The Photomatica Vendor Management Summit: Why Working Here is More Than Just a Job
At Photomatica, we understand that keeping the charm of analog photo booths alive takes more than just machines—it takes a crew of dedicated, creative, and passionate individuals. That’s why every year, we bring everyone together for the Photomatica Vendor Management Summit, where our team gets to connect, learn, and celebrate. This year’s summit in San Francisco was nothing short of amazing, packed with workshops, photo sessions, and some serious fun.
A Crew Like No Other
Our team came from all corners of the map—New England, Brooklyn, Knoxville, Houston, LA, Denver, Austin, and even from as far as Amsterdam and Austria. Whether they’re youth pastors, cowboys, or something entirely different, everyone brings something unique to the table. It’s this mix of personalities and backgrounds that makes Photomatica more than just a company—it’s a family. And when co-founder Doug Ellington said, “We’ve brought together this mismatched group of people, and that’s when I knew we were doing something right,” it truly summed up the spirit of what Photomatica is all about.
Learning, Crafting, and Tintypes
The summit kicked off with hands-on workshops covering everything from photo booth maintenance to new photography techniques. But it wasn’t just about the work. We invited our friend Nikki, also known as @oldblackkettle, who drove out from Denver with her 170-year-old camera to take tintype and ambrotype photos of the team. Each shot took 10 minutes to prepare, which meant there was plenty of time to catch up and connect. This wasn’t just about mastering the craft—it was about bonding with the people who have been working side-by-side for more than a decade.
Exploring SF and Partying Hard
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Photomatica event without some serious fun. Friday night, we had a killer dinner at China Live, followed by cocktails and stories at the legendary Starlite Room. The next day, we hopped a ferry to SF, caught a baseball game, and capped the night off with an epic after-party at Hotel Utah Saloon. By Sunday, we were riding Segways through the Marina, stopping for a final lunch at the iconic Buena Vista Cafe (with a pit stop at Fisherman’s Wharf Applebee’s for good measure).
Why It’s So Cool to Work Here
This summit isn’t just about business. It’s our way of saying “thank you” to the people who keep the wheels turning at Photomatica. As Liam, our operations lead, put it, “Photomatica isn’t just a job—it’s a shared purpose. And while we’re serious about our work, we’re equally serious about making memories with this crew.”
The event is about celebrating the wins, having a blast, and keeping our team connected to what really matters—each other. Photomatica has grown from Doug’s first wedding photo booth to managing over 200 custom booths in six major markets. But no matter how big we get, our values stay the same: run a solid business, have fun, and make sure everyone shares in the success.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up another unforgettable summit, we’re already looking forward to the next one. There’s more to come—more booths, more events, and more time with the people who make Photomatica what it is. For those who were there, it was a weekend to remember. And for those who missed it? We’ll catch you next year!
