The PPBN Connect Conference 2026 brings together some of the best minds and biggest hearts in the photography industry all under one roof.
It’s four days of learning, laughter, and inspiration that will reignite your creativity, strengthen your business, and celebrate everything we love about this craft and the people who make it extraordinary.
21st – 24th May 2026, Gold Coast, Australia
ONLY 8 EARLY BIRD TICKETS LEFT (SAVE 25%) – $1190AUD
We started with 70 Early Bird tickets available, and with over 250 photographers who’ve submitted an EOI…
Within the first week, we now have only 12 left!
Get yours now!
This special price gives you:
✅ First pick of workshop sessions before they fill up (only 25 spots per class!)
✅ Access to business sessions and workshops
✅ Entry to all networking parties and events
Early Bird pricing ends December 5th, and then tickets will increase to $1,590 – so now’s the time to lock it in!
It’s Time to Reconnect
We’re living in a world where most photographers work solo – at home, behind screens, hustling hard – and it’s easy to lose that creative spark that comes from being around others who get it.
The PPBN Connect Conference 2026 is about changing that.
Because when photographers come together, we grow faster, create better, and feel re-energised to do what we love.
This conference blends education, inspiration, and genuine connection – helping you level up your business while building friendships that remind you why you started in the first place.
What Makes This Conference Different
I’ve been to conferences all over the world and genuinely, I love just being in the environment. But what I find is that there is one, maybe two key speakers I want to hear in my genre, and that’s it.
Each genre will have two half-day workshops over Friday and Saturday – giving you the flexibility to stick with your passion or mix it up and explore something new.
- 2x Genre-specific 3-hour workshops led by world-class photographers
- Actionable business sessions packed with real strategies
- Three epic social events to unwind, connect, and celebrate
- Incredible suppliers ready to help take your business to the next level
Conference Speakers and Workshops
Every one of them is an expert in their genre, from family and newborns to branding, weddings, and pets. They’ve built thriving photography businesses, faced the same challenges you have, and know what it takes to succeed in today’s market.
These are people from within our own PPBN community – photographers who genuinely love what they do, believe in sharing their knowledge, and are passionate about giving back to help others grow.
What You Can Expect…
📅 Dates: May 21–24, 2026
📍 Conference Location: Presence Church
📍 Hotel/Events Location: Voco Hotel on the Gold Coast
Address: 31 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, QLD 4217, Australia
The two main Days at the PPBN Connect include:
🌅 Sunrise Beach Sessions – Rise and shine! We have a shoot to get to!
On both Friday and Saturday Morning, we have two amazing hands-on beach workshops. Keep an eye out for the schedule for those!
🌞 Morning Sessions – Business Glow Up
Start your day surrounded by the full community, learning from expert speakers on the most relevant, real-world business topics.
We’ll cover everything from marketing and client experience to pricing, systems, sales, and new AI tools that can help you save time and make more money.
🍴 Lunch & Expo Time
Enjoy a relaxed lunch while meeting with top suppliers and software partners at the trade expo.
Talk to the people behind the products and tools you use every day and discover new ones that’ll change the way you work.
📸 Afternoon Sessions – Genre-Specific Workshops
Here’s where the magic happens! and makes us different to all the other conferences and events!
You’ll break into genre-specific workshops so you can learn directly from industry leaders in your field – whether that’s weddings, families, newborns, portraits, Personal branding, pets or boudoir
These workshops go beyond portfolio building. You’ll dive into the why and the how behind each shot – posing, interaction, light, workflow, editing, and even selling your images.
And yes, you’ll have time to ask questions, get hands-on, and learn the full process from capture to client delivery.
Please note: Each genre needs a minimum of 20 participants to run. So if you want your genre included – rally your photographer friends and get them to fill out this form too!
Because it’s not just about business…
What makes PPBN events unforgettable isn’t just the learning. It’s the laughter, the friendships, and the moments that happen when the workday ends.
Across the four days, we’ll host three incredible social evenings designed to help you unwind, connect, and celebrate:
🍹 Welcome Night – Meet your peers, reconnect with old friends, and kick off the conference in style.
🎤 Entertainment Night – Something like a games/trivia night and a good dose of fun. Because business growth is even better when you’re smiling.
🍸 Wrap up Cocktail Party – Dress up, celebrate excellence, and finish the conference with a bang!
Because let’s be honest… It’s not always about business and photography.
It’s about the people you meet along the way, the conversations that spark ideas, and the memories that remind you why you love being part of this community.
This is more than a conference… It’s a weekend you won’t forget.
Accommodation and Travel
Accommodation is flexible. We’ve secured a special room rate at the Voco Hotel, which is directly across the road from the Main venue, a beautifully renovated property with great bars, excellent breakfast, and all the comforts you need. This is where we will be having our three social events. FYI – A link with special room rates will be sent out after the 5th Dec
If you prefer other options, there’s a range of accommodation nearby. From budget-friendly stays to luxury penthouses – all within a 10-minute walk of the Main venue in the heart of the Gold Coast. Accommodation is not included in your conference ticket.
Flying in from Gold Coast Airport:
The Voco Hotel has a Light Rail stop right at its front door, making it the easiest and most direct way to get to the conference. Hop on the train, and you’ll be at the hotel in minutes. Simple and stress-free.
Flying in from Brisbane Airport:
You can take a direct train or shuttle down to the Gold Coast, or drive (approximately 1–1.5 hours).
loved it!! Was so great catching up with my photografriends 
, seeing vendors (and their specials!) in real life 
and getting inspired by the speakers 
I can’t wait for the next one!!
Natarsha March
We have some of our favourite sponsors from the Australian photographic industry coming to the Industry Night. This is a great opportunity to meet them face to face, touch and feel their products – much better than over the internet or magazines.
What is an Photography Industry night?
We have some of our favourite sponsors from the Australian photographic industry coming to the event. This is a great opportunity to meet them face to face and be able to pick up and hold the products, which is much easier than over the internet or in the magazines. They will also have special offers and door prizes on the night, so make sure you come on down. Click on the logos to go straight to the websites.
So please invite your friends in the industry, partners are welcome too and let’s make this a great night to remember!
This Industry Night is for you if...
- You are a photographer who creates finished artwork and wants to see the industry's FULL range of products.
- You want to learn how to work smarter and not harder. To listen to some great speakers covering a range of topics.
- Your want to finally meet some photographers in your area Face-to-Face as we all know the photography business can be isolating
- You get to meet the suppliers Face-to-Face. The ones that help you build your business and create your artwork!
- You support the industry that supports you...and you wanted a night out without the kids! 🙂
