Last month I had the very good fortune of photographing the SPC Impact event and convention at the relatively new AT&T Conference Center in Austin, TX. SPC Impact is an event put on by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, an umbrella organization that brings together various stakeholders to drive innovation and collaboration in sustainable packaging. Their parent company, a non-profit called GreenBlue, is dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly practices in the packaging industry. GreenBlue and the SPC work hand in hand to tackle the complex challenges associated with packaging and strive for a more sustainable future.
Capturing the Magic at AT&T Hotel and Conference Center: Reliving the Event with SPC Impact
The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center in Austin, Texas, was renovated into its current state in 2018, just before the pandemic. Although it was my first time photographing an event there, it now offers a premier destination for hospitality and business events in Austin on a slightly smaller scale than the Austin Convention Center. Its strategic location, adjacent to the vibrant UT campus and in close proximity to the city’s downtown area, has made it a hub for academic conferences, corporate gatherings, and cultural events. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and luxurious accommodations, the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center continues to serve as a dynamic venue that bridges the worlds of academia, industry, and innovation in the vibrant capital city of Texas.
I photograph corporate events of all kinds: from technology trade shows to annual general meetings, from corporate conferences with keynotes and panel discussions to product launches and expos. Whether you’re throwing an incentive travel program, a team building retreat, or an award ceremony, I’ve got that event covered. That being said, every once in awhile, I end up working for a company whose values and mission so clearly align with my own that capturing those moments is significantly more rewarding and engaging than the average job.
As a corporate event photographer, so much of what I do is capturing images that are intended to convey a message: I’m waiting around for dynamic movement on stage that will help tell a story. Through visual storytelling, I highlight the value of the company I’m working for, as well as the energy, connections, and achievements of the presentations. When I have the good fortune of photographing an event for a company whose vision and purpose aligns with my own, well, that means that the experience is significantly more rewarding. One of my main tenants and values in life is one of generosity and I love being able to provide value to my clients: when my work also allows me to contribute to a cause or mission that I genuinely believe in, all the better. Knowing that my photography is helping to promote and amplify values that are important to me and helping to guide, build, and shape a more sustainable future for all of us, feels amazing.
In an era where environmental consciousness is at the forefront, organizations like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) and GreenBlue are leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. The SPC aims to transform packaging systems to minimize environmental impact, while GreenBlue focuses on promoting sustainable practices across various industries. GreenBlue’s mission is to foster the creation of a resilient system of commerce based on the principles of sustainable materials management and to help foster an environment where all the players come to the table to discuss, plan for and enact lasting change.
To be frank, it felt REALLY GOOD to come to the realization that somewhere, behind office doors, people are holding big conversations about things like inclusivity, sustainability, and ecological impacts of the packaging they purchase, design, and use. It was overwhelmingly rewarding to photograph, and not just because I was learning surprising and fascinating things at every turn, but also because the discussions and presentations that occurred felt timely and important. This alignment of interest and values allowed me to tell stories through my photography that fostered a sense of pride and left me with some pretty significant artistic satisfaction, which is not something that I can say I walk away with at every corporate event I document.
Behind the Scenes of Corporate Event Photography in Austin: A Photographer’s Perspective
At the end of the day, corporate event photography helps promote the work of organizations like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and GreenBlue. The images are already being shared on social media platforms like Linkedin, websites, and in promotional materials, in turn, amplifying the reach and impact of sustainability initiatives and that’s something I am proud of. By showcasing the dedication of these organizations and the collective commitment towards sustainable packaging, my event photography helps build momentum and encourages others to join the movement: the vision, once theoretical, becomes more tangible, engaging, and relatable to a broader audience thanks to my event photos.
There’s a little bit of me that is extra proud that I can contribute to raising awareness, educating the public, and inspiring positive change by working for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. I’ve already been invited to return to work for them again this fall in Boston at SPC Advance and I’m really looking forward to it. If my images are compelling and can help serve as tools to promote sustainable practices, encourage participation, and pave the way for a greener, more environmentally conscious future, then I am 110% on board as their event photographer for life.
Interested in more event photos? I’ve got all that content in one handy dandy spot. If you’re looking for an Austin event photographer for your event, reach out today!
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