SYNC Communications and deadlines BEFORE and AFTER the event are EASTERN TIME ZONE.

SYNC is taking place at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort which is in the CENTRAL TIME ZONE. 

Therefore, all schedules and posted times ONSITE at SYNC will be the CENTRAL TIME ZONE

Need help converting your time zone to Eastern Time Zone? 

Use this Time Zone Converter.

Professional portrait photographers from all across the USA. Everyone is welcomed at SYNC no matter what your skill level. We prefer that you are a part-time or full-time photographer with a valid tax ID# and a business website. SYNC is recommended for portrait professionals, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Our event has moved around throughout the years. We have held events in various cities in Florida. The 2025 SYNC event will be hosted in Miramar Beach (Destin), Florida at The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W
Miramar Beach, FL 32550

No. When SYNC was first founded, we were known for educational programming for photographers in the field of high school seniors. However, over the years the focus has changed to add programs for all aspects of a portrait photography business. Our current focus is high school seniors, youth sports, business, sales, and marketing.

It's a nice mixture of classroom and small group sessions. During the day, everyone gathers in one meeting room for main stage programs. In the evenings and during trade show hours, we offer a wide variety of small group discussions and some hands on photography and activities. Many times the small group meetups happen naturally during lunch and dinner with photographers from all across the USA. 

No. There are no concept shoots or masses of photographers trying to elbow their way in for a shot of a model. We do love photography, and you will learn about lighting and posing, but SYNC's primary focus is helping you to grow your business. 

The team at SYNC always researches a location that has plenty of lunch and dinner options without the need for a car. At the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort there are a wide variety of affordable eateries most within a two-five minute walk and a few options onsite.

Some rooms have full kitchens that provide the opportunity to pick up groceries at the local grocery store (or have them delivered through instacart) and prepare your own meals throughout the conference. Local grocery and pharmacy information below.

PUBLIX AT GRAND BOULEVARD 
Address     Get directions
725 Grand Blvd
Sandestin, FL 32550

Store Phone
(850) 622-2326

Store Hours
Open 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM CST

SHOP ONLINE (Delivery, In-Store Pickup, Curbside Pickup)

PUBLIX PHARMACY
Pharmacy Phone
(850) 622-3772

Pharmacy Hours
Mon-Fri:   9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM CST
Sunday:   11:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST

One of the best aspects of SYNC is the friendly and supportive community. Photographers from all over the United States gather with a shared goal: to help one another. You'll be delighted by how attendees welcome you like family, the wide array of vendors at your disposal, and the overall SYNC experience! #SYNCrocks #SYNCwithFriends

With over 30 years in the photography industry, we've developed a thorough selection process. Through an open call application, interested speakers submit their applications, including sample work and referrals to verify their expertise. We strive to bring in top-notch speakers who share valuable content without focusing on sales or displaying a rock star attitude. We prefer genuine individuals with real businesses who are dedicated to helping you grow both personally and professionally.

Like many companies, we had to make some tough decisions after being affected by Covid-19 in 2020, 2021, and 2022. We loved SYNC Sports but had to make some changes. SYNC Sports has NOT gone away; instead, we have combined it with SYNC, our main event. Now, we offer one annual event with two educational tracks: one for sports, school, and dance photographers, and another for high school senior and family photographers. Our first combined event was in 2022, and it was so well-received that we’re continuing this format going forward!

The short answer is NO as agreed upon when accepting the Terms and Conditions when registering.

Long answer and why it's not permitted: Coordinating, Hosting and/or Charging for any type of formal education not officially coordinated or given permission by SYNC, such as but not limited to Walk-abouts, Workshops, Classes, Demos, Photo Safaris, etc., ten days before, during, or ten days after the scheduled event and within 60 miles of event venue is strictly prohibited.

SYNC is responsible for abiding by Florida law and has negotiated contract commitments with convention center(s), hotel(s), security services, local city and county authorities, service providers, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees with varying expectations of but not limited to required financial commitments, necessary permits and quality of services. These types of activities, that are not approved by SYNC, cause confusion for many parties, including attendees, and can put SYNC in jeopardy with fulfilling all required contractual commitments. 

SYNC's main form of communication with attendees is via email from you.rock@syncrocks.com and the SYNCwithFriends Facebook group. Sometimes, good ole fashion snail mail is used to send printed materials and sometimes surprises right before or after the event. 

If you are not already in the Facebook group, you can request to join HERE. IMPORTANT: Questions and acknowledgment of group rules must be answered for approval to group.

You can login to your account at the SYNC Account Center (or create an account if you don't have one yet) to update your information at any time so that we have your most accurate information for communicating all things SYNC related.  

Already Registered? Manage Your Account in the SYNC Account Center

SYNC accepts Visa, Mastercard, or Discover as forms of payment.

