Visual Connections New York 2013 ‘The Best in Years’

Finally it looks like the stock visual media industry is seeing a pick-up after the longest downturn in living memory.

Already the world’s largest marketing event devoted to commercial licensing of visual media, Visual Connections New York drew more buyers and exhibitors this year than in 2012. Buyers could learn about 72 different stock agency brands from around the world, including 21 new to New York and 22 from outside the US (Canada, UK, Germany, Sweden and Argentina).

With Visual Connections’ strong emphasis on attracting ‘quality’ buyers, it’s particularly encouraging for image/footage suppliers that 40% of event attendees still spend over $10k on stock images in a year; 22% spend over $10k on production and assignment services; and 19% spend over $10k on research and rights clearance services.



The crossover trend from still to moving images continues, with over 50% of buyers now using footage, and 81% interested in seeing footage suppliers (in anticipation of using footage in the near future).
“The information exchange and feedback from current and potential customers was invaluable…it was a great learning experience.” – Walt Lyons, WeatherVideoHD.TV

The educational elements of the event, which this year included ACSIL-sponsored roundtable discussions focused on footage, are a strong draw for buyers ¬– and a good justification for getting out of the office. Still, 97% of buyers say that the event is ‘essential’ or ‘important’ for discovering new sources of visual media.



Partnering with PACA to deliver an industry conference and trade fair over consecutive days proved tremendously popular: the convenience and cost savings on travel and accommodation provided a compelling incentive for agencies to do both events.

Visual Connections will be staging events in 2014 in Chicago and New York (dates to be confirmed). Any agencies considering exhibiting should ensure they are on Visual Connections’ mailing list to be notified when booking opens.