Phoenix Convention Center Virtual Tour

Get your first look at the new Phoenix Convention Center, home to Imaging USA 2009

Hi, Lenny Taffel here, your Director of Events for Imaging USA.

I’ve just returned from a visit to Phoenix, Ariz., where I was making sure that everything is on schedule and up to par. Though it may sound corny, I’m so excited! Imaging USA 2009 is going to be AWESOME! There’s a lot to look forward to:

The layout of the Phoenix Convention Center campus makes it very easy to get around, which is a very good thing because you don’t want to miss a minute of your chosen programs or the Imaging Expo. In just seconds you can zip back and forth between the Imaging USA classrooms and the exhibition hall via the skywalk, located on the same floor as both locations. And if you ever do need pointed in the right direction, you can just look for me or any of the other Imaging USA staff members and volunteers (we’ll be the ones in the orange shirts!)

Not only is the layout great, the entire convention center is eco-friendly with top-of-the-line enhancements (it’s brand-new for you, my friends). The $600 million expansion triples the original size of the center, and totals nearly 900,000 square feet of space that is inviting, comfortable, and easy to navigate. Talk about perfect timing for Imaging USA! It’s definitely one of the best—if not THE best—convention center that has housed Imaging USA.

So you might be wondering about things outside the walls of the convention center…Well, let me tell you, they’re going to be a breeze to experience! The METRO light rail train will make it sooo easy and cost-effective to get from the airport to your hotel, the convention center, dining, entertainment, and anything you want to do around the city. (Plus, it’s pretty snazzy looking!)

Imaging USA 2009 is a great show in a great city…soon to be filled with the greatest folks in the world, (yes, I’m talking about YOU!) We’ve uploaded a video from our visit to Phoenix, a virtual tour that the convention center’s architect gave us. Take a peek at where we’ll be in January.

Phoenix Light Rail Video Clips

We found this fun Metro Light Rail video from YouTube. The brand new system will have you zipping through Phoenix from your hotel to the convention center in air conditioned comfort. And because the system is set up on trolley-style rails, you'll get great views of Phoenix as you travel.

If you want to know more about the light rail, check out their Rail Life blog at www.raillife.com/blog/ and for more video, take a look at these links:

• www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFpownOWdig
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=omFbaHGly3k

We also have some images, courtesy of our friends at the METRO light rail.

Anne Geddes video preview

Anne Geddes will be presenting the keynote presentation at Imaging USA in Phoeniz, Arizona.

Imaging USA Slideshow

Here is a copy of the Imaging USA in Review video that was played at the 2008 PPA Awards and Degrees Ceremony at Imaging USA in Tampa Florida.

Quicktime Movies

All of the videos are saved as quicktime (.mov) files. If you don't have quicktime on your computer, you can download it from www.apple.com/quicktime/download.

Note: these movies will normally open in a new browser window and automatically play. If you have pop-up blockers, or security tools that prevent auto-launching the content, you may have to save the link to your desktop, and play it after it finishes downloading.

If you had problems with any of the links from Day 2 of Imaging USA, all of those links have been corrected, and we encourage you to check them out.

Visit the January 2008 Archive to view all the videos from Imaging USA 2008.

Expo Spotlight

We've combed Imaging USA's Expo floor to find products that are generating a lot of buzz at this year's Expo. Tune in to see what everyone is talking about.

Click here to watch the video.

What You're Saying About Imaging USA 2008

We've been hearing great things from photographers who were thrilled with Imaging USA's convention and Expo.

Click here to watch the video.

If you weren't able to join us in Tampa, mark your calendar now for Imaging USA, January 11-13, 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona!

Microsoft

Microsoft Theatre boasted a strong daily lineup of talented pros.

Click here to watch the video.

Microsoft is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Sony

Sony showed us their A700 digital SLR camera, Zeiss lenses, wireless flash products, printers and Snap Lab.

Click here to watch the video.

Sony is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Fujifilm

Kayce Baker showed us Fujifilm's output solutions, their ASK printer - a great solution for event photographers. She also explained some of Fujfilm's products that are well-suited for sport and event photographers, as well as evidence photographers.

Click here to watch the video.

