January 31 - February 2, 2027 • Charlotte, NC

Youth Volunteer Opportunity

Volunteer at Imaging USA

Youth volunteers support the main conference for one short shift and receive a free 3-day All-Access Pass to Imaging USA 2027.

Apply to volunteer See Pass benefits Plan Travel

How it works

The Volunteer Experience at Imaging USA.

Youth volunteers complete four hours of volunteering during the three-day main conference. Outside of their shifts, youth volunteers can explore classes, networking events, the Expo, photo walks, competitions, and other Imaging USA Experiences included in an All-Access pass.

Volunteer

Complete 4 hours of volunteering during the three-day main conference.

Attend

Receive a free 3-day All-Access Pass to Imaging USA 2027.

Connect

Meet photographers, educators, vendors, speakers, PPA staff, and fellow young creatives.

Program Requirements

What youth volunteers should know

This is a short volunteer commitment with a clear payoff: youth volunteers help for four hours and receive access to the full main conference experience.

Headshots

PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS

Professional headshots are available for youth volunteers on the Expo floor. This is an opportunity to stand out professionally and showcase their personality to future clients.

Access

LIVE DEMOS AND NEW GEAR

Youth volunteers 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

Youth volunteers are responsible for their own travel, hotel, meals outside included events, and related trip costs.

All-Access Pass Benefits

The Full Imaging USA Experience

The youth volunteer pass opens the conference beyond the volunteer shift. Use the time to learn, explore, meet people, and see what a professional photography conference can unlock.

Learning

Classes

Attend Imaging USA education sessions when not scheduled to volunteer.

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.

THE CLOSING NIGHT EXPERIENCE

Celebration

THE CLOSING NIGHT EXPERIENCE

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.

Build connections that can continue after Charlotte.

Stay Connected

Keep the experience going before and after Charlotte

The youth volunteer pass opens the conference beyond the volunteer shift. Use the time to learn, explore, meet people, and see what a professional photography conference can unlock.

The Loop

Stay Connected After the Conference.

For PPA members, stay connected, ask questions, meet peers, and keep conversations going through PPA’s online community.

Joi the loop

Expo Scavenger Hunt

Explore the Expo with a mission.

Youth volunteers should watch for the Expo Scavenger Hunt during Imaging USA. It is a fun way to meet exhibitors, discover resources, and explore the trade show floor. Prizes are TBD.

Explore the expo

Travel

Plan where you will stay

Review Travel & Stay for hotel, Charlotte, and trip-planning resources before you apply or arrive.

Trafvel & Stay

Getting there

Map your route to Charlotte.

Use the Getting There guide for venue address, flight, parking, and arrival planning.

Getting There

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

Connect with industry leaders before the conference even begins by attending a Pre-Convention Class. With immersive courses covering technical skills and business strategies across all photography niches, you’ll walk away with ready-to-implement tools for your studio.

02

Kick it Off Right

Get energized for the action-packed conference at the opening ceremonies! Learn from [Keynote Speaker] on [topic], hear about [topic] from PPA’s new CEO, Angela Kurkian, and join the board of directors for the ribbon cutting and official opening of the Expo.

03

Stay Refreshed, Stay Connected

Set aside dedicated time for expanding your network and grab a drink at Networking Avenue on Sunday evening. Or, experience Imaging USA’s new community space called The Hub–featuring an indoor biergarten for conference-long refreshments, 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–commemorate you and 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 by the “I ❤️PPA” marquee with your friends, taking a moment to pause and capture the memory while catching up with friends.

08

Celebrate in Style

Bookend your Imaging USA adventure with unforgettable celebrations! Enjoy [entertainment type] at the Welcome Party to get amped up for the show ahead. Then, toast to a show well done at the Closing Party with [entertainment type and refreshment type] with the friends you’ve reconnected with and made in the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 

09

Start Energized with PPA

Be sure to grab some Imaging USA swag at registration and dance with PPA Staff to music spun by [DJ name]. 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 Apply

Ready to volunteer?

Complete the youth volunteer application for early consideration. After the application is processed, PPA may contact applicants for a phone or video interview.

Step 1

Apply

Complete the youth volunteer application for early consideration.

Step 2

Interview

After your application is processed, PPA may contact you for a phone or video interview.

Step 3

Get Ready

If selected, prepare for volunteering, classes, networking, vendors, and live demos.

Apply for the Youth Volunteer Opportunity.

Use the application below to submit your information for early consideration.

If the application does not load, open it here: Youth Volunteer Application.

Under 18? Parent or guardian consent is required.

Applicants under 18 must submit a completed Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form before their volunteer placement can be finalized. Complete and email the signed form to [email protected]

Download Consent Form

Youth Volunteer FAQ

Questions young people ask before applying

Youth volunteers complete 4 hours of volunteering over the three days of the main Imaging USA conference.

Youth volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Applicants under 18 must submit a completed Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form, available for download on this page, before their volunteer placement can be finalized.

Youth volunteers receive a free 3-day All-Access Pass to Imaging USA 2027. Pre-Convention Classes are not included and require separate registration and an additional fee.

No. Youth volunteers are responsible for their own travel and lodging.

After your application is processed, PPA may contact you for a phone or video interview.

Youth volunteers can stay connected through The Loop, PPA’s online community, and continue conversations with photographers, educators, vendors, and peers they meet in Charlotte. The Loop is available to active PPA members only.

Yes. Youth volunteers should watch for the Expo Scavenger Hunt during Imaging USA. It is a fun way to explore the trade show floor, meet exhibitors, and discover resources. Prizes are TBD.

Support the conference. Step into the community.

Apply to volunteer