Apr 6, 2017
Former official photographer for the National Park Service to lead keynote address at Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show

Frank Ruggles, Artist, Author and Former Official Photographer for the National Park Service, will lead the keynote address at the Sept. 13-16, 2017 Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Calling upon his experience and passion for preserving national parks, Ruggles will host the visually inspiring presentation, ‘How Souvenirs Help Save Our Parks: A Pictorial Journey,’ on Thursday, September 14 at 11 a.m.

 

 

As former official photographer for the National Parks Service, a post once held by Ansel Adams, Ruggles will show how one simple photo can help preserve national parks as well as the relationship gift shops have with the conservation community. Showcasing a range of his awe-inspiring and most notable photos, he’ll demonstrate how a good visitor experience in the parks can lead those visitors into advocates for preservation.
“When someone purchases a souvenir from your gift shop, they’re purchasing more than just a magnet, t-shirt, or a mug – they’re purchasing a memory from their experience,” explains Ruggles. “So, for every item purchased, it’s an opportunity to share their experience with friends and family back home; therefore creating an army of helpers in the ultimate goal of preserving our national parks and gift shop communities.”
Ruggles will also be present for a book-signing event for his newest work, “Chasing Light: An Exploration of the American Landscape,” following his presentation. The first 20 buyers to arrive at the keynote session will receive a free signed copy of the new book, a 250-page collection of his life’s work and testament to the beauty and wonder of our national parks. Part of all sales proceeds of additional books sold will go back to the National Park Trust and other charities providing programs that send under privileged children on visits into our amazing National Parks.
“As the true meeting place for members of the souvenir and resort industry, we are honored to have the chance to showcase Frank’s work and passion at the Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show,” says Lisa Glosson, vice president, gift/souvenir, Urban Expositions. “I know our attendees will find great inspiration from this special session and his messages of preservation and conservation.”
Frank Ruggles has traveled to all 50 states, hiked over 15,000 miles, venturing off the grid, disappearing into pristine wilderness for days at a time, capturing the unseen wonder of America with nothing but 42 lbs. of camera gear on his back. Frank’s award-winning photographic works can be seen in galleries and public buildings across the country. Ruggles has about as mysterious and impressive a resumé as one can imagine. He carried a machine gun for four years as a U.S. Army Paratrooper, was a First Sergeant in the Virginia State Guard as a Military Police Officer, and even parachuted with the 82nd Airborne division into Panama. He then took a completely different career path. Following in the footsteps of his photographic hero, the late, great Ansel Adams, he held the esteemed position as an Official Photographer for the United States National Park Service from 2007 through 2011, a position only held by a handful of people in the Park Service’s 100-year history. In combining two such different lives, Ruggles has found himself in the role of Warrior-Artist, and is using his unique skills to advocate for the conservation and preservation of our National Parks and other natural places

 




Social Connections


📣 Meet our speakers! 📣The Garden Center Show, presented by Lawn & Garden Retailer, is excited to announce our Keynote Speakers! 📣 Michelle Sherrier: Owner of MC Design Academy and host of The Retail Whore Podcast📣 Tim Quebedeaux: Owner of RetailKPI and Service Provider for The Garden Center GroupBe sure to check them out, along with our full, FREE conference schedule for The Garden Center Show, Aug. 6-7 in Rosemont, IL.🔗 Register for FREE: LGRMag.com/GCSRegister🌐 Learn more: www.gardencentershow.com🚌 Bus tour info: lgrmag.com/LGRBusTour#GCS24 #GardenCenterShow #GardenEvents #InPersonEvent #Networking #RetailStrategies #SpecialtyRetailers #GardenCenter #Conference #speaker #keynotespeaker ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Gift Shop Plus Winter 2024
Get one year of Gift Shop Plus in both print and digital editions for just $16.

Interested in reading the print edition of Gift Shop Plus?

Subscribe Today »

website development by deyo designs