It’s time to pack your bags for Photographer’s Spring Break! But what should you bring? Here’s what you need to know to get ready for WPPI.

WPPI – Wedding and Portrait Photographers International – kicks off this Sunday, March 3 with The Portrait Masters Conference (TPM) in scintillating Las Vegas at the Mirage Resort. If you’re like me, right about now you’re wondering, what should I bring? And how am I going to fit it all into my suitcase? 

Well, don’t sweat it, last minute preppers. I’ve got you covered. Here’s your guide to everything you need to know to get ready for WPPI and TPM. 

Warm Up Your Printer or Save These Links 

Before we get into the physical matter we need to put into our suitcases, let’s get into what we need to know about where to go and what to wear while we’re there. 

WPPI has so much going on and often all at once. A wise method of approach is to review the schedules and make a list of what you don’t want to miss, what you’re curious about, and what you would like to attend if you have the energy. 

Personally, I like to have things on paper in front of me to refer to semi-constantly, or I can’t keep track of my own head. If you’re more modern, you might prefer a new-fangled way to track important information, like the WPPI app. Either way, here’s the links you need to make your game plan. 

• Full Agenda at a Glance 
• The Portrait Masters Schedule 
• The Portrait Masters Participant Guide 
• WPPI Class Schedule 
• Choose a Summit: Lighting Masters or Wedding Masters 
• Book Photo Walks Before They Sell Out! 
• Don’t miss David Suh’s Keynote! 
• All the Parties 
• Partner Events 
• Show Floor List of Exhibitors and Floor Plan 
• WPPI Housekeeping Details – Registration Times and Places, Emergency Numbers, Etc. 

What to Pack 

Now that you know what’s happening and where, it’s time to think about what to put in the bag. Here are my recommendations for what to pack: 

• Snacks and electrolytes. (Remember, in the desert hydration is key!) Of course, there’s always Instacart, and there are places to eat in the Mirage and all over, but it’s nice to be prepared with snacks. I also like to pack some instant meals for when introversion strikes. It might seem unwise to take up valuable suitcase space with food, but remember, you’re going to wish you had saved space for your snazzy WPPI merchandise and Show Floor deals. When you eat what you pack, you’re freeing up space on the daily. 
• A cloth bag. In case you really run out of suitcase space for the way home and want to check another bag.
• Dress in layers. It can get quite cold in the Mirage, but you might also find yourself in smaller spaces that warm up. Dress to be warm enough and also be able to shed layers. 
• Wear shoes you love to walk in because you will be doing lots of walking! 
• Special Outfits for Parties (see below).

Parties to Pack For

• The Portrait Masters Parties: Vegas Glam – black, gold, red (both nights). If you’re accredited, bring your badge! 
• Welcome Reception – Your choice 
• Opening Night Party – Something to dance in 
• Icon Awards Ceremony – Think Oscars 
• Wrap Party – 80s Costume 
• Late Night Clubbing Attire (For every night if you’ve got the mojo!) 

Top Tips from Speaker Cate Batchelor from her Blog: 

1. Reflect. Before you “choose your own adventure” at WPPI, reflect on where you are in your business and what you want to learn. Let that inform your choices for what you attend. 

2. Research and Plan. Go through the class schedule and choose your “can’t miss” classes. Plan your days around those classes. Research the instructors, so you aren’t going in blind. 

3. Be Realistic. You can’t do it all, and you also want to schedule for fun. If you have your heart set on an 8am Photo Walk or Seminar, save the late night party for another night.

4. Say Yes! Be open to meeting new people and having new experiences. In N Out Burger at 1 am? Beers after seminars? Saying yes is the pathway to new friendships. 

5. Dress Appropriately. Dress to impress for those networking moments. Wear sensible shoes and layers. 

6. Be Prepared. Have something for taking notes. Bring a portable charger for your phone, so it’s ready to take pictures of seminar slides. Bring your camera but just the essentials (for folio building). Bring something to do in your down time (like your laptop). 

7. Business Cards. You’ll need them for raffles at vendors and definitely for all those great connections you’ll be making. “Bring them and give them out like candy!” says Batchelor. 

Top Tips from Speaker Alain Martinez from his Blog: 

• Stay as close to the venue as possible so you can drop off gear and take a breather when you need it. 
• Get breakfast away from the crowd. 
• Take in some Vegas flavor. Find deals at Vegas.com. 
• Dress smart. Wear layers because sometimes you’ll be cold, and sometimes you’ll be warm. 
• Don’t miss the awards exhibits. 
• Consider planning a shoot while you’re there. (You can organize with other photographers in the Official WPPI Facebook Group or check out the Partner Events.) 

In-Depth Looks at the Many Facets of WPPI 

I’ve been covering everything you need to know to get ready for WPPI for several months now (and will be at the event doing coverage, too!). If you’ve missed my scoops thus far, find them all right here: 

• A Photo Education Supreme: WPPI 2024 Educator Highlights 
• Spotlight on the WPPI Lighting Masters Summit 
• Learn from WPPI Wedding Masters at WPPI 
• An Overflowing Cornucopia of Vendors & Exhibitors at WPPI 
• Reap the Benefits of the Icon Awards at WPPI 
• Make Life-Changing Connections at WPPI: Networking, Parties, and More 
• WPPI Secret Keynote Speaker Revealed: David Suh! 

I’m so excited to go to WPPI this year. I hope this article helps you get ready as much as it’s helped me! If you see me there, be sure to introduce yourself. I’m going to be prowling around asking about your WPPI experiences and takeaways from this year.  

If you haven’t bought your tickets to WPPI yet, it’s not too late for a last-minute decision to make a business trip that will change your life and your business for the better. Show Floor passes are still absolutely free, and a full conference pass is only $99. Get your tickets today! 

The Location Lighting Series

Outdoor and On-Location Photography: How to Create Better Portraits and Make More Money

Creative Portrait Series

The Business of Fashion Photography

The Successful Small Photography Studio

Get More Clients: Effective Marketing for Photographers

The Mindful Photographer: A Beginner’s Guide