An international trade convention has a different rhythm than a one-day event. Three days, several parallel rooms, speakers from different countries and a schedule that changes hour by hour.
In May 2025 I photographed AES Europe 2025, the Audio Engineering Society’s convention, at ATM Studio in Warsaw. Three days (22-24 May), several parallel stages, talks, panel discussions, a sponsors’ zone (Genelec, Sennheiser) and stands from music academies from around the world.
What happened
On the first day I built the material from the entrance: signage, welcome banners, the hall’s architecture. This is the same material that most often ends up, at the end of the event, in summaries and invitations to the next edition.
Each day had its own rhythm of talks and panels. A portrait of the speaker at the lectern, a wide shot of the room with the audience, the room’s reactions during discussions. For panels with several speakers I worked close to the stage to catch the exchange, and wider to show the scale of the room.
In parallel I documented the sponsor and exhibitor zones: demo stands, studio equipment, details of consoles and microphones. During the coffee breaks, networking shots were taken at the university and company stands.
What I paid attention to
Three days mean a different scale of work than a one-day event: the material has to be spread evenly, so that every day of the convention has its own representation, not just the opening and closing.
I watched the content on presentation screens: the portfolio shots do not contain data or slides with specific research results, only the general context of the talk. Attendees away from the stage appear in flattering, neutral shots.
Outcome
From the material of the 3 days (1,874 photos) I selected a portfolio set showing a cross-section of the whole convention: the architecture and branding, the speakers, the panels, equipment details and networking.
Are you organising a conference or a trade convention, including a multi-day, international one? Send me the date, venue and approximate times.
