Building on the momentum of bringing our industry together on a global stage, we return to convene a new international gathering - one rooted in a single idea: coopetition.
Coopetition blends competition and collaboration to drive mutual benefits. Our industry faces shared challenges that no single organisation can solve alone - so we should unite, and address them together.
This conference is built on that principle: collaborating where it strengthens the industry, and competing where it creates value for the individual company. Drawing on the experience of organising similar conferences around the world, the format has been refined to be more practical, more focused, and more valuable for the participants.
Two full days, refined to deliver maximum value: live demonstrations, high-profile speakers, hands-on coaching, panels, awards - and the room to actually talk to your peers.
On-stage demos from relevant industry vendors - see the tools in motion.
Educational and inspirational talks from high-profile international speakers.
Personal, scheduled coaching sessions - bring a question, leave with an answer.
Recognising the work that's pushing our industry forward this year.
International panels addressing the challenges no single company can solve alone.
Designed time and space to network, reconnect, and meet new collaborators.
First look at the data shaping where school photography is heading next.
High-value, small-format discussions on the issues that matter most to you.
The voices shaping the conversation.
An international line-up of practitioners, operators and thinkers - each bringing decades of hands-on experience inside the school photography industry. Click any card to read their bio.
Two and a half days, mapped out hour by hour.
"Get together with your peers, network, and have fun. Everything else flows from that."
Only a few minutes from Terminal 5, with direct connections from across Europe and beyond. Built around a dedicated conference floor, with everything in one place so that the schedule - and the conversations - never have to pause.
Words from past attendees.
The conference held in Sydney was an eye-opener for us. The ability to come together as a community of like minded photo business owners, who prefer a modern platform for selling our photos, was one we didn't want to miss. We were able to hear from established businesses from all over the world, comparing notes and gaining valuable insights on how they run their businesses. We're still in contact with colleagues we met from the day and share our knowledge on a regular basis.
Hello Harri, I just wanted to say thank you for a great couple of days with you and the amazing group of people you put together! I really enjoyed getting to see the giants and the smaller vendors in the school photography world all coming together!
I've attended many photography conferences and events across the UK and also overseas, but never at one filled with so much energy, excitement and enthusiasm. I've also never attended a conference with a musician to keep us warmed up between speakers, beer and wine on the tables throughout the day, and a real community feel, everyone supporting and inspiring each other.
Harri, I wanted to say thank you for inviting me to the photography conference in Birmingham, I really enjoyed it and felt I really got a lot out of it, feeling very inspired to grow and looking forward to the future.
The speakers were all so knowledgeable and every one of them brought something to the table. I have been in the business for 30 years and it was such an eye opener.
The conference in Cape Town was absolutely amazing. It was an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best minds in school photography, gain fresh inspiration, and discover new ideas that I can bring back into my own work.
We really enjoyed the international pre conference track at SPAC in Las Vegas. Beyond the learning, the networking with like minded people from around the world made the experience truly unforgettable.
We've priced this to make the decision easy. Two full days of programme, every meal, the reception drink and Thursday evening dinner - bundled at a flat rate per person.
If you'd like to secure a seat early or receive updates as soon as tickets become available, please fill in the form below.
We'll get in touch the moment tickets go live. Your details are only used for ISPC 2027 communications - no marketing, no sharing with third parties.
You're also welcome to reach out directly to Harri Olkinuora on LinkedIn or via email at harri@netlife.no.
A carefully selected group of invited vendors, integrated through demonstrations, conversations and social activities - not a trade show floor.
Everything you might want to know - answered.
This international conference is crafted for established volume photography companies dedicated to capturing and preserving cherished memories of children's formative years.
It's ideal for those looking to refine operations, increase profitability, network with peers and scale their business to new levels.
While we're passionate about supporting new photographers entering the school photo space, the content of this conference is tailored specifically to experienced professionals in the industry.
You can expect practical insights and real-world experiences designed to inspire success in the school photography industry. The conference will explore ways to maximise revenue through stronger online sales strategies and improved customer communication, while also focusing on photography department optimisation through training, quality control, and strategic support.
Attendees will experience live demonstrations of efficient workflows and learn how data-driven automation and templates can simplify processes and improve sales performance. The programme will also cover business growth strategies, including how to transition from day-to-day operational involvement into more strategic leadership roles.
In addition, the conference will address client acquisition and retention, sharing practical strategies for winning and maintaining school partnerships, while also exploring how better collaboration and conflict resolution can strengthen both businesses and the industry as a whole.
The event is organised by the International School Photography Conference team, led by Harri Olkinuora.
The team contains international coaches, mentors, entrepreneurs, keynote speakers and thought-leaders.
Founding members are Glen Nelson (Australia), Andy Molloy (Spain), Gareth Gilmour (South Africa) Marcello Alvarado (Chile), Leigh Wolford (Australia), Jeff Brown (UK) and Harri Olkinuora (Norway).
