The CEPIC Congress is in London this year 15 – 18 May. PhotoArchiveNews.com caught up with CEPIC President Christina Vaughan to find out what’s happening for ‘London CEPIC Week’.
Name: Christina Vaughan
Business Title: Image Source Founder and CEO
CEPIC Title: President CEPIC 2009 – present
When did you first start in the stock photo industry?
I started working for The Telegraph Colour Library ( Visual Communications Group) way back in 1989.
What were you doing before that?
I graduated from the University of London in Summer 1989, had a brief stint for an American Investment Bank then joined The Telegraph Colour Library Nov/Dec 1989.
How long have you been a member of the CEPIC board?
Since I was elected President in June 2009
What other groups or associations do you work with?
I am an Ambassador for Everywoman ( www.everywoman.co.uk)
A Muse for Modern Muse ( www.modernmuse.co.uk )
A member of iComp ( www.icomp.com – the initiative for the competitive online market place )
Former Past VP – PACA ( www.paca.org)
Is there a theme for the London CEPIC Week – the CEPIC Congress?
London will be all about celebrating every aspect of our industry from the Photographer to the Client as well as looking at new media and business opportunities from video to social media. London is such a cosmopolitan city and so a very appropriate city to celebrate our very international industry!
Why did the CEPIC board choose London this year for the Congress?
We have not had a full CEPIC Congress in London yet BAPLA is one of the largest National Associations in CEPIC.
In addition, many members had asked for Congress to take place in a city that was easily accesible from all corners of the world and was also somewhere that they could also add on a few extra days of business.
In addition, CEPIC delegates always ask for a city that has a rich cultural heritage with a lot of history.
This year has the bonus of it being the Olympic Year in London as well as it being the Queen’s Jubilee Year making London even more special than usual.
Plus, to know London is to love London.
Which of the important issues facing the industry will you be covering at the Congress?
We will be dealing with latest legislation affecting our members coming out of the EU, we also have specialist legal panels on some of the very important current legal cases around IP, trademarks and copyright.
There are so many different discussions that you will see around Metadata and Image Search for both Moving and Still imagery and some great debates about the role of the agent in today’s market. We are adding speakers almost on a daily basis, so do ensure you check the CEPIC website regularly for all our updates as April is the month when you will see a flurry of updates.
How many delegates are booked in so far?
450+ from across the globe but traditionally, we get most of our bookings in the month prior to May so we will be expecting a whole lot more come May. London Congress is going to be VERY busy!
*Remember though, we have a zero tolerance policy to non-registrants so it is vital that anyone wishing to get the full Congress Programme, both Social and Professional Days must register. It’s very easy at www.cepic.org/Congress 2012.
Why should a picture library/agency attend CEPIC Congress this year?
That’s simple – it really is the simplest, easiest and cheapest way to meet, sign up and do business on an international basis. The beauty of London is that it is so accesible from all corners of the world – so delegates will see more countries than ever before. We are up on count from almost every country. Obviously, home countries always see a good turnout so expect the Brits to be out in force too. Plus, you find out all the latest news and gossip from across the globe.
In a year of global downturn does it make financial sense to come to Congress?
There are 50 half hour meetings possible during the allocated table times ( at least!). For a UK delegate paying €500 congress fee that is €10 a meeting. What a bargain compared to the cost of travelling around the world for 50 one to one meetings. Attendees should start making appointments in their diary now to maximise the best use of their time at Congress. A mix of meetings during congress day and in a social environment at night gives everyone the opportunity to have formal and informal time as well as getting to know your partners better in such a buzzy exciting atmosphere. It’s business speed dating with lots of extras. We haven’t even begun to speak about the seminars, the workshops and the presentations.
Who are the major sponsors of the Congress?
We have got quite a few and many more in the process of being signed up.
Corbis and Microsoft are just two big names but there are many more to be announced.
Any big hitters for the seminars?
Yes – watch this space – we start the reveal end of March!
What fun bits do you have planned at the Congress?
The Annual Industry Party Friday night at Somerset House followed by the secret “After Party”!
The Opening Reception
Photo Booth Tuesday night
Open House at many London agencies.
If I am preparing to attend for the first time can you give me a ’10-things-you-should-know’ guide to a successful CEPIC Congress.
1. Book a table – it gives you a point of focus and a place where everyone can find you
2. Once you register, get the delegate list and make as many appointments as you can before Congress
3. Get plenty of sleep before Congress as you simply will not stop from Tuesday evening to the wee hours of Saturday morning
4. Get plenty of business cards made – this is the Number One spot in the Industry for Networking
5. Go to ALL the social events – you will be amazed at the amount of business you get at the parties
6. Don’t even try and wing it and not register – you will look bad and unprofessional and that’s not the impression you want to give a new business partner
7. Follow CEPIC movements on Twitter, Linked In and Yammer – there’s always lots of updates
8. Be prepared to meet lots of lovely wonderful charming people – it truly is a fabulous industry
9. Come and say hello to the CEPIC President – I try and meet everyone but always appreciate people coming to talk to me
10. Smile – it’s the best ice breaker for doing new business
What new products available to picture libraries have caught your attention in the last 6 months?
The Image Source new lightbox for search comparison.
When was the last time you used a camera?
This morning on Primrose Hill.
Which magazines and newspapers have you read today?
The Guardian
Elle
and
Heat! 😉
Time off: Cinema or restaurant?
Cinema then Dinner!
Ideal holiday: Beach holiday or hill walking?
Mountain or Plain scrambling – my last holiday was on horseback in Mongolia.
– ENDS-
Be there! – Register for the CEPIC Congress now.
PhotoArchiveNews.com is Media Partner to London CEPIC Week and will be reporting daily from the Congress.