- Three days can change
- Academy
- What We Do
- Who We Are
- Contact Us
- The 2018 PBPI
- The 2018 PBPI Curriculum
- This Just Can't Happen
- Hilton Los Angeles
- Our Mission
- Our Code of Ethics
- Our International
- Plain Text
- Tickets & Videos
- Interested in becoming a
- The Official 2018 Academy Class Schedule
- Packing for PBPI Academy
- Daily Feedback For
- How the F Did They DO
- How the F Did They DO
Three days can change everything.
Academy 2019 - Jan 21-24 -Los Angeles, CA
Photo booth business and technical training produced by photo booth owners for photo booth owners.
PBPI Academy
Join us Jan 21-24, 2019 in Los Angeles, CA
We arrive as colleagues, We leave as friends.
PBPI Academy is an intensive training seminar designed to take your business to the next level. Educational concepts with practical applications presented by photo booth professionals who use them every day. Learn about tips and tricks specific to the photo booth industry from your peers, not a motivational speaker.
What We Do
Our industry is growing at an astronomical rate and it’s not showing any sign of stopping. New technologies, the newest trends, even best practices are changing every day and again…. no sign of slowing. There has been one thing missing from this growth spurt. The call for education has been heard loud and clear. Owners and their staff want to learn to BE better.
They want to learn how to compete with the leaders in our industry without depending on being a discounted flavor of the month. They want education, training and to be inspired to succeed.
At PBPI, our number one priority is to help propel the industry we love into a well-educated, professional group of service providers that any wedding planner or marketing agency would take great pride in hiring. PBPI Academy is designed to offer an immersive, hands-on learning experience over a three days of exclusive educational content taught by industry thought leaders.
Who We Are
We are you. We've been where you are. We have staffing problems. We have equipment failures. We have clients with big budgets and clients with no budget. We started with one booth. We might have even used an ink jet printer when we started. We want you to know that we are here for you. We want you to be successful. We want you to grow. We want you to prosper.
Lisa Oler
Education Director
Based in: Los Angeles, CA
Event Industry Experience: 8 Years Photo Booth Specific: 8 Years
Pet Peeve: Late attendants, scraps left in printers and warm beer Specialization: Sales, marketing and networking
Biggest Tip: Say YES and then figure out a way to make it work. Don’t be afraid to stretch your imagination.
Dave Stephenson
Conference Services Director
Based in: Philadelphia PA Event Industry Experience: 35 Years
Photo Booth Specific: 8 Years
Pet Peeve: Poor Planning Specialization: Customer Interaction/Support
Biggest Tip: Remember you are only as good as your last event. Never look back and remember you can do it.
Meir Israel
Sponsorship Director
Based in: Miami, FL
Event Industry Experience: 19 Years Photo Booth Specific: 8 Years
Pet Peeve: Hurricanes Rescheduling Events
Specialization: Client Experiential Customizations
Biggest Tip: Your Network is Your Net Worth. Always do what you can to cultivate and grow your best relationships.
- Contact UsDon't be afraid to reach out. You + us = awesome.
The 2018 PBPI Instructors
We've got a top notch team!
This Just Can't Happen Without Sponsors!
We provide an intimate, education based environment for our students and we can't do it without you!
We want to make it easy for you to be part of PBPI!
1DOWNLOAD
Download our 2018 Sponsor Prospectus to review the many sponsorship opportunities available.
2CONTACT
Once you decide on which sponsorship level works best for you, fill out the last page of the prospectus and return it to us to reserve your space
3EASY PAYMENT
We know that you get asked to sponsor a million things a year. We are happy to accept 25% down and you can pay off the balance by the end of November.
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale & Executive Meeting Center
Close to the action, Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale offers easy access to Burbank, Hollywood, Pasadena and Los Angeles. Situated in Glendale’s business district, the hotel is minutes from famous attractions including Universal Studios Hollywood, The Hollywood Bowl, and the Kodak Theater.
The Hilton offers many guest amenities including:
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Hot Breakfast included when booked through our PBPI room block
- Reduced room rates when booked through the PBPI room block
- 24-hour fitness center, heated outdoor pool and sauna
Please be sure to book through this link to ensure you receive all the complimentary amenities offered to our group!
Hotel is located at 100 WEST GLENOAKS BLVD, GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA, 91202, USA
Our Mission
Our Code of Ethics
As students, instructors, sponsors and advisors of Photo Booth Professionals International, we recognize the importance of making known to our profession, clients and to the general public the ethical principles that guide the business practices of a professional photo booth company.
