We’ve been listening to you! The Summit Committee read your comments on the evaluations and is introducing several changes this year, including new events and new opportunities. We are also bringing back field trips, a special session for beginners and the Saturday evening Awards Celebration.
Field Trips
The Lower Rio Grande Valley has so many wildlife photo opportunities that NANPA is offering field trips once again. Six half-day field trips―to a state park, a national wildlife refuge, a World Birding Center site and a private ranch―are scheduled before and following the Summit. Each will have a dedicated leader who will work closely with a limited number of participants.
Private Ranch Open Houses
On Wednesday, March 9, a number of nearby private ranches will be open for visiting and touring. Meet the landowners who have set aside portions of their ranches as wildlife habitat. Many have also constructed water features to attract wildlife and blinds to enable better photography.
Summit Photo Show and VLF, ICF and Coastal Bend Presentation at Birding Center
This year the Summit Photo Show will be presented at Quinta Mazatlan, an historic property close to the Convention Center and hotels that is a World Birding Center site. A shuttle will be provided. Come early on Thursday evening and walk the trails in this 15-acre wildlife reserve. Following the Photo Show will be a special presentation of the Valley Land Fund, Images for Conservation Fund and Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest. Learn what these organizations have accomplished for conservation in Texas through nature photography.
All-Day Adobe Workshop
Learn the power of the new Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom in this all-day workshop on Tuesday, March 8. Take an insider’s tour with Adobe’s Digital Imaging Evangelist Julieanne Kost as she unlocks the mysteries and little-known shortcuts in the latest versions of these popular programs.
New Multimedia, Video and Web Page Reviews
In addition to Portfolio and Editorial Reviews offered by top editors, agents and photographers, you can now have your multimedia or video presentations constructively reviewed. Also offered are Web Page Reviews to help ensure that you are properly marketing your images and yourself on the Web.
More Lodging Possibilities
This year, the Summit has four host hotels, all nearby the McAllen Convention Center, with a range of room rates and facilities. Choose the hotel you wish and take advantage of the Summit’s special rate at each hotel. A shuttle will operate between the four hotels and the Convention Center.
Repeated Breakouts
All breakouts, except for the panel discussion on ethics, will be repeated on the same day. This gives you more opportunity to attend the breakouts you want. Attend one breakout in the morning and a different one in the afternoon.
Saturday Evening Awards Celebration
The Awards Celebration, including a keynote address by award winner Jack Dykinga, is back on Saturday evening, following dinner on your own. Enjoy this final evening of networking and enjoy a cash bar for after-dinner drinks. This is part of the Summit and there is no additional fee to attend.
Special Session for Beginners
Just starting out in nature photography, or wondering about the best ways to market or share your images? This special session on Wednesday, March 9, is for you. Learn current trends and what is possible with your photography. This session is free for all Summit registrants.
New Lunch Opportunities
To allow you more time to do what you want, lunches are now on your own. NANPA is not providing lunch. A variety of lunch items will be available at the Convention Center’s concession stand, or visit one of the restaurants just outside the Center. Or skip lunch and spend more time networking or at the Trade Show. There will be seating areas available for you to bring your food in, eat with friends and network. It’s your choice.
Share your images with your peers by buying a table in the NANPA trade show for only $50.
Looking for a dedicated place at the NANPA Summit to show off your images and network with other photographers, buyers and editors? Buy a table at the trade show. For $50 you get your own table. You can have prints, digital frames, laptops, or anything else that you feel would best present your work. This is a no-frills opportunity (no electricity or other equipment provided) to be part of the Trade Show. Your table will be available during all trade show hours. You can be present or simply leave your images, flyers, brochures, business cards, etc., for others to enjoy. Or you can man the table and meet people as they come by. The trade show has security at all times. You must be a Summit attendee to take advantage of this offer and reserve your table by February 18 to secure your space. Register now for the Summit and reserve your table today!
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