Conference brings together photo/imaging executives

Lansing, MI The Dead Pixels Society, the photo/imaging industry's leading news source, announces the speaking lineup for the Photo Imaging CONNECT conference, March 16-17, 2025, at the RIO Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, NV. In a special partnership with WPPI, the Dead Pixels Society is hosting an executive-level conference to bring together various sectors of the photo/imaging industry to discuss trends, opportunities, new technologies, and more in an intimate setting.

Early bird registration is now open; save almost $50 off the full $189 conference fee by clicking here by using code PIC30. Photo Imaging CONNECT conference registration also includes a full WPPI conference pass ($119 value) which provides access the trade show, classes, and WPPI parties, March 18-20, 2025.

Dead Pixels Society readers have asked for a spring meeting to share ideas and network with a variety of imaging business leaders,” says Gary Pageau, editor-in-chief, The Dead Pixels Society. “Photo Imaging CONNECT is designed for high-level executives to meet and to exchange ideas across the imaging spectrum.”

The event kicks of Sunday, March 16, with The Getting To Know You Social Event will be Sunday, at the Flight Club at the Palazzo Tower at the Venetian. Flight Club is a unique, upscale social darts venue, serving great cocktails, exciting games and more, in an intimate environment.

The all-day educational program at the RIO on Monday features these sessions and more: 

How did we get here and where are we going?

Drawing on more than 30 years of photo/imaging industry background, Gary Pageau will set the stage for the upcoming conference. What lessons can we learn from the successes and the challenges of the past? What trends are impacting the business now and how can we, as an industry, build a strong foundation for success in 2025 and beyond?

Speaker: Gary Pageau, editor, The Dead Pixels Society

US and Western European Photo Markets – Post-Pandemic Revival

The global COVID-19 pandemic changed the dynamics of consumer buying behavior … the photo market is no different. In this session, Futuresource analyst Jeremy Wills shares insights into the firm’s recently completed U.S. photo market research, along with observations for Western Europe.

Speaker: Jeremy Wills, principal analyst, Pro Displays & Imaging,  Futuresource Consulting 

Photo printing monetization opportunities in a fast-changing photo imaging value chain 

How can photo print output providers tap into today’s technology and biz trends that are reshaping every stage of the photo imaging value chain – ranging from capturing, to editing, curation, sharing, and selling photos?

Speaker: Hans Hartman, Principal, Suite 48 Analytics – Suite48A.comConference Chair Visual 1st – Visual1st.biz

Sustainability in Print: Bullshit or Bullish?

Join us for this frank discussion of the realities of sustainability in print. Whether it’s environmental concerns, local and state regulations, consumer demand or employee recruitment and retainment, business owners and leaders will have to address their sustainability programs in 2025. 

Speakers: Rick Bellamy, Inflecton, and Hans Scheffer, CEO, HelloPrint

Positioning the photo category for future success

Like many retail categories, the photo category is facing uncertain future. The way forward is to position “photo” and “personalization” to not only survive but dominate. No surprise, many consumers are cutting back, but they are indulging in affordable luxuries—especially ones that are meaningful and heartfelt, strengthen relationships, or bring personal happiness—plus photo has the added endorphin rush that personal creativity brings. Photo as a category has the potential to blow up, as people are now celebrating “minorstones,” integrating ethnicities and younger consumers (Gen Z is now engaged), which adds/expands beyond the traditional holiday, birthday, baby, grad, etc. As it relates to DIY, photo has an emotive power no other gift has.

Speaker: Wendi Flores, Foto Crush

The family legacy/heritage opportunity

The digitization potential of more than a century of family images and mementos is an amazing opportunity for the industry. From services to digitize images, to preserving family documents, capturing stories for future generations, and on to amazing output products, this session will discuss the entire ecosystem.

Panel moderator: Rob Comeau, Advertek Printing.

Panelists: Adam Pratt, Chaos to Memories; Rick Voight, Vivid-Pix; Dave Anderson, DAPhoto/PhotoScanExpress

The program will conclude with a cocktail party, sponsored by Photo Finale.

Photo Imaging CONNECT conference registration also includes a full WPPI conference pass ($119 value) which provides access the trade show, classes, and WPPI parties, March 18-20, 2025.

For more information, visit www.photoimagingconnect.com.