It is an honor and a privilege to serve as the President of VPPA for the year 2011.  VPPA is a wonderful Association which offers so many opportunities and advantages.  

Our largest event for the year is the annual Convention usually held in Feb. This event lasts about 5 days and evenings.  It is held at a centrally located hotel. For the next three years it will be held in Richmond VA. There will be national speakers giving programs on many facets of our profession, a tradeshow with vendors from many areas of the country, a print competition with nationally rated judges, an all convention party, a banquet celebrating award winning prints and the accomplishments of our fellow photographers, and the opportunity to make new friends and learn from other members in our Hospitality Suite. Many of the speakers at our conventions and seminars would cost $500.00 to $1,000.00 for just an hour if you paid out of pocket.  

The Fall seminar is basically a mini-convention with speakers, a print critique and a small tradeshow.  It is an opportunity to meet with other photographers to share ideas and information as well as to listen and learn from knowledgeable speakers.  These seminars are usually held for a 3 day event.  They are held at a hotel in one of the districts.

We have 4 districts they are Tidewater in the Eastern section of VA, Capital in the Central area of VA (Richmond and surrounding areas), Northern in the Northern area including DC , Blue Ridge in the Western section of VA. Your membership also includes monthly meetings in various nearby locations. Each district offers a program usually lasting 2-3 hours in the evening or on a Sunday afternoon, with a speaker discussing different topics of interest to the members.    

VPPA is like any organization you join, you get out of it what you put into it. If you don’t attend district meeting or attend the seminars or participate in the activities available, you won’t find the value of being a member.  Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity to learn what goes on behind the scenes to make a successful organization.  

VPPA has so much to offer photographers to improve their skill and creativity.  If you are not a member and would like to be, please contact me or another photographer on the website to invite you to a meeting or share their experience with being a member of VPPA.  We have a state of the art website offering a marketing opportunity for you, a comprehensive library, an award winning magazine and much more.  
 
This message is for our members but more importantly those who may be looking at our website and wondering if they should join. After reading this message you should give us a try!!