The summer may seem like it’s a long way off, but if you look back at how fast this first quarter has gone by, it’s really just around the corner and here’s the challenge.  What are you going to need to recharge your battery just before the fall rush?  Even more important, what will you want to do to increase business in the back half of the year?

First, check out a new program from Nik, The Nik Summit.  Put together by my good buddy Tony Corbell and the team at Nik Software, here’s an opportunity for some great programming and an excuse to spend some time in San Diego – as if anybody needed an excuse for that one!  It’s an all-star cast leading off with Joe McNally and Robert Beck.  Great programming, hands-on shooting and the opportunity to help build your portfolio and your network!

Then comes Skip’s Summer School - Okay, so it’s shameless self-promotion, but what a great program!  Check out Skip’s Summer School, especially with the early bird special of just $199 and 15 different speakers, but it’s not just about the quality of the programs and the diversity of the topics – it’s about the learning potential.

Scott Bourne talked about it yesterday in his blog - how great is it to not have to worry about getting seat?  We’ve locked in the entire third floor of MGM’s Conference Center and we will NOT over sell this program.   That means, no long lines every time a speaker starts a program.  And the programs are set up, one right after another – no decisions to make in terms of the balancing act between topic.

It means classroom seating, so that everybody not only has a seat, but a “desk” to work at.  And virtually unheard of at any program today, the room will be set up for WiFi – I know you need to get away from the office, but how many times have you wanted to do a quick check on email just to stay in touch?   Into Las Vegas on Sunday afternoon and headed home by mid-day Wednesday.  Short, high-impact and very sweet!

It’s a program jam packed with information from some of the finest instructors in photography today and we’re covering weddings, children’s portraiture, social media, high school seniors, creativity, lighting, photojournalism, business, marketing and even boudoir.   And the sponsor list is amazing with all of the following companies planning on being there, not just to pitch you on their products, but to meet and get to know you and your business.  It’s an all star lineup with:

Albums Inc www.albumsinc.com Asukabook www.asukabook.com Azura Albums www.azuraalbums.com B&H Photo Video www.bhphotovideo.com Big Folio www.bigfolio.com DWF http://www.digitalweddingforum.com
Fujifilm www.fujifilmusa.com GhostRighters www.GhostRighters.com GoingPro www.GoingPro2010.com GraphiStudio http://www.graphistudio.com/usa/index.html H&H Color Lab www.hhcolorlab.com Jill-e Designs www.Jill-E.com Kubota Image Tools www.kubotaimagetolls.com Marathon Press www.marathonpress.com Marketing Essentials International www.mei500.com The MAC Group www.macgroupus.com Midwest Photo Exchange www.mpex.com Nik Software www.niksoftware.com OnOne Software www.OnOneSoftware.com Photodex www.photodex.com PhotoOne Software www.photoonesoftware.com PhotoFocus www.photofocus.com Pictage www.pictage.com PWDlabs www.pwdlabs.com Simply Canvas www.simplycanvas.com SmugMug www.smugmug.com Tamron www.tamron.com TripleScoop www.triplescoopmusic.com WHCC www.whcc.com

Still undecided?  Check it out this week at www.mei500.com and we hope to see you in Las Vegas!