A practical first-timer guide for planning your photography conference experience:
choose your pass, build your class schedule, explore the Expo, meet other photographers,
and get ready for Charlotte.
Photography classesEducation for business, craft, workflow, and growth.
Expo floorProducts, vendors, demos, and hands-on discovery.
Networking eventsMeet photographers, speakers, mentors, and partners.
Charlotte travelPlan your hotel, schedule, and conference flow.
Quick Plan
Four decisions make your first visit easier.
Your first Imaging USA does not need to feel overwhelming. Start with the essentials:
what is included, which pass fits your goals, how to plan your schedule, and how to get ready for Charlotte.
Understand the event
Imaging USA combines photography education, the Expo, keynote programming, IPC, Photo Walks, networking, awards, and celebrations.
One pass. Three days. The experiences photographers come for.
Imaging USA is built for photographers who want more than a standard photography conference.
You get education, the photography Expo, keynote programming, networking events,
International Photographic Competition experiences, Photo Walks, parties, awards,
and practical ideas you can take home.
Learn
Build skill and business confidence
Choose photography classes for technique, workflow, pricing, marketing, sales, lighting, and client experience.
Connect
Meet people who understand the work
Find community through networking events, parties, Photo Walks, vendor conversations, and peer connections.
Grow
Leave with your next move
Come home with practical ideas, new tools, creative energy, and a clearer plan for your photography business.
First-Timer Roadmap
Easy to enter. Hard to forget.
If this is your first Imaging USA, do not try to do everything. Start with the experiences that match your goals,
then leave room for conversations, Expo discoveries, and unexpected opportunities.
Imaging USA is more valuable when your logistics are simple. Use the official travel resources to book your hotel,
explore Charlotte, and plan your time around classes, Expo hours, events, and networking.
Yes. Imaging USA works well as a photography conference for beginners, emerging professionals,
and experienced photographers because attendees can choose classes, Expo experiences,
networking events, and programs based on their goals.
Is the Expo the same as a photography trade show?
Yes. The Imaging USA Expo functions like a photography
trade show where attendees can explore brands, compare products, test tools, ask questions,
and discover services for their photography business.
What should I do first when planning?
Start with your registration, hotel, schedule, Expo goals, and one networking event.
Then add the keynote, IPC, Photo Walks, and celebrations if they match your interests.
Where should I stay for Imaging USA?
Start with the official Imaging USA hotel page
and choose a location that makes it easy to attend classes, visit the Expo, and explore Charlotte.
Ready When You Are
Your first Imaging USA can be simple, strategic, and worth it.
Start with your pass, choose a few high-value classes, visit the photography Expo,
meet other photographers, and give yourself room to enjoy the full Charlotte experience.
By submitting this application today you agree to comply with Imaging USA's Code of Conduct, with PPA’s Code of Ethics, and PPA's Terms and Conditions as listed below:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Code of Ethics: As a requirement for admission to and retention of membership and participation in this photographic association, each PPA member and participant shall agree to use the highest levels of professionalism, honesty, and integrity in all relationships with colleagues, clients, and the general public.
Terms & Conditions: $17.50 of domestic dues ($42.00 non-domestic) is applied to Professional Photographer magazine and is not deductible from dues. U.S. and Canadian members receive both the print and digital versions of the magazine each month. International members receive the electronic edition of Professional Photographer magazine unless they request a printed version. Payments or contributions to Professional Photographers of America, Inc., are not deductible as charitable contributions for Income Tax purposes. Payments may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense if you are in a photography related business. Please consult your own tax advisor. Submission of this application indicates your agreement to follow and abide by the policies and procedures and the Code of Ethics of the Professional Photographers of America. Membership commences upon receipt of payment and is for one year. Dues subject to change. Dues include $10 per non-international member as the Copyright Protection Fund assessment.
Information for Monthly Credit Card Option Applicants: By submitting a monthly credit card option application, I understand that PPA will charge my credit card monthly. I understand that I will pay an additional $1.50 per month for bank processing fees included in the dues amounts in this application. The monthly charge will appear on my credit card statements as Professional Photographers of America and the statement will act as a receipt. PPA will notify me of any dues or membership changes and will automatically renew my membership. I can at any time resign from PPA and stop charges being made to my credit card. Any payments made prior to that are nonrefundable. A resignation must be received in writing, fax or email. Emailed resignation must come from the email address contained in the member's record, include their name and PPA ID number. I agree to inform PPA of any changes made to my credit card, such as a change in my account number. If PPA is unable to successfully make a charge to my credit card, PPA will contact me to make any changes or corrections to my record. If PPA is unable to successfully process my monthly payment, my membership will be considered void, and I am required to pay the balance in full to reinstate my membership. PPA is not responsible for any overdraft or bank fees charged to the member if a debit card is used for membership dues payments.