Fujifilm is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Canon

Erik Allin told us about the total imaging and workflow solutions, including new lenses and pigment printers, that Canon offers professional photographers. He also outlined the updates made to Canon's Digital Photo Professional software.

Click here to watch the video.

Canon is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008, and also sponsored the Imaging USA Welcome Party on Sunday night.

Adobe

Tom Hogarty explained how Lightroom and Photoshop CS3 cuts hours off photographers' workflow.

Click here to watch the video.

Adobe is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

White House Custom Colour (WHCC)

Mike Hanline told us about their new products, new facility and new initiatives.

Click here to watch the video.

WHCC is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Eastman Kodak

Joe Paglia told us about several new products that unveiled by Kodak at Imaging USA - updated versions of the Kodak enhanced plug-ins and two new enhanced films - and explained Kodak's philosophy on "accessing inspiration."

Click here to watch the video.

Kodak is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008, as well as the sponsor for the closing celebration on Tuesday, January 8th.

EPSON

We learned about EPSON's new Signature Worthy paper, their newest wide format printers, and the new Stylus Photo  R1900.

Click here to watch the video.

EPSON is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Corel

Jamie Manuel explained how Corel Painter X helps photographers increase their revenue stream.

Click here to watch the video.

Corel is a gold-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Collages.net

Kevin Casey told us about the exciting transition Collages.net has made into the photographic products arena.

Click here to watch the video.

Collages.net is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Nikon Inc.

Michael Corrado, senior product manager of Nikon's SLR system products, showed us their groundbreaking D3 professional digital SLR camera that runs at an amazing 9 frames per second.

Click here to watch the video.

Nikon is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Miller's Professional Imaging

Debra Radell and Ted Unruh told us about Miller's press-printed books, assembled albums, and Miller's new charity program.

Click here to watch the video.

Miller's Professional Imaging is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

ExpressDigital

Becky Orser, ExpressDigital's marketing manager, told us about their in-booth speakers and the latest version of their Darkroom software.

Click here to watch the video.

ExpressDigital is a gold-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Graphistudio

Maureen Neises of Graphistudio told us about their new online ordering system, programs and products.

Click here to watch the video.

Graphistudio is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Marathon Press

Bill Camacho, executive vice president of Marathon Press, explained why Imaging USA is their most important industry event, showed us their new line of Bella Grafica products, and announced that they are taking their well-known marketing workshops on the road to 8-10 cities in 2008.

Click here to watch the video.

Marathon Press is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

American Color Imaging

Mark Lane, president and owner of American Color Imaging, told us about the additions to their product line, announced an expansion of their production facility, and invited photographers to their annual educational event.

Click here to watch the video.

ACI is a platinum-level sponsor of Imaging USA 2008.

Imaging USA 2008 Draws Record Numbers on Opening Day

Imaging USA 2008, the first major convention and trade show of the year for professional photographers, opened it's first day in sunny Tampa, Florida with the best attendance on a first day than it's ever had. Registration will remain open through Tuesday morning, and with the first day's indications, Imaging USA 2008 will break all records set in previous years.

This year's Imaging Expo is bigger and better than ever with more than 600 booths in the 150,000 SF trade show. There were plenty of new faces~and familiar ones~crowding the aisles, and the buzz of excitement was evident as they watched demos, tried out new products, got inspired by the latest trends, and purchased new equipment and products for their photography businesses.

New products aren't the only things drawing photographers to Imaging USA... this year's event boasts a lineup of business~and life~changing educational programs and conferences.

Click here to watch the video.

Kodak's Swashbuckler's Soiree Ends IUSA 2007 on a High Note

As the last official event of Imaging USA 2007, the Swashbuckler's Soiree served the dual purpose of capping off this year's event while getting attendees amped for next year's convention in Tampa, Fla. Sponsored by Kodak, the party had a pirate theme befitting of the buccaneer history of the Gulf Coast city. It was open to all IUSA attendees, who flocked to San Antonio's Gonzalez Convention center for one last blowout before heading home. View video here.

