On Twitter, on Facebook and even on LinkedIn, I have been asked the same question: “Are you going to be at WPPI?”

The short answer is: no. The somewhat longish answer is: no, not this year, but hopefully the next.

It got me thinking, however, about my friends who have been to every single WPPI convention in Las Vegas for the last 20+ years. That's commitment. That's loyalty. That's staying power. That's knowledge. Those photographers are obviously much more advanced than I could be; knowing their craft, the business and the industry we are all members in.

Can you imagine going to every single WPPI convention? Are you that committed to your business or to the industry?

Is WPPI the must-go event of the year for wedding and portrait photographers? If you are going, what do you get out of conventions like WPPI? How do you pay for the entire experience? Do you set aside a special budget for it? If you are not going, why not?

Are there other conventions you attend on a regular basis? For me MysticSeminars and Inspire Photo Seminars provide great value. Why? Because I live in Connecticut and while MysticSeminars is in my back yard, I think of Inspire Photo Seminars as being in my front yard, in Massachusetts. The smaller, more intimate, nature of these events are also a bit factor in my decision to commit to them every year. I guess, then, it comes down to one's personality and goals.

So tell us a little bit about you and your goals. Would a big (and I do mean BIG convention like WPPI) be your cup of tea or would you prefer smaller, more regional gathering of wedding and portrait photographers.

Please comment below!

I am honored to have Lori Nordstrom as our next guest blogger. You can find Lori teaching around the country, or on Photo Talk Forum, an online community of photographers dedicated to growing their businesses! Lori will be presenting at WPPI. “It's a Brand New Game,” is all about shaking it up and keeping things fresh to stay ahead. It's on Sunday, February 19 at 9 am.

I really can’t believe it’s February! Crazy really!! When I was a kid it went so fast … now I just wish for days back! It’s funny how that reverses as we get older – when we’re little we just want to be older, and now we just want to be younger again. Maybe even want a “do-over”. I guess it might be one of the most important things I want to instill in my kids … to live every moment!

Yes, it’s easier said than done. I had to remind myself today that even though January is over, we are still brand new into this new year. January for me always feels like a clean slate and a fresh start, so I’m always a little sad to see it go. This year however I’m going to concentrate on feeling every day like I do on January 1. What can I do today to make it the best day ever?

I’d love to share with you a couple of things that will get you to your happy spot for 2012.

Be A Goal Setter

Did you claim a New Year’s Resolution? Most don’t last, so don’t beat yourself up! It’s something that we call out at the last minute, usually after a couple toasts and say – “next year I’m going to …”

Goals are something different. Goals have direction. Goals need and require action. If you haven’t set real goals before, do it now! When you have a clear set of goals, both immediate and for the future, it makes it exciting to get up in the morning.

WHAT is the goal you want to achieve?
WHY do you want to achieve it? (Give it a purpose!)
WHERE are you, your starting point?
HOW will you achieve your goal? (Action steps)
WHO will you commit your goal to? (Accountability counts!)
WHEN will you reach this goal? (Specific deadline)

Zig Ziglar recommends setting goals in each of these areas:

Career

Financial

Spiritual

Physical

Intellectual

Family

Social

Ziglar describes that when you are working towards goals in each of these areas you have a complete wheel. When you leave out one of these areas you’re going to end up with a flat tire!

I feel it’s just as important to set the daily/small goals and make a plan as it is to set goals for the future. Stephen Covey says that if you spend 15 minutes planning each morning, you’ll add 20% productivity to your day! Start each morning with a prioritzed to-do list, and get more done!

Start A Journal And Write Things Down.

This makes a huge difference in not only moving forward, but re-evaluating later.

I wish you the very best 2012! To help with your planning, download this Business Plan Workbook + Goals Worksheet for FREE!

One of my personal goals has always been to give back. Getting specific about that means defining when, where and how. I've been involved locally and raise money each year for several charities including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, who I'm very involved with. However, in 2010 I went for the first time to Ecuador.

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After falling in love with the people and the culture, and especially the orphaned children, I started a non-profit with fellow photographer Travis Gugelman with the hopes of raising money for the orphanages there. You can follow some of what we're doing there at www.dandoamor.org.

The next trip to Ecuador will be in March 2012. If you are interested in coming on a trip with us or would like to help by raising money, please email me lori at nordstromphoto dot com. I would love to get more info to you about how you can get involved. It's a trip and a cause that will change your perspective and your life – it certainly has mine.

What personal or business goals did you set for yourself and how are you going to go about achieving them? Tell us in the comments section below!

Going to a trade show and conference like WPPI, in Las Vegas, is no gamble. Take my word for it. I have been and it's truly an awesome experience. It's a great opportunity to meet friends whom you have only “met” online, or vendors whose new products you want to check out first-hand. But, yes, it can get expensive, and that's where Tiffinbox is hoping to help you.

Thanks to Fundy SOS, two lucky readers of Tiffinbox will receive passes to go to WPPI 2011. The mega conference for photographers runs from February 17 – 24, 2011.

Will that be YOU? How badly do you want to go?

Here is how you could win one of two passes:

1) Tell us in the comments WHY you would want to win? What do you expect to get out of this awesome gathering of wedding and portrait photographer?

2) Tweet this: “I just posted a comment on Tiffinbox.org, for a chance to win a trip to @RFWPPI 2011. Thanks to @FundySOS + @PicSeshu! Please RT”

3) Tag @Fundy SOS in Facebook when you post a little blurb about this contest on your own wall

That's IT.

Now, the rules:

If you win, you should be able to go. Obvious, right? So, if you can't go, please let us know right away.

What you are going to win is a full registration pass ($199-259 value). The only stipulations are that MASTER Classes are NOT included and that you have to stay at the MGM Grand Hotel. Read this description of what is included in your WPPI registration pass.

Airfare, gambling chips, food and other entertainment expenses are NOT included. All that is on you. Cool?

Now, let's play. Get those comments coming. Andrew Funderburg of Fundy SOS will pick a winner among those who have left a comment and Tweeted the message on February 1.