Ethical dilemmas occur when values are in conflict. The PBPI Code of Ethics states the values to which we are committed, and embodies the ethical responsibilities of the professionals engaged in this growing industry.
The principles of this Code are expressed in broad statements to guide ethical decision making by our members. While these statements are to provide guidance and direction; they cannot and do not dictate conduct to cover particular situations.
- We provide the highest level of service to all clients and consumers by utilizing professional attitudes, attire, equipment and marketing strategies.
- We uphold the principles of intellectual property and resist all efforts that result in copyright infringement or other violations of licensure, trademark or other registered mark signifying ownership of an asset.
- We treat co-workers, employees, contractors, and other colleagues with respect, fairness, and good faith.
- We strive for excellence in the profession by maintaining and enhancing our own knowledge and skills, by encouraging the professional development of co-workers, employees, contractors and other colleagues and by fostering the aspirations of potential members of the profession.
Our International Advisory Board
Each year, we meet with the advisory board to determine where, when and what the real focus of Academy will be. Some of the board members are instructors, some are sponsors, some are just driven by their commitment to making our industry stronger than ever. These are volunteer positions that receive no financial compensation for their time on the board.
Kim Gottschalk - COO, ShutterBooth ; COO, Aventus Solutions
Michigan, USA
Steve Bliesner - Co-Founder, The Photo Booth Guys
Queensland, Australia
David Hobrath - Founder, Clear Choice Photo Booth
Ohio, USA
Kelly Williams - CEO, PhotoBuzz Studios
Texas, USA
Elliott Gosling - Owner, Party Photo Booth Hire
London, United Kingdom
Bill Vahrenkamp - Co-Owner, Albertex Photography
Texas, USA
Jeff Toy - Owner, Toy Bros Entertainment
New York, USA
Conor Mongan - Owner, SUM XP
Texas, USA
Corey Shelton - Owner, HaloBooth
Georgia, USA
Sharone Reid - Owner, Focus and Fabulous Events
Washington DC, USA
Aldo Valdez - Owner, iTouchBooth
California, USA
Cherie Irwin - Owner, Photo Booth Talk and Smile Lounge
Missouri, USA
Tickets & Videos
There are only 200 seats available. Once they are gone... they are gone!
Interested in becoming a Speaker?
Click the link below to complete our online form:
The 2018 Official PBPI Academy Class Schedule
Here it is... in all it's awesomeness
Sunday 1/21
3:00PM - 5:00 PM
Registration and Hotel Check-In
Sunday 1/21
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - Fireside Chat
Seeing things from their side - The Agency / Planner Perspective with Brian Fox and Shelby Roehre
Brian Fox of Trusted Herd and Shelby Roehre, formerly with Retailcomm, come from the agency world and they are here to help us gain a little insight as to what the hell they really want from us!
Monday 1/22
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM - Dining Room
Breakfast is served in the Hotel Restaurant.
Please note, breakfast is only included for attendees staying at the host hotel.
Tech Alley Opens at 8:00 AM for a visit with our Sponsors
Monday 1/22
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM - General Session
Deliberate Goals: Unstoppable Momentum with Brian Miller
A hands-on business owner's workshop for establishing a vision for your company and a roadmap to actualizing your personal and professional goals. Brian draws lessons from 10 years in the photo booth game to help attendees identify their goals, create concrete action steps to build momentum, and execute laser focus to achieve them!
Monday 1/22
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Turbo Talk Q&A 1
Finding your Creativity with Conor Mongan
Conor discusses surviving the creative struggle to be original and fresh when sometimes stale ideas come your way from clients. Have you hit a wall and need some new ideas? Come learn his secrets to staying on the cutting edge of design.
Monday 1/22
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Turbo Talk Q&A 2
Targeting The High-End Client with Meir Israel
The unicorn is real! The high end client of your dreams is really out there. Meir Israel is going to tell you how to target them properly through creative marketing and selling strategies.
Monday 1/22
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM - Tech Alley
Snack time with our sponsors!
Enjoy a light snack and mingle with our amazing sponsors
Monday 1/22
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - Breakout 1
Keeping it together: How to Stress Less, Thrive and Love What You Do with Kim Gottschalk
Are you feeling burnt out or like there aren't enough hours in the day?
Learn the secrets to enjoying your business and running a smooth ship for 5 years, 10 years and beyond.Monday 1/22
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - Breakout 2
Pricing Strategies with Aldo Valadez
Know (and charge) Your Worth!! We know - you've heard that phrase a thousand times! What does it really mean? And why is it important to you, your business, and our industry? Learn from the master at charging $$$$$ for his services. We call it "Aldo Money".