PPA & SEP Launch New Sweepstakes Marketing Cooperative

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Society of Sport & Event Photographers (SEP) announced a new program, the Sweepstakes Marketing Cooperative, at Imaging USA 2007. Available only to members of PPA and SEP, the marketing co-op offers photographers the opportunity to join one or all three national sweepstakes programs, and enables them to conduct marketing campaigns with prizes and a profit-building strategy that they couldn't offer on their own. View video here.

SEPCON Doubles Attendance in 2007

The SEPCON Pep Rally gave sport and event photographers the opportunity to network with each other and share their business and creative ideas. We spoke with Michelle Hatch, Association Manager for the Society of Sport & Event Photographers (SEP), who told us about some of the exciting changes the group has seen during the past year - a name change (formerly IAPEP), a 40% growth in membership, and even more enthusiasm for SEPCON co-locating with Imaging USA. View video here.

LexJet Paper Wins Coveted Hot One Award

LexJet's Tom Hauenstein told us about their new paper that recently won a Hot One Award from Professional Photographer magazine. View video here.

Adobe Gives Photographers a Choice

Tom Hogarty told us how Adobe is incorporating the best of what they've learned over the past year with Lightroom and adding it back into Camera RAW 4 and Bridge CS3 for when they ship those products. View video here.

Albums Inc. Offers Reasonably Priced Packaging Options for Photographers

Albums Inc.'s Brenda Harper explained how important packaging is for a photographer's overall image and client presentation. View video here.

Mitsubishi's Circle of Friends

Michael Gilbert from Mitsubishi explained how their "circle of friends" approach helps educate photographers. View video here.

Photographers Are Saying Great Things About Imaging USA 2007

IUSA TV's man on the street, Jeff Kent, talked to more photographers who were impressed by this year's educational programs and expo. View video here.

eXpress Digital Announces New Products

We caught up with Graham McFarland during SEPCON's Pep Rally, and he told us about eXpress Digital's new products: the Darkroom core product bundled with the new Epson 3800 printer, and their Aperture plug-in for Photoreflect.com service. View video here.

Fujifilm Debuts New S5 DSLR Camera and Dye-Sub Printers

Fujifilm's Kayce Baker showed us their newest camera in their lineup, the impressive S5 DSLR. We also saw the ASK2000 and ASK4000, Fujifilm's new dye-sublimation printers that are perfect for sport and event photographers. View video here.

Backprint Is One-Stop Shop for Photographers

Phil Polishuk from Backprint told us about the unique products and services they offer photographers. They also have products that are geared specific toward sport and event photographers. View video here.

WHCC Announces New Products

WHCC's impressive booth was constantly packed with photographers eager to see their new press printed products. Click here to watch the video and hear more from Michael Hanline.

Blossom Publishing Delivers Custom Marketing Materials for Photographers

Marcy Wilhelm from Bossom Publishing told us about the custom marketing pieces they offer photographers. View video here.

Microsoft Theater Adds Extra Education to EXPO Floor

Located in a corner of the expansive Imaging EXPO floor, the Microsoft Theater is an intimate venue where attendees can hear from some of professional photography's brightest stars. Presentations take place each afternoon during the EXPO hours, while the normal Imaging USA programming takes a break for the trade show. Dennis Reggie and Bambi Cantrell are giving daily seminars throughout the convention, while Microsoft offers special previews of its upcoming Vista operating system. View video here.

Photographers Are Thrilled with Imaging USA 2007!

Jeff Kent, Imaging USA's own man on the street, talked to several photographers who told us what they've seen so far and what they think of Imaging USA 2007. View video here.

Special Delegation from China Attends IUSA 2007

Houmin Lu, official personal photographer for China's Chairman Mao in the 1950s, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Culture Promotion Society, and Vice President of the Chinese Photographers Association, told us how much he is enjoying Imaging USA and how impressed he is with the educational programs and the work of American photographers. Yang Cao hopes to introduce the Imaging USA convention format to photographers in China. And Lei Lui, Chairman of the Artistic Chinese Photographers Association, was very impressed by the dimension of the work of photographers attending Imaging USA. View video here.

Kodak Provides Full-Circle Connection for Photographers

Kodak's Therese Corrigan-Bastuk shared their "connect with pro quality" message which is supported by two search engines that connect photographers with labs and consumers with photographers. We also saw various forms of Kodak media that, according to Corrigan-Bastuk, are helping to push the envelope in getting photographers and labs to think of different ways they can feature output. View video here.

