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Post by Andrew Yonda on Feb 2, 2009 17:34:30 GMT -5
I'm heading to WPPI (and Las Vegas) for the first time next week and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'm doing the Business Institute Friday night and Saturday, otherwise I'm planning on doing as many platform classes as possible and spending every minute I can on the tradeshow floor, researching albums, equipment, websites, etc. I got a room by myself in the MGM Grand, which is pricey, but I figured if I'm going to make the effort to make it out there, I'll get the most out of it if I'm right there on site and don't have to worry about being woken up by a roommate I don't know. So my general question is: How do you recommend approaching the convention? And more specifically, are the platform shows good? How early should I show up to them to get a good seat? I'm not doing any paid masterclasses because the platform classes seem pretty worthwhile. Anyone have any insight on the night-time events--are they worth going to? I guess it just seems like there's so much to do, from 8:00 a.m. until late at night, I know I can't do it all, so what do I choose? Also, where and when do you recommend gambling? Thanks in advance--I'm excited to be a member of this forum! Andrew www.yondaphotography.com
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Post by Pierre Stephenson on Feb 3, 2009 10:16:58 GMT -5
Hi Andrew, Have fun. WPPI is a blast! Never done the business institute, but I think Dave and Val did last year. WPPI is pretty much exactly as you described it - overwhelmingly great! There is way too much to try and do, so you really need to sit down and highlight what you would like to attend and make a schedule for yourself. It can be totally exhausting and you'll probably need a vacation when you get home to recover. I think staying at the MGM is important. Going back to the totally exhausting part, these casinos are huge and simply walking from your room to the convention rooms and different halls can take 10-15 minutes each time. If you aren't on site you will be either spending a lot of money for transportation or running yourself ragged trying to hike it. Also, with the schedule for the day running from 8 am until 8-9 pm with a large lunch break in the middle you simply won't be able to do as much, or it's going to cost you way more in transportation. Even if you were across the street say at the Excalibur it would add on another 10 minutes walk just to get to the MGM everytime you want to go to class or back to your room. That may not seem like a lot, but you are going to be dragging with the course and event load that they have... and I haven't even mentioned the rest of Vegas yet! I find the platform speakers to be very inspiring, but not terribly helpful when it comes to learning concrete skills. It's very difficult to translate that kind of learning to 300-700 people at a time. The masterclass are better for this, and the Plus classes are well worth the money. If you want a seat up front you'll probably have to at least leave your coat on your chair about an hour to 45 minutes ahead of time. Some speakers like Joe Buissink and other big names you probably want to be there even earlier. I would also take the time to check out the print and album competitions. It's nice to see all the beautiful and innovative work, but really listen to what the judges have to say. Keep an open mind and decide for yourself if you agree with them. If not, why? Work on your ability to analyze and decide for yourself what works and what doesn't. Anyway, enjoy and best of luck! We'll see you there next year.
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