photographer for the television series 4Real, Jade Thome. Jade’s photography adventures have taken him into the Amazon Rainforest, and trekking into the Andes Mountains, as well as many other remote locations. Jade will discuss what it takes to capture the moment in adverse conditions, and cover a host of outdoor photography tips.
At the Whitech booth (#R151), keynote speakers and presentations will feature the newest information and technological updates regarding Whitech Software Solutions' Photo. Teller CREATIVE and Photo.Teller UNLIMITED kiosks and their unique capabilities allowing retail customers to order hundreds of creative products via their kiosks. Information on the new CREATIVE@HOME software program will also be available. This software makes it possible for retailers to bring their kiosk right into the comfort of their customer's home!
Speakers include Brian Segnit, manager of Xerox Corp.'s Digital Photo and Book Printing initiative, and Andy Luedecke, director, On Demand Business, Unibind Inc. Segnit will discuss how to enhance profits with digital solutions that complement traditional processes and how to increase the value of a book by making it an event-driven product. Luedecke will discuss the firm's On Demand case binding technology and share his photo book and digital scrapbook expertise.
The schedule of presentations is:
Thursday, Jan. 31
1pm Brian Segnit, Xerox Corp.
2pm Photo.Teller UNLIMITED
3pm Andy Luedecke, Unibind Inc.
5pm Photo.Teller CREATIVE
1pm Brian Segnit, Xerox Corp.
2pm Photo.Teller UNLIMITED
3pm Andy Luedecke, Unibind Inc.
5pm Photo.Teller CREATIVE
Friday, Feb. 1
11am Photo.Teller UNLIMITED
Noon Andy Luedecke, Unibind, Inc.
2pm Brian Segnit, Xerox Corp.
5pm Photo.Teller CREATIVE
11am Photo.Teller UNLIMITED
Noon Andy Luedecke, Unibind, Inc.
2pm Brian Segnit, Xerox Corp.
5pm Photo.Teller CREATIVE
PNY Technologies Inc. (Booth # G231) is presenting live presentations featuring famed photographers who capture life’s greatest moments, Jan. 31, Feb. 1 and Feb. 2.
10:00 a.m. – Members of the National Geographic Emerging Explorers Program and the creators of the new television series, "4Real," Sol Guy and Josh Thome. Each year National Geographic recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring young adventurers, scientists, photographers, and storytellers. Sol and Josh are new media cultural storytellers reaching and inspiring a new generation to engage them in today’s most pressing issues through entertainment, online education and live events. The duo will showcase their adventures and explorations from around the world, as well as explain what it takes to expand their mission and expose viewers to some of the most pressing issues of our time.
1:30 p.m. – Award-winning photographer for the White House News Photographers Association (WHNPA), Chris Usher.
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a photojournalist hot on the campaign trail? Award-winning photographer, Chris Usher, from the White House News Photographers Association will take you on a visual journey and explain how he’s been able to “capture the moment” through his years of covering presidential campaigns.
4:00 p.m. – Associate producer and principal photographer for the television series 4Real, Jade Thome. Jade’s photography adventures have taken him into the Amazon Rainforest, and trekking into the Andes Mountains, as well as many other remote locations. Jade will discuss what it takes to capture the moment in adverse conditions, and cover a host of outdoor photography tips.
PMA Ultimate Tailgate at PMA 08 offers the Ultimate Raffle!
Looking to win big in Vegas?
Kick off Super Bowl weekend with the Big Night event of PMA 08, the Ultimate Tailgate Party. This is the closing event of the show and includes sports games (even a large-screen projection football gaming area for “armchair quarterbacks”), lots of food, a DJ, and the Oakland Raiderette cheerleaders. There’s also a chili cook-off competition between PMA member associations, so be sure to cheer your favorite team to victory.
Three raffle prizes will be drawn at 7:00 p.m.: an authentic Eli Manning #10 New York Giants jersey, an authentic Tom Brady #12 New England Patriots jersey, and a 40GB Sony PlayStation 3 featuring Blu-ray media and Bluetooth technology for wireless internet connections. The PlayStation 3 comes with 2 wireless controllers and the popular football game Madden NFL 08.
One raffle ticket is included with the purchase of ticket for the Ultimate Tailgate Party. The fee is $25 per member or $45 per non-member. Wristbands are available for purchase at the PMA special events desk at PMA 08.
