PMA February 2010 : Page 20PMA 2010 PSPA 2010 The theme for the annual convention of the Professional School Photographers Association International (PSPA) is “Networking Toward a Brighter Future.” Building on that theme, the event features numerous opportunities for members of school picture companies to catch up with colleagues and make new acquaintances. “We brought back lots of the meet-and- greet opportunities,” says PSPA president Todd Wilbert, Creative Images, Galena, Md. “Our focus is on allowing some time for relationship building. We want to facilitate one-on-one conversations so attendees can tap into the resources of other members.” The event opens Friday, Feb. 19, in Ana- heim, Calif., just prior to PMA 2010. A new item on the agenda this year is the chance on that day to tour School Por- traits by Kranz Inc. For more than 30 years, the business has been serving Southern California and is operated by former PSPA president Gary Kranz. It is the only locally owned and operated full-service photography studio in California with an on-site processing lab. “There is a great deal of interest in seeing his facility, which led to a formal tour,” says Wilbert. “This gives members a rare opportunity to see a successful school business in action and to ask questions.” As space for the tour is limited, attendees should register as soon as possible. Also new this year, to boost networking opportunities, is a 2-hour PSPA/Sports Photographers Association of America (SPAA) Lab and Supplier Reception. It begins at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20. As it did last year, the first full day of the PSPA convention features sessions all day. Sunday and Monday schedules allow attendees to hear both PSPA sessions, attend PMA Official Business Sessions, and visit the trade show floor. Panel discussions The school administrator panels are a popular feature; and this year, the conference opens and closes with those sessions. First is the Elementary School Principal Panel, featuring three board members from the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), representing different geographic markets and providing information on the photo decision-making process. The conference wraps up Monday, Feb. 22, with a panel from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), also representing different geographic markets, discussing ways to reach the school decision maker, whether that is the principal, a year- book adviser, or a school administrator. The discussion will include 20 PMA — February 2010 — www.pmai.org Todd Wilbert: “Our focus is on allowing some time for relationship building.” Highlights of annual show include facility tour, panel discussions what they look for in a vendor and how school picture companies can get that business. At the end of the session, there will be a draw- ing for a PC laptop loaded with Adobe Photoshop CS4. “This is the first year we’ve had secondary school principals, so that should provide a great discussion,” says Wilbert. Workshops cover many topics Throughout the conference, 16 workshops focus on specific topics. While PSPA used to have multiple tracks covering various areas, this year features two specific tracks. Says Wilbert: “We’ve taken a quality instead of quantity approach. No matter which track you attend, you’re going to come away with good information.” That information includes specific tips photographers can use in the schools. On Saturday, for instance, Paul Schulz of PhotoLynx Inc. will offer “Tips for a No-Hassle Picture Day,” and frequent PSPA speaker Will Crockett returns to discuss outdoor lighting. Afternoon sessions on Saturday will feature looks at new business models, courtesy of Ed Monahan of Eastman Kodak Co., and a review of financial management software solutions. Other topics are how to minimize post-production steps with light- ing; and a panel discussion on the best use of the web to improve busi- ness, such as web scheduling and other web-based management tools. Another returning speaker is Ralph Romaguera Sr., who will offer an in-depth look at the senior market. John Mark will cover “Prospering over Adversity” – something with which he is quite familiar, as Dorian Studios survived a fire. He’ll cover how to plan ahead to reduce both the risk and impact should the worst occur. Sessions continue on Sunday, Feb. 21, with Laurence Harper on how to increase business and profits from current customers. Other topics include trends in website design, an ecommerce panel addressing selling with websites, and yearbook software. In addition to breakout sessions on the latest marketing research and tips on managing and compensating the sales force, the Sunday schedule also includes the PSPA Official Business Session Luncheon and Town Hall Meeting. During that time, PSPA board members will discuss issues and opportunities facing the school photography industry and the PSPA organization as a whole. Included in the discussion is the Picture Licensing Universal System (PLUS) for simplifying the management of image rights and raising awareness of digital photo metadata embedding in images. Adds Wilbert, “I know the economy forces people to make tough decisions; but in this year, above all years, I think it’s important people go to the show, see what others are offering, and see what they can pick up to help them in this environment.” n By Bonnie Gretzner Pspa 2010Highlights of annual show include facility tour, panel discussions Publication List |
