The PMA has cancelled its 2011 trade show and convention. The show, which was re-branded as CliQ 2011 earlier this year, had been scheduled for September 6-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada, a move away from its traditional spring timing. The show will instead take place alongside the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas as PMA@CES in January next year. The move is likely to give increased importance to the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo in late October.

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One industry figure we spoke to was very to-the-point with their explanation: 'It's very hard to hold a trade show without exhibitors.' The decision to move the show from its usual spring slot to one in the autumn was the main problem, they explained: 'Both the manufacturers' model introductions and the dealer assortment selection cycles are geared for spring launches. There are some launches in fall, but the significant ones tend to be in the spring. Trade shows, which is what PMA has traditionally been, have tended to work well in the spring because both these cycles work against the idea of holding a trade show in the fall.'

Press Release:

PMA and CES announce colocation at 2012 International CES

JACKSON, Mich. – The Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) today announced a partnership agreement with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), owner and producer of the International CES, to move the September 2011 PMA International Convention and Trade Show (aka CliQ 2011) to colocate at the 2012 International CES, scheduled for January 10-13 in Las Vegas. 
PMA@CES will offer industry-specific content and display products representing all aspects of digital imaging. PMA will also offer its well-known educational seminars, complementing and enhancing CES programming. 

“PMA colocation with CES creates a great opportunity for our combined audiences to learn from each other, grow, and take full advantage of the integration and connectivity of personal content (in the form of digital photography) and home entertainment,” notes Ted Fox, executive director, PMA. “This convergence will expand with continued enhancements to camera phones and tablets.” 

“This collaboration will significantly enhance the 2012 International CES digital imaging product offerings for our retail and other audiences,” says Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CEA. “Technology is speeding the rapid convergence of digital photography and home entertainment systems. The breadth and scope of digital imaging product offerings that PMA will now bring to CES will complement and further expand the extensive growth of CES in this product category.” 

According to Fox, “Our agreement [with CES] is an excellent example of two trade associations coming together to constructively and proactively address challenges and provide new opportunities.” 

PMA@CES will be located at the Sands/Venetian and will be sponsored by PMA. Companies interested in exhibiting should contact Melissa Aldrich or Jeff Frazine at 800-762-9287 or +1-517-788-8100 (internationally). They also can be reached by email at [email protected] or [email protected].