By Matthew Henry

MELBOURNE: Photo Imaging World kicked off in Melbourne today with over 100 photographic equipment manufacturers and service providers showing their wares to major retailers and the public.

Hosted by the Photo Marketing Association International (PMA), the show will run from today until Sunday, with Friday restricted to trade visitors and the weekend open to the public.

PICA (Photo Imaging Council of Australia), which usually hosts an annual photographic show in east coast capital cities, has this year teamed up with PMA International to promote a new concept for the Asia-Pacific photo imaging industry.

Unlike the PICA show, PMA is a retail buying event and now has special buying offices built on the showroom floor for the major retailers.

Exhibitors are demonstrating everything from the latest digital cameras and camcorders to software and photographic services, such as printing and image restoration.

The show also hosted a retail training night last night for around 200 retail staff, which featured speakers including professional photographers Bill McCurry and Phil Gresham discussing the future of the imaging industry.
Current.com.au has prepared this special bulletin from the show.