How do I register for the CNPA 2026 Annual Convention?

Register for the convention by clicking our website's "Register for Convention" button. CNPA accepts all major credit cards for payment.

What is the cost of registration?

The 2026 convention registration price for members is $275. The non-member registration price is $315 and includes 1 year membership in CNPA. Members may register and attend pre-convention workshops without attending the 2026 Convention.

Are early bird discounts available?

Yes. CNPA offers a discounted registration fee of $245 for members ($30 off regular price). There are only 50 early bird registration spaces. The first 50 members who register will receive the early bird discount. Once we have reached 50 registrations then members will need to register at the regular registration price. No exceptions will be made.

Why has the cost of attending the convention increased?

As we all have experienced, prices have risen on almost everything. For a convention, these increases include the cost of food and beverage, meeting room rentals, and hotel guestrooms. If cost is a concern for you, one suggestion might be to share a room with someone you’re comfortable with

What is the value of attending the 2026 CNPA Convention?

Your investment in attending is the ultimate opportunity to enrich your passion for nature photography at the 2026 CNPA Convention. You’ll join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals and unlock endless possibilities for learning and creativity. With unbeatable value, you'll connect with fellow enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders, taking your skills to new heights. Immerse yourself in nature photography while leveraging cutting-edge products and services to enhance your abilities.

Can I purchase my convention registration when I get to the event?

Unfortunately, no. Due to contracts with hotels and needing an accurate headcount for ordering food and beverages, all registrations must be completed by January 9, 2026. As a bonus, CNPA offers an early-bird discount for the first 50 members who register for the convention.

What does my registration include?

Your registration provides access to all presentations, vendor tradeshow, Swap Shop (to buy and sell used equipment), and Member's Choice Gallery. Lunch on Friday and Saturday is also included with your conference registration.

Are meals included in my registration?

Lunch, morning coffee/snack, and afternoon snack/drink breaks are included on Friday & Saturday. Breakfast is included if you book directly through the CNPA hotel registration link. If you book the convention hotel through a 3rd party website, breakfast will not be included.

Is breakfast included in my hotel room rate?

Yes. Breakfast is included for up to two guests per room per night for those staying at the host hotel that have registered through the direct CNPA Hotel Link. If you book the convention hotel through a 3rd party website or by another means breakfast is not included.

Is Wi-Fi available for free in my hotel room?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available complimentary in your hotel room as well as in public areas.

What is the cost of parking?

Parking is free at the DoubleTree Columbia.

Do I have to register in advance for a pre-convention workshop?

It's not mandatory, but we highly recommend registering in advance to ensure your spot. Keep in mind our pre-convention workshops are very popular and sell out quickly. Each pre-convention workshop has a maximum number of people who can be accommodated.

WHAT IS THE COST OF A PRE-CONVENTION WORKSHOP?

The cost is $100 per workshop. Click here to access the information and registration details for each pre-convention workshop. For non-members, the cost of a workshop is $125.

Will specific sessions with full descriptions be posted on the website before I arrive?

Yes. CNPA will add full descriptions of each session for each day and time as they become confirmed. Currently, the website features a general agenda for your information.

Why aren’t outings offered during the convention?

If CNPA offered both, members would have to choose between outings and attending presentations from our speakers. We only have these gifted photographers for a limited time and want to make the most of it. CNPA does offer outdoor programs throughout the year in more scenic locations. CNPA’s next Mid-Year outing is in the Asheville area. Please make sure to check your email or CNPAs website for updates on future Mid-Year outings.

CNPA’s 2023 Convention was in Myrtle Beach. Why can't we be at the beach or mountains for every convention?

We attract numerous attendees from nearby regions when we hold events on the coast or mountains. However, there are fewer participants from farther areas. Conversely, when we host events in the central regions of the Carolinas, we draw many members from the major areas and still have a significant turnout from the coast and mountains.

Can I cancel my Convention registration?

Yes. To receive a full refund, you must cancel by January 12, 2026. There will be a $25 fee deducted to cover processing costs.

What is the Member's Choice Contest?

A much-anticipated feature of our convention is the Members' Choice Contest. Members submit digital images to be judged by the entire CNPA membership. Our Guest Speakers will select two "Top of Tier" images and one "Best of Show" image from the images winning first, second, and third places in each category. Categories include Landscape, Wildlife North America (USA, Mexico, and Canada) (Central America to compete in World), Wildlife World, Captive, Birds, Plants, Small Stuff, and Artistic/Creatively Processed (no artistic/creatively processed image is to be entered in any other category).