The tailgate will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 in the End Zone on the second level of the trade show floor in the education area immediately following the Kickoff Reception at 4:00 p.m., and the $10,000 Grand Prize Drawing at 4:15 p.m.
Monorail Discount Extended
Good news! The Las Vegas Monorail is extending their offer for special Monorail discounts priced just for PMA 08 attendees.
You can get 20% of all and any monorail ticket of your choice. The offer ends Wednesday, January 30 and is exclusive to online purchases only, so don't wait to arrive on-site to take advantage of this offer.
The Monorail has seven stations located at:
You can get 20% of all and any monorail ticket of your choice. The offer ends Wednesday, January 30 and is exclusive to online purchases only, so don't wait to arrive on-site to take advantage of this offer.
The Monorail has seven stations located at:
- MGM Grand
- Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas
- Flamingo/Caesars Palace
- Harrah’s/Imperial Palace
- Las Vegas Convention Center
- Las Vegas Hilton
- Sahara
Picture more innovations
There's been a lot of talk about new products set to debut at or around the time of PMA 08. As you navigate the trade show floor, keep an eye out for this logo:
For the 12th consecutive year, the DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards are given to products or services utilizing new technologies and/or applications that make the product either distinct or the first of its kind.
This prestigious honor, selected by industry press members, is awarded at the PMA 08 Trade Show and you can look for the logo to see who won.
For the 12th consecutive year, the DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards are given to products or services utilizing new technologies and/or applications that make the product either distinct or the first of its kind.
This prestigious honor, selected by industry press members, is awarded at the PMA 08 Trade Show and you can look for the logo to see who won.
Got your Monorail pass?
As reported earlier, you can get a great discount on passes for the Las Vegas Monorail. It's a quick and affordable way to get to and from your hotel to PMA 08 with ease.
Hurry! This offer is only good through Thursday, January 17.
A look at studio photography
Designed by WEVA, the all-new Studio is a "LIVE" walk-through pavilion exhibit that will model a contemporary video and digital imaging studio. The Studio That Sells will be outfitted with new image display technology, digital imaging print products, specialty imaging/custom photo products, point of purchase items, and production equipment in a retail-inspired environment for shooting, editing, marketing, and selling professional wedding and event videography.
It's new product education in an exciting "real-world" environment, and it can be found at Booth J220.
PMA 08 on Flickr
Who's up for a little show and tell?
Thanks to Flickr, we can share moments in time with people all around the world. There is now a dedicated PMA 08 Flickr group for everyone attending the big event. Remember to upload snaps from your perspective of the conference, the convention, the parties, Las Vegas, and more.
Thanks to Flickr, we can share moments in time with people all around the world. There is now a dedicated PMA 08 Flickr group for everyone attending the big event. Remember to upload snaps from your perspective of the conference, the convention, the parties, Las Vegas, and more.
Getting Wi-Fi at the LVCC
As you get ready for PMA 08, remember that you can access the Wi-Fi service at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) through Smart City.
To access Wi-Fi throughout the LVCC for a small fee, set your SSID to Instant Internet, open your web browser and sign on for Instant Internet service. Cost of service is $4.95/hour or $12.95/day. You can get all the details at their website or by calling (702) 943-6000.
There are also five areas inside the convention center where the complimentary wireless service is available:
To access Wi-Fi throughout the LVCC for a small fee, set your SSID to Instant Internet, open your web browser and sign on for Instant Internet service. Cost of service is $4.95/hour or $12.95/day. You can get all the details at their website or by calling (702) 943-6000.
There are also five areas inside the convention center where the complimentary wireless service is available:
- Pre-function area outside Room N263
- Pre-function common area near the Hilton walkway
- Inside Banners Restaurant
- Inside the International Food Market (IFM)
- South Bridge spanning Desert Inn Road
Making the most of the photo book opportunity
PMA Foresight has announced a new marketing research report on photo books, Making the most of the photo book opportunity. According to the research, 7 percent of U.S. households made photo books in 2006, compared to 4 percent in the previous year. As a result of this jump and other trends, the demand for photo books is expected to double in the next two years.
With the photo book rising to star status in the industry, PMA 08 and DIMA 2008 are launching the DIMA Photo Book Showcase on the PMA trade show floor. Here, attendees will be able to compare various aspects of photo book production, including user interface, templates and binding options, and overall quality.
