Imaging trends, marketing, legal issues and more highlight inaugural event

Grand Rapids, Mich. – Pro Imaging CONNECT, the new photo/imaging educational event, has announced the major speakers at its inaugural conference, April 12-13, at the Mission Hills Resort and Club, Howey-in-the-Hills, FL

“The goal of Pro Imaging CONNECT is to bring together executives from different segments of the photo imaging industry to share ideas and build relationships,” says Toren Prawdzik, conference organizer, and president, Photo EVO. “Digital technology is breaking down the barriers between the amateur photography, the professional photography and graphic arts markets. PI CONNECT unites these industry interests to build relationships for the future.”

The PI CONNECT program is programmed by Gary Pageau, editor of the Dead Pixels Society, the photo/imaging networking group and news site.

The event kicks off Friday, April 12, with an afternoon examining the rapid changes in the volume photography and digital photography markets. Here are the highlights:

Kaboom! Thoughts about the Future of School Photography, with Mark Schoenrock, PSP Consulting, sponsored by CaptureLife. Mark will discuss the changing competitive landscape, the impact of the Millennials and the emerging role of mobile technology in volume photography

Selling the Digital Experience in Photography, with TW Woodward, The Hanging Pixels Podcast. If photography companies don’t react and provide customers a digital mobile experience, the entire industry is at risk. Join TW Woodward, host of the Hanging Pixels Podcast, as he explores the dramatic shift needed for the photo industry to remain relevant in this quickly evolving landscape.

Saturday, April 13, features a day-long array of executive, legal and marketing information designed to inform attendees on ways to grow their business.

The Role of Printing & Output in Today’s Photography Market, with David Haueter, Keypoint Intelligence – InfoTrends, sponsored by Mediaclip. David will discuss the drivers and barriers that are impacting the market and dive into the who, what, when, where and why answers behind the print and photo merchandise markets, specifically focusing on books, cards and wall décor products.

The Legal Protection You Need to Know, with Darren Spielman, Esq, Kain Spielman PA. Darren will discuss trademarks, trade secrets, domain name disputes, copyrights, first amendment law including slander, libel and defamation.

Greatest Threat to School Photography, with Mike Watkinson, CTO, Edge Imaging, and Dan Boudreau, CEO, Edge Imaging. Dan and Mike from Edge Imaging will explore why cyber security and privacy is the greatest threat to the industry and what we can collectively do to mitigate it.

The Big Reveal: Online Design and Digital Marketing Trends Every Entrepreneur Should Watch, with Ginger Hartford, EurDesign Studio, sponsored by ColorCentric Corp. Ginger will highlight emerging digital and marketplace trends from leading brands across online art, ecommerce, designer, and decorative home furnishing channels.

Two interactive panels offer the opportunity to lively discussion:

• New Business Concepts panel discussion, featuring Ron Mohney, The Print Refinery from IPI Member Network; Haim Ariav of Glossy Finish, and more.
• Output Services in the Home Decor Market, featuring Lisa Nunley, Artsy Couture, and more.

The conference will also feature short vendor presentations from Lablogics, LexJet, Felix Schoeller North America, Softworks Systems, and PhotoLynx. The event is adjacent to the long-running Pro Imaging Golf and Future Imaging Symposium, which takes place April 13-17, also at the Mission Hills Resort and Club.

For more information, visit www.proimagingconnect.com.