Disabled American Veterans National Confrence

Assignment Details

Client: D.A.V. Disabled American Veterans
Assignment: Event Photography of D.A.V.'s National Conference
Location: Hyatt Regency - Orlando, FL
Date: August 2022

Assignment Highlights

Keynote Speakers at the 2022 Disabled American Veterans National Conference

Jon Stewart The PACT Act
Orange County Mayor: Jerry Demings
Secretary of Veteran Affairs: Dennis McDonough

Entertainment at the Disabled American Veterans National Conference

Honor. Gratitude. Rock & Roll. That’s the mission of every Lt. Dan Band concert. There’s something for everyone as the thirteen- member group covers hits from every genre in their explosive live show.

Gary Sinise Foundation

For nearly 40 years, Gary has stood as an advocate on behalf of America’s service members. It began in the early ‘80s, supporting local Vietnam veterans groups in the Chicago area, and into the ‘90s, when his portrayal of Lt. Dan formed an enduring connection with service members throughout the military community, and as he worked on behalf of the Disabled American Veterans organization, which he continues to actively support today. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Sinise’s dedication to our nation’s active duty defenders, veterans, first responders and their families has become a tireless crusade of support, service and gratitude for all those who protect our freedom and serve our country.

D.A.V. Celebrating 100 years

The Disabled American Veterans is an organization created in 1920 by World War I veterans for disabled military veterans of the United States Armed Forces that helps them and their families through various means. It was issued a federal charter by Congress in 1932. It currently has over 1 million members.

Assignment Challenges

This was my second year photographing the Disabled American Veterans National Conference. Last year's event was held in Tampa, during the latter part of the pandemic, so attendance was a little low. This year's National Conference was much bigger. With over 7500 attendees, a multitude of meetings, awards, speakers, group photos, networking events, cocktail parties, and a trade show, I had to be in multiple places at the same time over the course of this five day corporate event. When I did get a break, I would spend that time editing the photos that were taken earlier that day. All edited photos were uploaded into shared folders so that the D.A.V. marketing staff could share on social media and create slide shows for the following day.

Our Solution

Communication with D.A.V. staff. Meetings with the marketing staff several times a day to discuss their agenda, photographic priorities, ballroom locations, and start/end times. Time Management. Spending down times editing and uploading photos.