The PPBN CONNECT CONFERENCE 2026 Wrap-Up

PPBN Connect Conference 2026 was more than just another photography event. It was a reset for the industry.

business sessions and live education to late-night networking, social events, trade activations, and real conversations between photographers who genuinely wanted to see each other win… this conference delivered something the industry has been missing for a long time.

Scroll down to read the feedback; it has been unreal.

• A whopping 97% Would return in 2027!
• Overall Conference Experience – 93%
• Pace & Flow of All Days – 91%
• Felt Welcomed & Included – 92%
• Value for Investment – 97%
• Organisation, Communication & Logistics – 95%
• Venues and facilities – 93%
• Likelihood to Recommend – 98%
• Workshops and Business Sessions 4.78/5

How would you describe your overall conference experience?

• “Just loved it, the whole vibe was amazing and it was so wonderful to feel a part of a real community! Met up with old friends and made loads of new ones. Can’t wait for next year!

• “Well exceeded my expectations. The industry has needed something like this for a LONG time. Thank you.”

• “Very positive. I considered not attending due to imposter syndrome and honestly, considering walking away from the industry. So glad I came to the conference. It gave me a brand new fire in my belly for success.”

• “At first, I was quite nervous and unsure what to expect. I went there not really knowing anyone. I was honestly so surprised at how friendly and welcoming everyone was. If I were ever wandering around on my own, someone would come and start a conversation. It really was the most welcoming conference I’ve ever attended. The speakers and content were amazing; it was wonderful to get out of my own head and listen to different ideas on how people have made their business work. Overall, I really enjoyed it. The only regret I have is probably just holding myself back a little and not fully embracing everything, which is more on me than anything.”

• “I loved that I made new friends!!! Everything was organised superbly, and the venue location was so close to the accommodation. I went to a new genre training for boudoir, and they were amazing and so willing to help and answer questions, as was Tash for newborn.”

• “Loved it, can’t wait for next year. I left it feeling reassured and reinvigorated in my business and with a whole bunch of new friends.”

• “Inspirational. I took pieces of new, important info away with me from each lecture and workshop. I’m a very hands-on type learner so it was great to see the actual shooting and watching other pros work. Loved the option to do morning workshops.”

• “Medicine for the soul”
• “The conference was a great experience that left me with something I didn’t even realise I needed … confidence. I walked away feeling grateful, re-energised and reminded how much I love this community. It gave me my mojo back again. I liked the balance between business learning and creative workshops. There were practical, actionable ideas that I can implement to help streamline my business straight away and others that have been added to my to-do list.”

   

• “I had the best experience at the conference! I was so far out of my comfort zone, but everyone was so kind & supportive…I feel like I have found my people & that I do fit in & I don’t have to do it all alone! The workshops & speakers were all fantastic! I now have the confidence to start moving towards my goals of opening my pet photography studio. I also got a lot out of the informal chat on Sunday morning, it was great to chat to people who have so much experience in the industry & don’t make you feel silly for asking questions! Without a doubt will definitely be attending next year!”

• “Loved it, honestly got more than expected out of it. It was one of the best experiences of my photography career. I can’t wait to do it all over again.”

   

• “It was incredible. I loved meeting people, hearing everyone’s stories, talking business and taking away all the little nuggets”

   

• “The feel was so much better than the Industry Nights – everyone was open to having a conversation with someone new from the start. I met so many people and made so many connections. The conversations with people were the most valuable part of the whole experience.”

• “It was so great to meet other photographers and connect with like-minded creatives, and to gain insight into how different photographers work.”

• “It was so great to connect with like-minded people and be put in a room where you are forced to focus on yourself, your business and have fun. I love that there were no egos, no gatekeeping and it was just phenomenal”

• It was so lovely to connect with other like-minded creatives. For me, the highlights would be making new friends and meeting the online friends in person.”

• “Perfection! Exceeded my expectations! As someone who didn’t know a single person there/going (and quite an age difference too for me), it was a pretty scary thing to do but putting on my ‘big girl pants’ was so worth it, and I’m now sitting here, connected to so many fellow photographers, and so inspired with so much motivation to go forth and continue kicking some butt”

• “The conference was an excellent experience! Ahead of the conference, it was great to get the regular update emails and conference page/FB group. Right from registration, we were welcomed, and there were many opportunities to connect and learn, plus options for social and downtime.”