If you are not receiving emails from SYNC the most common problems are the following:

BUT WAIT,... WHY DO I RECEIVE SOME SYNC EMAILS BUT NOT ALL?

We encourage all attendees to create an account within the SYNC Account Center. By creating an account you can:

• View your SYNC registration history
• View and update your information such as email address, mailing address, or phone number
• Resend your email confirmation
• Find your SYNCwithFriends referral code under the Ambassador Tab

Click the button below to either login to your account or if you need to create one for the first time and follow the prompts.

Already Registered? Manage Your Account in the SYNC Account Center

Your online account is created and set based on your email address that you entered during the billing portion of your registration.

If you create an online account with email address and don't see your registration, it's more than likely due to the fact that you have entered a different email address when completing the billing portion of your registration.

Over the years, if you have entered multiple email addresses in the billing section of your different registrations then you will not see all of your SYNC activity under one account. You will need to log in with the email address you used for the most current SYNC to see your recent activity which will be important if you are adding a class or need to update any information for us to communicate with you.

Unfortunately there is no way for us to combine multiple accounts at this time due to payment activity being attached to those email addresses you've entered. Our registration software system team is aware of this issue and will notify us if they find a solution where we can combine activity into one account in the future. 

If you aren't sure which email address you may have used, please email Michele at you.rock@syncrocks.com for help.

INCLUDED:

• Keynote and ALL-CONFERENCE Sessions (these are sessions that host all attendees in one ballroom with no other classes happening during that session. Topics of ALL-CONFERENCE sessions are intended for all attendee interests)
• Main stage sessions. You pick - Orange stage (High School Seniors) or Blue stage (Youth Sports, Dance & Schools)
• Trade Show with exclusive offers from the vendors
• SYNC Lounge 
• SYNC Awards and Closing Party
• Sunday morning worship
• Our famous and fun SWAG  
• Exclusive room rates for the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
• SYNC with Friends Facebook community  
• Referral Plan with opportunity to earn cash back!
• Additional surprises!  

NOT INCLUDED:

• Thursday: The Luminary Exchange pre-conference intensive class has pre-requisites for signing up in addition to an additional fee. Learn more here.
• Friday: Jump Start pre-conference classes require an additional fee along with a main event registration.
• Hotel, transportation, parking, and meals.
• Purchase Protection, a third party service that will refund you 100% of your event fees should you be prevented by an approved* unforeseen circumstances from attending the event. *See terms and full details at www.purchaseprotection.com.

About Purchase Protection

When you upgrade your event registration with Purchase Protection, you get peace of mind knowing you’ll get a full refund of your event fees should certain unforeseen circumstances arise that prevent you from attending.

Purchase Protection is a third-party service and is made available for a fractional one-time fee that protects you from a wide range of circumstances. This is only available during the registration process and cannot be added or refunded at a later date nor can it be transferred to another individual (see full list of terms and conditions for details).

Should the unexpected event or circumstance prevent you from attending your event, complete the simple claim process and upload your supporting documents.

Purchase Protection will have their courteous team review your claim and if approved, issue you a full refund of your event fees and taxes if applicable. 

IMPORTANT!

Read Purchase Protection's Full list of Terms and Conditions. This is NOT insurance and does not cover anything and everything. You can see What's Covered here.

As agreed upon when you registered there are NO REFUNDS for any SYNC event, online or in person. If circumstances arise that a registered attendee can no longer attend the event registered for, a registration pass may be sold and transferred to another attendee that is not already registered through the SYNC Transfer System ONLY. No transfers are permitted after 12/31/2025.

Why can't I get a refund? 
The best way to explain this is to give an example. It's like if you purchased a concert ticket. You cannot return or ask for a refund for a concert. The SYNC Conference is similar. Planning took place based on your commitment when you registered and those funds are allocated to provide you the education and SYNC experience you signed up for. 

How can I sell and transfer my registration?
Any registration pass sold MUST be processed through the SYNC Transfer system. NO EXCEPTIONS. There is an administrative fee of $50 to process a transfer and is deducted from the amount refunded to the original registrant. Transfers are only available for the main event registration. To initiate a transfer, complete this ONLINE FORM. For detailed steps, see the FAQ: How to Sell & Transfer my SYNC Conference Registration. There are no re-sells or transfers after 12/31/2025. 

NO REFUNDS, TRANSFERS or SELLING of registrations for virtual events, pre- and post-conference classes, SYNC discounted passes, on-demand content, Image Competitions, meal orders, seat reservations, or third-party purchase protection plans. NO EXCEPTIONS.

