My Urban Sherpa

PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo

(Photograph courtesy of David Robin)

PhotoPlus Expo at the Jacob Javits Center – October 23-25 – is the largest end-user photography event in the world. It’s also listed by Crain’s Business as one of New York City’s largest events of the year. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the show – and 30,000 visitors are expected to attend over the three days.

Travel light and check your coat on arrival – it gets warm inside with the crowd. Also, you’ll want your hands free for testing out all the cool new equipment. Be ready to take copious notes on everything you see and hear. Expect information overload.

Every major camera, equipment, and industry service provider will be at PhotoPlus to showcase their latest wares. New products are launched and innovations are exhibited. Many booths provide elaborate presentations along with tips on using their products. There are also over 100 seminars with in-depth discussions on business strategies, digital tools, photo markets, promotion, technology, and more.

PhotoPlus and the supporting events are a great place to network, meet industry leaders, and expand your knowledge. Check the schedule on-line – and again on arrival – so you don’t miss the astounding array of amazing photographers talking about their work, including keynote and special event speakers: Joyce Tenneson, Phil Borges, Matthew Jodan Smith, Bill Epperidge, Elliot Erwitt, and Alec South.

Take your time touring the floor. Find the booths with photographers signing books or posters, and the many opportunities to bid on or win great stuff.

Keep in mind:
1. The Javits is a bit of a walk from the nearest subways at Port Authority
2. Finding a cab is nearly impossible

On Thursday evening, head straight to Chelsea for these great gallery events:

Lise Sarfati at Yossimilo

Holly Andres: Sparrow Lane at the Robert Mann Gallery

Sharon Core: Early American at Yancey Richardson

After the shows, head to Naima for a delicious Italian meal (I recommend the pasta with white truffle oil). It’s just down the block from Aperture Gallery on 27th St.

And check the photo association web sites for other industry events going on during the week. http://www.apanational.com , http://asmp.org

Of course, the real challenge of the week will be where to drop off that big bag of promos and samples you’ll now be carrying!

Of note: Juliette Wolf-Robin of Printbrat has been attending PhotoPlus Expo for over 20 years, connecting photographers with buyers through her development of sourcebooks, magazines, and on-line community sites. On Friday, October 24, she can be found moderating one of the seminars at the show.