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IPIC 2015: 99 Straight Hours in the Real "City That Never Sleeps"

·        Binge Networking

·        Cutting Edge Education

·        Innovative Marketing + Technology Solutions

·        Exclusive Supplying Partner Specials (Our Supplying Partners are offering UNBELIEVABLE deals during Supplying Partner MADNESS! These specials will not be revealed until Tuesday morning at IPIC and are only available during the 90 minute MADNESS event for those attending in person!)

WHO NEEDS SLEEP ANYWAY?

Hotel rooms are filling up fast and the really low rates just won't last! (Since you haven't registered yet, you must suffer through my poetry!)

What is IPIC?

What is The Vision Project?

Register and reserve your hotel room before the June 15th deadline to guarantee the group rate and availability!

REGISTER NOW!

Be sure to register for the Creative Mobile Photography Instawalk + Membertainment, as there is limited space available.

(Simply click on those items, along with the meals and education/networking sessions that you plan to attend, in the schedule of events, included in the registration form.)

Contact vrennie@ipiphoto.com for website assistance + credentials.

More Booth Fun than John Wilkes Ever Had with Allen Showalter, Joe Bedics + Chris Lydle

90-90-90: Three photo booth veterans share the photo booth profit equation.

• It’s a 90-year-old business that is also the fastest growing section of the photo industry.
• You’ve already got more critical skills than 90% of professional photo booth operators.
• 90% gross margin is just the beginning.

Allen Showalter of King Photo

Having worked in the family business, King Photo, his whole life, in 2001 the entire company was sold to Allen Showalter, son and grandson of the founders. Allen is a member of the Society of Photo Finishing Engineers, a Certified Photographic Consultant, sat on the Board of Directors of the Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA) and is an International Past President of the Photo Marketing Association International, the world's largest photo marketing group. He has also served on the board of the Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA), as President of the Dixie Division of PMA, as Chairman of the Board of IPI - Member Network, and on the board of the Rotary Club of Harrisonburg. He is the originator of the Showalter Formula used worldwide for posing large groups and the author of "Efficient Large Group Photography-Getting the Big Shot". He has written for and been interviewed by magazines in the photo industry going back to the 1980s. The two King Photo stores in Harrisonburg and Waynesboro offer a complete list of digital photo lab services as well as event photography, custom framing, computerized mat cutting, portrait studios, video transfer and editing and through their MyNewsPhotos division offer photo reprint services for newspapers throughout the U.S. and Canada. Allen has traveled for the industry to Peru, England, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France, Holland, Japan, and most recently to the White House to consult on issues facing small businesses. He has also attended virtually every major photo industry trade show in the western world.

Joe Bedics of Dan's Camera City

Joe Bedics has worked at Dan’s Camera City for the past nine years and currently is responsible for the daily production of the lab and overseeing the continued growth of products and services. With long time family ties to photo processing, Joe has been immersed in all aspects of photography his entire life. Outside of Dan’s Camera City, he runs his own business providing traditional darkroom services, and is an active professional wedding photographer. As early adopters of photobooths, Joe has seen many revisions in software, hardware, and physical constructions of the photobooths Dan’s has literally built from the ground up over the past five years. Dan’s continues to update, innovate, and push the limits of what photobooths are in an ever changing market.

Chris Lydle of South Carolina Photobooths

Chris Lydle is past Board Member of PMA, past president of DIMA and PMAI Dixie Division, and an inveterate joiner of organizations. He added photo booths to Chris’ Camera Center 7 years ago. He’s the author of several ebooks including The Photobooth Book.

The Future of Portraits Round Table Discussion, Moderated by Randy McCrea

Bring ideas (tested or not) for elevating and enhancing studio portraits, outdoor shoots, marketing techniques, packaging and pricing. Work as a group to develop these brainstorms into ready-to-test initiatives. This is a session for those with wacky ideas, those that need help and everyone in between. Come prepared with at least one discussion point; leave with a handful of new things to try.

What's New with HTML5 Photo Finale?

Come see the new mobile friendly website. What can it do, how will it help, and how do you earn more money?

Marketing & Merchandising with Photo Finale

Learn about affiliate networks, deal sites, effective promos and coupons. Steve will get specific with what is working for our partners and what is not. Come, learn, share and discuss!