About Purchase Protection: Once paid, Purchase Protection fees are non-refundable and are non-transferable. This is a third-party service and if purchased by registrant (only available for purchase during the original registration process) a registrant that is unable to attend the event may file a claim through Purchase Protection. Purchase Protection has their own terms that are readily available during the registration process to make an informed decision as to whether they would like to purchase this as an add-on option and can be found at any time on their website www.purchaseprotection.com

For details about Transfers see FAQ: How to Sell & Transfer my SYNC Conference Registration 

SYNC 2026 ATTENDEE TERMS
for SELLING OR TRANSFERRING A MAIN EVENT REGISTRATION

Selling and transferring registrations are only for the main event registration. There are no refunds, selling, or transferring of any add-on items such as but not limited to a Jump Start class, The Luminary Exchange or SYNC Pass.

TO SELL/TRANSFER A MAIN EVENT REGISTRATION: 

• Complete this ONLINE FORM to inform SYNC that you need to sell your main event registration pass and/or initiate the SYNC Transfer process.

 How much is my refund?

• When someone purchases your registration, you are refunded the amount that you sold your registration pass for less a $50 transfer fee and any discount fees that you passed along. Discount fees (i.e. special promos, sales, SYNCwithFriends referrals, etc.) will be deducted from the amount refunded. 
• NO promotions, coupons, or discounts will be processed for the buyer when selling your ticket. For example, if you had a $50 discount because you signed up during a sale (i.e. the 5-day sale), that discount will not be forwarded to the buyer of your ticket. These were limited-time benefits that were made available to you for registering during that time frame and have expired at this time. If you choose to pass along the promotional savings it will be deducted from your refund amount in addition to the transfer fee of $50.

I've sold my registration through the transfer system, when will I get my refund less the $50 transfer fee?

• Upon completed registration and receipt of payment from the person buying your pass, a refund will be generated for the amount the pass was sold for less a $50 transfer fee and any discount fees that were passed along to the buyer within 7-10 business days.  

 How will I receive my refund?

• Refunds will be issued to the credit card on file that was used for your original payment. 
• Some credit card companies do not allow refunds if it has been longer than 90-120 days since your initial payment. If this is the case, SYNC will cut a company check and send it via USPS.
• If you have had an address change in 2025, please login to your SYNC Account to update your address or send your updated address to you.rock@syncrocks.com. There will be additional fees should a second check need to be sent due to outdated information.

Terms for Registration Transfers

• ONLY THE MAIN EVENT REGISTRATION can be sold. Jump Start classes, The Luminary Exchange, meal tickets, additional SYNC passes or any other add-on including but not limited to Purchase Protection, is not eligible to be sold or transferred.
• All registrations being sold must be approved by SYNC and processed through SYNC's system including all payments (from the buyer) and refunds (to the seller).
• All approved registration passes to be sold must be finalized no later than 12/31/2025.
• No registrations can be transferred to a future SYNC Conference Event.
• $50 transfer fee will be required and deducted from the seller's refund.
• NO promotions, coupons, or discounts will be processed for the buyer when selling your pass. For example, if you had a $50 promo code, provided by SYNC, a vendor, or a friend in the SYNCwithFriends Referral Program, that discount will not be forwarded to the buyer of your pass. These were limited-time benefits that were made available to you for registering during that time frame and have essentially expired at this time. If you choose to pass along the promotional savings it will be deducted from your refund amount in addition to the transfer fee of $50.
• If you used a friend's SYNCwithFriends Referral Program discount code, that person will forfeit their $50 cash-back benefit since you will not be attending.
• SYNC reserves the right to update the SYNC Transfer policy and terms as needed without direct notification. Terms are accessible via www.SYNCrocks.com.

 IMPORTANT:  If you have any questions during this process you can email you.rock@syncrocks.com for help.

SYNC sometimes sends mail via United States Postal Service (USPS). 

It is VERY important that you update your information with SYNC if you had any life changes like moving locations after you registered. SYNC only has the address that you entered during the registration process and this is the mailing address that we use to send you information and sometimes swag items closer to the event. Postage and shipping is very costly these days. We'd appreciate it if you please do your part and help us not waste money mailing to wrong addresses. 

Manage (or Create) Your Account in the SYNC Account Center

The Luminary Exchange Deadlines: 

• Deadline to add The Luminary Exchange is OCTOBER 15, 2025.

Jump Start Classes Deadlines:

• The deadline to add-on a Jump Start class is JANUARY 15, 2026 or when the class is sold out. 

Login to your account in the SYNC Account Center to add a class. 

The button below allows you to either login, change your password, or to set up an account for the first time. Follow the prompts.

