Celebrate in Style at Imaging USA 2027

Imaging USA is a strategic place to grow your skills and business, but it’s also a chance to celebrate all you’ve already accomplished! Consider Imaging USA as the party PPA is throwing in your honor. With award ceremonies, the live-judged photo competition, and signature opening and closing parties, there’s no shortage of opportunities to toast the achievements of you and your friends.

Mark your calendar for the festivities planned at this year’s show at the Charlotte Convention Center from January 31 – February 2, including the action-packed Closing Party at the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the exhilarating International Photographic Competition and Finale.

The Closing Party: Take a Victory Lap at the NASCAR Hall of Fame

Tuesday, February 2 | 6:30-9:30 PM EST

Celebrate all that you learned and race full-speed ahead into 2027 at the Closing Party! The Closing Party is taking over the NASCAR Hall of Fame, giving you the chance to celebrate an incredible week of photography while exploring one of Charlotte’s most exciting attractions.

DJ Steve will be back to bring the energy and keep the dance floor moving all evening––and there’s plenty to experience beyond the music. Get an up-close look at real NASCAR race cars, discover the stories that shape the sport, and test your racing skills with immersive simulators and hands-on games throughout the museum.

Food is included with admission, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase. The Closing Party is included for All-Access Pass holders, and additional tickets will be available for purchase before and during the event.

After a week of learning, creating, and connecting, make sure you’re there to celebrate all of your victories one last time.

Don’t Forget the Starting Line at the Welcome Party

Sunday, January 31 | 8 – 10 PM EST

Three… two… one… GO! Get ready to kick off Imaging USA with a bang at the Welcome Party. Join us for an unforgettable night filled with great vibes, dancing, and fun to get revved up for the show ahead. This event is included for All-Access pass holders, but tickets are available for purchase at registration and at the door.

Expect a live DJ, delicious food, a cash bar, fun photo opportunities, and chances to connect with new friends.

Witness the International Photographic Competition Finale

Monday, February 1 | 6:30 – 8 PM EST

Imaging USA 2027 in Charlotte will mark the fourth live-judged International Photographic Competition. This contest brings together the best images from photographers who have submitted across 16 unique image categories. These finalists will be competing for the Grand Imaging Award, with the hopes of winning the trophy and $10,000.

Photographers can also win best in their category, known as the Diamond Photographer of the Year Award, which comes with a cash prize of $1,000. That’s a total of $26,000 in winnings to go around!

The event is an exhilarating showcase of the best image-makers in our industry. Come witness the live judging rounds on Saturday, January 30, and the Finale on February 1. You’ll meet photographers with a love for the craft and experience the edge-of-your-seat thrill of the competition. Plus, as an audience member, you can vote for your favorite images and see how your choices stack up against the judges’ thoughts! The Finale is open to both All-Access Pass and Expo Plus Pass holders, so don’t miss your chance to attend!

PPA Award and Degree Ceremony

Tuesday, February 2 | 5 – 6:30 PM EST

Join us at the PPA Award and Degree Ceremony, where we recognize the accomplishments of PPA Degree, Image Excellence, Image Excellence Bar, and PPA Award recipients! Each year, we celebrate outstanding members of the PPA community with a ceremony dedicated to their achievements. These members demonstrate excellence in their craft and exceptional service to the industry, so we invite you to join us in toasting their hard work.

This is a great opportunity to connect and cheer on your friends at an uplifting event before heading to the Closing Party directly after. Don’t worry if you can't make it in person–you can watch your friends walk the stage later on PhotoVision!

Be an Early Bird and Save!

Register by October 31, 2026, to save $100 with Early Bird pricing! Plus, you can bring a friend (or two) who isn't a PPA member with the Buddy Pass for only $199 each. After October 31, the All-Access Pass price for members goes up to $399 and $249 for each additional guest, so don't miss the early bird rate!

If you're not a PPA member yet, but you’d like to attend the conference for free, our Join and Go program allows you to do just that. When you join PPA and maintain membership through February 2027, you’ll attend your first Imaging USA for free!

Join us at Imaging USA 2027, where you’ll build relationships with renowned speakers, established brands, and photographers from across the country. If you’re looking for the chance to celebrate your accomplishments and invest in your business successes to come, Imaging USA is the place for you.