Nikon Announces New Digital SLR and Lens

Mike Corrado from Nikon showed us their new D80 digital SLR and 70:300 lens. View video here.

EPSON Teams Up with Express Digital

Phil Amato showed us the EPSON printers that are bundled with a special customized version of Express Digital core edition software. View video here.

Canon's Fiesta Noche del Rio Caps Off the First Day at IUSA

Canon helped round out the first day of Imaging USA with a bang by sponsoring Fiesta Noche del Rio. Held in two enormous ballrooms at the Gonzalez Convention Center, the party was open to all Imaging USA attendees. After walking past the two giant chili peppers that guarded the entrance, attendees were handed a drink ticket and a ticket for a raffle drawing. Heavy hors d'oeuvres were served throughout the space while a country band belted out Western favorites from the stage. Conventioneers were universally in high spirits as they relaxed, had a drink and a bite, and recounted all the exciting events of Imaging USA, day one. View video here.

Photodex Debuts Two New Products and Customer Loyalty Program

Paul Schmidt, President of Photodex, shared details about the latest version of ProShow Producer as well as an exciting new product line that provides royalty-free content to photographers. View video here.

David Trust Enthusiastic About Imaging USA 2007

David Trust, CEO, told us about some of the changes in Imaging USA's Expo and went on to discuss attendance of a visiting delegation of photographers from China. View video here.

Marathon Press Announces New Products and Programs for Photographers

Bill Camacho debuted Marathon's new line of custom-designed gift cards that are available for photographers to sell to their customers. He also showed us their new line of coffee table books. View video here.

AsukaBook Offers Cutting Edge Album Options

Kevin Kubota, U.S. and International Rep. for AsukaBook, told us about the production process of their high quality books. He also told us about AsukaBook's three latest styles: larger and vertical format, leather covers, a varnish page option. View video now.

Imaging EXPO Opens to Big Fanfare

At 11:00 a.m., with eager crowds piling up outside the entrance, the 2007 Imaging EXPO opened for business. With more than 600 exhibitors set up in an enormous double exhibit space, the hundreds of attendees who flooded through the gates quickly dispersed into the trade show. Thousands more are expected to meander into the EXPO throughout the next three days. View video here.

Imaging USA Preview Webinair

The good folks at Pictage recently interviewed Al Hopper, PPA's Director of Membership, about what to expect at Imaging USA 2007. The interview is archived at www.pro.pictage.com/webinars/Imaging_USA_Preview-1-5-2007/index.html.

Download Quicktime to View Video

Download the latest version of Quicktime to to view the video files on this site.

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

IUSA '06 Wraps Up with Nearly 7,000 Photographers!

Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Attendance at Imaging USA 2006 made it our largest convention in our 126-year history -- nearly 7,000 people participated in educational programs and the Imaging EXPO, not to mention the fabulous convention-wide parties.

Click the following link to see highlights from the Imaging USA Fiesta, the closing night celebration sponsored by Kodak, and to hear more this year's success and plans for next year's convention in San Antonio.
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_WRAPUP.mov

Photographers' Reactions to Imaging USA 2006

Monday, January 23, 2006
Our very own Adam Millman talked with several photographers who sounded off on their thoughts about this year's record-breaking convention.

Click the link to hear more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_MANONSTREET.mov

Express Digital's Darkroom Software Boasts New Features

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Becky Orser, Marketing Manager for Express Digital, told us about recent awards the company received and brought us up-to-date on Darkroom's new features. We also heard about a few of the new upgrades that are about to launch for PhotoReflect.com.

Click here to see more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_EXPRESSDIG.mov

Nikon Introduces New D200 Digital SLR

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Bill Pekala, General Manager of Product Technology and Engineering with Nikon, showed us their new D200 and told us why Imaging USA is a great show for them.

Click here for more info:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_NIKON.mov

Kodak Launches New Free Program for Photographers

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Therese Corrigan-Bastuk, Photography Segment Manager with Kodak, told us how their new program, Premium Pro Pass, connects consumers with Kodak's database of photographers.