Monday 1/22
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM - Dining Room
Masters Lunch
Enjoy a plated lunch seated at a table with instructors and industry suppliers. Your challenge... sit at a different table every day! Expand your network and make new friends!
Monday 1/22
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM - General Session
Workflow Automation with Catalina Bloch
We've all heard the old adage - work smarter, not harder. And one of the best ways to do this is by automating as much of your business processes as possible.
Monday 1/22
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM - General Session
Bookkeeping and Accounting for Creatives with Mazuma, USA
Mazuma is a professional accounting firm providing affordable accounting solutions to small and mid-size businesses, helping owners make informed financial decisions about their companies.
Monday 1/22
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM - Tech Alley
Snack time with our sponsors!
Enjoy a light snack and mingle with our amazing sponsors
Monday 1/22
3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Rooms TBD
Software Breakouts
Learn hands-on from the developers of the most commonly used software options in our industry - Breeze Systems, Darkroom Booth, Photo Booth Upload, Mirror Me by FotoMaster, and Curator.
Monday 1/22
5:00 PM - 5:50 PM - Tech Alley
Tipsy Tech Time
It's time for cocktails and tech talk in Tech Alley!
Monday 1/22
6:00 PM - 6:50 PM - Fireside Chat
The ABC's Of Events - Always Be Closing with Todd Freshman
The Man, The Myth, The Legend... Todd teaches us one of the most important lessons in business - Sales and the Art of The Close. If you don't close a sale, your business will become stagnant.
Tuesday 1/23
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM - Dining Room
Breakfast is served in the Hotel Restaurant.
Please note, breakfast is only included for attendees staying at the host hotel.
Tech Alley Opens at 8:00 AM for a visit with our Sponsors
Tuesday 1/23
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM - General Session
Using Facebook Groups to Expand Your Business
We are there everyday and yet we might be missing the potential and some of the doors that a Facebook Group can unlock. Having run a very popular owners group for few years on Facebook, Boaz will analyze a few case studies of owners who expanded their reach and business by utilizing Facebook Groups.
Tuesday 1/23
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Turbo Talk Q&A 1
Upselling with Booth Wraps & Backdrops with Mike Napurano & Meir Israel
Set yourself and your clients apart with custom wraps and backdrops designed to complement any theme from Mitzvahs and Weddings to marketing and corporate events. Learn how to apply a wrap to a photo booth, how to direct your customers through the design process and even do a hands on demo of wrapping live in class!
Tuesday 1/23
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Turbo Talk Q&A 2
Printer & Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting with Imaging Spectrum
Printers, Drivers and Paper Jams - OH MY! We've all been there. Learn how to do basic printer maintenance and troubleshooting like a pro... from the best out there, Steve Behen and Bill Vahrenkamp!
Tuesday 1/23
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM - Tech Alley
Snack time with our sponsors!
Enjoy a light snack and mingle with our amazing sponsors
Tuesday 1/23
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - Breakout 1
Photoshop Basics with Steve Bliesner
Layers? If you thought that's a term from the 80's big-hair days, think again. Steve teaches us the basics on how to use Photoshop to work with templates to help us fashion creative designs for our clients.
Tuesday 1/23
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - Breakout 2
Photography and Lighting Basics with Paul Hrdlicka
So you bought a photo booth.... now what??? The only camera you know how to operate is the one in your pocket? Paul will walk you through the basics of operating your DSLR camera, photography 101 and also some pointers on lighting.
Tuesday 1/23
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM - Dining Room
Masters Lunch
Enjoy a plated lunch seated at a table with instructors and industry suppliers. Your challenge... sit at a different table every day! Expand your network and make new friends!
Tuesday 1/23
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM - General Session
Handle Requests for Sponsored Events with Kelly Williams
How to turn an ask for a FREE event into a money making/ money raising opportunityTuesday 1/23
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM - Breakout 1
Tips for Successful Bridal and Trade Shows with Mike Fazio
Give brides/audience a reason to visit your booth and to book you above all others. Snapbooth Entertainment was created in 2009 after having a photobooth at their wedding in 2008. Snapbooth has hosted over 2000 events in Phoenix since starting, including 400 events last year.
