ON WPPI

Year after year, it’s always a great show – and this year was no exception. Although I did hear a few photographers say that there are too many albums companies now, making it very confusing for them. I told them just to remember AI; we’re the one company that will walk you through everything. With Albums Inc. there’s no need to worry -- our inside sales team is awesome!

Back to WPPI … one night we all went dancing and it was a lot of fun. Another night we went to the Venetian Tao Restaurant with a special group of photographers. The food was great, and the wine was even better! Vivian from Vivian Photography also joined us with her husband, Larry. Vivian has a beautiful outdoor garden and she is in the process of opening a gallery. And all the way from Marlboro, NY, Lori O'toole joined us. It was great seeing Lori! I met her seven years ago when she was just starting to use photographic products for her customers. It’s so great to see how much her business has grown, and how successful she has become.









Did I mention we also got to eat outside on the patio, in front of the Paris Hotel overlooking the Bellagio one night? It was so beautiful! The pain in my legs from walking all day just seemed to slip away with the beauty surrounding us.

And here’s an example of what sets the Albums Inc. family apart … the second day we were there, Company President Pete Cardello and his wife, Gina, spent the day walking the hotels with us. We went in and out of make-up stores, shoe stories, dress stores, and every other store we could find. Not many company presidents would spend the day with eleven girls! He even took us to a beautiful restaurant for lunch in the Gardens of Bellagio. He did it all with a smile on his face and gave us a big hug at the end of the day. (He did say we couldn't expenses the things we bought, though.)

Speaking of the Cardello clan, I’d like to say a special thanks to Michele and Nicole. They both did an awesome job planning our week -- from good meals, and great entertainment (parties) to the comfort of having water in the booth.

One of the things that made this year’s WPPI especially great was having six of the sales service girls with us. They are all so wonderful, funny, and caring. They really are the heart and soul of the company! My job is easy compared to theirs.

Finally, my apologies go out to Will Demarco. The poor guy never got a word in edgewise all week long!

Kathy comments on the PPSNY convention...

PPSNY was a bit slow but then again, who wants to visit Buffalo in March?! There was a theme party the first night; Star Trek. It was a blast! Some of the sections really did a great job transforming themselves into Trekies. In my section, PPGNY, Paul and Caryn Bernstein dressed the best. So many photographers came up to me at the banquet to tell me that Curt's seminar was great. Unfortunately, I didn't see it because I went with a few photographers to Canada to see their side of Niagara Falls. Definitely worth the trip!

The next night was the banquet. As the next incoming president of PPSNY, Steve Bergano from Creative Composition received the party of the year!" It was so funny! Maryola from Images by Maryola, Owen Kassimer from Owen Photography, and Paul from Paul Bernstein Photography did an incredible job. The theme was “The Berganos” instead of “The Sopranos.” They had large posters hanging everywhere identifying Steve Bergano as “The Boss” and a bodyguard walking Steve around. The bodyguards frisked everyone at the door.


Steve Bergano might not be the best at returning phone calls (!) but he is very loved and will always buy you a drink or two. For those of you who missed the Convention, here are a few of the more memorable moments …