January 31 - February 2, 2027 • Charlotte, NC
NEXTGEN AT IMAGING USA 2027
ATTEND IMAGING USA FREE AS A NEXTGEN STUDENT
Students ages 16 to 22 can attend Imaging USA 2027 for free. Sign up for NextGen to get your own NextGen badge and a 3-day All-Access Pass (a $599 value) to classes, the Expo, and the photography community.
Program Requirements
WHO CAN JOIN NEXTGEN
SIGN UP
Complete the NextGen sign-up. PPA registers you and prepares your NextGen badge.
Attend
Receive a free 3-day All-Access Pass to Imaging USA 2027, a $599 value.
Connect
Meet photographers, educators, vendors, speakers, PPA staff, and fellow young creatives.
Experience
THE NEXTGEN EXPERIENCE
Headshots
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS
Professional headshots are available for NextGen students on the Expo floor. It’s a chance to stand out professionally and show your personality to future clients.
Access
LIVE DEMOS AND NEW GEAR
NextGen students get hands-on experience with the latest gear through live demos and face time with the industry's best-known vendors.
Travel
Travel and lodging are separate
NextGen students are responsible for their own travel, hotel, meals outside included events, and related trip costs.
All-Access Pass Benefits
The Full Imaging USA Experience
Learning
Classes
Attend Imaging USA education sessions throughout the conference.
Connection
Networking
Meet photographers, educators, vendors, speakers, PPA staff, and peers.
Innovation
Trade Show
Explore vendors, live demos, products, services, and photography resources.
Community
Celebrations
Experience signature events such as the kickoff party, opening keynote, Grand Imaging Awards, and closing celebration.

Celebration
THE CLOSING NIGHT PARTY
Closing night encourages attendees to celebrate, connect, and feel the energy of the photography community before heading home.
Meet other young creatives, photographers, educators, and PPA staff.
Experience the celebration side of the conference.
Make memories and take a victory lap at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Stay Connected
Keep the show going before and after Charlotte
FIRST TIME
NEW TO IMAGING USA? START HERE.
Check out the First-Time Attendee Guide for the must-knows: keynotes, IPC, the Expo, the schedule, and tips to make the most of your three days.
The Loop
Stay Connected After the Conference.
Stay connected after the conference through The Loop, PPA’s online community. Ask questions, meet peers, and keep the conversation going. Available to active PPA members.
Expo Scavenger Hunt
Explore the Expo with a mission.
Explore the trade show floor, meet exhibitors, and collect stamps in your NextGen Passport. Complete the Expo Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win prizes.
Travel
Plan where you will stay
Review Travel & Stay for hotel, Charlotte, and trip-planning resources before you sign up or arrive.
Getting there
Map your route to Charlotte.
Use the Getting There guide for venue address, flight, parking, and arrival planning.
Explore Charlotte
10 things to do at imaging USA
Imaging USA is a full experience, from classes and demos to networking and celebrations. Connect with fellow photographers, get inspired by incredible work, explore new techniques, and make memories that last for years to come. Here are 10 things you won’t want to miss to make the most of Imaging USA 2027.
01
Learn from Experts Early
Make the most of your All-Access Pass by sitting in on classes led by top photographers and educators. With sessions covering technical skills, creative techniques, and the business of photography, you’ll walk away with ideas to grow your skills and your future career.
02
Kick it Off Right
Get energized for the action-packed conference at the Opening Ceremonies! Learn from Tyler Gillum, Head Coach of the Savannah Bananas, as he shares his insights on “Bet On Yourself.” Hear from PPA’s new CEO, Angela Kurkian, about “Design the Business You Want to Own,” and join the Board of Directors for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the official opening of the Expo.
03
Stay Refreshed, Stay Connected
Set aside dedicated time to expand your network at Networking Avenue on Sunday evening. Or, experience Imaging USA’s new community space, The Hub, with refreshments all conference long, conversational Table Topic sessions, and more!
04
Celebrate a Friend
Cast your vote at the International Photographic Competition (IPC) Finale and get inspired by hundreds of award-winning images in the IPC exhibit. The celebration doesn’t end there. Cheer on your friends’ achievements at the Award and Degree Ceremony.
05
Strike a Pose, Get a Pin
Stop by the PPA booth for an updated headshot, hosted by Gary Hughes. While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up your Imaging USA pin to have as a keepsake!
06
Grow Your Portfolio
Photo walks are one of the most immersive ways to learn and grow your portfolio at Imaging USA. Sign up for these opportunities to practice new skills in real time with hands-on instruction from award-winning speakers.
07
Make Friends, Make Memories
Snap a group picture with your friends by the “I ❤️ PPA” marquee and take a moment to capture the memory.
08
Celebrate in Style
Bookend your Imaging USA adventure with unforgettable celebrations! Get amped up for the show ahead at the Welcome Party. Then toast to a show well done at the Closing Party in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, surrounded by the friends you’ve made along the way.
09
Start Energized with PPA
Be sure to grab some Imaging USA swag at registration and dance with PPA staff to a live DJ. Don’t forget to high-five a volunteer when you see them. They keep the conference running!
10
Test New Gear, Gain New Insights
From first looks at the industry’s hottest gear to Express Talks hosted by the industry’s leaders, there’s no shortage of excitement on the Expo floor. Explore the 130+ brands bringing their latest tools and platforms and enjoy hands-on demos before you invest.
How to Sign Up
READY TO JOIN NEXTGEN?
Step 1
SIGN UP
Complete the NextGen sign-up form and upload proof of student status.
Step 2
GET REGISTERED
PPA registers you for Imaging USA 2027 and prepares your NextGen badge.
Step 3
Get Ready
Plan your classes, pick up your badge and NextGen Passport, and get ready to explore Charlotte.
SIGN UP FOR NEXTGEN.
Use the form below to save your spot.
If the application does not load, open it here: NextGen Sign-Up Form.
Under 18? Parent or guardian consent is required.
Students under 18 must submit a completed Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form before their NextGen registration can be finalized. Email the signed form to [email protected].
NEXTGEN FAQ
Questions young people ask before signing up
NextGen is PPA's program that brings students to Imaging USA free. NextGen students get a 3-day All-Access Pass and a NextGen badge, so exhibitors and attendees know who they are. Pre-Convention Classes aren’t included and require separate registration and an additional fee.
No. NextGen students are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meals outside included events.
PPA reviews your sign-up, registers you for Imaging USA, and prepares your NextGen badge. You'll get an email with details on where to pick it up.
Start with the First-Time Attendee Guide for keynotes, IPC, the Expo, and tips for planning your schedule.
