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While the biennial photokina show in Cologne, Germany is primarily known as the premiere place to unveil new photography gear, it’s also offering a number of educational events, networking services, and lectures for professional photographers this year.

The show, which runs September 16-21, 2014, is using the slogan “by pros for pros” for photokina 2014 and will feature a three-part program for photographers: the professionals’ lounge, the professionals' publishers and the professionals' forum. Meanwhile, educational training for up-and-coming photography talent will be offered at the photokina academy.

According to photokina organizers, the centerpiece of the photokina professionals' forum will be a central stage in the massive Koelnmesse event space that will feature live lectures from pro photographers on a variety of topics including: “how can I be (even more) successful with my photos, and what business models are there that will enable me to make money from my pictures?”

Other lectures will deal with how to make the most of photo apps; and how to tackle the particular requirements photographers face when using video on a professional assignment. The forum will also try to answer the question of why, for example, a corporate identity is so important for photographers, organizers said.

"Providing this new platform gives our trade visitors what they want from us; real-world practical tips to take back home with them on how to be a successful photographer, as a bonus on top of the multitude of innovations and trends and cultural highlights", said Markus Oster, Koelnmesse's Senior Vice President Trade Fair Management.

Other photography events at the forum include two photographers going head to head in a live competition on stage. More information on the professionals’ forum at photokina here.

In addition to the stage events, professional associations will be available in the photokina professionals' lounge to answer questions. On the “central boulevard” of the Koelnmesse, publishing houses and image agencies will be there to network and discuss photography issues.

Emerging photographers should also visit the photokina academy in Hall 9, where they can meet and exchange ideas with current and prospective students. There will also be daily viewing of portfolios, panel discussions and screenings. Editors of photo magazines will be there, as will graduates, students and lecturers from prestigious European colleges and universities, organizers said.

For more info on photokina, visit the show’s website.

As a side note, Shutterbug will be in full force in Cologne this year, covering all the news at the show. Keep checking Shutterbug.com for all the breaking photokina news and if you happen to attend this year's show, please make sure to say hello!