PDN PhotoPlus Expo - Technology, The Immediacy of Now and the Steelpan Music Movement

At the 2011 PDN PhotoPlus International Conference & Expo

New York - Terry Joseph, the late entertainment editor for the Trinidad and Tobago national newspaper the Trinidad Express, once joked while lamenting (simultaneously impressed and irritated) that, in going through his normal routine after taking in a National Panorama finals Steel orchestra music competition at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Port-of-Spain, upon reaching home to then settle down to write that definitive news article (like only Terry Joseph could pen), that would break the Panorama story to Trinidad and Tobago, and then have it filter to the rest of the globe - he was instead shocked to see on his screen, that some young technology savvy upstarts (surely he had other choice adjectives) had already long broken the story, provided results, pictures and articles to the world - (including Trinidad & Tobago). Of course that organization was none other than a young When Steel Talks/PanOnTheNet. We were already completely digital in almost every aspect of our existence and thought process, while the rest of the world was still in the analog realm - or worse.

Of course Terry Joseph was no fool; he understood that When Steel Talks (WST) represented the future. We had already mastered, and were fully inculcated into - this then-still fairly new medium. And realizing that the Trinidad Express was no match for WST’s ability to quickly disseminate steelband-related information in multi-media format online to the world, and more specifically to the people who wanted said information on demand - he, Terry Joseph, would later proceed to often give WST to publish, stories he had written and that he perceived were time-sensitive, and which would lose their immediacy and value, if they (stories) were not allowed to take advantage of the ‘power of the moment.’ Indeed, in today’s world no one cares after the moment is over, or for the late, late edition.

Now, the gap is closing. Long gone are the days when WST would take for granted out-maneuvering, scooping and outdistancing others when disseminating information. New developments in technology, cultural changes and the insatiable appetite for the immediacy of ‘now’ and all that it produces, have seen to that.

In the age of texting, cloud computing, smart phones, HDSLR cameras, SD camcorders and the like - expectations have changed and the new “norm” is being constantly redefined. And in this regard WST is again at one of the major technology shows checking out “tomorrow,” today.

Canon workshop in session at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo

When Steel Talks finds itself at the 2011 PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo in New York. WST makes the annual trek to Jacob Javits Center to view the latest in photographic and related-technologies, services and products. The PhotoPlus Expo showcases countless new tools in use, and for the future in several areas; examples - photo journalism and film-making.

A critical part of running any successful operation (steel orchestras included), is its ability to market and successfully promote the organization’s accomplishments and strong points. And of course in today’s frenzied, multi-media saturated world, that means with a full assortment of pictures, videos, audio and stories/articles. High quality, with great immediacy. Yesterday’s news is simply that - yesterday’s news.

There is now a generation of WST folks who have grown up with the internet and all that it brings by the way of smart phones and other mobi devices; this is their norm. In fact, they know of no other existence. You are therefore mandated to deliver the related information and image content in a realistic format, and in an extremely timely manner.

Thousands are streaming in to see and experience the means to accomplish all of this, and more. For Sony - you can “make.believe;” with Epson “Exceed your vision.” Nikon assures that it is “Always ground breaking.” Epson printers rub shoulders with those of fellow competitors HP and Canon, vying for the eye and attention of enthusiastic folks. The established companies have brought out their full lineup of family of cameras and associated support equipment.

For the first time, Panasonic showcased their products at the PhotoPlus Expo, with the venerable Polaroid brand, returning for 2011. Leica, Zeiss, Kodak, Fujifilm and more - all in one place for a three-day window once a year.

Master class in session at the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference & Expo

Hundreds of established and up-and-coming companies are represented at the PDN PhotoPlus Expo, ensuring that every single individual on every level - from novice to professional - has the opportunity to not only discover and keep up with technologies, but even push the envelope in developing their own individual visions, and becoming viable forces and ‘household names’ in today’s competitive world, which revolves around - what else - technology.

From essential photo-capturing equipment and display formats and media - to related and supporting electronics, services, accessories and more, all are available for in-person experience at the Expo. If you can imagine it, anything related to photography, in any focus area - it can almost assuredly be found at the Expo.

The products and services on the exhibitor floor, including those of trending entrepreneurs, are alongside workshops conducted for attendees by the likes of Sony, Canon and others, complementing the total experience. And the focused teaching and sharing modules transpire on the lower level in well-appointed rooms rapidly filled up with pre-registered participants, especially when industry professionals, personalities and key-note speakers divulge their know-how, advice and more for captive audiences.

With over 100,000 members on the WST e-list, another 7,000 plus on Facebook, another 8,000 plus on the WST Ning forum and 1,000s of daily page views, it is critical that WST maintain a high-level of ‘technological savvy.’ Folks want information (the 411), and they want it now!!

Two more days remain for you to be part of the 2011 PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo happening. Make your way there!

EXPO DATES & HOURS:
Friday, Oct 28: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 29: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

SEMINAR DATES & HOURS:
Friday Oct 28: 8:45 a.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Saturday Oct 29: 8:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

PDN PhotoPlus International Conference and Expo