WPPI 2024 draws record number of first-time attendees

WPPI 2024, the conference for wedding and portrait photographers, recently concluded with resounding success, drawing a record-breaking number of first-time attendees and sparking an unparalleled level of enthusiasm unseen in over a decade.

With more than 40,000 square feet of exhibit space, educational seminars, keynote presentations, an entire aisle dedicated to interactive shooting bays, and 65 photo walks, WPPI 2024 attracted more than 1,000 more attendees compared to last year, with approximately 43 percent being first-time visitors.

“I haven’t seen energy like this in more than a decade,” said George Varanakis, Strategic Advisor to Emerald’s Photo Group who, along with Aaron Andersen and Arlene Evans, has injected new life into the WPPI, the company said.  “As attendees waited for WPPI 2024 to open, they were entertained by a live DJ, and hundreds of giveaways and door prizes added to the excitement, which seemed to continue throughout the day and into our evening networking events and activities. We were also encouraged to see a new generation of photographers emerging, as evidenced by the significant number of first-time attendees at WPPI. Their ability to learn from the established WPPI community is truly exhilarating and provides a real boost for the future of our conference.”

WPPI 2024 also experienced a 25 percent increase in manufacturers, including returning exhibitors Sony, Adobe, H&H Lab, and SmugMug, bringing the total number of exhibitors to more than 100. Top camera manufacturers Canon, Fujifilm, and Nikon were also on hand to demonstrate their latest imaging products and services.

“The energy and enthusiasm throughout the event were palpable,” said Andersen. “With 85 percent of our photo walks sold out, every shooting bay filled to capacity each day, and exhibitors were thrilled with the foot traffic throughout the entire event.”

Education continues to be the foundation of WPPI, with 60 seminars, 65 photo walks, and 20 interactive shooting bays, and three multi-day, hands-on educational tracks dedicated to wedding photography, lighting, and a Portrait Masters track. All tracks were led by renowned photographers and educators including Sue Bryce, Lindsay Adler, Roberto Valenzuela, Vanessa Joy, and Patrik Naik, to name a few.