Choose your first-timer goal
Learn new skills, connect with photographers, explore the expo, build your business, or plan your Charlotte trip.
January 31 - February 2, 2027 • Charlotte, NC
First time? Start with the golden route.
A polished first-timer hub that turns uncertainty into a simple path: choose your pass, plan your classes, explore the expo, meet people, and feel ready before you arrive.
3 Days of Everything Photography
90+ Speakers • 130+ Exhibitors • Charlotte Convention Center
Start with the four decisions first-timers actually need.
These four starting points help you understand the event, choose your pass, plan your schedule, and get ready for Charlotte.
Why attend
Pick the right pass
Compare all-access, Join & Go, non-member, student, Buddy Pass, and Free Expo Plus options.
Preview classes before the schedule fills up
General Sessions run January 31-February 2, 2027. Pre-Convention Classes are January 28-30 for an additional fee.
Build the expo and networking hit list
Explore 130+ exhibitors, live demos, show specials, Networking Avenue, photo walks, IPC, and the mobile app.
Make Charlotte feel easy
Review official hotels, travel discounts, airport details, and Charlotte highlights before you arrive.
Everything you need for your first trip.
Plan your learning, expo time, networking, and Charlotte stay from one page.
Learning Preview
Explore technical skills, business classes, creative techniques, and hands-on pre-conference learning.
Expo Hit List
Browse gear, live demos, show specials, vendors, software, printing, and business tools.
Meet People
Start with Networking Avenue, New PPA Member Meet & Greet, expo connections, and photo walks.
Plan Charlotte
Hotels, airport details, Uptown, NoDa, South End, dining, nightlife, murals, and parks.
Build your first Imaging USA plan.
Choose the goal that matters most to you, then use the recommended links to plan your first visit.
Your first-timer plan
- BeforeChoose a pass, review pre-conference classes, reserve your hotel, and download the mobile app.
- Day 1Attend a general session, visit Networking Avenue, and save three expo vendors to see.
- Day 2Prioritize classes by goal: lighting, business growth, workflow, posing, or sales.
- Day 3Finish the expo hit list, attend a final session, and save next-step resources.
Choose the pass that fits your visit.
Every option below links to the official registration page, where current pricing and terms are listed.
PPA Member / Buddy Pass
$299*Early Bird member pricing is available through October 30. Buddy Pass guests can be added for a separate rate.
Compare registration optionsJoin & Go
$0*New full PPA members can receive a free All-Access Pass with a monthly or annual membership.
See Join & GoFree Expo Plus
$0Explore the trade show, vendors, demos, networking opportunities, IPC, keynote access, and more.
See expo accessFirst-timer planning topics.
Find quick answers for the searches first-timers are already making.
Imaging USA first-timer guide
See what to expect, what to bring, how to plan, and which links matter first.
Photography conference in Charlotte
Plan hotels, travel, dining, and things to do while you are in Charlotte.
Photography trade show and expo
Preview expo access, vendors, live demos, show specials, and networking opportunities.
Why your first Imaging USA is worth the trip.
The event brings education, inspiration, vendors, networking, and community into one Charlotte experience.
90+speakers and instructors
130+exhibitors and vendors
3days of everything photography
Expodemos, gear, software, printing, and show specials
Peoplenetworking, photo walks, IPC, and community
First-timer questions, answered.
Quick answers help you plan before you register.
Do I need to be a PPA member?
No. Imaging USA offers member, Join & Go, non-member, student, Buddy Pass, and Free Expo Plus registration options.
When do classes happen?
General Sessions run January 31-February 2, 2027. Pre-Convention Classes and Workshops run January 28-30 for an additional fee.
How do I meet people?
Start with Networking Avenue, the New PPA Member Meet & Greet, expo conversations, and photo walks.
Helpful links for planning your trip.
These official Imaging USA pages help you finish the details before you arrive.
Travel and address
Charlotte Convention Center, airport notes, parking, and travel discounts.
Official hotels
Hotel rates, distance from the convention center, cutoff dates, and booking links.
Photo walks
Limited-space photo walks that encourage first-timers to meet people quickly.
IPC inspiration
Live judging, Grand Imaging Awards, prizes, and award-winning image exhibits.
Mobile app
Stay connected before and during the event with the official app.
Keynote
Check keynote details before building your first-day plan.