Thursday, February 3, 2011

Convention FAQ's and everything else you wanted to know!

The dice are out! Its time for the PPSC 2011 Convention - February 5th - 8th. Our theme this year comes from the Casino - "All In." I know you are packing your bags and getting ready to head to Embassy Suites in Columbia, SC. and we are looking forward to a great convention!

You may have some questions about time-lines and events. As Hospitality Chair and Banquet Chair, I'll try to provide all of the details you will need here, but if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to send me an email at becki@clarkberry.com.

Location
Embassy Suites is located off I-126 at the Greystone Blvd (Riverbanks Zoo) exit.
200 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210 Tel: 803-252-8700

Registration
The registration desk opens Saturday at 1:00 PM. Be sure to check in to get your registration packet full of all the information you are going to need. Convention t-shirts and raffle tickets will also be available at this time. Shirts are sold on a first come, first served basis and this year we've ordered even more "Ladies-Cut" t-shirts - they were really popular last year! Be sure to get yours early to assure you get the sizes you need!

But, what shall I wear?
Be sure to dress comfortably for all seminars as hotels can be cool at times even though you are indoors.
Saturday Night - Opening Day Casino Party - casual - come as you are!
Sunday Night - President's Reception/SuperBowl Party - dress code: Team Spirit! Wear your favorite team attire - even if they didn't make it to the Superbowl.
Monday Night - Award's Banquet - dress code: business, informal. Nice shirt and slacks are perfect.

What are we eating?
Meals will be on your own. If you are a guest at the hotel, breakfast is included each morning as well as the Manager's Reception which includes soft drinks, adult beverages (beer, wine, liquor), and snacks from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM daily.
Sunday Night - Superbowl Party - Brick Oven Pizzas, Wings & Chilli will be served.
Monday Night - Awards Banquet - the menu consists of salad, grilled filet mignon & grilled shrimp, vegetables, rolls and dessert. A cash bar will also be available.

Just for fun!
We have a Hospitality Room located in room #429 that's open Friday - Monday. This is a great place to hang out during the afternoon and evening hours. Everyone is encouraged to come hang out and enjoy this room - bring snacks, drinks (soda, water, adult beverages, etc.) and even homemade goodies! This is a great place to get to know your fellow PPSC Members even more. Last year we had such a great time in the Hospitality Room!


For even more detailed information read further:

Saturday - Print Salon starts at 9 AM. You don't want to miss watching this exciting and nerve-wracking event. Even if you don't have prints in the competition (what are you waiting for!?!?) you'll find this very educational as you listen to a panel of accredited judges score prints from photographers all across SC. Print Salon is open to all PPSC Members and the public - so feel free to invite others that are interested.

Beginning at 2 PM speaker Bill Grant begins his seminar on Video Production. With most photographers owning cameras that also record HD video, you won't want to miss what Bill has to say!

Grab a quick bite to eat then be sure to be there when Opening Day Casino Night starts at 7 PM. Dave Gilbert of PartyTime DJ's opens up the tables for a fun night for all! Come out and enjoy this fun time and socialize with other PPSC Members.

Sunday - Mark Garber and Jennifer Gilman will get the day going with their program on weddings beginning at 9 AM. After lunch, the Trade Show runs from 1 PM - 5 PM. The trade show is open to the public, so be sure to invite your friends in the industry to come check out all of the great vendors that will be here! Its great to support the vendors who support PPSC - without them, we simply could not have our convention.

At 5 PM the Annual Business Meeting will be held. (Hey, not all of the convention can be all fun.) We definitely need you there because we have a few important items to take care of like voting on the new Board of Directors.

At 6 PM its time to get your game face on as we enjoy the President's Reception and SuperBowl Party! (menu and dress details above)

Monday - The Trade Show opens back up at 9 AM and runs until Noon. Don't miss your last chance to walk through and meet with all of the great vendors who support PPSC.

At 1:30 PM Larry Lourcey will begin his seminar on The Home Studio. This will be great for all photographers to hear even if you currently have a retail location.

The evening events begin at 6:30 PM with a reception before the 7 PM Awards Banquet and Dinner. (menu and dress details above) At 9 PM Bill Grant's band Love Hudson will start playing for a fun and dance-filled evening.

Tuesday - Jeff Bowman begins his High School Seniors program at 8:30 AM and then we'll break for an early lunch around 11:30 AM. Pete Wright will begin his program on The Art of Life at 12:30 PM. Pete's program will run until around 3:30 PM and will conclude our convention for 2011.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at convention and if you haven't signed up yet, its not too late!

It's time to get "All In!"

Becki Berry

Hospitality Chair
Banquet Chair


1 comment:

Southern Belle said...

What is the cost for both members or the public?