As our summer comes to an end, it’s all hands on deck to prepare for this fall’s PhotoPlus Expo in New York City, and then quickly onto WPPI 2015 in Vegas!

In years past, we’ve waited to announce our speaker lineup at opening registration, but we know you guys have lots of options and it’s always helpful to make plans as far in advance as you can. So over the next couple of weeks, I’m going to share some of the exciting things we have planned for WPPI 2015!

This year’s theme is about bringing new experiences and new programs to WPPI — you’ve shared with us that you want more of those, and we’ve been listening.

My first peek for you into this year’s show is announcing some exciting new speakers — names you’ll likely recognize, but most will be sharing their information on the WPPI stage for the first or second time.

The following 10 photographers are doing outstanding work, are new-ish to the WPPI conference and will rock your world this year:

1. Michelle Gardella. Have you seen her work or read her blog? She is one of the most inspiring photographers shooting today, and her daily struggle to be a great mom, artist, and teacher is humbling. Her dedication to helping others grow in mind and body is courageous, and I know her room will fill up within the first week of registration.

2. Brooke Shaden is one of those people who—ten minutes into meeting her—feels like your best friend. I’ve seen her present before, and if anyone could give a giant virtual hug to an audience, it’s her. She’s a ton of fun to watch, and her laid-back teaching style makes everyone at ease, making learning fun and easy.

3. Meg Borders has a thriving senior portrait business in a very saturated market of Richland, Wash. She will share how she succeeded by outlining “purpose over product” sales, and why developing an authentic approach is critical in today’s senior market.

4. Sam Hurd. I love Sam’s friendly voice and connection with his audience. He has shared his photography tips freely and is always happy to answer questions. His style is fun, creative and beautiful, I can see why his clients love him. In his presentation, Sam will share tons of tips and tricks, and I’m sure everyone will leave stoked to get out there and shoot!

5. Katelyn James in just a few years has created a thriving business, and is ready to share her wisdom with you. She’s an open book, and is not afraid to show you the mistakes she’s made, but more importantly share the secrets to her success. Her hard work and passion for her clients has helped her climb to the top. She’s also very sweet, coming back for her second WPPI, and I’ve added her to this list because I know she’s going to kill it this year!

6. Jacklyn Greenberg. I’ve known Jacklyn for many years, and she is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. She is no newcomer to the industry, and has spent the last several years studying and honing in on her style. Her work is real, and in your face. You can almost feel the trust her clients give her, and the results are stunning. She’s going to share her approach on how being yourself in the confines of an art form that has required shots, and what it takes to “feel” your imagery.

7. Kelly Brown is a rising superstar in our annual print competition! Last year she was awarded a Platinum (score of 100!), two Golds, and a Silver award, and this year she is on her way with a First place, two Silver distinctions, and a Silver in first half—totaling over 15 points in the honors of excellence program! She holds a “Master of WPPI” (https://www.wppiawards.com/bin/Cklb ) among a very elite group of photographers. Her careful execution of her images is apparent in all of her work. Kelly’s coming from Down Under, and will be giving her first Platform class this year. Don’t miss your chance to see how this WPPI award-winning member approaches her portraits.

8. Mike Allebach will be making his second trip to WPPI after great reviews last year. This “tattooed bride photographer” has leveraged his passion and style to give him a voice in a small, but powerful community. As a sophomore speaker, he will help you go viral using the power of specialism in today’s market.

9. Pat Furey. I met Pat at a NYC photographer meetup I hosted several years ago, and despite his young age, I was impressed by his poise and quiet confidence. Pat resides in Philly, and has a unique look and style to his imagery. There’s a quiet beauty he grasps for each wedding, capturing moments in his own way. I’ve been proud to watch Pat grow over the years, and I’m excited for him to show us how he built his business with a strong work ethic, and positive relationship-building. He is also one of last year’s 30 Rising Stars (and shot the November 2013 cover of Rangefinder).

10. Sara and Dylan. These guys are among a new group of photographers with very unique abilities we are committed to bring to WPPI. Their humble, natural approach to photography shows in their beautiful landscapes, which are layered with emotion and physicality. Their work with multiple exposures is amazing, and they will be sharing their techniques in how to create them.

There you have it—ten reasons you want to mark your calendars for February 26th through March 5th 2015! Register now to become a member and get the benefits of early registration, as well as many other perks!

To make things a little more fun, we'd like you to share this post with your friends on your networks (FB, Twitter, Instagram.) for a chance to be one of the first to win a WPPI Platform pass! All you have to do is tag #hi5WPPI when you share it.

I’ll be giving away five passes over the next five days, this is a year you don’t want to miss!