With IUSA just around the corner, there are still things you can do to make the most of this year’s trip.
Time is your greatest resource—don’t waste it! Even more important is to have a plan for what you want to accomplish during the trip. It’s only a short time away, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you can plan in advance right now.
Every year, I write a post like this to get you thinking about why a convention like this is so important.
- Why are you going? If you’re going there to catch up with friends and associates, that’s fine, but why not focus on more than just the social aspect? What are you short on regarding gear, your skills, and creativity?
- Look around your office, studio, or the trunk of your car. Isolate every product you use and put the manufacturer on your hit list! Here’s the link to the IUSA exhibitor list. (Click here for the exhibitor’s list.) Download it; if nothing else, review it on the plane when you’re headed to Dallas. DON’T JUST HIT THE TRADE SHOW WITHOUT A LIST OF STOPS YOU WANT TO MAKE ALONG THE WAY.
- Check out Marathon in booth 1019. Is it time to raise the bar on the products and services you offer? And definitely check out all of Marathon’s printed products—from albums to prints to books and marketing material. You’ll be amazed at how much they can help you make 2025 one of your best years yet.
- Walk through the IUSA print exhibit. Most of you have limited exposure to what’s hot and what’s not outside your community. The print exhibit will give you a chance to check out the work of other artists from around the country.
- What’s your plan for walking the trade show? Some of the best exhibits may be companies you’re unfamiliar with. Don’t just hop around to your favorite companies.
- Wear comfortable shoes! No matter what convention you attend, you’ll be on your feet all day—every day.
- Bring business cards and some images. I get that many of you are into the tech side of networking, but honestly, you’ll get more traction having a few images printed with you than just on your phone. I’ve always liked being given a 5×7 or 6×9 collage of images with the photographer’s address and contact information in an oversized postcard presentation. Unless you’ve made an appointment in advance, most exhibitors won’t take the time to look at a portfolio, phone or iPad chocked full of images.
- Never eat a meal alone! Even if you don’t have plans yet, make a reservation or two just to have when you meet with friends.
- Don’t miss the bell! Sure, it’s great to get out with friends and party the night away, but don’t overdo it! Missing a morning program or part of the trade show because you’re hungover totally wastes your time.
- Look over the programming. At this late date, you’ve already chosen the programs you want to attend, but there’s still time to modify your plan. Which speakers do you NEED to hear, not just want to? Always pick a few programs entirely out of your comfort zone.
“A comfort zone is the most dangerous area anyone can stay in.
It’s a place of no growth and no challenges.”
Brian Cagneey
- Do you have camera gear you want to sell? Every year, I forget to bring a couple of cameras with me that I’d love to sell. There are retail exhibitors who often pay top dollar for used equipment that is in good condition.
- NETWORK – Talk to the people around you when you attend any program. A photography convention like this is unique because you’re all there for the same reasons. Make it a point to get to know the people sitting on either side of you. It’s amazing what you can learn by just talking to each other.
In scuba diving, there’s a saying – plan your dive, dive your plan. Well, every convention is the same – you’ve got limited time, just like diving. Don’t waste it by not planning your trip. Plan your travel experiences so you’re not wasting time and, even more importantly, your money.
Nothing beats the experience of a great trade show and convention, but it’s up to you to get the most out of it.
