Imaging USA is heading to Charlotte, and this year’s event is being designed to give photographers more ways than ever to learn, photograph, connect and get inspired.
From expanded hands-on education and more photo walks to a brand-new community gathering space, Imaging USA 2027 will offer new opportunities to build your skills, meet your people and make the most of every moment at the show.
Here’s a first look at what’s coming.
A Brand-New Community Hub
New this year, Imaging USA will feature The Hub, a central community space created to give attendees a natural place to gather throughout the event.
Think of it as the show’s built-in meeting spot: a place to reconnect with friends, meet new people, grab a bite, unwind after sessions and keep the conversation going. The hub is designed to make it easier for photographers to find one another, especially in a convention center setting where attendees may be moving between classes, the Expo, hotels and evening plans.
Whether you’re meeting up with friends after a full day of education, looking for photographers who share your specialty, or simply want a comfortable place to relax between events, the hub will be the place to be.
Expect casual seating, opportunities to network, special events, food and beverage options, and programming designed to help photographers connect more organically throughout the show.
New Lunch & Learn Opportunities
The Hub will also host informal Lunch & Learn sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
These casual gatherings are designed to help attendees continue their educational experience in a more relaxed environment. Grab lunch, join a topic that interests you and connect with photographers who are exploring similar ideas, challenges and goals.
Topics and speakers are still being finalized, but attendees can expect a mix of educational conversations, guided discussions and networking opportunities covering a wide range of photography and business interests.
Table Topics and Small-Group Conversations
In addition to Lunch & Learns, Imaging USA will include Table Topics and other informal discussion opportunities in The Hub.
These sessions will give attendees a chance to learn from speakers, sponsors and industry experts in a more personal, conversational setting. Instead of a traditional classroom format, these gatherings will be designed for interaction, questions and connection.
It’s another way Imaging USA is making education feel more accessible, more personal and more connected to the real conversations photographers are having in their businesses.
A New Approach to Live Demo Classes
Hands-on learning will be a major focus at Imaging USA.
This year, live demo education is being reimagined with four demo stages offering 28 demo sessions throughout the show. These spaces will give attendees a closer look at how photographers work with lighting, posing, lenses, models, workflow and creative direction in real time.
The goal is to create a more interactive, up-close experience where attendees can see the process, ask better questions and walk away with practical ideas they can bring back to their own studios.
Demo programming is expected to cover a wide variety of genres, including portrait, fashion, boudoir, pets, music, editorial, lighting, posing and more.
ZEISS will also have a dedicated presence in the live demo experience, sponsoring one of the demo stages on Monday with three sessions planned throughout the day. Known for high-quality photography lenses built around optical performance, precision engineering and exceptional image quality, ZEISS will give attendees a chance to see creative techniques, gear and real-world photography approaches come together in a live setting. Current plans include sessions with photographers Kenneth Hines Jr. and Tracy Bosworth Page, with more details to be announced as the full demo schedule is finalized.
Big Names, New Voices and More Genres
The speaker lineup is shaping up to include a strong mix of returning favorites, new voices (30+ new speakers in 2027!) and genre-specific education.
Attendees can expect classes and programs that touch on topics such as Artificial Intelligece (AI), multicultural weddings, school sports and events, social media, boudoir, commercial photography, pets, film photography, video, workflow, lighting, posing and creative development.
Several PhotoVision creators will be part of the education experience, giving attendees the chance to learn in person from photographers they may already follow through PPA’s online education.
Expanded Hands-On and Pre-Con Education
Pre-convention education will continue to offer deeper learning opportunities for photographers who want to go beyond the main conference schedule.
This year’s pre-con lineup is expected to include hands-on classes, deep dives and specialty education across multiple genres and business needs. Early plans include topics such as video, social media, film photography, paper negatives, nature and wildlife, posing, lighting, commercial work and more.
For photographers who want a more immersive learning experience before the main event begins, pre-con classes will be one of the best ways to get focused, practical instruction.
AI, Workflow and the Future of Photography
AI continues to be one of the most important conversations in the photography industry, and Imaging USA 2027 will include education focused on real-world applications, workflow and the changing creative landscape.
Rather than treating AI as a trend, the education will focus on how photographers can understand, evaluate and navigate tools that are already affecting the profession.
Attendees will be able to explore how AI fits into creative work, business decisions and the future of photography.
A Stronger School, Sports and Events Presence
School, sports and events photography will continue to have a strong presence at Imaging USA.
This year, related programming will be more centrally located, with opportunities tied into both The Hub and demo stages. The Stadium Club experience is also being refreshed, giving this community a more visible and connected place within the overall event.
Boudoir Education and Demo Programming
Boudoir photographers can also expect dedicated education, including demo programming sponsored by the Association of Boudoir Photographers (AIBP).
The boudoir track will continue to offer opportunities to learn from experienced photographers, with live demos designed to help attendees see posing, lighting and client-focused techniques in action.
A New Headshot Experience on the Expo Floor
Imaging USA 2027 is also expected to include a headshot experience as part of the PPA booth.
Led in partnership with Gary Hughes and Headshot Tools, this experience will give attendees the opportunity to see a headshot workflow in action and learn more about what it takes to create an efficient, polished headshot setup.
More details, including participating photographers and partners, will be shared closer to the event.
Student Volunteers Return
Student volunteers are returning to Imaging USA!
Their presence has long been part of the show experience, helping attendees navigate the event while giving students valuable opportunities to connect with the professional photography community. For many attendees, seeing student volunteers throughout the show adds energy, accessibility and a sense of welcome.
Charlotte Is Ready for Photographers
Charlotte will offer a fresh backdrop for Imaging USA, with plenty for photographers to explore beyond the convention center.
The city’s Uptown area is walkable, vibrant and filled with restaurants, nightlife and photo-worthy spaces. Attendees will also be close to Charlotte’s light rail, making it easier to explore creative neighborhoods, arts districts, murals and cultural attractions throughout the city.
For photographers, Charlotte offers more than a host city. It offers inspiration, texture and opportunities to create.
Save More as a PPA Member
PPA members will also have an even bigger reason to register early.
The member early bird discount has increased to $100, giving members more savings when they register before the early bird deadline. The early bird deadline has also moved up to October 31, so attendees should plan ahead to take advantage of the best available rate.
More Details Coming Soon
This is just the beginning.
As speakers, schedules, sponsors and special events are finalized, more details will be added to the Imaging USA website. Check back often for updates, announcements and new ways to plan your experience.
Imaging USA 2027 is being reimagined to help photographers do more than attend a conference. It’s a place to learn, connect, photograph, compare notes, find your people and leave with fresh ideas for your art and your business.
Join us in Charlotte and see what’s new at Imaging USA.