Future, the international specialist media group and leading digital publisher, yesterday (25 June 2013) announced the launch of a major new consumer event in the photography sector – The Photography Show – which will take place at Birmingham’s NEC from 1 – 4 March 2014, ensuring a high calibre replacement for Focus on Imaging which celebrated its final instalment earlier this year.
This new consumer and professional event will combine highly interactive features to entertain and engage consumers, with dedicated conferences and events for the trade and retailer attendees. The Photography Show will be a must-visit event for amateurs, professionals and retailers.
Future is the world’s leading publisher of photography magazines, with an amazing portfolio of successful brands online, on mobile and in print. Digital Camera World is the UK’s best-selling monthly photography title in both print and digital. Photography Week is the world’s best-selling digital weekly photography magazine. Practical Photoshop is the UK’s best-selling Photoshop magazine. N-Photo and PhotoPlus are the world’s best-selling Nikon and Canon magazines respectively. Future’s photography brands reach more than one million enthusiasts each month and its photography websites deliver more than 2.5 million page impressions.
The NEC welcomes over two million visitors each year to around 140 trade and consumer shows and over 400 live events and conferences, and the venue benefits from unrivalled flexibility, with more than 186,000 square metres of covered exhibition space through 34 conference suites and 20 interconnecting halls.
The Photography Show will bring all of this experience and enthusiasm to life for the UK’s growing audience of amateur photographers, with some of the biggest names in the industry unlocking the secrets of their craft. The showfloor itself will be brimming with hundreds of exhibitors, the very latest kit and accessories, and an array of interactive opportunities to get involved. A full-spec studio suite will also be created on-site for visitors wanting to get hands-on in a professional environment, and themed areas including a Wildflower Garden will be specially created to ensure all subject interests are fully catered for. More activities will be announced in coming months, including details of a major gallery exhibition.
Future’s Head of Events Jonny Sullens says: “The Photography Show is a great example of Future unlocking the potential of its market leading brands. I am really excited at the prospect of bringing such an innovative and exciting market to life over four days at the NEC. Extensive industry research pointed to the NEC as the venue of choice for the photography market. Their operating team is first class and I am looking forward to delivering a fantastic event for both amateur and professional photographers.”
Chris Hartley, the NEC’s Business Development Director, adds: “The amount of interest we received following Mary Walker’s decision only a few weeks ago that the 2013 event was the last, is testament to the fact that the NEC is recognised as the premier venue for exhibitions.
“Future’s success in securing this profile following the invitation to tender process was primarily down to their strong photography market knowledge and position, the strength of their team, their vision for the show, their speed of response and passion, all supported by a sensible commercial offering.
“It’s a long term relationship underpinned by a three year deal that includes the appointment of The Ticket Factory as the exclusive ticket agent. In addition, Future will be maximising the education and learning elements of the show by utilising a selection of our purpose built conference facilities. We’re really excited about supporting Future not only on this show, but also, hopefully, other conferences and exhibitions.”
Future’s Head of Photography Matthew Pierce says: “The imaging industry is evolving at speed and we believe there is a real opportunity to create a dynamic and inclusive event with photography at its core which will deliver a broad audience of imaging enthusiasts. Future has a world-leading portfolio of Photography brands and is recognised internationally for its innovation. The Photography Show will be another example of that.”
The Photography Show will be supported by a major six-figure marketing campaign, including targeting Future’s own leading technology brands T3 and TechRadar.com, which, as the UK’s biggest tech review site, reaches over four million tech enthusiasts every month.
The UK photographic industry has already reacted with enthusiastic support:
BPI News Publisher Clive Insley says: “The launch of the Photography Show is great news for the entire imaging industry. A national UK photo show in March at the NEC is the vital springboard needed by the trade to launch the latest products and services to thousands of their customers. For professional photographers and enthusiasts it’s the focal point for everything photographic under one roof at the right venue and at the right time of year.”
Royal Photographic Society Director General Dr Michael Pritchard adds: “The RPS is delighted that Future has launched the Photography Show at the NEC as the industry needs an annual showcase to promote itself. Future has some ambitious plans and the RPS will be supporting them.”
Adobe Principal Solutions Consultant Richard Curtis says: “The UK photographic market is an important part of the creative industries, so it’s good news that Future has stepped in to lead a replacement for the already successful Focus on Imaging show at the NEC. It sounds like they have some exciting plans and we’re keen to hear more.”
The Flash Centre Managing Director Chris Whittle adds: “Focus on Imaging was the right show, in the right place and at the right time so we are pleased that Future has launched The Photography Show at the NEC in March 2014.”
PMA Director of UK Activities Nigel McNaught adds: “The photo industry needs a showcase for its products and services and I am delighted to learn that the new event from Future will be very ‘hands on’ combining demonstrations with education sessions. PMA is pleased to support this initiative.”
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