TIPPS ANGELS

A week with Hanson Fong

I had the privilege and honor of assisting one of the greatest wedding photographers in the world last week at Triangle Institute of Professional Photographers. Hanson Fong is known all over the world for his amazing wedding photography. It was a real inspiration to learn under one of the industry's greatest teachers and hang out with him for an entire week.

TIPP 2009 Slideshow

Top Ten Reasons to Attend TIPP 2009

10. A Fabulous New Crib: The Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South. This hotel is miles above our old hotel. We've had two meetings in the new facility, and they are ready to rock us with their amazing staff, contemporary accommodations,  great food and excellent meeting space.  And special TIPP rates start at just $66, which includes breakfast!

9. Hottest Speakers EVER!!: Some of the biggest and best names in the industry are ready to share their knowledge and experience with you. Fong, Allen, Hayes, Fisk-Taylor, Colleen & Co., Redford, Craft, Timmons—Nowhere will you find a lineup like TIPP has this year. Seats are limited, so be sure to reserve yours!

8. Incredible Value: No other school will give you what TIPP will for the price! For just $725 ($675 if your a TIPP or PPA member) you'll get a week's worth of education from a top name instructor, three mini-courses, 2 all-school programs, 2 parties, a ping-pong/poker tournament with fantastic prizes, all lunches and dinners, plus closing banquet, trade show, and quite possibly the most fun you could cram into a week!

7. Friendships for a lifetime: Yep, it's true. You'll meet some of the finest people at TIPP—people who get you. People with the same goals and dreams as you. With the same interests. With the same problems. Get to know them, and you'll have friends for life!!

6. Down Home Hospitality: After all the activities are done for the day, kick back and relax in the hospitality suite with a drink and a snack. Share ideas, tell stories and have a laugh or two. Just remember, what happens in hospitality, stays in hospitality.

5. Shop Til You Drop: We have vendors! Lots of them. Midwest Photo Exchange is TIPP's exclusive equipment supplier, and you might catch a sweet deal on equipment that was used during the week. Stu and his road crew will have their store open all week with the best deals ever! Plus check all the other vendors in attendance all week. And bring your own stuff to sell on suppliers night/photographers flea market!!

4. Competition, TIPP Style: No, you don't need to bring a print case, but you might want to put on your poker face or warm up your paddle for the annual Ping-Pong and Poker Tournament.  Compete for prizes at the Texas Hold 'em tables, or get up and move at the ping-pong tables. Ping-pong tables will be available in the lobby for play and practice all week long. It's the hot spot every night!

3. Under New Management: TIPP's new Director Bill Penberthy will be running the show this year, and he brings fresh new ideas and an exciting vision for the future of TIPP. Always expect the unexpected with Bill—with his sidekicks Ed and Frank, (the MacGyver brothers) it promises to be a good time!!

2. The TIPP Staff: Bill might be the new director, but his staff offers more support than the Wonder Bra. From Becky, the beautiful face of Triangle at the front desk, to the volunteer assistants in the classrooms, the TIPP staff is ready to take your experience over the top. This is the friendliest, most helpful group of people you'll find anywhere. If you need anything, just ask someone in the cool purple tee shirts!

And the #1 reason to attend TIPP 2009: We will rock your world!! You will leave on Friday with a head full of new ideas, information and inspiration that will change your business and your life. So come join us. Revive your passion. Refresh your attitude. Rejuvenate your enthusiasm. Reconnect with friends. Realize your potential.

What are you waiting for? Register today at www.triangleinstitute.org or 724.869.5455

Triangle Goes To PPWV

PPWV had their annual convention this past weekend, and Triangle was well represented. The PPWV President was, well, me, and four of our six judges were Triangle Members (Bill, Joan, Dave and Rich,) with one, Jerry Tomko, being an ex-member and old TIPP Party Legend. The sixth judge was from Kentucky, but we won't hold that against her.

Triangle Administrative Secretary Becky and 2nd VP Tammy were in my posse all weekend. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get two beefy guys in black suits and sunglasses to follow me around all weekend, but apparently we didn't have the budget for secret service agents. 

Congratulations to Gerry Solan, who won the Out Of State Best of Show Award, and to Mark, who received more bling from PPWV plus his Masters Degree this year.

Thank you for coming down to WV to support me. I love you all!!

Cheryl

Bill's Banquet Images

Thought you all may enjoy seeing these again.

We Survived TIPP 2008

Well, we made it through another TIPP, and what a week it was! Three (count 'em—three) emergency board meetings, one mini-meltdown, one missing Assistant Director, a swing dancing lesson, a mini-course on websites without internet access (which still got great reviews,) a hotel that is going to the dogs (literally) and a banquet that was worthy of a prime time slot on Comedy Central. (wife phone??—Bill kills me!)

All in all, it was a rockin' good week. There were some tense issues that the board had to deal with, but we remained true to our motto of "never let them see you sweat." The students and instructors didn't suspect a thing, and everything ran beautifully. The talent was top notch and the students were happy—a winning combination. The mini-classes rocked and it was great to see the banquet filled to capacity. TIPP is definitely growing!!

A big wooo-hooo to Becky for keeping us all together. She is an amazing woman and I am honored and privileged to be her sidekick. Thanks to the assistants and to the board members who pitched in and helped whenever they were asked, (and often before they were asked.) Bill and Ed did a great job with the photos and equipment and keeping Frank's place warm until next year. Frank was missed, though. Bill looked really lonely up on the Holiday Inn roof.

I am already looking forward to TIPP 2009!!!