NEWS FROM NATIONAL

from Jain Lemos, ASPP Executive Director

It has been suggested that no one has a harder job than that of the promoter, and each of us in our own way must promote ourselves and our work as we continue to try to be heard above the din of all others! For many, a new year might bring with it a new direction or opportunity to chase up. There is no question that the impact of repeated name recognition and branding is critical now more than ever. That is why it's so important to join or renew your membership  with ASPP! We are here to help you press forward and strengthen your vision of brilliance.

Our minds are already on the many trade shows and conferences that are shaping up around the industry. ASPP is planning a twist on our bi-annual conference by holding a series of One Day Educational Events in several cities, two in conjunction with Visual Connections in Chicago and New York, one to coincide with DC Fotoweek and yet others in Seattle and Los Angeles—with sessions surrounding what we are calling The New Copyright Economy. We feel this provides more members with more affordable options. Think globally and network locally is our theme this year!

We have updated our membership page with new categories and many of you who cohabitate with other picture pros have already figured out that two can join for a total of $170. We like to keep ASPP as cozy as possible. We have a breakdown of the new membership categories and a list of companies who automatically qualify for our low $100 group rate. What are you waiting for?

Julie Sturgeon of Webbmedia Group wrote us today about the future at Knowledgewebb. As of this March, they will no longer require an annual membership to take advantage of Knowledgewebb’s digital tech training. Webinars will be available for purchase on an individual basis, at prices ranging from $9.95 to $39.95, depending on the topic and length. The “all you can learn” annual memberships will still exist for those preferring that model. Knowledgewebb will also make their article library and forums available to the public—their gift to helping the journalism industry grasp the fundamentals of digital reporting quickly and painlessly. All this means that as the new features are rolling out, they will be phasing out discounts and association codes. Julie is offering to set up exclusive topic lessons for ASPP members. Members who want to take advantage of the $90 discounted price need to sign up before February 29, and use discount code ASPP2010. This new platform means that Knowledgewebb offers more content, more advice and more success to more reporters and entrepreneurs.

We hope 2012 is off to a great start for you and we look forward to embracing this year together!