Grand Master Photographer to OPEN The Digital Show Conference, Melbourne, 10am, May 24

Great news... following the addition of Grand Master Photographer Tony Hewitt. presenting LOOKING FROM THE INSIDE OUT: A Working Photographer's View on a Changing Industry, Tony will share his infectious passion for people, photography and the pursuit of great images.  Appropriate to PMA's long history in photo imaging, Tony's working knowledge of today's evolving market and his views into the future, will address some of the industry's burning questions:

• What's really changing?

• What's staying the same?

• Where's the opportunity?

• What can the professional offer?
• How Can you "stand out" in a world where everyone is a "photographer"?

We are pleased to have such a seasoned professional open our conference.  This is the best line-up PMA has ever presented. From Tony's opening keynote, which promises to be quite inspirational, to speakers from Microsoft, Pixar and others, we have a very unique and strong offering this year,our 

conference reflects the strategic direction of technology convergence and how it's impacting the industry

The keynote presentation on DIGITAL STORYTELLING by A.J. Riebli of Pixar Animation Studios will go on as scheduled in the 5pm, Friday timeslot.  Additionally there will be a brief industry awards presentation by IDEA Australia on the front of this end-of-day general session.  The Gold Tripod recognising outstanding contribution to the Australian Photo Industry as well as the Dealer of the Year award for 2012 will be presented.  Industry and conference attendees are welcome to join the festivities.

For additional information on  PMA's The Digital Show Conference, please visit www.pmaaustralia.com.au  and REGISTER NOW!

Cheers

Peter Rose

Director Of Australian Activities 

www.pmai.org 

www.pmaaustralia.com.au

I was fascinated to read the May Newsletter from IBISWorld. http://www.ibisworld.com.au/images/marketing/PhilRuthven-AgesofProgress-May12.pdf

Phil Ruthven who has spoken at our photographic industry events, spends his time studying where industries are going and what we can expect in the future. In this newsletter he mentions that many of us worry as once-big industries fade away. However he also gives some very interesting statistics in a comparison of the industry mix over the last 150years.

In particular I noted that in the last 50 years, Primary and Secondary Industries (all the farming, mining, manufacturing, utilities and construction) have dropped from 53% of GDP to 28%. This means that the Services have risen from 47% to 72% in this time. Retail as part of the Service industry has gone from 9.6% in 1860 to 6% in 1960 and is now 4.4% in 2010. Compare this to Education which was 0.3% in 1860, 2.9% in 1960 and is now 4.5% - ahead of retail.

How has this affected the country's wealth? Well the Standard of Living tripled in the hundred years from 1860 to 1960 and has tripled again in the last 50 years! This makes nonsense of claims that our prosperity only comes from the mining boom.

What should the specialist be thinking? I'm looking at ways that I can transpose my business from a "retail" base relying on selling more and more goods at ridiculous margins, to a service base where the true expertise can be leveraged. Let the consumer buy where they get it the cheapest but be ready to charge what we are really worth when they want our expertise to achieve their self-realisation through their hobby.

Take the opportunity whilst attending The Digital Show in Melbourne to seek out speakers and industry members who can help you implement service strategies within your business. Introductory lessons, advanced seminars, hands-on workshops, supplier nights, one-on-one training are all ways we can add a service aspect to the existing business. Work with your customer to assist them preserve their family history and research their ancestors.

Read Phil's report and see what you think. You can also contact them to get your own copy of the newsletter.

See you in Melbourne

John Ralph

TVP/Chairman NSW 

 As you are aware COSBOA have joined with Google and MYOB to help get small businesses online - by providing a website that takes only 15 minutes to set up, and then free and low cost tools to use the website to attract customers and generate revenue.

The campaign commenced with a basic introduction last week and each week for the next 6 weeks we will be posting information, hints, tips, videos and articles to www.cosboa.org.au <http://www.cosboa.org.au>  

People can visit the site each week, or they can provide their email address and we will send them the information weekly (From whenever they sign up).

Some of your are visiting Google tomorrow to discover how much more than a search engine Google is....You will be hearing about Ad Words, Ad Words Express, Google Plus, Google + Hangouts, using Google to store information in the cloud, to communicate with customers and members - It really is mind-blowing.

In the meantime you may see value in letting your Members know that they can secure a free (for 15 months) website, free domain, and a number of free tools to promote their business.
The best place to start is www.cosboa.org.au/google/overview <http://www.cosboa.org.au/google/overview>  - and then follow the links.

If you would like some Getting Aussie Business Online logos or any further information or images so that you can promote this campaign to your members, please let me know.

Regards,
 Bambi Gordon  The Woo Small Business Marketing Agency <http://www.thewoo.com.au/>    Marketing, projects, events, content, publishing for small business

With only 10 days to go until The Digital Conference commences on the 24th May, we have added a new and exciting speaker to open the Conference. Tony Hewitt, Grand Master of Photography, will replace A.J Riebli in presenting General Session 1, at 10.00am on Thursday 24th May. However, you will still be able to catch AJ's presentation at 5.00pm on Friday 25th May - a perfect way to finish after the Trade Show doors have closed for the day. 

Professional Photographer, International Photographic Judge & Educator

 Session GS1: Thursday 24th May, 10.00am 

  LOOKING FROM THE INSIDE OUT:

 A Working Photographer's View on a Changing Industry

With an infectious passion for people, photography and the pursuit of great images, Grand Master of Photography Tony Hewitt will share his experiences as a working professional in today's market and his view looking forward.  What has stayed the same, what is changing?  What can the Professional offer and how can they "stand out" in a world where everyone is a "photographer"?  Tony believes that to understand and realise the value of our own unique vision is fundamental to success, and whether through pixels or print -- images that connect are key.  From studio to desert, from babies, to industrial art, from family portraits to commercial aerials, and the pursuit of new perspectives, Tony will share some of his world class imagery and give some personal highlights into the current world of the photographer, photography and the photograph!

 To download a new copy of The Digital Conference Program click here

 To Register for The Digital Conference click here