Photo Finale Kiosk School

In his technical, non-sales-y run-through of kiosk software, Russ will point out awesome features you may not be taking advantage of: Facebook, cropping, photo dupe, plugging in an iPhone, etc. A big ol’ kiosk Q & A session to follow, so bring your Qs.

myLab: It’s the best employee you already have.

Use Photo Finale online? Guess what, you own and have access to myLab ALREADY and you may not even know what it is or the power it holds. Learn how to enter ordering tracking, view customer order and account info, adjust your pricing, enable/disable products, set shipping groups and product tags, disable stores and route orders (needed for multi-store locations) and more! 

Photo Finale: What the Other Guys Are Doing

Watch Russ breeze through a demo and show off examples of varying levels of integration, from basic to super-fancy-pants. Learn how to improve your clicks, what you can do to better integrate your existing website or what you can do to step it up a notch. Bring questions.

About Steve Giordano, Jr.

Steve is Photo Finale’s CEO and a co-founder of the company. Ever the champion of the photo industry, Steve loves to talk about photo products, business challenges, marketing initiatives, industry vision - you name it. An entrepreneur himself, he has a soft spot for independent retailers and is proud to say that he believes future of the industry lies with local and specialty businesses. Steve loves playing soccer (when his knees were working he headed up the Lucidiots indoor team), but most of all enjoys hanging out in Leesburg, Virginia with his beautiful wife, Nancy, and two awesome kids, Jack and Lola.

About Russ McIver

Russ McIver is Vice President of Accounts and one of the Photo Finale founding team, as well. Although his main focus these days is on specific mid or large chain accounts, his past position as Director of the Technical Support Team means his counsel and expertise in the world of technical support and configuration are in-demand and invaluable. Most of you have probably talked with Russ at some point during your time using Photo Finale products. Russ can configure or set up anything having to do with any Photo Finale product, and most non-Photo Finale products, too! Russ lives in Arlington, Virginia with his lovely wife, Jen, and adorable 11-month-old daughter, Fiona.

Marketing Techniques You MUST Do in 2015 with Joel Miller, Chris Dolajak + Chari Pack

Three successful marketers will share their proven, creative techniques.

• Joel Miller: Every Door Direct, Gift Certificates, Social Media for Portraits
• Chris Dolajak: Adwords Display Campaigns, Contests, Education, Suggestive Selling Stuffers + Brochures
• Chari Pack: Brand “Ambassadors”, Social Media, Cross Promotions/Collaborations, Bounce Back Coupons

Joel's MotoPhoto in Avon, CT provides a very comprehensive range of image archiving and image capture services including traditional photo finishing, toner based printing services, large format printing, gifting, canvas printing, B2B services, and custom framing in addition to his extensive portrait services. Continuing to reinvent his business and services, Joel moved to a new larger photo design center in 2014. Joel has been an integral part of shaping the future of IPI and our industry by serving on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. His dedication and contributions are evident in IPI's Marketing Solutions Program and various other strategic initiatives and technology advancements.

After coming up in the family photo business, Chris Dolajak joined Precision Camera in Austin, TX where his photofinishing background met a new scale of retailing. He shares his experiences learning to apply small-business personality in big-company context.

Chari Pack is the founder and CEO of Persnickety Prints in Orem, UT. Persnickety Prints placed #10 of Utah Valley's Fastest Growing Companies in 2014 with 153% growth. The company, focused on high quality, affordable printing, has 28,000 Instagram followers. Chari describes herself as a photographer, designer, product developer, iPhoneographer, social media expert and public speaker. When she is not working on her next innovative business idea, she is driving one of her three boys to a soccer game, or racing her mountain bike with her husband, Jon.

Become a Constant Contact Power User + Stay on the Front Line of Innovation with Alex Holden of Constant Contact

• Deep linking with surveys
• Benefits and uses of using tables for call to actions
• Using teaser text for increased mobile visibility

Alex Holden is one of the Regional Product Trainer’s for Constant Contact with a background in marketing and web development. Since joining Constant Contact in January of 2011, Alex has worked with thousands of Constant Contact customers across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Opportunities in Cloud-Based Photo Printing with Bill Strain of LumaPix

1. Learn how working with the cloud can reduce dependence on hardware and make your business much more efficient.
2. Scalable inexpensive application for photo package and product creation
3. Photo management for all sectors including weddings, sports and schools

Bill Strain has 30+ years in the lab business. He was the General Manager of United Color Lab in Memphis until May of this year. He brings a lifetime of experience to the table and has pioneered using the HP Indigo to print photo packages. 