Tuesday 1/23
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM - Breakout 2
Leasing - How To Do It and Is It Right For You with Chris Meyer
Have you wondered about the new trend in leasing out your equipment? Chris was one of the early adopters and it's paid off $$$. From zero to multi million dollars in business in 4 short years. I want to do that!
Tuesday 1/23
3:00 PM - 3:20 PM - Tech Alley
Snack time with our sponsors!
Enjoy a light snack and mingle with our amazing sponsors
Tuesday 1/23
3:30 PM - 4:50 PM - Rooms TBD
Software Breakouts
Learn hands-on from the developers of the most commonly used software options in our industry - Breeze Systems, Darkroom Booth, Photo Booth Upload, Mirror Me by Fotomaster, and Snappic.
Tuesday 1/23
5:00 PM - 5:50 PM - Tech Alley
Tipsy Tech Time
It's time for cocktails and tech talk in Tech Alley!
Tuesday 1/23
6:00 PM - 6:50 PM Fireside Chat
How to Stand Out in A Saturated Market with Steve Bliesner
The photo booth industry continues to grow at rapidly alarming rates. If you don't' find a way to differentiate your business from the crowd, you won't last long.
Wednesday 1/24
7:00 AM - 8:45 AM - Dining Room
Breakfast is served in the Hotel Restaurant.
Please note, breakfast is only included for attendees staying at the host hotel.
Tech Alley Opens at 8:00 AM for a visit with our Sponsors
Wednesday 1/24
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM - General Session
Making Money With Your Equipment with Bill Vahrenkamp
When you're not boothing, is your equipment laying around collecting dust? Learn from Bill some clever ways to put your gear to good use and put some extra cash in your pocket!
Wednesday 1/24
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Turbo Talk Q&A 1
Marketing & Branding for Creatives with Catalina Bloch
Wednesday 1/24
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM - Turbo Talk Q&A 2
What To Do When the $hit Hits The Fan with Frances Foreman
The printer refuses to do printer things. The Kardashians have broken the internet. DHL didn't show up with your backdrop. The client now hates the artwork they approved yesterday. Discuss how disaster can strike and how you can stay calm, cool and collected in front of your clients.
Wednesday 1/24
10:30 AM - 10:50 AM - Tech Alley
Snack time with our sponsors!
Enjoy a light snack and mingle with our amazing sponsors
Wednesday 1/24
11:00AM - 11:50 AM - Breakout 1
How To Diversify Your Business with Tracy Hueth
She is a whole different kind of event professional. She's printed photos on chocolate. She's made tiny donuts. She's taken a single focused company and turned it into a multi-faceted success by diversifying her client offerings. Learn how Tracy has turned her business into six-figures by expanding her offerings.
Wednesday 1/24
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM - Breakout 2
Making HTML Fun Again with Elliott Gosling
The guru returns from the UK to teach us about building cool, customized emails and microsite. If you can get past his accent, he's got a wealth of information to share.
Wednesday 1/24
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM - Dining Room
Masters Lunch
Enjoy a plated lunch seated at a table with instructors and industry suppliers. Your challenge... sit at a different table every day! Expand your network and make new friends!.
Wednesday 1/24
1:00 PM - 1:50 PM - General Session
How to Read Financial Reports with Mazuma USA
Mazuma is a professional accounting firm providing affordable accounting solutions to small and mid-size businesses, helping owners make informed financial decisions about their companies. Taxes in the Digital vs Print Age.
Wednesday 1/24
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Turbo Talk Q&A 1
How to Properly White Label with Lisa Oler
There's a right way and a definite wrong way. You're a rockstar at what you do. But sometimes you don't need to shout it from the rooftops. Learn how to boost your bottom line by rocking events for your industry peers as a white label partner.
Wednesday 1/24
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Turbo Talk Q&A 2
Social Media For Your Business with Kelly Williams
You may have heard Kelly speak about social media in the past - and we've asked her back again this year because she's simply amazing! The social landscape is always changing and she will teach us how to navigate the terrain.
Wednesday 1/24
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM - Rooms TBD
Sharing Breakouts
Learn hands-on from the developers of the most commonly used software options in our industry - Photo Party Upload, Darkroom Share, Breeze Kiosk and Mirror Me by Fotomaster.
Wednesday 1/24
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM - General Session
It's time to say goodbye... until we meet again!
Daily Feedback For Academy 2018
Each day, we will have a survey for you to fill out about how things are going at Academy. Please take a moment to give us your thoughts!
How the F Did They DO THAT??
Did you miss attending these classes at PBX? Don't worry, you can purchase the videos for 2 of our classes right here!
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