17 Oct 2008 Preparing for PhotoPlus Expo 2008

In contrast to my relatively relaxed experience of PhotoPlus Expo 2007, this year’s trip will be very busy. I intend to use all that I learned from last year’s experience to maximise the value of the trip. My schedule is nearly full for the entire week!

Here’s what I plan to do next week in New York and how I’m preparing.

Networking

What better time to meet, greet and schmooze than when your entire industry is in the one place? PhotoPlus Expo is one of the larger events on the industry calendar and I intend to take full advantage.   I already have a list of people I want to meet and existing acquaintances I want to meet again.   And this year I got my business cards on time!

Learning

On the back of the list of people to meet is a list of questions to ask. I learned an incredible amount last year with zero preparation, so this year I’m going to make the best of every opportunity.

I also plan to attend each panel in the stock track to learn about the industry and how different stock photographers work. I also have a list of exhibitors I want to visit to maybe learn something about photography while I’m there.

Sharing

All that I’ll be learning and experiencing I will be sharing. I’ll publish blog reports of the major events, but I’ll also be providing ongoing and realtime updates via Twitter with hash code #PPE08.

It’s odd, but by sharing what I’ve been learning about microstock through this blog, I’ve learned more than I possibly could have spending the same time reading. People have been extremely generous with their knowledge and information, through blog comments, email and various other channels. So while the process is working, I’m not going to question it. I’ll just keep sharing and learning. Blogging to learn.

Will You be in New York?

Firstly, if you’ll be in New York on Monday, October 20 and you’re a full time (or close to full time) microstock photographer, there is an event that will almost certainly be a memorable milestone in your stock photography career. It’s invitation only, so contact me via my contact page if you’re interested or you know someone who is interested.

Secondly, I still have some gaps in my schedule if there’s anyone who would like to meet and chat about anything microstock. Leave a comment below, or contact me directly. I’d love to meet as many people as I can.

Remember, if you want real-time updates, breaking news and tips, follow me on Twitter.