This was our 2nd year at the annual WPPI photographers’ conference.

I can officially say that I LOVE going.

Joe + I hop in our car, make the 5 hour drive, stop at the local Whole Foods and we are ready to roll for the week!

We stayed at the Signature at MGM Grand. I felt totally spoiled there. Between the ginormous king sized bed, the jacuzzi tub that could fit an army and the full kitchen, we were feeling like rock stars :).

We got in on Sunday night and did what any couple would do their first night in Vegas. We went shopping LOL. Not the buy-new-things kind either, the ‘let’s window shop through stores that we totally can’t afford’ kind. It’s the best ;).

Monday officially kicked off the fun! The thing I love most about this trip is that I get to see/meet photographers from around the country that I don’t get to see very often and catch up. That’s what Monday was all about.

We went to a Showit meetup, had coffee with the AH-MAZING Zach + Jody Gray, (who are bringing their awesome workshops to Phoenix this month, fyi) attended some classes and then went to my FAV event of the trip: Photographers Unite.

Photog Unite is essentially a church/worship service for photographers who love Jesus (or want to know more about him). It’s such a powerful couple hours as we worship together as believing photographers and hear a heart-piercing message by Albert Tate of Fellowship Church. This will continue to be something I look forward to each year!

Tuesday we heard the lovely Jasmine Star speak. That girl always knows how to motivate and inspire! We also got to hear from our friends Eugene + Heather Brown who are rockin’ video in Nashville. LOVE those two!

What went down Tuesday night was beyond anything I ever thought I would be a part of. My P31 girls hooked us up! Us girls got all dolled up and went to the Palms Place PENTHOUSE for a fabulous girls night out. My jaw about dropped when I stepped into this place. It was gorgeous. And the women I meet/hung with, were even more so; inside and out!

Wednesday came quickly. Our last morning before we made the drive back to Phoenix. But it couldnt’ have been spent better. Our morning was made bright by having coffee with Eugene and Heather followed by….wait for it….a FLASH MOB! That’s right, I got to check off one of my 101 in 1001 because on 02/22/12, I was in a flash mob. And it was EPIC! I’d always wanted to be part of one, and who better to do one with than 75 of my fellow photog friends?! And yes…the video IS below.

With all our favorite photographer friends gathered in one place, we said our goodbyes then made the drive back to Phoenix.

The impressions these wonderful people made on my heart are lasting. And I can not WAIT until next time :) xo stacy

Daily Video: Flash Mob from Showit on Vimeo.