Conference Photography for ESRI UK at the QEII Centre, Westminster
Back at the ESRI Annual Conference
I was recently back at the QEII Centre in Westminster photographing the ESRI UK Annual Conference for the fourth time.
It’s a conference I’ve always enjoyed photographing. Not only because it’s exceptionally well produced, but because the subject matter is something I find genuinely interesting.
I spend much of my life travelling around the UK, so anything related to mapping, navigation and understanding how places connect naturally catches my attention.
A Conference Focused on Geographic Information Systems
ESRI is the global market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with its technology helping organisations understand, analyse and manage location-based data.
The conference brings together professionals from a wide range of industries, all using mapping technology in different ways to make better decisions, improve services and solve real-world problems.
As with previous years, the programme included keynote presentations, demonstrations, customer stories and opportunities for delegates to connect with colleagues from across the sector.
Conference Photography at the QEII Centre
I’ve been working at the QEII Centre for many years and it’s one of my favourite conference venues in London.
Over the years I’ve photographed conferences, headshots, food photography and case studies within the venue, so it’s always nice to return.
The conference facilities are excellent and the location is hard to beat. Sitting right in the heart of Westminster, the venue is directly opposite Westminster Abbey and only a short walk from the Houses of Parliament.
For overseas delegates in particular, it’s a memorable location and offers some of the most recognisable views in London.
Great Production Makes a Difference
One of the things that stood out throughout the conference was the quality of the production.
When a conference is well planned and professionally delivered, everything feels seamless for delegates. From a photography perspective, it also creates a stronger set of images because presentations, staging, lighting and delegate experiences have all been carefully considered.
Throughout the day there was plenty happening, from keynote presentations and audience interaction to networking sessions and conversations between delegates.
More Than Speakers on a Stage
Conference photography is often associated with photographing presenters, but a successful conference gallery needs to show much more than that.
Alongside the keynote sessions, I’m always looking for audience reactions, delegate interaction, networking opportunities, exhibition activity and the smaller moments that help show what it was like to attend the event.
These are often the photographs that organisers, sponsors and marketing teams find most useful afterwards.
Conference Photography in London and Across the UK
Photographing the ESRI Annual Conference for a fourth time was another enjoyable day at one of London’s best conference venues.
It’s also a good example of the conference photography work I regularly provide across London and throughout the UK, working with conference organisers, venues, agencies and corporate clients to create a strong visual record of their events.
