Event Ideas For Small Business – Summits and Conferences
I had the chance to run a headshot photo booth at a private Sutton Group event. It was held at the beautiful Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver. This event ended up being one of my most memorable shoots of the year—and not just because of the location or the number of people I photographed.
If you’re looking for event ideas for small business summits and conferences, I can tell you firsthand: an event headshot photo booth brings massive value.
Behind the Scenes: 80 People in 90 Minutes
This event wasn’t your typical trade show. It was a private, gala-style gathering for Sutton Group realtors only. Think suits, dresses, cocktails, and a stunning venue. My job? Photograph as many Sutton agents as possible with professional lighting and backdrops that matched the headshots I did for their WestCoast Realty team. Oh, and I had to deliver edited headshots instantly.
No pressure, right?
In just 90 minutes, I photographed 80 Sutton realtors and delivered all of their edited photos before the event even ended. No waiting. No email follow-ups. Each person walked away with a clean, professional image they could use for their marketing, websites, or LinkedIn.
And here’s the wild part—the headshot booth was too popular. When the speeches started, the event organizers had to shut me down because people were still lined up for their photos, fully ignoring the mic. That’s when I knew we were onto something big.
Why Headshots Work So Well at Business Events
When people attend conferences or summits, they’re usually handed some sort of swag: pens, notebooks, stress balls. But those things get tossed in the hotel room or left behind on the airplane. A headshot, on the other hand, is personal. It’s valuable. And it’s something they’ll actually use. For years, every time they see their headshot, they will remember the brand that sponsored the event.
If you’re considering event ideas for small business – summits and conferences, ask yourself: What’s more memorable—a branded lanyard or a new LinkedIn profile photo that gets noticed?
Professional headshots leave an impression. They’re not just good for the attendees—they reflect well on the host. When Sutton Group hired me, they didn’t just want nice photos. They wanted to give something of value to their agents. And judging by the lineup, they nailed it.
The Logistics of a High-Volume Headshot Booth
People often ask me, “How do you shoot and deliver headshots that fast?”
Here’s the system I’ve refined over the years:
- Before the Event: I send out marketing collateral, such as 10 headshot tips on what to wear for your headshots. This helps people be prepared for their headshot session
- Quick Setup: I arrive early and keep my gear lean—simple lighting, seamless backdrop, and a streamlined workflow.
- Rapid Shooting: Depending on the number of people receiving headshots, each session takes 30–60 seconds. I guide people with quick, clear posing tips and a friendly attitude to keep them relaxed.
- On-the-Spot Editing: I tether my camera to a laptop and set up automations to instantly edit and email you your photos within minutes. No waiting.
This setup isn’t just efficient—it’s fun. There’s energy in the room. People laugh, they cheer each other on, and they leave the booth feeling like a million bucks.
Headshots for Real Estate Agents
Let’s be real—image matters in real estate. When you’re selling million-dollar homes, your online presence better match the part. That’s why headshots for real estate agents are so important.
Real estate agents don’t always have time to book private studio sessions. Events like this give them a chance to level up their branding without having to schedule a separate shoot. For Sutton Group, having me at their event meant every agent left with a consistent, polished look.
Marine Drive Golf Club: A Perfect Venue
If you’re hosting an upscale business event in Vancouver, the Marine Drive Golf Club is a total gem. The natural light, the elegant interiors, and the layout all made my job easier.
Plus, the staff were incredibly accommodating. Even when the headshot line got a little wild, they rolled with it.
When I set up my signage, I used the old Sutton branding. The event manager on site helped me print new signage with the correct Sutton logo. She was a rockstar!
More Than Just a Photo Booth
This wasn’t a booth with silly props and boas. This was a professional portrait station designed to add value. I matched the headshots I previously shot for the Sutton Group, ensuring each one reflected their high standards. Your company needs matching headshots to maintain your brand’s image and professionalism.
So if you’re brainstorming event ideas for small business summits and conferences, think about how a headshot booth supports your brand. It’s not just a service—it’s an experience.
Value for the Organizers
From an organizer’s point of view, this was a win across the board:
- Attendees got something useful
- The brand looked sharp and modern
- The event had a high-energy focal point
- There was buzz both during and after the event
- I am able to provide the event organizers and headshot photo booth sponsor emails for lead generation
- Event headshot photo booths are a win-win-win situation!
Professional photos are great for social media recaps and internal newsletters, too. You can’t say that about a foam stress ball.
Headshots for Real Estate Agents: A Must-Have
This industry is competitive. The best agents know that branding matters. That’s why events like Sutton’s gala are so smart—they meet a need their agents already have.
Having updated, professional images is no longer optional. If you’re running a brokerage, offering headshots for real estate agents at your next event is an easy way to invest in your team.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Rethink Event Giveaways
If you’re still handing out pens and USB drives, it might be time to update your playbook.
Offering professional headshots is one of the most practical and impactful event ideas for small business summits and conferences. It’s personal. It’s polished. And it actually gets used.
The Sutton Group event proved just how well this idea works. I showed up, photographed 80 people in 90 minutes, delivered every image on-site, and left knowing every guest walked away with something that could elevate their career.
Now that’s what I call a good return on investment.
Want to bring this kind of energy to your next event in Vancouver? Let’s talk.
Rob Trendiak
Vancouver Event Photographer
rob@robtrendiak.com | robtrendiak.com