
President Michael D Higgins presents Julien Behal, AIB Photojournalist of the Year at the AIB Press Photographers Association of Ireland Awards 2012 with Bernard Byrne, (left) AIB and Michael Chester, (right) President PPAI
This year’s Annual Conference and AGM, held on October 14/16 in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone, was a huge success. Fifty photographers along with wives, partners, children and invited guests arrived on Friday for the start of a great weekend.
Following an informal dinner and a relaxing evening meeting up with old friends, it was an 9.30am start on Saturday morning for the members.
First speaker from the packed programme was Adam Duckworth who showed us how to get the best out of our flashes on and off the camera. This was followed by Byran O’Brien’s presentation on Multimedia.
While all this was happening, 15 children along with adults enjoyed a cruise on a viking boat along the River Shannon. During the trip the children received swords and viking helmets and scenes reminiscent of the Siege of Athlone ensued.

Ahoy there matey!!
Following lunch, Frank Miller spoke on Ethics & Digital Manipulation and freelance photojournalist Adrian Brooks showed us some of his work.
Later in the afternoon, while many opted to take a swim in the pool and relax in the hotel spa, some male members were spotted ambling around the shopping mall adjoining the hotel.
This year we had a supervised children’s club during which they had their evening meal and were entertained till late.
At 7.30pm members and guests met in the Seige Room for drinks and then over 100 sat down for our Gala Dinner.
The evening ended with the spot prizes being presented by M.C. Ray McManus. Up for grabs this year were a Bluray player, four-ball and overnight accommodation, cameras and even a sledge. Bryan O’Brien ended up with a framed montage of Daniel O’Donnell.

Bryan O'Brien and his idol
There was another early start on Sunday morning for our AGM. This was the last official function of outgoing president David Sleator before Michael Chester took over and a new committee was elected.
After coffee, our final speaker photojournalist Kieran Dodds gave his presentation.
Following a four course lunch and our charity raffle (which raised €800), everybody headed home after what had been a memorable conference weekend.
• The committee would like to thank our friends in Canon, Nikon, Barker Photography, accountant Mark McCann and pensions expert Brendan Reade for their support at the conference.

Double take: Valerie O'Sullivan, Kenneth O'Halloran, Kim Haughton and Maura Hickey
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