After missing out on this "annual event" so many times due to living in Spain for the last 10 years, I eventually managed to get to the SWPP convention in London 2008 and I am very glad I did. However, my immediate advice if you are thinking of going next year and haven't been before is to stay for at least 2-3 days like I did.
In all honesty, my first impression when I entered the venue (Novotel Hammersmith) was one of being completely overwhelmed. Over 8,000 people had registered to attend (and I am sure many more turned up on the day without registering first), the list of speakers was huge and varied and the trade show was amazing! I was like a kid in a sweet shop but I had to leave every now and again for a coffee and a break.
My brain went into overload every hour or so as I soaked up all the products, software and cool kit now available. On top of that I managed to squeeze in a few Masterclasses which I found most interesting to say the least.
The retailers at the trade show were knowledgeable, understandably keen to promote their wares and I had to restrain myself from buying everything in sight! After 10 years of painful product searching and poor Spanish delivery systems in Andalucia, there it all was...laid out temptingly in front of me:
- Canon's EOS 1Ds Mark III
- Nikon's D3
- Lenses so big I could jump on one and ride it home
- Lighting equipment to die for
- Accessories for anything and everything
- Stunning albums of all shapes and sizes
- Gadgets, Gizmos and Gotta-have´s
It is easy to see how anyone without experience in this industry could leave feeling a little confused...simply due to choice!
- What do I need to start my business?
- Which speakers should I see and why?
- How many "things" do I need?
- How much do I spend?
- How do I mark up all these albums for the customer?
- Will this or that actually help me succeed...do I really need it?
However, after the first day I relaxed a little and got to know my way around and that is when I started chatting to the suppliers. A wealth of knowledge, expertise and willingness to help had me so captivated on many stands that I missed two Masterclasses...I love "stuff", especially the black, shiny stuff that takes batteries or cables!
If you are looking to start a wedding, portrait, stock, property, commercial, nature or any type of photography business…get yourself on the list for next years show!
The SWPP are an association worth joining...friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable with contacts in all the right places. If you get on the Mentor Me program you can start to get qualified with your Licentiateship, Associateship or even Fellowship, all of which will help your business excel.
For more information on the SWPP we aim to try and work closely with them in the future but for now you can find out more info here.
Also, just for the hell of it, I videoed (without a tripod as you will see) some people wondering around the venue to give you an idea of what goes on. I wasn't allowed to film the classes for obvious reasons but this should give you a taste of what the show offers. If you were there you may even spot yourself!
(Excuse the music...I was in a hurry to get this on).
All the best,
Nick
