It’s that time of year again—when thousands of wedding and portrait photographers make their annual pilgrimage to Vegas for the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International conference and trade show, better known as WPPI. And just as it has for over 15 years, Adorama will be there in full force. That’s because WPPI isn’t just a photography conference, and Adorama isn’t just a photo, video, and electronics retailer. Both have cultivated thriving, vibrant communities where photographers and other visual creators come together to connect, learn, and elevate their craft—and their businesses—to the next level.
This year, WPPI is shaking things up with a later date and a new venue: March 16–20 at the fully renovated Rio Hotel and Casino. And with less than two weeks to go, excitement is hitting peak levels as Adorama gears up to bring its A-game with an action-packed show-floor booth, incredible programming, and its own powerhouse brands, Flashpoint and Printique. We explore everything Adorama has planned for WPPI 2025, but first, we will take a brief look at the history of WPPI and why in-person conferences remain essential today.
The Evolution of WPPI
Reflecting on WPPI’s history, Content Director Arlene Evans emphasizes how far the conference and trade show has come since its inception in 1981. “Back then,” she recalls, “it was called WPI—Wedding Photographers International—and roughly 2,500 full-time and part-time wedding photographers descended upon Caesars Palace in Vegas to share tips, techniques, and approaches, as well as to discover new products and equipment that would help them refine their craft.”
That sense of connection and discovery is exactly why in-person conferences like WPPI still matter, says Evans. “They offer advantages that online conference events simply can’t match. Hands-on learning, where you can test gear and attend live demos. This is impossible to replicate virtually. Face-to-face networking with fellow photographers, industry leaders, and vendors forge stronger relationships than a quick online chat. There’s an energy on the convention floor that sparks creativity in ways that virtual events often struggle to achieve. Not to mention the magic of bumping into the right person or stumbling upon a session you hadn’t planned for as you wander the expo floor.”
WPPI 2025: Bigger, Bolder, and More Dynamic
Fast-forward to today, and WPPI has grown in every way—more attendees, vendors, speakers, photo walks, and special events. At its peak, the conference has drawn up to 14,000 attendees and has moved venues multiple times, from Bally’s Paris to The MGM to Mandalay Bay, and even a brief stint at the Westgate near the Las Vegas Convention Center. And while the photo industry, like many others, took a hit in 2020, WPPI has bounced back stronger than ever.
This year, the event introduces four two-day Summits—Wedding, Lighting, Portrait, and Boudoir—plus a new, one-day Latin Summit. Evans explains that a third of the speaker lineup is new, more diversity is being represented, and class topics have been tailored to what attendees have been asking more of in the last few years. This includes a stronger focus on lighting and business education. Expect 50 Photo Walks, 40 Seminars, a St. Patrick’s Day-themed Opening Party on Monday, March 17, the Icon Awards Presentation on Tuesday, March 18, and a Wrap Party on Wednesday, March 19.
One exciting new addition—WPPI’s Got Talent—is also generating major buzz. Set for Monday, March 17, at the Rio’s Comedy Cellar, this open-mic-style event will be packed with energy as 10–15 aspiring WPPI speakers pitch their class ideas in front of a live audience. “It’ll be an electrifying atmosphere, the perfect opportunity for new voices to shine in front of our WPPI community,” says Evans.
Adorama: A Leader in Learning at WPPI 2025 and Beyond
Once again, Adorama will have a major presence at WPPI, which is par for the course for this photo community leader. Adorama is known not just as a retailer but also as an active participant in shaping the industry and supporting photographers, videographers, and other creators. A key part of Adorama’s commitment to the creator community is its live programming and events all year round. Events like the Week of Creativity and Education that took place in the Adorama event space in NYC this past December.
The two-day Sony Rooftop Event last fall that gave attendees hands-on demos and live instruction with and from top educators in the industry. Additionally, Adorama’s weekly inspirational Coffee with Creators podcast hosted by photographer and content producer Seth Miranda. Adorama continuously shares education on its YouTube channel, AdoramaTV, and this blog. And let’s not forget Adorama’s presence each year at major trade shows like WPPI, NAB, and Imaging USA.
If you are at WPPI this year, make sure to stop by the Adorama booths: 824, 830, and 832. The booths will include its sister company Printique, and its private label, Flashpoint. And if you have gear to trade in, bring it along—Yosef Kroynik from Adorama’s trade department will be on hand to give you an extra 8 percent back to buy new gear when you trade in the old.