New Markets + Products in Digital Press Printing with Celia Chase

Learn how to produce and sell to new markets with exciting and easy to produce press printed products that will add to your bottom line all year around.

• Padded Stationery Products
• Spiral Bound Books
• Seal-n-Send folded cards

P.S. Come listen and you’ll leave awesome and inspired.

Celia Chase is the production manager from Bob's Photo. She has helped grow Bob's lab by doubling the average order revenue, despite tough times in the industry. Celia credits Bob's Photo's success to putting into practice the best things learned among trade groups like IPI. Celia's been with the company for over twelve years and enjoys growing along with the business.

Teach, Organize + Archive - All the Way to the Bank! with Judi Weber, David Lindquist + Carly Michael

• Participate in a “Save Your Photos Day” event
• Creating “in their face” archiving displays & windows
• Teach DIY organizing so your potential client NEEDS you.
• Complete, high margin album reproductions
• Slide carousel initiative
• "Pick of the Week" promotion on shoe box kits
• Educate customers on how to effectively store, manage and PRINT their photos to guarantee their existence in the future
• Preservation issues of film, paper and digital files

Judi Weber is a wife, mother and grandmother of 2. She has been an active member of APPO since 2011, keeping up with archiving trends and special events revolving around saving photos and memorabilia. She specializes in teaching DIY organizing techniques sharing her “photo in the blood” knowledge of 33+ years in the photo industry.

David Lindquist is the production manager for Mike's Camera and has been with the company for 14 years, helping the company expand into new markets. He is responsible for developing new imaging services for a company with a reputation of doing all things imaging. David lives in the mountains with a feral cat and is a volunteer firefighter.

Carly Michael is the Imaging Department Manager and is responsible for all photo-finishing and signage services at Michaels Camera Video Digital. She is the fifth generation of her family to work in the business and is passionate about keeping film alive.

Designing the Perfect Photo Gallery Wall with Morgan Doherty of Wexel Art

• Learn what makes a photo gallery wall impactful
• Pick up tips for designing the perfect gallery wall
• Boost your sales by crafting galleries

Morgan Doherty received her BFA in Printmaking + Photography at Rowan University and then travelled the world as a large scale muralist. After settling down in Austin, she spent numerous years in the picture framing industry before co-founding Wexel Art Displays in 20110. She now leads the Custom Design Division of Wexel Art designing wallscapes for commercial and residential interiors.

True stories bro: Tips & Tricks from the Best Performing Retailers with The Dakis Team

• Make your life easier
• Make happier customers
• Make the cash register go Ching! Ching!! k’a-Ching!!!
• Real live IPI retailers *** the best of the best *** live in person *** presenting to you >>> their tips & tricks!!! Exclusively during this session, no repeats! FREE Show! Places are limited! This is a must see show. Captain Kato and Knight Rider give it 5 Green Horseshoes, a crowd favorite at the Ranch!

What’s new at Dakis? This is the session you really don’t want to miss!

• Welcome to the most anticipated session!
• Everything you wanted to know about Dakis’ new products and services
• Be there first to hear all about it.
• A revolution is happening today; time to get onboard!
• Photo solutions, kiosks, web solutions and notable new features - all new stuff!
• Places are limited - Expect a full house so come early to grab a good seat.

The Dakis User Group Session  

• Fantastic session! The second most anticipated session! ;)
• Undoubtedly a crowd favorite providing a full session of discussion with the Dakis Team
• New projects in the pipeline - discussing 2015-2016 tech roadmap, priorities, opportunities, pitfalls and much more. Come and voice your priorities.

1-on-1 Private Training Session (30 min max per session) with The Dakis Team (offered FOUR times!)

• Howdy! Need a hand? The 1-on-1 training session is for you!
• Technical training, how to, best practice, tips & tricks, etc.
• Make the best of your time and learn about Dakis’ products, sign-up and get started.
• Looking to make the switch to the Dakis solutions; we can help!
• 5 minutes or 30 minutes - Let’s talk!

The Dakis Team is available to provide on-site consulting, training and assistance. This session is for Dakis users, new clients and for service activations. 

Philippe Hugron (AKA #Hashtag) is considered to be the youngest veteran in the photo industry. He is a scholar, inventor, WebAPP Fan, kids' craft enthusiast and finger painter specialist. Father of two lovely, high energy, turbo boosted kids, he's been working to improve his photographer skills and now enjoys long naps on the weekend - when he can!

