The Ultimate Guide for Imaging USA First-Timers

You’ve heard the hype about Imaging USA, and we’re here to tell you it isn’t just hype. For three days every year, approximately 10,000 photographers gather at Imaging USA for a conference unmatched in scope and energy. Photographers choose from 90+ classes led by expert speakers on a huge range of topics.

Even for the seasoned Imaging USA attendee, the conference changes every year, so there's always something new to look forward to. If you’re an Imaging USA newbie, who just bought their ticket, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. We’ve compiled this guide to identify the basic steps you can take to make a world of a difference at your first Imaging USA experience. 

Start With the Imaging USA App

You have 3 days of a photography conference to plan for. How do you best plan for an adventure? Do you like to go down the research rabbit hole? Do you start by putting pencil to paper? Stylus to iPad? Whatever your preferred method is, you must begin by downloading the Imaging USA app from the app store.

Download the app here and check in for the updated 2025 schedule that will be released mid-December. Here we’ve compiled all the essentials – from easily accessible information on our programming to searchable classes, speakers, maps, and more. This app makes it easy to *star* the classes you’re interested in and quickly build your schedule. You can then access your schedule, which includes the location of your class and handy maps for reference. Pretty soon, people will be asking you for directions! 

Follow Your Heart with Imaging USA Sessions

The Imaging USA app and our online website contain all the relevant information on speakers, parties, award ceremonies, and so on. Pick sessions that match your goals. Why are you attending Imaging USA? Are you looking to get a leg up in business? Are you in need of motivation and community? Is it time to make some upgrades to your gear?

At Imaging USA, there’s a class dedicated to nearly every specialty. 

For tons of classes designed to inspire you, filter by “Inspiration” on the Schedule page.

For business owners looking to conquer their fears and move forward in business with confidence, check out our Bridging the Gap classes. 

Follow your interests and let your curiosity to get the best of you! Take a step outside of what’s familiar. Perhaps you’ve always had an interest in Pet photography, or you’d like to be more competent with Photoshop. Now is your chance to get outside of your comfort zone in a community of supportive and enthusiastic photographers!

Some sessions will be no-brainers, such as opening night with Keynote Speaker, Shola Richards. Begin filling out your schedule with the obvious must-sees and then fill in the gaps of time you have left.

On the Imaging USA app, “My Schedule” will allow you to see everything you’re attending at a glance, which you can refer to at any time during your conference experience.

Register for Pre-conference sessions in Advance

If you’ve visited the Imaging USA schedule page, it’s likely you’ve seen our pre-conference classes (or pre-cons as they’re called). And what are these exactly? We’re glad you asked.

It’s impossible to pack everything into the three days of Imaging USA, and even if we could, we wouldn’t. Pre-cons are a unique opportunity for photographers to receive more personal attention from instructors in smaller class sizes, on topics such as our Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Exam Prep and Multi-Day Business-Intensive classes that will have you walking into the weekend a wholly different person. They take place from Thursday, January 30 to Saturday, February 1, the day before the main Imaging USA conference begins. 

Hands-on Pre-Con classes are classes optimized for hands-on learners. These classes allow attendees to practice new techniques on the spot with their instructor. Because of the personal nature of these classes and the smaller class size, these fill up fast! Be sure to claim your spot at a pre-con now!
 

The Belle of the Ball – The Expo 

The variety of products and services that are on display at the expo is vast, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Come prepared with a goal that will help you leave with what you came for! Ask yourself what equipment you’re itching to get this year for your business or studio and do some reconnaissance. The Imaging USA app provides information on all our vendors and gives you the ability to *star* the vendors you’re most interested in. The Imaging USA website is also updated with new exhibitors all the time. Once you’ve got your top picks lined up, check the Expo Schedule: 

Sunday, Feb. 2 ................................................. 11:30am – 5:00pm
Monday, Feb. 3 ................................................ 11:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, Feb. 4 ............................................... 11:30am – 3:30pm 

The first day of the expo is historically the busiest, and it begins to wind down as the expo nears an end on Tuesday. You’re likely to experience less of a rush on Monday and Tuesday and more time to connect with vendors and brand representatives.

Once you’re here in Dallas and entering the expo, pick a side (and a numbered isle) and begin there. You could also walk to the center and work your way out in one direction, slowly covering both halves of the expo. Some people find that taking notes of the places they’d like to return to helps break the expo into manageable chunks. Remember, the expo is huge! There will be many things to see, touch, and try, and you’ll be inclined to come back for more. 

The expo is also a prime location for networking. Catch up with your friends and grab a bite to eat at the Expo Hall Concessions, open Sunday to Tuesday from 12–3:30 PM!  

To view the live-judged image competition, of the competition, stop by the Tate Ballroom on February 1, or February 3 for the finale where the winner of the International Photographic Competition will be chosen.

Last, but not least, view the beautiful display of Dan Winters, our Lifetime Achievement award recipient. Every year, PPA recognizes an individual whose life’s work has enriched the photographic industry and the profession as a whole. Seliger's work speaks volumes with striking simplicity, you’ll have to see it yourself.  

You’re Never Lost, Just Look for a Red Shirt 

The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is big and majestic and it’s got a lot going on! Nearby the convention center you’ll find the host hotels for Imaging USA and inside the Gaylord Texan you'll find the Expo, the Tate Ballroom and Lonestar Atrium (where our Awards Ceremonies and Parties are held), conference rooms, Networking Avenue, Credentialing Corner and more!

The Imaging USA app gives you access to an array of maps to use to navigate the conference. We’ve also done a great job at marking places of interest, essential checkpoints, and classrooms with colorful signage throughout the conference. Should you require help, head towards the Registration Desk or flag down a PPA Staff Member of Imaging USA volunteer. They will be wearing a red T-shirt or red button-down with the PPA logo. If you’re unable to find your class on the app, we will be happy to assist you! 

Take Note

Notetaking is a big part of a successful trip to Imaging USA. There are a variety of ways to do this. Choose the method that works best for you and stick to it. Keep in mind that you could take pictures of the presentation slides too if that helps, just be sure to keep the flash off, and always be respectful of your neighbors. 

Comfort is Key

Whether you’re moving around the conference by foot or by wheels, we recommend prioritizing your comfort above all else! Bring shoes and clothes you feel most comfortable in. Don’t forget to bring your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated too. And pack some snacks for the road!

Explore Texas!

For more ideas of things to do when you're not at the conference, here are 9 activities for you in Dallas & Grapevine, Texas!

Ways to Save

Get the Early Bird Discount by registering for your All-Access pass before December 6! View exclusive travel discounts thorugh Southwest and Delta here as well! If you're in need of a roomate to split the cost of a room, theLoop, PPA's online community for photographers, is a great place to leave a personalized ad. Booking at the host hotels will keep you within walking distance to all the fun! 

Work Hard, Play Harder

Start the conference off on a high note at Imaging USA’s Welcome Party on Sunday from 8-10pm. On the final day of the conference, get loose at Imaging USA’s Closing Party from 6:30-9:30pm. Reconvene one last time with your new friends and cut loose!