After half a year of planning (or more), we can't believe the 2016 WPPI Conference has already come to an end! 2016 marked our first year back at the conference after a hiatus in 2015 and the pressure was definitely on. With the launch of the Leather Gallery Wrap, Framed Standouts, and even more products on the way, we knew this was the year to head back to Las Vegas. And we couldn't be more happy with our decision. With over 40 prints on display, 1,500 catalogs printed, and an eye-catching handcrafted booth, we were ready to take on the largest photography conference in the world.
Now, we're ready to share the experience with you! Continue reading for highlights from the show, behind-the-scenes of set up and tear down, and every experience in between. We'll see you next year WPPI!
The Strategist |
The Boss |
The Creative |
Together, these three make up the CG Pro Prints team! Carly is the Marketing Manager of CG Pro Prints, and controls everything from budget and KPIs, to insights and planning initiatives. She's the force that keeps the brand moving forward. As the VP of CG Pro Prints, Jose is the brains behind the operation. With over 5 years of experience at the company, Jose is behind every product innovation, brand initiative, and overall growth of CG Pro Prints. Social Media Manager, Megan, is the face behind our online presence. Whether you see us on Facebook, stumble upon our blog, or partner with us on a program, you can count on Megan to be managing from behind the scenes. If you attend the show, hopefully you got to meet our team and learn more about the faces behind the brand!
Every year before the start of the show, WPPI hosts a day-long intensive called "University." This platform focuses on specific photography education and offers attendees a deep dive into the chosen topics. This year, WPPI chose school and sports photography as their topic of focus, and featured PSPI (Professional School and Sports Photographers International) as the hosts of the day-long seminar. With a great lineup of speakers, a mini trade show featuring school and sports photography products, and endless educational opportunties, the WPPI University was a hit.
Luckily, CG Pro Prints got the opportunity to be a part of it for the first year ever! We showcased our product lineup that best fit the school and sports photography genre, including Gallery Minis, Wall Clings, Canvas Wraps (small and large), and Framed Standouts. The response was overwhelming and the opportunity for us to reach this large market was invaluable. We'd recommend WPPI University to both vendors and attendees alike. Plus, what's not to love about an extra day in Las Vegas!?
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Sunrise on our first morning in Las Vegas |
Getting started on set-up |
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The final display |
The table-top product display |
Megan holding down the table at WPPI University |
If you've ever been to WPPI, you'll understand the overwhelming feeling of stepping onto the conference room floor. With hundreds of photography vendors in attendance, it can take hours to walk the show and days to visit every booth. As a vendor, it's even more impossible to stand out amoung your peers. With that hurdle in mind, we knew we needed to bring our A-Game to the booth display. After months of designing, building, and crafting every detail, we couldn't be more proud of our eye-catching display. But of course, we'll let you be the judge ;).
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The massive crate ready for shipment to Vegas |
Starting the unpacking process (our mascot Crockpot watches on) |
Over 40 prints on display! |
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Jose oversees the wall construction |
Jose II, our craftsman, builds the Leather Wall |
Megan adds fresh paint |
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The Leather Wall (AKA: "star of the show") |
Picasso Grouping Display |
The team after set-up (minus Jose!) |
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Our incredible catalog featuring Brittany Conner |
Statement prints and our "Best in Show" wall |
Highlighting Wil Can Fly & Canvas for a Cause |
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Our Best in Show Wall featuring our talented winners! |
The eye-catching big prints! We spy the work of Katelyn James :) |
The 16x20 that drew people in |
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Chad DiBlasio stopped by to check out his content! |
Megan got distracted by an adorable baby |
The booth in action! |
We want to thank our Best in Show winners and honorable mentions, as well as our catalog contributors Chad DiBlasio, Lori Unruh & Jeff Poole, Katelyn James, and Brittany Conner. Our booth would not have been successful without your talent, photography, and valuable knowledge. We also want to thank everyone that stopped by our booth at the show. We look forward to working with you soon!
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Jose deconstructing the walls |
The crate, waiting for reload |
The remains of our beautiful gray floor |
Carly enjoys a beverage during demo |
We had so much fun at WPPI 2016 that we're already looking ahead to next year. We can't wait to unveil even more product offerings, meet more of our incredible clients, and bring another great display to the conference floor. Sending many thanks to Rangefinder for hosting another successful event and for bringing the photography industry together every year in Las Vegas. Cheers to WPPI 2017!
Did you see us in Vegas at Booth #1345? Let us know what you loved, or leave thoughts for our team, in the comments below!