Anybody going to PMA in March, 2009?  I'd kill to go but it's in Las Vegas AGAIN, and I'm in FL.  They used to alternate between Orlando (just a hop, skip, and a jump up the road) and Las Vegas.  This makes the 3rd year in a row they're having it in Vegas - groan!!!

Thanks, all!

Hey Susan, for those of us unfamiliar with PMA, perhaps you could outline the benefits of attending. Their website doesn't do much to sell the event for me.

Photo Marketing Association.  They throw the biggest North American tradeshow for the photo retail business and this is where you will find everyone who has anything to sell photographraphy related.  Printers, photobook makers, franchises, gear, photo jewelry, photo blankets and other photo gifts... etc. etc. etc.  It's a very big deal if you are in the photo-retail business.  A chain for example will go in and procure all of their product for the upcoming season.  Frames, gadgets, printing paper.   Or a lab will go and see the new lines of commercial printers, inks and papers.

I've always lusted after going to this event, but deep in my heart I know I would buy way too much stuff.

I've been once, in 2006.  It's also a great place to talk to industry pundits to see which direction the various markets are taking.  There are great seminars and talks, mostly about industry related stuff, but several of them are geared to the end-user.  I spent 2 days alone going through the exhibits and grabbing as much free stuff as possible.  If you live near Las Vegas, I'd recommend at least a day-trip and run through the exhibit hall(s).  uh - bring a suitcase-style carrier with wheels to lug all the stuff around.  Believe me, there's gobs of it.