Manager of Brand Activations & Events Theresa Raffetto shares more of the highlights of what Adorama is doing at WPPI this year here:
Live Demos & Education
The Adorama booth will host 8 in-booth live-instruction demos going throughout the show with top industry pros, including Anya Anti, Jeff Carpenter, Johnny Edwards, Shawn Lee, Susan Stripling, and Seth Miranda. Here’s a glance at a few of the topics being taught:
- Anya Anti will walk through a self-portrait and post-production demo.
- Susan Stripling will focus on wedding details and how to capture compelling shots of the ring, shoes, dress, and more.
- Johnny Edwards’ The Art of Illumination will explore layered light to create powerful, captivating portraits.
- Seth Miranda will host a platform class on Tuesday (4:30–6:00 p.m.) titled Create a Narrative & Build a Cinematic Atmosphere with Light.
Personal Shoppers
- This was a huge hit at Imaging USA in January and continues at WPPI. Personal shoppers will be on hand to help attendees cut better deals at the Adorama booth, so you will want to take advantage of the discounts.
Adorama’s Prize Wheel
- Every attendee who makes a $250 or more purchase at the booth gets to spin the prize wheel for a chance to win a product, including a Wacom Tablet, Go Pro, a Rosco Gel Kit, Pelican cases, and more.
Daily Raffles
- If you’ve ever attended an Adorama workshop, you know the thrill of holding one of those little orange tickets in your hand. This year, WPPI attendees can enter for a chance to win an even bigger ticket item towards the end of each show floor day.
Printique
- Adorama’s sister brand—a professional photo lab offering high-quality printing services for photographers, artists, and creatives makes its presence known with its own space within the larger Adorama booth, and along with samples of the range of products they offer, including prints on paper, metal, canvas, and acrylic, it is bringing along a brand new stamp machine used for embossing photo albums.
Flashpoint
- Adorama’s private label Flashpoint, which offers high-quality, budget-friendly flashes, strobes, and accessories for professional and amateur photographers, will be on-site with all its gear and modifiers, making it a must-visit destination for attendees.
Lumix Specials in the Adorama booth
- Attendees can take advantage of a top-tier promotion of LUMIX cameras and lenses. This will include product specials featuring discounts on the LUMIX S1RII, the LUMIX S5II, and the LUMIX S5IIX.
“Each year, we create a real boutique atmosphere at the show,” Raffetto sums up, “and it’s always exciting and inspiring to meet everyone and make supportive connections. The energy at the booth is palpable, and attendees love to drop by, meet each other, and see what’s new.”
Upcoming Adorama Educational Events Throughout the Year
Not able to attend WPPI 2025? Not to worry. Here’s a sneak peek into some of Adorama’s upcoming educational programming during the year. And if you can’t make it to the event space in NYC, not to worry—you can catch the livestreams.
- March 30: In honor of National Women’s Month, Adorama will co-sponsor Women on Set with Lindsay Adler alongside Printique and Capture One.
- May 1: Seeing renowned head shot photographer Peter Hurley in person is always a good time. He will host an in-store demo at Adorama’s 42 West 18th Street Event Space that will be live-streamed for those who can’t make it in person.
- Coming Soon: Another Sony rooftop event and Wedding Workshop.
Check back on the Adorama events page to sign up for available workshops and events as they get added by month.
There’s still time to register for WPPI here.
But Wait, There’s More!
Not able to get to WPPI or visit the Adorama booth? The good news is you can take full advantage of all the educational and inspirational content and programming Adorama offers yearlong, both in-person and online. “We got tremendous feedback from Imaging about all of Adorama’s educational offerings and “mentors from afar” Seth Miranda and Ab Sesay (host of “Level Up with Ab Sesay” from AdoramaTV,” says content producer Raffetto. Here’s a quick overview of Adorama programming (in-person and online) for the creator in you:
- Portfolio Reviews with Seth Miranda and Daniel Norton inside the flagship NYC store at 42 West 18th Street.
- Adorama Learning Center Blog: A comprehensive platform featuring articles, tutorials, and guides on various photography topics, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
- AdoramaTV: The brand’s YouTube channel offers a wide range of video tutorials, product reviews, and how-to guides covering photography, videography, and audio production.
- Coffee with Creators: A weekly podcast hosted by Adorama content producer Seth Miranda that takes a deep dive into the mindset of a creator’s vision and their journey along the way.
