Congratulations! We’re thrilled you’ll be attending the WPPI Trade Show on February 21-23, 2011, and look forward to seeing you at our booth (#1329).  We know that some of you like to go for the parties and deals on gear, but you can learn a lot of great new ideas to help grow your business and we’re going to help. Between February 7th and 18th, we’ll be sharing 21 ways you can get more out of the convention and trade show.

1. Free Is a Good Price – Take advantage of as much FREE stuff as possible…many vendors host socials that include free buffets; many trade show booths offer free access to pros speaking on key topics; most vendors have a show special…if it’s not posted, ask! And to get your free time back, visit Zookbinders at Booth #1329…we’ll show you how zookie pro can give you some free time back and how to enter to win a free album delivered to you at the show!
2. Pack Light – Unless you’re going on a shoot, leave your heavy camera equipment at home and bring a point-and-shoot camera or use your camera phone. We know you own good equipment…don’t subject yourself to dragging it around and a possible theft or damage. By traveling light you can leave some room in your bag to buy some cool Las Vegas souvenirs and clothes. And don’t worry about repacking the convention and vendor materials…bring your express mail account number so you can send home the swag with your dirty laundry! 
3. PreBoard & PrePrint – The new PreBoard registration system for Platform Classes only works if you PRINT the tickets! This easy entry system gives you more time for networking, exploring and playing, but don’t get bumped out of a reserved seat…print your passes for Platform Classes by the time you print your airline boarding pass.
4. Don’t Leave Home Without It – Never run out of business cards! If your current card needs updating, get it reprinted before the show. You never know when you’ll run into your next client or BFF. When you give someone your card, they are more likely to hang onto it if you write something on it you discussed…a website, a book, a restaurant, or simply your cell phone number. If you’re running low on cards, print up a batch of inkjet cards to use at vendor booths for giveaways.
5. Plan to Be Away – It’s easy to lose track of time and forget to check messages during the show. And when you find a quiet spot to make a call the cell coverage could be spotty. Make sure someone checks your office messages often or set calls to forward to your mobile phone so you don’t lose out on new business while you’re learning new things. 
6. Set a Budget: Know what you can spend on entertainment, meals and gear so you go into the show ready to make wise and beneficial purchases…and have enough left over for gifts to bring home and slots at the airport.
7. Take Liberty – Choose comfortable shoes over stylin’ shoes to walk in by day or your feet will be tired, huddled masses yearning to breathe free by night. As you trek the miles of trade show vendors, be sure to stop by Zookbinders at Booth #1329, relax in one of our lounge chairs and contemplate how zookie pro will help you step-up your workflow.
8. Step Out of Your Zone – If you just shoot weddings, or seniors or families, step out of that zone and take a seminar about something different; you’ll gain a new perspective and be inspired by a new look at things. And keep in mind, a one-time client becomes a life-time client when you expand your services to capture the events of the entire lifecycle – weddings, births, families, high school seniors, etc.
9. Map It Out – Before you arrive at WPPI, get familiar with the events schedule and trade show floorplan. Start by visiting the vendors you already work with to find out what’s new and how they can help you going forward. Be sure to tell them what you like and don’t like about working with their company.  Leave some free time to wander the show to meet new vendors and get some ideas.  Remember, Zookbinders and zookie pro are in booth #1329.
10. Revive a Lost Art – Bring 10 note cards and stamped envelopes to the convention…when you hear a speaker or make a new contact that you want to stay in touch with, send off a handwritten note. A personalized card always goes further than an ordinary email.
11. Make the Connection – The WPPI fun starts before you even board the plane! Playing the game “I Spy…” can reap huge rewards when you try to spot fellow photographers. At the airport gate, on the plane, at baggage claim, in the taxi line if someone strikes you as WPPI-bound, strike up a conversation, expand your network and split the cab fare!
12. Mix It Up – Growing your network requires meeting new people and making face-to-face connections with people you socialize with online. Check out the Tweetup during the Launch Pad Event (Feb 20th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in Studio A & B at the MGM) to strengthen those virtual relationships and get out there throughout the show…mix, mingle, wine and dine with new faces. When you exchange business cards, be sure to note on the back of the contact’s card how you met and what you learned about them.
13. Buddy Up – Line up a convention buddy or two so you can cover more territory, share notes from different seminars, exchange ideas and meet even more people. Whether it’s your spouse, co-worker or newest BFF, you’ll get more out of the convention and trade show as part of a team.    
14. Tackle the Triple Threat – A visit to Vegas promises smoke-filled, windowless, clock-free venues. Defeat the triple threat by getting outside for fresh air and drinking water at every opportunity. And make sure your gear box includes these lifesavers: ear plugs, Sudafed/decongestant, Chapstick, Tylenol PM, hand sanitizer and eye drops.
15. Analyze This – Don’t over-plan your schedule, over-reach your goals or over-think your strategy. Often the most powerful experiences result from impromptu situations…like talking to other photographers who are in the same boat as you. There are many opportunities to find new ideas from classes, print competitions, exhibits or colleagues. Find a few and implement them as soon as you get home.
16. Join the Competition – One of the best ways to gain new perspective on your photography and gain access to the leading photographers is to observe the print competition judging. The competition rooms are also a welcome respite from the bright lights and volume of the busy convention.
17. Get to the Bottom Line – As you walk the show, think to yourself…How will this product or service make me a better, a more efficient or a more profitable photographer and business person? How does this product or service build my client base and increase my bottom line? For the perfect demo of a service and product that makes your life easier AND increases your bottom line, visit the new zookie pro by Zookbinders at Booth #1329!
18. Be Curious – For anything you might want to know about a new product or service or technique, make a list of questions so you can get the answers you need. Even as you get your initial questions answered, write down more and get them answered too; a convention is a great place to be curious and increase your knowledge.
19. Plan Your Return – After you unpack and unwind from your whirlwind trip make an appointment with yourself to debrief while your memory is fresh and you’re full of inspiration. Just like a bride with a post-wedding high, capitalize on the moment by prioritizing your goals and updating your business plan. Commit to apply what you’ve learned by spending an hour a day on implementation. The key is to make steady progress that grows your business.
20. Three Before Me – Follow this rule and learn three times more than before…whether you’re participating in a Q&A session, meal-time discussion or happy hour hoopla, you’ll learn a lot more if you let three others have the floor before you ask another question, voice another opinion or share another story.
21. Golden Rule – What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas except for one thing…inspiration. Conventions provide a lot of good fun, but don’t leave the good ideas behind. When something inspires you write it down, take photos, leave yourself a voicemail, tweet a remark, send yourself an email, speak into the recorder on your phone, keep a diary…whatever it takes to preserve those inspiring ideas that will carry you through the 360 days until the next WPPI.

 Thanks for following along, we hope we’ve helped you and inspired you to get the most you can out of the 2011 WPPI Convention and Trade Show. We too won’t stay in Vegas, we’ll be back to sweet home Chicago with our colleagues helping create for you the finest and most beautiful albums available. For more information do stop by booth #1329 or visit us online at www.zookbinders.com and www.zookiepro.com.