ABOUT THE OWNERS

Senior and Youth National Conference (SYNC) is owned and operated by Darty and Michele Hines. They founded SYNC in November 2008 with the first event launching in January 2009.

Darty was a professional photographer for over 30 years. He has worked with several prestigious photographers throughout his career and has won numerous industry awards, is an industry leader, and has always believed in quality education. He enjoys sitting on a beach listening to Kenny Chesney.

Michele was the Director of Programs & Services at the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association, PLNA, for approximately 13 years. Those thirteen years brought the experience of event planning, conferences, and trade shows to the SYNC family business. She enjoys video production and watching the hummingbirds in the backyard garden.

Darty and Michele met during college at the Ohio Institute of Photography in Dayton, OH, where the chemistry was not just in the darkroom. They married a few years after college graduation, have 3 beautiful daughters (Elise, Marissa, and Samantha), an amazing grandson, and currently reside in DeLand, Florida.

Together, they are a team that brings passion and commitment to your success. They do this through quality portrait and sports photography events and resources with top-notch educators for the creative community that provide a professional and personal experience like no other.

Our Core Values

LEADERSHIP - In business, reputation is everything. Having the courage to lead and organize differently sets SYNC apart.

INSPIRATION - Wherever your faith or hope lies, you will find compassion and optimism within the SYNC Community to give you the encouragement needed personally and professionally.

CREATIVE GROWTH - SYNC is a platform for discovering ways to grow as a creative person and a creative business owner.

IMPACT - SYNC is dedicated to investing in our community’s personal growth setting off a chain reaction of positive energy so powerful that we are making a real difference in their careers and personal lives.

TRUST - Positive relationships, reliability, honesty, and consistency contribute to building trustworthy relationships within the SYNC Community.

INTEGRITY - For SYNC, It’s about being responsible and doing what is right with excellence and respect for our family, friends, and community.

CONNECTION - When our absence doesn’t alter your life, then our presence has no meaning in it.

When you are at SYNC, you are EXACTLY where you need to be.

SYNC: A Creative Community SYNCing Business & Life with Opportunity
This creative community of professional photographers, digital artists, studio owners, and industry service providers gather together to create, learn and inspire each other with business and life opportunities.

Whether you seek

… a community for inspiration to reignite your creativity
… resources to improve your photography
… to increase your sales & marketing
… to improve your business’ success
...a welcoming friendly portrait photography conference

SYNC is for YOU!

" The photography industry changes and evolves every day. As business owners, digital artists, and photographers, we need a conference that will help us evolve and grow with the ever-changing portrait photography market. SYNC was created in 2009 as a place for photographers to learn, share, and grow in a friendly open environment. Our show is more of a photography event instead of a traditional convention. SYNC combines both scheduled programming and relaxed get-togethers for professional photographers from all across the USA. The main stage educational programming will help you build your business and make your studio a success. The networking events will expand your creativity and build lasting friendships in the photography industry. The Sunday worship service will inspire you and help you grow in your faith. SYNC will provide you with the tools and knowledge to help your small business grow. When you attend SYNC and apply what you learn, you will achieve success. We welcome all portrait photographers to experience SYNC. You will love it!"

- Darty & Michele Hines

I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU. THEY ARE PLANS FOR GOOD NOT DISASTER. TO GIVE YOU A FUTURE AND A HOPE. - JEREMIAH 29:11 (NLT)