Click here to see more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_KODAK.mov

WHCC New Booth Draws Large Crowds

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Michael Hanline told us that WHCC's booth at Imaging USA has been crowded with photographers eager to see their new line of press printed products.

Hear more by clicking this link:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_WHCC.mov

Marathon Spotlights New Products and Services

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Bill Camacho told us about Marathon's award-winning marketing programs and services available to photographers.

Click to hear more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_MARATHON.mov

EPSON Impresses IUSA Attendees with Featured Printers

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Patrick Chen with Epson gave us a look at five printers they were demonstrating during Imaging USA.

Click here to see more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_EPSON.mov

Corel's New Painter IX: Loaded with Powerful New Features

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Wes Pack with Corel explained how photographers are using the new powerful version of Painter to create their artistic digital photography.

Click to hear more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_COREL.mov

Albums Inc. Digital Album Featured at Imaging USA

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Pete Cardello with Albums Inc. told us about their exclusive distribution for Memory Link digital album.

Click here for more info:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_ALBUMSINC.mov

Professional Photographer Magazine a Must-Read for Photographers

Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Scott Hersh, Director of Sales for Professional Photograper magazine, told us why readers and advertisers love this publication.

Click link to hear more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_PPMAG.mov

 

Photodex Releases New Update to ProShow Producer

Monday, January 23, 2006
Paul Schmidt, President of Photodex Corporation, told us more about their most recent software introduction to the professional photography industry.

Click here for more info:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_PHOTODEX.mov

PPA Announces New Exclusive Member Benefits

Monday, January 23, 2006
PPA has been working hard to continuously add more value to membership, and Imaging USA featured five companies that have strong relationships with the association. Click the links below to hear more about how each company is poised to help PPA member photographers protect their business, save time, learn more and
make more money.

Dell
Leland Means, Sr. Manager for Associations Membership
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_DELL.mov

Photoworkshop.com
Lynne Eodice, Managing Editor, Double Exposure, the online magazine of Photoworkshop.com
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_PHOTOWORKSHOP.mov 

The Slide Show Company
Edward Zemba / Finally a way to enhance your photography with quality music, legally!
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_SLIDESHOW.mov 

PhotoVision
Ed Pierce, President & Executive Producer
http://imagingusa.org/blog/03_PHOTOVISION.mov 

Marsh Affinity Group Services
Gail Farrett, Vice President / Al Hopper, PPA Director of Membership
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_MARSH.mov 

Canon Features Wide Format Printers and Full Line of Digital Cameras

Monday, January 23, 2006
Dave Metz, Director of Marketing, Professional Products with Canon gave us a look at their wide format inkjet printers and the exciting new EOS 5D 11 megapixel camera that provides a full frame view.

Click here to see more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_CANON.mov

SEPCON's a Big Hit with Photographers

Monday, January 23, 2006
Michelle Hatch, IAPEP Association Manager, told us how the new co-located format has been working for their conference, plus we had the chance to get the scoop from some SEPCON attendees.

Click the following link to hear what everyone
had to say:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_SEPCON.mov

Adobe Introduces Lightroom

Monday, January 23, 2006
Tom Hogarty, Product Manager for Adobe Systems, Inc. showed off the new Lightroom digital imaging workflow software for photographers. The software is currently in public beta. Download it at www.adobe.com and become part of the Project Lightroom Experience.

Click to hear what Chris had to say: http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_ADOBE.mov

 

LexJet Has Everything Photographers Need to Set Up a Digital Darkroom

Monday, January 23, 2006
Tom Hauenstein, Technical Support Specialist & Client Consultant explained their commitment to professional photographers.

Click here to see more:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/02_LEXJET.mov

Imaging USA 2006 Boasts Record-High Attendance

Sunday, January 22, 2006
Imaging USA 2006 opened with a party hosted by the Texas School of Professional Photography, record-breaking attendance, and a proclamation by Texas Governor Rick Perry declaring this week "Professional Photography Week" in the State of Texas. Dwayne Lee, President of the Texas Professional Photographers Association read the Governor's proclamation at the Imaging EXPO opening and presented the document to Robert Lloyd, current Chairman of PPA's Board of Directors.

Click here for highlights:
http://imagingusa.org/blog/01_INTRO.mov