DIMA 2008 will also feature an entire series of sessions that look beyond the 4 x 6 print, Exploration of Alternative Print Products. With DIMA being the "trail-blazing" event at PMA 08, here's an opportunity to learn more about what's next before seeing it on the trade show floor.
Product rumors, part II
As reported earlier, speculation is running rampant through the blogosphere about the latest products set to debut around PMA 08.
Underexposed, a CNET blog, is exposing a possible leak about a new Canon SLR to debut a week before PMA 08 opens. This follows previous speculation about two new SLRs from Pentex to debut on the same day as Canon's announcement, January 24.
Photography Bay has some thoughts on the Canon announcement and speculates it could be one of three things: a Canon Rebel XTi replacement, the Canon 5D Mark II, or something entirely new. There is also more speculation and analysis in its PMA 08 preview, including a successor to Nikon's D80, a flagship DSLR from Sony, and new lenses from Sigma.
Likewise, 1001 Noisy Cameras is keeping a running list of its PMA 08 rumors and categorizes them by interchangeable lens cameras speculation (DSLRs, D-RF), fixed lens digital cameras speculation, and more.
Finally, the Digital Photography Review forum has been discussing some prime lenses from Olympus.
The only real way to know is to see for yourself as you browse the PMA 08 trade show floor for all the latest the exhibitors have to offer.
Underexposed, a CNET blog, is exposing a possible leak about a new Canon SLR to debut a week before PMA 08 opens. This follows previous speculation about two new SLRs from Pentex to debut on the same day as Canon's announcement, January 24.
Photography Bay has some thoughts on the Canon announcement and speculates it could be one of three things: a Canon Rebel XTi replacement, the Canon 5D Mark II, or something entirely new. There is also more speculation and analysis in its PMA 08 preview, including a successor to Nikon's D80, a flagship DSLR from Sony, and new lenses from Sigma.
Likewise, 1001 Noisy Cameras is keeping a running list of its PMA 08 rumors and categorizes them by interchangeable lens cameras speculation (DSLRs, D-RF), fixed lens digital cameras speculation, and more.
Finally, the Digital Photography Review forum has been discussing some prime lenses from Olympus.
The only real way to know is to see for yourself as you browse the PMA 08 trade show floor for all the latest the exhibitors have to offer.
Journey to Red Rock Canyon
One of the perennial highlights of a PMA annual convention is the PIEA Photo Safari. It's a picture perfect opportunity for shutterbugs to meet up and capture great photos just before PMA 08 opens.
Mark Olson, College of Southern Nevada, will lead a group into Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area for a morning tour. Red Rock Canyon features peaks over 8,000 feet high, huge cliffs and ravines, and wide plains home to Joshua trees and other desert plants. Last time PIEA ventured into Red Rock, photographers were greeted by a small snow shower, which added even more beauty to the park.
This event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30. Bus departs from the Sahara Hotel & Casino at 7:00 a.m. and returns by 12:00 noon. The cost is $40 member/$50 non-member. This event is not just limited to PIEA members – any PMA 08 attendee may register to participate.
Who's who at the PMA 08 Visionaries Panel
The PMA Visionaries Panel is a returning favorite at PMA 08. It's an opportunity for industry leaders to sit down for a lively face-to-face discussion.
Stuart Varney, FOX Business News, returns to moderate this event and he's bringing along a few heavy hitters:
Get ready for the Visionaries Panel to kick off PMA 08 on Thursday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m.
Stuart Varney, FOX Business News, returns to moderate this event and he's bringing along a few heavy hitters:
John Prendergast
Vice President, Product and System Development, Imaging Group
Fujifilm, U.S.A
F. Mark Gumz
President and Chief Operating Officer
Olympus America Inc.
President, Production Systems Group
Xerox Corporation
David Murphy
Senior Vice President, IPG Web Services and Software Business
Hewlett-Packard Company
Brad Kruchten
General Manager, Retail Printing and Vice President
Eastman Kodak CompanyGet ready for the Visionaries Panel to kick off PMA 08 on Thursday, January 31 at 9:00 a.m.
Post PMA 08 motorcycle trip in Las Vegas
Plans are complete for this year's post PMA 08 motorcycle trip. The group of interested bikers will be heading out of Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008, for Death Valley. Participants will have their choice of a 2- or 3-day trip.