Antony Caporicci (AKA Captain Kato) is an avid diploma collector. Speaker, technician, train driver, athlete and web aficionado, some would consider him to be the new Leonardo in his own mind. Jersey Shore called; they want their tattoos back.  

Ryan Fleury (AKA Knight Rider) is a rocker, musician, designer, programmer and hockey fan. He is your Web Adviser for all web related questions.​

5 Super Easy Ways to BYOB on Facebook with Josh Francis

BYOB = Boost Your Own Business

1. Use Facebook “Boost and Campaigns” to Collect Customers Not Fans
2. Connect with the people inside your target audience to gain customers quickly and easily
3. Measure the Results of your Marketing Dollars

Josh Francis has an undergraduate degree in Physics from Brigham Young University and an MBA in Marketing and Technology from the University of Notre Dame. For the last 10 years he has led the online marketing organizations for two eCommerce companies and a professional services firm. Josh has also taught marketing strategy and business strategy courses for the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Notre Dame for six years.

The New Niche of the Future: FILM with Carly Michael

Thought film was dead? We may be in the throes of the digital revolution but film is not dead! Join us to hear about the current renaissance in analogue photography and films place in today's digital world. 

Carly Michael is the Imaging Department Manager and is responsible for all photo-finishing and signage services at Michaels Camera Video Digital. She is the fifth generation of her family to work in the business and is passionate about keeping film alive.

We are in the process of confirming 22 more University breakout sessions for IPIC 2015!

• Marketing Techniques You MUST Do in 2015 with Joel Miller, Chris Dolajak + Chari Pack
• New Markets, Opportunities + Products in Digital Press Printing with Celia Chase
• Turning Organizing + Archiving into Profitable Products with Carly Michael, David Lindquist + Judi Weber
• The New Niche of the Future: FILM with Carly Michael
• Facebook Advertising + Campaigns with Social Ruckus
• How to Create the Perfect Gallery Wall with Wexel Art
• Email Marketing with Constant Contact: Grow Your List, Learn from Your Results, Target Your Efforts, Auto-Responders, and more!
• B2B with Lumapix
• 7 Topics with Dakis
• 7 Topics with Photo Finale

Explore "the New Metal" + other Trends in Home Décor with Gaby Mullinax

·         Acrylic, framing + more

·         New, crazy ideas in a fun, fast-paced format

·         Free-flowing conversation with special expert guests

·         Open Q+A

B2B ASAP with Gaby Mullinax

·         What Gaby wished she knew 15 years ago

·         Higher profits utilizing your existing expertise

·         New, crazy ideas in a fun, fast-paced format

·         Free-flowing conversation with special expert guests

·         Open Q+A

Make Printing Easier with these iPhone Hacks with Marsha Phillips

·         Hack the hardware: Find out what's new and trending in sharing and storing iPhone images. 

·         Hack the Cloud: Where are they now? Leverage cloud storage, cloud workflow and iCloud Photo Library to get iPhone photos in your print workflow.

·         Your Hack: Have a great one? Bring it and share. 

Be Retro Cool with Your iPhone with Marsha Phillips

·         Immerse yourself the most hip apps of all:  Hipstamatic, Oggl, SlowShutter, Vivid HDR & Pro HDR

·         Find out which apps will give you the effects you want; learn when, why and how to use each one.  

·         Practice techniques and workflow, so you can easily manage, share and print your iPhone art.  

Engage Customers with Simple, Hip + Fun Mobile Photography with Brooke Welch

Offer creative, quick and easy mobile photography classes.

·         Learn to create the perfect selfie with Instagram + other apps.

·         Full tutorial on creating photo collages from start to finish

·         Explore cool ways to add words + graphics to photos.

Editing on the Fly with Marc Dorris

Learn to develop and adapting video workflow to meet the needs of today's customer.

Nail Art: Event Photography Meets Haute Couture with Kirby O'Connor

·         Elevate your events by offering more than just prints.

·         See a LIVE demonstration of a manicure printer

·         Find out how to be #NotABooth and top the competition.

The Wow Factor of Wide Format with Jessica Webster and Micky Unsworth of Conde Systems, Inc.

·         Can I imprint bigger pieces of metal and wood, and how?

·         Are there special instructions or tools needed for imprinting larger items?

·         How much do I charge for my completed project?

·         Enter the profitable world of commercial décor!.

