FOCUS: A Photography Symposium, sponsored by Travel Nevada
April 21, 2026
Elko Convention Center
700 Moren Way | Elko, Nevada 89801
What is FOCUS?
FOCUS is Travel Nevada’s award-winning photography symposium, where attendees learn from one another, connect, and refine their craft while expanding their Nevada horizons. This one-day event features educational and inspirational sessions, meaningful networking opportunities, and often hands-on experiences with the goal of strengthening Nevada’s exceptionally talented photography community.
Each FOCUS event also emphasizes stewardship of the surrounding community, reinforcing a shared photographer’s mantra: Take only photos and leave only footprints.
Through our partnership with Rural Roundup, we aim to bring together Nevada’s tourism professionals and the photographers who can help elevate their marketing efforts.
Come meet new friends, gain valuable insight and knowledge, and most importantly, have a great time.
Maximize Your FOCUS Experience—Join Rural Roundup!
Take your participation in FOCUS to the next level by registering for Rural Roundup, a prime opportunity to connect with key Nevada destination partners and explore potential business opportunities.
With special discounted pricing, you can attend both FOCUS and Rural Roundup for just $100. Registration includes meals and valuable networking sessions.
- Attendees can provide up to two watermarked photos that will be shown on a loop through Rural Roundup. Please provide as large a jpg as possible, but keep under five (5) mb per photo.
- Rural Roundup registration includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on April 22, as well as breakfast on April 23. Attendees are responsible for their own meals on April 21.
Photo Outreach & Stewardship Opportunity
For the FOCUS morning portion from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. PST, we will meet at Peace Park, where members of the Elko community will join us to learn more about photography. This park offers plenty of amenities and opportunities for photographers, including a “Universal Peace Wheel” which includes a rotating outer casing with 36 peace symbols from various cultures, a medicine wheel installed by the Te-Moak Shoshone Western Band of Native Americans, a labyrinth, natural gardens, pathways, bridges along a creek, pet-friendly trail system, small amphitheater, picnic areas, shade structures, and bathrooms. We will be on hand to demonstrate techniques such as photographing long exposure running water and finding strong angles for creative images. We will also help engage the public, especially younger participants, in responsible and ethical photography practices.
The session will emphasize ways to minimize our impact while interacting with our surroundings. Participants will also have the opportunity to assist with park cleanup efforts, with gloves and trash bags provided for any areas in need of attention.
*Space is extremely limited—if you’re interested in the morning session, we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
FOCUS Registration
The event is open to photographers of all levels, and even those shooting with a cellphone will find something of value.
- FOCUS Morning + Afternoon Sessions – $25 (space is limited)
- FOCUS Afternoon ONLY – $25
- FOCUS (Morning + Afternoon) + Rural Roundup – $100 (space is limited)
- FOCUS (Afternoon ONLY) + Rural Roundup – $100
April 21, 2026 Agenda
| 9:00 A.M. PST | MORNING SESSION |
| 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. PST | Community outreach and cleanup at Peace Park (1103 Ruby Vista Drive, Elko, NV 89801) *Space is limited to 15 photographers. To ensure minimal negative impact on the park, please carpool, if possible. – Explore Peace Park (lots of photographic opportunity) – Be on-hand to help community members with questions about photography – Pick up any trash in the area |
| 11:00 a.m. – 12:45 P.M. PST | Lunch On your own, there should be food trucks at the venue. – Elko Convention Center | 700 700 Moren Way, Elko, Nevada 89801 |
| 12:45 P.M. PST | AFTERNOON SESSION |
| 12:45 – 1:00 P.M. PST | Welcome – A few words from Rafael Villanueva, CEO ofTravel Nevada – Group photo |
| 1:00 – 1:45 P.M. PST | Echoes in the Desert: Nevada’s Forgotten Ghost Towns Tami Force will share photos, stories, and even a few cautionary tales for those looking to explore the Silver State’s lesser-known ghost towns. |
| 1:45- 2:00 P.M. PST | SOCIAL BREAK |
| 2:00 – 2:45 P.M. PST | Guests in the Wild: Photographing Wildlife with Respect Ken Huynh shares his approach to ethical wildlife photography—one rooted in patience, observation, and respect for the animals he photographs. |
| 2:45 – 3:00 P.M. PST | SOCIAL BREAK |
| 3:00 – 3:45 P.M. PST | Turning a Personal Hobby Into a Thriving Business and Social Media Presence Kim Steed will be speaking about the business of photography, and also share how she created some of her iconic images, from beginning to finished, sale-ready products. |
| 3:45 – 4:00 P.M. PST | SOCIAL BREAK |
| 4:00 – 4:45 P.M. PST | Bringing DMOs and Photographers together Speaking from her experience as a freelance photographer for local resort locations, Kippy Spilker shares thoughts and suggestions both for photographers and those seeking photographers. |
| 4:45 – 5:00 P.M. PST | Wrap-up |
Testimonials
“Great job!!! I’ve been all of the Focus events except Vegas and they have all been good, I wouldn’t miss one for the world.”
“Not sure what I like more – the fact that I learn something from every single presenter, no matter the subject material, or the fact that I get to hang out with some of the coolest, most talented, open-minded and open-hearted people in our area. FOCUS may just be the best thing that ever happened to my hobby!”
“I LOVE the interaction between all of the diverse levels of photographers.”
“I enjoy the focus group because I always learn something to help me Improve my photos. Also everyone is so friendly, helpful and willing to share tips and a great way to network.”
“I have been to each event and found something useful at each. I would recommend them to photographers of all skill levels, the networking alone is worth the effort.”
“It was inspiring to hear the different photographers lecture, each with their own techniques and all with a passion for photography!”