And at our recent events we have extended the team with Magnus Bagge (Sweden), Dan McPherson (UK), Rodrigo Alvarado (Australia) , Neil Sweeney (UK), Brendan Collopy (USA), Magnus Eikli (Sweden), Jason Butcher (Australia), Lee Brooker (UK) and Elliott Tyson (USA).
The conference is a volunteer-driven initiative, created by and for the industry, with no financial profit motive. This approach helps keep participation costs as low as possible while maintaining a high-quality experience for attendees.
In the interest of transparency, any remaining funds after event expenses will be reinvested into future conferences and industry initiatives.
The conference is also supported by the UK School Photography Association and Netlife. (Harri will due to his commitments have a triple role at the event - just to be transparent).
The International School Photography Conference team have previously organized successful conferences at these locations:
Harri Olkinuora was also organizing SPAC Europe as part of Photokina in Germany back in 2018.
No. The conference is organised on a volunteer basis, by the industry and for the industry, with no financial profit motive behind it.
The event exists purely because of a shared passion for the school photography industry and a desire to bring people together to learn, connect, and improve the industry as a whole.
To help keep costs low, both the organisers and the speakers cover their own travel and participation expenses.
We have carefully researched the international event calendar to minimise overlap with other major industry conferences and gatherings, making it easier for attendees to participate in multiple events throughout the year.
To enable meaningful dialogue, we're keeping the event intentionally small, limited to 100 attendees + 25 vendors, speakers and organisers.
This isn't about the number of participants, but about bringing together the right people.
Based on previous conferences, we expect tickets to sell out.
To keep the event focused, interactive, and valuable for attendees, the number of participants is intentionally limited. We therefore recommend securing your ticket as early as possible.
For just £99 GBP, your ticket includes access to the full two-day international conference programme, including presentations, discussions, networking, and social activities.
Your ticket also includes:
We have worked hard to keep the event affordable while still creating a high-quality and valuable experience for attendees.
No.
Since this is a conference created by and for the industry, our goal is simply to keep ticket prices as low as possible while covering event expenses.
Rather than using tiered pricing or promotional discounts, we have chosen to offer the fairest possible price to everyone from the start.
Yes
Yes. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your ticket to a colleague within your organisation or to another professional within the school photography industry.
Please note that tickets cannot be transferred to third-party vendors or suppliers, as vendors are required to participate through the official sponsor programme.
Send an email to harri@netlife with information of who you transfer the ticket to.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds once tickets have been purchased, due to the financial commitments and contractual obligations associated with the venue and event planning.
If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to transfer your ticket to another professional within the school photography industry.
The conference will start on Wednesday afternoon with 1-to-1 coaching sessions and a networking event, while the main conference will start Thursday morning, concluding at noon on Friday.
It gives you the option to either extend your stay and enjoy some time in London, or head home within a convenient time frame.
The London Heathrow venue has been selected with accessibility in mind, ensuring smooth travel for both international and domestic attendees.
We aim to create an environment where learning happens alongside meaningful connections. That's why we put a strong emphasis on discussion and networking, because we know from experience, that's what drives our industry forward.
Closer to the event we will send you a form where you can apply for a coaching session with our mentors.
This is the only award ceremony where the goal is not perfection… but to survive when your belly hurts from laughter..
We're inviting all attendees to share their most awkward, painful, hilarious, and unbelievable moments from life in school photography. Because behind every terrible photo, unexpected disaster, or chaotic experience… there's usually a great story.
The organisers will nominate a selection of the best submissions, which will be presented live during the event.
We will send you an application form closer to the event, but please think back and write down your most awkward or bizarre moment already now.
The conference is supported by a carefully selected group of invited vendors who are highly relevant to our industry and programme. They are all listed in the sponsor section.
Rather than a traditional trade show setup, the event is designed to encourage meaningful networking and genuine in-person interaction. Sponsors will be integrated into the experience through demonstrations, conversations, and social activities, creating plenty of opportunities to connect naturally throughout the event.
We have decided to not print any company names on attendee badges because we want our attendees to connect with each other as people, rather than through company affiliations.
By removing company branding from badges, we create space for more open, genuine conversations, where connections begin with curiosity rather than assumptions.
The exception is our sponsors, whose company names are included so attendees can easily identify who they represent.
Yes. A WhatsApp group will be created for attendees to help encourage networking, communication, and knowledge sharing before, during, and after the event.
One of the main goals of the conference is to build a stronger international community within the industry, and the group will provide an easy way for participants to stay connected and continue conversations beyond the event itself.
PS! It is optional to be added to this group.
No but feel free to reach out to the speakers directly and ask, since we are all here to share.
We hope everyone would like to stay at the same hotel to increase the social aspect of this event.
