Conferences and Trade Shows Offer Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

As any business owner knows, to be successful and in demand, you have to stay in front of the trends and provide clients with services and products they cannot get from everyone else. To do this, we business owners and entrepreneurs need to educate ourselves on the trends in our industry and the trends outside of our industry. Attending a conference in your area of expertise is one of the best ways to do this.A commitment to continuing education keeps our businesses in a leading position in the market. For my business, Mueller Photography, my goal, since the beginning, has been to provide clients with the best products and services. They look to me for the latest in wedding photography—both in their photographic images and accessory products, such as canvas prints, albums, and more. A few times each year, I attend photographic and wedding industry conferences. This helps me provide clients with what they desire.Most recently, in March, I attended the annual Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) conference. This conference brings together more than 10,000 professional photographers from around the world. It is an incredible opportunity for professionals to gather and share ideas, techniques, and experiences.Focus on creating lasting relationshipsThe hot topic this year was near and dear to my heart. Everyone was talking about building relationships with their wedding clients. This is one of the most rewarding things about business. We’re not just planning or photographing someone’s wedding—we’re creating a lasting relationship. Couples who enjoy their experience with the photographers, planners, and other businesses involved in their wedding will think of them for referrals and future business as their family grows. Discover new and exciting trendsThe WPPI conference also allows photographers stay in front of the latest photography trends. This year’s conference featured new lighting and camera techniques from international and master photographers. These techniques help photographers work toward being able to provide in-studio quality images no matter what the lighting conditions. The right mix of equipment and techniques to create these high quality images is critical. With the latest generation of lights, photographers can take gorgeous images no matter the lighting. From sparklers, fireworks, sunsets, and dark reception venues to those shot in bright noontime sun, we can give clients fantastic photographs with incredible lighting.Make connections around the globeMaster classes provide new, artistic insight and ideas for enhancing the creative process and keeping photography on the cutting edge. Round table discussions with business owners from many countries create opportunities to share ideas, thoughts, and suggestions to provide clients with a better all-around experience. These smaller meetings let attendees make connections with these other professionals. Having friends around the world comes in especially handy when you do destination weddings. You never know when you may need an extra set of hands or someone who knows the area to scout out the best locations for photography.Discover new products Photography skills and classes aren’t the only reason to attend, however. Along with the abundant learning opportunities, the WPPI conference has a massive trade show, which is filled with an international blend of companies. Beautiful and unique boutique items to provide clients are always on display. Offering these items, which couples can’t get elsewhere, provides an advantage over other photographers. This year’s trade show featured contemporary and sophisticated albums with a variety of cover materials, unique designs, and specialty papers. The Mystique Album—discovered at a trade show last year—is a great example. It features multi-colored graphics that pop off the cover, along with three-dimensional texture. It is a gorgeous album for a special bride. This year, custom-printed wine boxes were showcased. They open on three sides and have photos and text printed on the outside and inside. Unique wall décor is also perfect for clients—whether single wall art pieces or groupings. Three-dimensional art walls are a perfect example. Truly custom, these are gallery-worthy pieces. Gain increased businessBeing able to see new products in person is priceless. And every year, I aim to implement at least three new ideas or products discovered through trade shows and conferences. When my clients love the new products, it means more referrals and repeat business, which in turn, means more income and an increase in my business. Aren’t these the goals of all business owners and entrepreneurs? wpm__Adam Mueller, Mueller Photography, La Crosse, Wis.