Motorcycle trip participants will see some great sights like Death Valley, Hoover Dam, and the Valley of Fire, as well as spend time with friends in the imaging industry. Arrangements have been made at hotels along the way and for Harley Davidson motorcycle rentals.
For full details, e-mail Pat McNerney at pmcnerney@pmai.org.
Motorcycle trip participants will see some great sights like Death Valley, Hoover Dam, and the Valley of Fire, as well as spend time with friends in the imaging industry. Arrangements have been made at hotels along the way and for Harley Davidson motorcycle rentals.
For full details, e-mail Pat McNerney at pmcnerney@pmai.org.
Christmas mischief from Ze Frank
As you no doubt know from reading previous posts about Ze Frank (here and here), he can be a bit zany, which is why his DIMA 2008 Keynote address will probably be a lot of fun.
To get into the holiday spirit, Ze Frank has posted a fun, interactive toy for everyone: his Carol Maker. That's right – making your own Christmas carols. You can use pre-set carols and modify your chorus to sing whatever you want or you can create your own little Christmas ditty. Props to anyone who can recreate Ze's "A Social Network for Two" using carol maker technology.
And for those of you not worshipping Santa, you can play with Ze's Flake Maker, which is pretty cool in its own right. Definitely use the 2D and 3D rotate features to get the full effect.
Frank's opening keynote is scheduled for Tuesday, January 29 at 5:00 p.m. For all the latest Ze Frank updates, check out his site over at zefrank.com.
To get into the holiday spirit, Ze Frank has posted a fun, interactive toy for everyone: his Carol Maker. That's right – making your own Christmas carols. You can use pre-set carols and modify your chorus to sing whatever you want or you can create your own little Christmas ditty. Props to anyone who can recreate Ze's "A Social Network for Two" using carol maker technology.
And for those of you not worshipping Santa, you can play with Ze's Flake Maker, which is pretty cool in its own right. Definitely use the 2D and 3D rotate features to get the full effect.
Frank's opening keynote is scheduled for Tuesday, January 29 at 5:00 p.m. For all the latest Ze Frank updates, check out his site over at zefrank.com.
Weird science at work
MIT's Media Lab produces some of the most innovative ideas and projects in the world, and their brand slogan (yes, they have one) is "Inventing a Better Future." How great is that?
Andrew Lippman, one of the PMA 08 Official Business Session Keynotes, is the principal investigator of Viral Communications at MIT's Media Lab. His department's goal is purely photonic communications – optics and radio, no wires, with minimal costs for innovation and flexible architectures. Some of their projects are just fascinating and include:
You can hear Lippman share his ideas for viral communications as it relates to the photo industry at the PMA 08 Official Business Session Keynote scheduled for Friday, February 1 at 8:00 a.m.
Andrew Lippman, one of the PMA 08 Official Business Session Keynotes, is the principal investigator of Viral Communications at MIT's Media Lab. His department's goal is purely photonic communications – optics and radio, no wires, with minimal costs for innovation and flexible architectures. Some of their projects are just fascinating and include:
- SnapN'Share - Using mobile wireless pocket devices, users generate and seamlessly share content with different groups and communities that they belong to, such as: friends, family, co-workers, or the general public. SnapN'Share would users to simply walk into a meeting or pass by a fellow group member and automatically receive new and relevant files and content.
- UniPlug - a process to make it *really easy* to configure and update systems of networked devices without the need for manual intervention by administrative staff and save time manual effort that goes into configuring and installing systems
- Xcast - a controllable, mobile, personalized broadcast system in an infrastructure-free environment
You can hear Lippman share his ideas for viral communications as it relates to the photo industry at the PMA 08 Official Business Session Keynote scheduled for Friday, February 1 at 8:00 a.m.
Hotel deadline extended to Jan. 2
If you've not yet reserved your PMA 08 hotel, you still have until January 2 to do so.
Most other hotels will be charging higher rates due to Super Bowl weekend, but you can still reserve a PMA 08 hotel room at a great rate for PMA 08 attendees. Availability may vary with each property, so reserve your room ASAP.
Most other hotels will be charging higher rates due to Super Bowl weekend, but you can still reserve a PMA 08 hotel room at a great rate for PMA 08 attendees. Availability may vary with each property, so reserve your room ASAP.