While Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire had two extremely successful solo careers dancing the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s away, who would argue that the real magic happened when the two worked together?
Need I say more than Top Hat?
Okay, it may be a bit of a stretch to compare the pairing of CES with PMA, two successful consumer tech trade shows, to the Rogers and Astaire union, but listening to the two trade organizations talk about their plans for the 2012 PMA@CES show might just get your feet a tappin’.
“This collaboration will significantly add to the digital imaging products and educational sessions at the 2012 CES. PMA@CES is sure to be a draw for the digital imaging community and CES attendees from related industries,” explained CEA’s senior vice president of events and conferences, Karen Chupka. “PMA will bring its broad product portfolio and educational sessions to the diverse global attendance and the high number of photography-focused attendees at the International CES. This collaboration allows us both to expand the robust digital imaging segment at the 2012 CES.”
Regarding those educational sessions Chupka references, PMA recently announced what they are calling “a compelling four-day educational lineup” that will be part of the 2012 PMA@CES.
“PMA@CES is shaping up to be the largest photo technology and education event ever,” said Ted Fox, executive director and CEO, PMA. “By partnering with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), PMA@CES offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore emerging technologies at the acres of exhibits, then enjoy industry-specific classes, seminars and networking opportunities.”
For example, the DIMA program, January 8-9, 2012, at Bally’s Las Vegas, will feature five tracks: Professional Imaging; Retail Strategy; Social Media; Photo Publishing; and IS&T Technology for Digital Photo Fulfillment.
Organizers are referring to DIMA as the unsung hero of the PMA experience, giving attendees exposure to cutting-edge concepts that help attendees market imaging products and services better, to build a stronger business base and to increase revenue . . . in short, to simply become more efficient retailers.
The actual PMA@CES conference takes place January 10-12, 2012, at The Venetian, or as it is now being referred to, the hub for all things photo at CES. Two tracks—Retail Strategy for the Photo Industry and Trends and Technology—will offer a clear picture of opportunities in photo and the future direction of digital imaging.
“Because of the relationship with CEA, photo industry members will have access to dozens of different workshops, all designed to elevate their expertise in marketing, technology, social media and sales, as well as the renowned CES keynotes,” Fox added.
Another notion organizers are focusing on is the fact that attendees of past PMA shows, who haven’t previously attended CES, will now have access to the much larger world that imaging technology now touches. A point certainly not lost on many in the imaging community who are now committed to attending the 2012 event.
“When you look at what the imaging industry has become, how it now permeates every part of our lives today, being part of CES is a great move for PMA,” pointed out Lisa Walker, president of i3A, a global imaging industry organization. “The PMA crowd can now get a closer look at all these other elements that have become a part of the imaging ecosystem. This is a great thing. Imaging technology is all over the CES show floor every year.”
Richard Lewin, the former president of New York’s renown Jay Dee Camera (now a professional photographer) and a regular at PMA in the 1980s and 1990s, may have summed up the industry’s general feelings best when he concluded, “Both shows have wanted to make this happen in one form or another for several years now, so no one should have been caught off guard by this. The new PMA@CES show now needs to make sure they seamlessly become part of the ever-evolving CES culture to do this right. Lord knows, photography did quite a few years ago so the show simply needs to follow that lead.”
When asked if he had any advice for those on the fence about attending this year’s show, Ted Fox responded, “Hotels and flights will fill up fast, so retailers, photographers and lab owners—especially those who have not attended a past CES—should register right away.”
Fox added that since registration opened for PMA@CES, more than 4,000 trade registrations have already been received.
For additional show and registration information check out www.pmai.org/PMA_CES.aspx?id=21838. For the answer to many of the FAQs revolving around PMA@CES we urge you to visit direporter.com/article/pma-ces-faqs/1.