You can book at the hotel website https://www.thistle.com/heathrow-terminal-5/ or using this link for discounted room rates £85 including breakfast for the room blocked out for the event: https://reservations.travelclick.com/100241?groupID=5290730
Please note that an additional supplement of £15.00 per night applies for double-occupancy rooms so the price will be listed as £100 per night. So if you travel by yourself, please change this in the Adult/children tab in the menu.
The easiest and most convenient way to reach the venue from Heathrow Airport is by using the Heathrow Pods. These driverless electric pods provide a quick connection between Terminal 5 and the Thistle Heathrow Terminal 5 hotel, with a journey time of approximately 5 minutes.
The pods operate frequently throughout the day and cost about £8 pr person. Each pod can carry up to four passengers with luggage, offering an easy alternative to shuttle buses or taxis.
The pod station is located within walking distance of the hotel, and access instructions will be provided by the hotel upon arrival. More information on: https://www.thistle.com/heathrow-terminal-5/heathrow-pods/
From Terminal 5 you can also take local service bus 423 from stand 6 to reach Thistle Heathrow. The journey takes up to 12 minutes and the price starts from £1.75 per person per journey.
If you arrive at terminal 2, 3 & 4, the best option is to take the Heathrow Connect train to Terminal 5 (which is free to use between terminals).
To travel to the terminal, the same service bus will take you from Thistle Heathrow to Terminal 5.
The Heathrow Express runs direct from London Paddington in just 20 minutes to the Heathrow Terminal 5 stop, with a train every quarter of an hour.
London Underground also operates between the airport and the capital via the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line and takes around 40-60 minutes from central London.
Get off at the Heathrow Terminal 5 stop and follow the directions from the airport below.
The hotel is located close to Heathrow Terminal 5 and is easily accessible by car via the M25 and M4 motorways.
From the M25, exit at Junction 14 and follow signs for Terminal 5 / A3044. From the M4, exit at Junction 4b and follow signs for Heathrow Terminal 5.
The hotel address is: Bath Road, Longford, West Drayton UB7 0EQ, United Kingdom
We recommend using GPS or your preferred navigation app for real-time traffic updates around Heathrow Airport. To programme your sat-nav, please use postcode UB7 0EB or UB7 0ET.
450 spaces are available at £18.00 per car per night when reserved with accommodation. Save more when booking parking as part of a package. More information on: https://www.thistle.com/heathrow-terminal-5/special-offers/stay-park-fly/
International attendees are responsible for ensuring they meet all UK entry and travel requirements before travelling.
Depending on your nationality, you may need a valid visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom.
We recommend checking the latest travel requirements well in advance through the official UK Government website https://www.gov.uk/eta, and ensuring that your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Please avoid third-party websites charging extra fees.
The conference will be held in English. For attendees who are not fluent in English, modern translation tools such as the live translation features available on newer smartphones and earbuds can be very helpful during presentations and conversations. There are also several other real-time translation solutions available today that may support your experience throughout the event.
Yes. Your conference ticket includes coffee, refreshments, and snacks during conference hours on Thursday, as well as a buffet lunch and buffet dinner.
We want attendees to stay energised, focused, and well-fed throughout the day because great conversations are always better when nobody is starving.
All meals during the conference will be served buffet-style. Food items will be clearly labelled with allergen information to help attendees make informed choices based on their dietary needs and preferences.
If you have severe allergies or specific dietary requirements, we recommend informing the organisers in advance so we can assist where possible.
The dress code for the conference is business casual.
We encourage attendees to dress comfortably while maintaining a professional appearance. There is no need for formal business attire since the atmosphere is intended to be relaxed.
Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event for promotional and community purposes. By attending the conference, you acknowledge that you may appear in event photography or recordings shared on websites, social media, and future event materials.
If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform the organisers upon arrival and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
We encourage attendees to capture and share moments from the event respectfully and professionally on their social media channels.
But please always be mindful of personal boundaries and ask for consent before recording private conversations or close-up individual content.
Some presentations, demonstrations, or discussions may include confidential or sensitive industry information. In such cases, organisers or speakers may request that photography or recording is limited or not permitted. Please respect all such requests.
We want this conference to be a welcoming, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone. By attending, all participants agree to contribute to a positive environment built on professionalism, openness, and mutual respect.
We ask all attendees to:
Unacceptable behaviour includes:
The organisers reserve the right to ask any attendee to leave the event without refund if their behaviour negatively affects the safety, comfort, or experience of others.
Above all, this conference exists to strengthen the international school photography community - so be respectful, be curious, and enjoy the experience.
You can contact Harri Olkinuora on email harri@netlife.no or call +47 98228336.
Please note that during the event, email responses may be delayed due to limited availability. If you need urgent assistance while the conference is taking place, we recommend calling directly.