Expanding Beyond Services with Bill McCurry, sponsored by PRO

Panelists will discuss how they have enhanced their service-based businesses with hard goods and accessories. 

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about PRO But Were Afraid to Ask with Bill McCurry, sponsored by PRO

For the first time in recent history, Bill McCurry will candidly discuss PRO memberships and affiliate relationships in a formal classroom setting. Learn how purchasing from the PRO warehouse and selling Promaster products can enhance your business. 

MSP 2015: Use It, Abuse It and Don't Confuse It! with Erin von Holdt of IPI – Member Network

·         In-depth Content Overview for veterans + newbies

·         FREE Videos. Yes – FREE! How to customize and use them wisely!

·         Must-see NEW Signature Products + Services

·         How to do a ‘Content Cleanse’ on your web/kiosk platform

Build a Local Culture through In-Store Education with Brenda DiVincenzo of IPI – Member Network

The MSP now includes a full curriculum of classes for your customers. Discover dozens of topics to offer over the next year.

·         Get started today with turn-key preparation instructions

·         Marketing tools + registration systems

·         Best practices + stand-out features

·         Provide value, earn revenue + develop loyalty!

Become a Social Destination through In-Store Events with Brenda DiVincenzo of IPI – Member Network

The MSP now includes detailed instructions + support materials for hosting events. Open up the store to your local community monthly and build your customer base.

·         Get started today with turn-key preparation instructions

·         Marketing tools + registration systems

·         Best practices + stand-out features

·         Entertain, impress + develop loyalty!

Even Long Haired Freaky People Want Digital Signs with Ron Mohney of IPI – Member Network

Take a serious look at why most members need a digital signage system. According to several sources at the Digital Signage Expo, non-digital signs will be non-existent in 10 years. Learn how digital signage provides members an opportunity to market their business, as well as sell to others in the commercial marketplace. Subscription based content creation and signage management are new highly profitable opportunities for IPI members.

Social Media Made Simple + Effective with the Managed Dashboard with Vincent Rennie of IPI – Member Network

You wouldn't drive a car without a dashboard. You most likely wouldn't want to build your own car either. Why should managing your social media be any different?

·         Explore the NEWLY tech-forward IPI Social Media Dashboard!

·         Be more effective with the help of NEW features + local applications.

·         Let IPI be your creative team and dream up your posts.

·         FINALLY take the driver's seat of your social media marketing with this amazing tool.

·         Recommended for current users AND those wanting to add this popular MMS Service!

·         Bring your questions!

Join IPI Member Rick O'Connor for two sessions at IPIC 2015!

How to Make Legal Money After Dark 

Forget credit card mileage programs - pay for your next trip by engaging new customers through events and get paid for your own marketing! Possibilities for event photography abound in our current culture. This session will help you identify these opportunities and what you need to get started, plus show you how to make it happen, day and night.

Score More Outside the Store

Every day, everywhere, a variety of sports activity is taking place. Opportunity to cash in on this recreation can take many different forms. Sports Photography is a broad term and our speaker has experienced the entire spectrum. Come learn details of how to approach this elephant with just the tools you already have.

Rick O'Connor has lived the change from file to digital and his photo business in Spokane, WA evolved from exclusively retail photo to sports & events throughout the western U.S. As a 30+ veteran football and basketball referee, he has unique insight in how to approach sports and event photography. Involved in his community through church, Rotary, various boards and sports, he has a desire to help others succeed and his greatest satisfaction in being able to work side-by-side his five children.

The first of 50 University breakout sessions have been announced! We expect several more to follow in the next week or two. Have you registered for IPIC yet? 

Create a Professional-Looking Video in Minutes! with Erin Manning

Using an iPhone or iPad and the iMovie app, create fun marketing videos to highlight your products and services. Then take your customers' home movies to the next level so that they can easily be shared with family and friends. You'll be surprised at how professional they look!

Erin Manning is a professional photographer, author, educator and media personality. Television viewers know Erin best as the digital photography expert and host of DIY Network's Telly Award-winning TV series, "The Whole Picture." She enjoys helping people understand photography and technology and is known for her clear, friendly teaching style.

 Immerse yourself in training and take time to focus on improving your business! 
After all, IPIC is the place where industry leaders gather and new opportunities emerge. 
It's also where you can access the people and ideas that matter most to you in 
a relaxed five-star environment.

Innovation starts from one great idea-or many. Start your journey or further an existing one at the 2015 International Print and Imaging Conference!

Registration opens in January!