I have to admit: my first year at WPPI was a whirlwind. I had no clue what I was walking into, but after a whole lot of prep and research, I walked away with an unforgettable experience. It was, without a doubt, a life-changing trip that revolutionized my business. That week in Vegas shifted my perspective in ways I never expected, and I’m thrilled to share some of the lessons I learned. While I’m no expert (yet!), I’m excited to pass along my top tips to help you have the best WPPI experience possible!
Let’s be real: it wasn’t just about attending the conference. Yes, WPPI is fantastic, but the real magic happened when I stepped outside of my comfort zone. If I’d gone into the event without any prior knowledge of the madness that is WPPI, I’m certain it would have been an overwhelming disaster. But because I came prepared and understood the lay of the land, I was able to make the most of it. And that’s why I’m here to help you avoid the stress and maximize the fun!
So here it is… my Top 10 Tips for Surviving WPPI!
1. Choose the Right Hotel
Let’s start with something crucial: where you stay. I cannot stress enough how important it is to pick the right hotel. For me, staying at the MGM Signature was a game-changer. If you’re like me and you’re not into the chaos of Vegas casinos and smoky air, this non-gaming hotel is an absolute gem. You’re close enough to everything, but far enough away from the madness. The rooms are spacious, have a mini kitchen (perfect for late-night snacks), and there’s even a Starbucks on-site to save you from the long lines at the Grand. Trust me, this makes all the difference after a long day of classes and networking!
2. Stock Up on Snacks and Drinks
Listen, the food situation in Vegas can quickly eat away at your wallet. I made the mistake of assuming I’d find inexpensive meals around the convention center, but boy was I wrong. On day one, my friend Rachel and I made a grocery run, and it saved us so much stress. We stocked up on water, snacks, granola bars, and oatmeal. You’ll thank yourself later when you need a quick snack between sessions. Not only does it save you money, but it also gives you a peaceful place to relax in your room for a few minutes away from the hustle.
3. Keep Your Focus, Focus, Focus
It’s easy to get overwhelmed at an event like WPPI, where there’s so much to do, so many people to meet, and so many sessions to attend. My best advice? Keep your focus. What are your goals for the year? Whether you’re working on improving your photography skills, building your business, or mastering social media, filter everything through your list of goals. Don’t try to do it all. You’ll burn out fast. Pick the things that matter most and focus on them. In the past, I got sidetracked and ended up trying to attend every single session—by the end of the day, I was totally exhausted and overwhelmed. Learn from my mistake and be strategic about where you put your energy.
4. Set a Realistic Budget
The last thing you want is to leave WPPI with a credit card bill that makes you cringe. Trust me, the Trade Show will have everything you think you “need,” but you don’t need it all. Before you even step foot on the show floor, set a budget and stick to it. And here’s a tip: leave your credit card in the hotel room when you head to the Trade Show. It’s easy to fall prey to impulse buys, so avoid temptation and just browse. If you really need something, you can always go back later. This has saved me so many times!
5. Plan Your Must-See Sessions, Not a Rigid Schedule
When I first attended WPPI, I had my schedule packed to the brim. I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity, so I scheduled back-to-back classes, workshops, and shoots. By Monday afternoon, I was already feeling exhausted and realized I couldn’t possibly keep up with that pace. I learned quickly that some of the best moments at WPPI aren’t planned. Like that one evening when I unexpectedly got a text from a mentor who wanted to chat. It was one of the most valuable conversations I had all week, and I would have missed it if I’d stuck to my overpacked schedule. So, I recommend making a list of “must-dos,” but leave room for the unplanned magic that often happens when you least expect it.
6. Share a Google Calendar with Your Friends
If you’re traveling with friends, create a shared Google Calendar. It’s the easiest way to keep track of where everyone is, and you can plan meet-ups or lunch breaks without the stress of missing each other. Rachel and I used this tip last year, and it made the whole experience much smoother. We all had different schedules, but being able to quickly check in with each other made it so much easier to stay connected.
7. Use Walkie-Talkies or Switch to the Edge Network
When you’re surrounded by thousands of photographers, trying to stay connected can be a nightmare. I learned this the hard way when my phone was constantly dropping service. Pro tip: switch to the Edge network or, if you’re like me and need reliable communication with a friend, invest in walkie-talkies. It sounds a little silly, but trust me, it works!
8. Make Giving a Priority
Here’s one thing that made my WPPI experience unforgettable: giving back. Going into the event, I had the mindset that I wanted to give more than I took. So I offered free headshot sessions to anyone who needed them, and it was such a rewarding experience. I met some incredible people, made lasting connections, and even had a few photographers shoot my headshots in return. I highly recommend finding a way to offer something of value—whether it’s giving free advice, sharing your knowledge, or doing something special for a fellow photographer. It’s these unexpected moments of kindness that truly make WPPI memorable.
9. Dress in Layers!
Vegas weather can be totally unpredictable, so pack smart! You’ll likely experience everything from chilly convention halls to scorching desert heat. For me, leggings, comfy boots, and cardigans were the go-to. And don’t forget to pack a pair of heels and a cute dress in case you want to attend one of the fabulous parties. You never know when you’ll need to switch up your outfit, so layering is your best bet.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the size of WPPI and get caught up in comparing yourself to others. Trust me, everyone is putting their best foot forward (even if it doesn’t feel like it). You’re doing great, and just by showing up, you’re making an investment in yourself and your business. If you miss out on a class or feel like you didn’t do enough, let it go. Be proud of what you accomplished, and remember that this journey is yours. You’re exactly where you need to be.
In Conclusion…
WPPI can be a whirlwind of excitement and learning, but it’s how you approach it that will make all the difference. By staying focused, being prepared, and being intentional with your time and budget, you can make the most of this incredible event. If you’re attending, I hope to see you there! And don’t hesitate to come up, introduce yourself, and share a laugh or two. It’s all about building relationships and creating memorable experiences!
And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe we’ll even meet over coffee for a spontaneous photo session! Just keep an eye out for me—I’ll be the one with the camera in hand and a huge smile on my face.
P.S. There’s a Special Giveaway!
As part of my personal goal to help photographers grow, I’m excited to announce a giveaway! I’ll be offering a full branding photo shoot for one lucky person attending WPPI. Whether you need new photos for your website, social media, or a fresh look for your brand, this session is for you. Just head over to my fan page, like it, and leave a comment about why you’re excited for WPPI. I’ll randomly select a winner (or two!), so get ready to shine with some killer photos!
Good luck, and I can’t wait to see you all at WPPI!
