Archive 2015 · WPPI - when to go?

joelconner
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p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · WPPI - when to go?

morby wrote:
My hope is to actually go and learn something. So if exploring and hanging out with people is the best part I will most likely look elsewhere. It's hard to believe that nothing will be learned when you have the top photographers in the world giving platform classes. Even just a handful of nuggets would be worth it.

Much better off going to a conference that is catered to people of similar vision/skill. Mystic is going to be killer this year.

Nov 12, 2015 at 08:39 PM

ckhagen
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p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · WPPI - when to go?

WPPI is making some pretty big strides in getting relevant speakers and I think it all depends on what you expect going into it. It's free this year if you're a member so... you can't really complain about that. I've walked out of my fair share of platform classes, don't get me wrong. There's good ones and totally crappy ones. One good thing is you find out real quick who you shouldn't spend money on a workshop with! There's only so much that can be taught in under two hours I guess. And yes, some do sell stuff because the sponsors are really who's paying them to be there. I've picked up some good nuggets here and there, but no one is ever going to change my life in an hour and a half and I don't expect them to.

Nov 13, 2015 at 06:03 PM

Pharm86
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p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · WPPI - when to go?

This will be my 3rd year going to WPPI. Some say the platform classes are for beginners. Most of these are presented by very good photographers. The platform classes are free and you do have a choice to pay for other classes that are longer than the 1.5 hour platform classes.
I do concur that some are not as good as others so pick and choose who you want to see speak. Over the years you learn which presenters you want to see.
I'm sure that you will pick-up some pointers in some of these classes unless you are one that knows everything.

I enjoy speaking to other photographers, walking around the expo, listening to speakers at the tradeshow booths and taking my wife out to a couple of very nice dinners. (For attending with me!) I don't go for the whole week. I usually attend 4 nights.

I also have made a few purchases over the years. I negotiated some nice deals particularly with B&H.

Since I live in Southern California I am only a 3-4 hour drive so that also helps with my decision on attending.

Nov 15, 2015 at 11:00 PM

jprezant
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p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · WPPI - when to go?

I've stayed in the MGM, aria, mandalay bay, caesars, excalibur, and New york New york. Excalibur and NYNY are right across from the MGM so they're only a 10 minute walk to the tradeshow. The MGM can also be a 10 minute walk to the tradeshow depending on if your in MGM signature or the towers. Best rate I ever had was Excalibur, followed by nyny and then a nice deal on an mgm signature suite. The Aria is a bit of a walk but it is the newest and the most modern. Mandalay bay is nice as well, but also far from the action. Caesars can be pretty cheap but is hella far.

If you don't like walking, book mgm/nyny/exc.

Nov 16, 2015 at 12:27 AM

sboerup
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p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · WPPI - when to go?

Closest hotel by walking distance: Hooters. Its not as bad as it sounds either, especially if you only want a bed to sleep in at night

But trust me, you'll hate walking any further than 15 minutes. NYNY, Tropicana, Excalibur are all about the same distance wise. MGM is closer, but its still a hike as you walk through a lot of casino to get to the trade show.

My favorite place to stay is MGM Signature. Its really nice not having to walk through a Casino if you don't have to, and its definitely a more of a luxury room compared to anything around.

Definitely go to the trade show, its worth spending time there if you're trying to get a feel on new vendors, suppliers, or new gear...hint hint

Nov 18, 2015 at 12:53 AM

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