• “Super well organised and inspirational. It was amazing to feel part of a community again in person, meeting new people and making new friends and business partners”

• “Had a blast! Met new amazing people & learnt soooo much that my head is still swimming.”

• “I felt very welcome and inspired and had a fantastic time. It was also great to see the trade partners there as well. Location and amenities were perfect.”

• “It was great, first time attending a conference. So much information and meeting people, so good!!!”

• “Amazing and powerful. I learnt a lot and made new friendships and we are now connecting outside of the ppbn and starting our own little pet community as we value community over competition.”

• “Wow! My first ever multi-day conference for Professional Photographers! Loved every single Minute.”

• “Overall, I had an amazing time! It’s completely exceeded my expectations, but tbh I didn’t have many expectations coming into it. And I didn’t know anyone other than brief hellos at ppbn industry nights, etc. The best part about the conference was meeting so many amazing people. I have made friends for life, and we had a ball!”

• “As a speaker, it was nerve-racking & exciting. I had a great time overall; everyone was supportive & friendly. The event was really well run & I loved the lunches they took out, one less stress of feeding myself. The keynotes were professional & well presented. Loved the connections I made”

• “Before attending the conference, I was so nervous. But that disappeared instantly on Thursday evening. loved it! The inclusiveness, everyone chatted, so welcoming. It was just so awesome to finally meet people who have listened too over the years. The workshops. Starting off with Elle’s workshop was just perfect. It was like she read my mind. I have so much new knowledge and inspiration to take away with me, and to just get the work done.”

• “I was very hesitant to attend as I have been out of the industry full time for a while, just plodding along doing little bits but I want to make it my main focus again. So I didn’t really know if I belonged. But everyone was so welcoming, and I realised very quickly that I definitely did belong. These are my people.”

What would you say to your best friend to get them to come along with you next year?

• You 100% need to come. You’ll learn something, have a great time and leave feeling completely re-energised. The community is amazing. We know running a business can be lonely and we often do it on our own, so being surrounded by people who truly get it is really special.. You’ll find your people! You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new connections and way more than you ever expected.
• Besties, we’re gonna have fun, and we’re gonna learn, and you don’t want to miss this!!!!
• Just do it, you won’t regret it!
• It was amazing to be able to meet so many like-minded, friendly photographers who support you and your business, to learn from each other, and connect on a level that made you feel empowered in a positive way.
• Shut up and do it.
• If you don’t come, you are going to miss out on an amazing experience! And you WILL regret it!
• We’ll have a great time! Learn a lot and get to celebrate a bit too with some amazing people.
• Check out my videos and pictures from the event, and you will see why!
• Don’t overthink it. It’s worth it if you’re serious about your business. P.S Don’t forget you can claim it as a tax deduction
• I said wanna do a girls’ trip to the Gold Coast?
• I’ve already told her she has to come!
• Come. Especially if it means taking out another credit card. But come with the intention of letting it shake you up and make a change.
• Get in the fucking car lol
• You can stay with me, you only need to book your flights and I’ll rave about the atmosphere and the vibe and how everyone left lifted and inspired.
• If you want to improve your craft & business as well as meet supportive people who will become friends, you have to come! You will have the time of your life!
• There is so much value to be gained – even just the connections make it worth it. We’re also stronger in business when we work together.
• This Photography conference is so inspiring, informative and insightful, lots of options for different hands-on workshops and the opportunity to connect with other like-minded creatives. Plus, an added bonus of fun evening events and early morning sunrise shoots.
• Start saving! Just book it.
• It’s great to connect with so many photographers who have a lot of understanding of what we do
• Would you like to ditch your law degree and become a photographer?
• Pack your shit, we’re going! It’s that simple!
• You don’t want to miss all the action and great conversations, learnings that happened over the weekend.
• Get in, we’re going.
• You will so many Inspiring photographers, you will learn so much & have the time of your life with fun people
• YOU HAVE TOOO!! Great to have a mini holiday while learning and connecting!