If you are in the imaging business, you should be taking the time and making the investment to attend next months PMA Digital Conference.

Some of the topics are as follows:

RETAIL GLOBAL TRENDS AND OUR FUTURE

THE RETAIL LANDSCAPE TODAY

DIGITAL STORYTELLING

DESIGNING A TRULY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR SHOPPERS

CREATING PROFITS FROM PRINTING

HOW TO CREATE A MEMORABLE BRAND

THE BUSINESS OF SOCIAL MEDIA

MANAGING YOUR WEB CONTENT

TURNING EDUCATION INTO SALES

UNDERSTANDING THE DIGITAL ONLINE SPACE

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA

DIGITAL FUTURES

WINNING THE EMPOWERED CONSUMER

DIGITAL LIFESTYLE

This program (which I can honestly say, is the most relevant we have yet developed)  is designed to help you in the future, and is directed clearly at retailers who are involved in the imaging industry.

All members of Camera House, Teds, Paxtons, Leading Edge, IPS, Narta, Harvey Norman, and the many Independants Australia wide will find value, in both the convention content and in sharing ideas with fellow retailers.

Register now at www.pmaaustralia.com.au

Last week saw what would have to be the best dressed meeting the Australian photo industry has seen. Held at the prestigious 'Australia Club' a strict dress code was adhered to by all with one attendee commenting that it was the first time in 20 years he had worn a tie.
 

Katherine Singson, the new special consultant brought into the fold to take the Digital Show to the next level held sway for most of the event. Those meeting Katherine for the first time were immediately impressed with her passion, knowledge and fresh approach. Having previously worked for Microsoft, Apple and Pixar Animation her viewpoint of our industry was fresh and, more importantly, brought new ideas and connections to our show that an imaging industry insider may not have.

One major coup for the show is having Pixar launch its new animated short La Luna at the show.

This short will be given world wide release when it is shown at the beginning of their new animate feature film to be released later this year.

One thing this will do for the show is get media attention to the show that would normally not take an interest and as the old adage goes 'any news is good news'.

Katherine also saw what she called 'The Perfect Storm' in Australia with the convergence of technology, entertainment and lifestyle, and while some see clouds over our industry's future, Katherine sees amazing opportunities for us to play a part in this convergence.

One thing is for sure with media promotion at an all time high for this years show, and new approaches to connecting with customers who attend the show, we will be given a great opportunity as an industry to connect with a very large group of people - what we do with those connections after the show will be telling.

During the past year we have had a few ups and downs. Our plans for a second WA Trade Show in September last year were put on the "back burner" due to both the economic climate and Suppliers having other committments. 

The decision was made to hold a PMA / Industry golf day, and that was a great success with 22 players involved.

The PMA team have now completed The Digital Conference progam, to be held this year in Melbourne, May 24th to 26th. 

Over the next few months we will highlighting many of the Conference sessions in this newsletter, allowing you a "sneak peak" at the broad range of topics brought to you by industry acclaimed speakers.

Today, our featured speaker is Darren Vowels, ReachLocal Australia

Session E8,  Thursday 24th May,

" Understanding the Digital Online Space in Today's Market is Imperative to Your Business".  

This session looks at how to maximize website potential resulting in increases sales, build customer loyalty, track and measure onlines space, and how to stand out amongst competitors.

Topics covered include: 

• New technologies that will transform mobile communications and imaging in the near future
• Latest features and trends of smart phones and their never-ending apps. 
• Exciting innovations in the next Generation of camera phones. 
• QR Codes - new fad, or powerful tool for your business.

Darren Vowles works for ReachLocal Australia, Strategic Partner of Google, Yahoo and Ninemsn advising small to medium business on the use of the web for marketing and advertising.

As well as getting your business a prominent position on these major search engines, he will help you understand how to use Online Marketing to benefit your business. He has indulged his passion using the web, developing the world's first aggregated wine and food video site www.wineandfoodtube.com

to afford the world an opportunity to experience the best of international wine and food video content. A year later he has launched www.winefoodhotel.com  to include the hotel industry. Wine.Food.Hotel has partnered with Sony Australia to launch a dedicated internet TV channel on its IPTV platform Bravia Internet Video.The aim of the channel is to feature content currently unavailable via the mainstream TV channels or Pay-TV.

To download The Digital Conference Program click here

To Register for The Digital Conference click here