I just wrapped up my first day at BILD Expo 2025 yesterday, and whew—what. a. day. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes at one of the biggest creative conferences in the game, I’ve got you. Let’s get into it.

The Walk In: Felt Like TSA, Not Gonna Lie

So first off… getting into the building? An entire experience. The line wrapped around the block like a full-on airport situation. It was giving TSA energy, just no suitcase. I almost turned around and went back to the hotel, but you know how NYC is: you keep it moving.

Luckily, once I committed, it moved faster than expected. What looked like an hour wait? Ended up being maybe 25 minutes. Shout-out to the staff for keeping it tight.

The Badge Pickup Was a Vibe

Once I got inside, the badge and welcome bag were so well done. Loved the design. The space was buzzing with photographers, filmmakers, creators, all of us in one spot, excited and ready to soak it all in. If you ever go, please try to pick up your badge a day early. Save yourself the drama.

Comfort Over Cute—Trust Me

Let me be your reminder: wear comfortable shoes. I thought I’d be okay in my semi-broken-in kicks… I was not. Between walking the expo floor, bouncing from session to session, and trying to catch a quick bite in between, my feet were screaming. So yeah, go with the shoes your feet already love.

The Sessions? You Need a Game Plan

The big-name speakers? PACKED. I tried to get into Peter Hurley’s talk on lighting and headshot photography, stood in line with what had to be over 200 people, and still didn’t make it in.

Pro tip: If you want to catch the top sessions, leave your current one early. Like a solid 30 minutes early. Otherwise, you’ll miss out. The rooms filled up quick and weren’t as big as I expected.

Meeting People: Some Hits, Some Misses

Now, you all know I’m all about connection. I came ready to meet some of my favorite creators and hopefully vibe in real life. And while I did get to chat with some amazing folks, I was surprised—some interactions felt flat. Like, energy was just… off.

It’s a reminder that being authentic in person matters just as much as being consistent online. Show up fully or don’t show up at all.

But the Learning? Golden.

Even with the session shuffle and long lines, the content I did catch? Worth it. One standout was the YouTube session with Thomas Kim. Gems were dropped. I left with pages of notes on content strategy, visibility, and how to really build your brand with intention. 10/10, would recommend.

Major Props to B&H

Huge thank you to B&H Photo for putting this all together. It’s not easy creating a free event at this scale that still feels intentional and inspiring, but they did that. You can tell they really care about this creative community.

Day One Done—More to Come

I’m back at the hotel now, feet up and heart full. Day one definitely delivered. If you’re thinking about attending BILD in the future, don’t hesitate. The learning, the people, the energy, it’s all there. I’ll be back with more updates, but until then, stay inspired and keep showing up.

You can also watch my adventure below, and while you’re there, subscribe, like, and share what you see!

BLOG

Posts tagged with photography-conference

Inside BILD Expo 2025: The Creative Conference That Stretched My Feet, Mind, and Imagination