New York, U.S.A – The Nielsen Photo Group (NPG) has announced that registration for its PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo - October 24-27, 2012 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City – is now open. Celebrating its 30th year of bringing continuing education, emerging technology, and photographers and image-makers together, PhotoPlus Expo 2012 continues a tradition of creating opportunities for attendees to explore new visions for the future.

The educational conference begins on Wednesday, October 24 when Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) presents WPPI University, a one-day series of seminars designed to sharpen creative and business skills for photographers who want to break out on their own. The WPPI University conference pass ($99 online/$139 onsite) includes access to eight seminars featuring tips, techniques, and insight to marketing your brand, promoting your services, and building a successful photography business.

The PhotoPlus Expo conference offers more than 95 educational seminars and hands-on labs for attendees to hone their skills, learn new techniques, and participate in discussions with some of the most respected, successful and visually creative photographers and digital image-makers in the world. Conference passes may be purchased in advance in a variety of options; Conference A la Carte (priced individually), One Day Conference ($185 online/$220 onsite) or Full Conference, October 25-27 ($475online/$510 onsite). All conference passes include free admission to the Test Drive Rally on Wednesday evening, 3-day Expo pass and complimentary admission to all keynote presentations. Conference information is available online now, searchable by date, title, track or speaker name. Full seminar descriptions will be available online on June 21.

The expo will feature more than 250 exhibitors demonstrating the largest variety of photographic and digital imaging products and services in North America. Attendance for the three-day show is expected to reach record levels, drawing an anticipated 22,000 people who will meet with representatives from the biggest brand names serving the photography industry, and touch-and-try access to the latest imaging technology on the market. Registration for admission to the PhotoPlus Expo exhibit hall is free through October 24.

“We are very proud to be celebrating 30 years of service to the photographic industry,” explains Jeff McQuilkin, Director – PDN PhotoPlus International Conference & Expo. “The photo industry is a very tight group of professionals who view this annual event as the one time during the year where they can experience what’s next and meet face-to-face with old friends, make new ones, and learn and share together. I believe that attendees and exhibitors alike regard PhotoPlus Expo as an opportunity that should not be missed by anyone in the industry.”

Attendees may also purchase a special PhotoPlus Gold Expo Pass, which offers tremendous value and includes complimentary admission to keynote presentations, a private Customer Service Desk, Gold Expo lounge with free WiFi, and a premium gift bag filled with products, special offers, and discounts on a variety of products and services and more. Additionally, 20 lucky Gold Expo Pass buyers will find a Golden Ticket in their gift bag for an amazing prize valued up to $500, such as an Apple iPad, photo gear prizes from B&H Photo, gift cards and much more. Gold Expo Passes are available in limited quantity and can be purchased in advance online for $60 or onsite for $100.

On Wednesday evening, October 24, PhotoPlus Expo will present its second annual Test Drive Rally from6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. at the Javits Convention Center. The Test Drive event provides a sneak preview of products and technologies from PhotoPlus exhibitors prior to the expo’s official opening. During the event, Test Drive attendees will have an opportunity to post live Tweets about some of the new and interesting products and services they see there. Registration for the event is required.

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Beginning on March 1, 2012, join the celebration of Japanese food and culture during Japan Week, a multi-part festival to be held in various locations in NYC. The key events of Japan Week — the Kickoff Event and Japan Pavilion — will specifically focus on the unique world of Japanese cuisine.

Sponsored by the Organization to Promote Japanese Restaurants Abroad (JRO), these events aim to promote a deeper understanding of Japan through a positive image of its food. Additional support is provided by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan Tourism Agency (JTA).

Japan Week’s Kickoff Event will be held in Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal from March 1 – 3, 2012. Hosting a diverse array of vendors featuring distinct Japanese food and merchandise, the Kickoff Event will welcome the public to cultural performances as well as cooking demonstrations of Japanese dishes by renowned chefs. During the evening of March 1st, an Opening Gala at Vanderbilt Hall will invite New York’s restaurant industry connoisseurs and major media to experience the latest in Japanese cuisine.

The second event, the Japan Pavilion at the 2012 International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of NY at the Javits Convention Center, is open to professionals in the food trade only. For the sixth consecutive year from March 4 – 6, 2012, the Japan Pavilion will provide an exclusive opportunity to encounter enticing gourmet Japanese foods and products from various companies in one place.

The Japan Pavilion’s highlights include the Soul Food of Japan Section, the Japanese Bar, and numerous seminars on Japanese food and restaurant business trends. An additional feature is the JRO Umami Culinary Challenge Recipe Contest, in which the grand prize winner will receive a round-trip ticket to Japan for a special culinary tour.

Japan Week will also be celebrated throughout the city in other related events. Taking place concurrently with the Kickoff Event on March 1st will be a Japan tourism-focused event in Times Square commemorating the National Cherry Blossom Festival Centennial. An additional related event includes one that encourages restaurants and patrons to voluntarily raise money for Japan’s recovery from the Great Tohoku Earthquake.

Image Courtesy of   Jose Gil / Shutterstock.com

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