Shows like WPPI gauge how the industry is faring in 2024 and the key trends to watch. We had several contributors attending the show in multiple capabilities from attendees to booth staff to instructors/trainers. We had it covered. So here’s our take. 

Business topics were red hot! How do I market my business, price my services, and all the related questions an entrepreneur wants and needs to know?

The Adobe booth was packed. Hats off to Adobe as the lineup of instructors was tremendous and the attendees were keen to learn from these sessions.

New cameras were all that many attendees talked about as they crowded the booths to see firsthand the new models. After all, who doesn’t want to shoot the latest gear? That ties to the next trend heard in many circles, have you sold any of your gear? Who did you use and was it a good experience? The topic of used gear and how to trade in or up was rampant.

Mobile, everything! If it’s mobile we want or need it. Our lifestyle demands we are mobile and that trend holds true show after show.

Again, AI was still a hot topic. We have hit acceptance level and it’s now in every aspect of our lives. The advances in AI technology are amazing and certainly, we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

Last, and maybe one of the most important trends is the percentage of younger people and women! No offense to any of us old guys, but seeing the younger shooters there speaks to our industry’s future!

Of course, the main players were there in force. B&H had show specials that kept their tables slammed busy. The Fujifilm booth was also packed, thanks to the new Fujifilm X100VI. Likewise, the shooting bays were extremely popular! There were too many to list, but the theme was to get out and shoot! Challenge yourself and don’t be afraid to network, be it at your local or regional camera club or a photowalk.

Well done to George Varanakis and his team for putting on another amazing WPPI show that will be talked about for months.