PMA 2011 will be September 8-10, 2011

“Based on input from key suppliers and trade groups, the PMA show is changing dates to better serve the photo industry,” said Ted Fox, Executive Director and CEO, PMA. “Having the PMA 2011 show on the leading edge of the holiday season is the best opportunity to make critical buying decisions for the fourth quarter,” added Brian Wood, 2010-2011 PMA International President.

“Retailers and service providers can now use the largest annual photo imaging show and conference to find those new products and services that will make a holiday season successful,” explained Fox. “Also, world-class PMA convention education will provide the most up-to-date retail trends and market information.”

PMA member associations – including the Digital Imaging Marketing Association (DIMA), Photo Imaging Education Association (PIEA), and Professional Picture Framers Association™ (PPFA) – will hold their customary conferences Sept. 6-11, in conjunction with PMA 2011.

To build on the excitement of the photo/imaging category, the PMA 2011 show will be open to photo enthusiasts on Saturday, Sept. 10. “Our very successful Digital Expo, held each year in Australia, has shown the appetite of consumers for hands-on photography experiences is considerable,” says Fox. “For the first time, enthusiast and hobbyist photographers can walk the show floor to see and touch the latest cameras and imaging technology.”

Issues regarding future dates of international PMA events that could be potentially affected by the change, such as the PMA Canada Photo Expo, will be addressed at upcoming advisory committee meetings, according to Fox.

Understanding the first-quarter time period is ideal for the school portrait, sports, and event photo markets, PMA is considering a spring 2011 event for the Professional School Photographers Association International (PSPA) and Sports Photographers Association of America (SPAA). More details will be available after the leadership of these PMA member associations meet in the coming weeks.