Option 1: From your email confirmation

Option 2: From the SYNC Account Center Link

1. Use this link: SYNC Account Center
2. Log in to the Account Center (or *create an account if you haven't already)
   *use the email address that was entered during the billing portion of your registration form to see your most recent SYNC activity. Learn more on the SYNC FAQ page: Second listing under the Attendee Accounts & Registration Transfer Section.
3. Click on Registrations in the blue menu at the top
4. Click on "SYNC26" or "View Details" on the SYNC26 line. Located under the Name header. 
5. In the next window, click on the green Edit button next to Registrant #1. 
6. In the next window, go to the Jump Start Add On or The Luminary Exchange which are multiple choice lists with class descriptions (not a check box-these are admin only) and select your class. 
7. Scroll to the bottom and click on SAVE. As long as your credit card is up-to-date, you will be automatically charged and ready to go!
8. You MUST CLICK SAVE for this to process and save your seat in the class.

Need your email confirmation resent or have questions?
Email you.rock@syncrocks.com.

Manage (or Create) Your Account in the SYNC Account Center

Although it is encouraged to register for the Jump Start of your choice when you register for the main event, you can register at a later date however you must register by the cut-off date to guarantee a spot in your preferred class.

Jump Start classes are available based on first come, first served until the class is full. The number of class seats per Jump Start class varies depending on speaker and topic. Most years, these classes sell out quickly especially if the speaker has requested a smaller group due to topic and/or activity for the class.

If for some reason a class does not meet the minimum number of registrants by the cut-off date, the class may be cancelled due to low attendance. If this happens, registrants may pick another class or request a refund. Refunds are only offered should the class be cancelled by SYNC due to low attendance.

The deadline to add a Jump Start class is 1/15/2026.

Jump Start classes have limited seating and is first come, first served. Each class size varies depending on the presenter, the topic being taught, and the classroom size. 

The deadline is in place due to the time needed to order class materials (if any).

Jump Starts are all-day pre-conference classes that take place on Friday, February 20th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Full registration is required to add on a Jump Start class. Jump Starts will take place on the upper level of the conference center.  Jump Starts have limited seating and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

The Jump Start class fees include: 

• A full-day class (9:00 am to 4:00 pm) 

• Meals are not included with the Jump Start classes

*time is subject to change. If the time changes, you will be notified at the email address that you registered with.

There are no discounts for Jump Start classes. 

The deadline to register for a SYNC26 Jump Start class is January 15th, 2026.

No you cannot take more than one Jump Start class. All Jump Start classes are full day pre-conference classes and all take place at the same time making it impossible to take more than one class.

You should check-in to the hotel on Thursday, February 19, 2026 if you are signed up to take a Jump Start class on Friday, February 20, 2026. 

Jump Start classes are on Friday, February 20, 2026 

It is preferred that Jump Start classes stay as originally selected. If you want to switch to a different class you must email you.rock@syncrocks.com requesting the switch. All requests will be reviewed and determined if there are seats available in the requested class. 

SYNC will reply to your email whether the request is approved or denied.

No. The classes that are listed on the SYNC website are the only Jump Start classes for SYNC 2026.

Jump Start classes are on Friday, February 20, 2026

Friday, 2/20           

 8:00 am - 9:00 am      JS Check-in
 9:00 am - 4:00 pm      JS Class 

*Lunch will be on your own

Details can be found HERE.

Your unique referral code can be found on your receipt. Click "VIEW RECEIPT" on your email confirmation to see this. Scroll to the bottom of your receipt. 

Need help finding your email confirmation? Email you.rock@syncrocks.com to request your confirmation email be resent.

Only one discount or promotional offer per registrant is allowed. 

If you use a SYNC promotional code or special offer code that may be available from a vendor then you will not be able to use a SYNCwithFriends referral code from a friend and vice versa. 

Sandestin reservations can be made by one of the following:

By calling (800) 320-8115 and then providing the SYNC26 group code: COMING SOON to qualify for the negotiated discounted rates.

-or-

By booking online (COMING SOON). *PLEASE BE PATIENT. In our experience, the Sandestin website for booking is slow to load.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway West
Miramar Beach, Florida 32550

General Phone: 800-277-0800 or 850-267-8000

Reservations: (800) 320-8115 and then providing the SYNC group code: COMING SOON

Reservations: COMING SOON *PLEASE BE PATIENT. In our experience, the Sandestin website is slow to load.

SYNC's negotiated benefit:

Sandestin will collect a physical card at check in for any remaining fees, damages and incidental authorizations. With the SYNC negotiated room block, Sandestin has agreed to place a $100 dollar hold at time of check in but for ONLY ONE DAY if you are using the SYNC room block code/link.

IMPORTANT: If using a Debit card it will take 7-10 business days to release back to the card from your check-out date. Credit cards will generally be released same day but could take additional time for your card issuer to release back to you.

Sandestin's published policy:

We will collect a physical card at check in for any remaining fees, damages & incidental authorizations.

We will place a $100 per day hold (up to $500) at time of check in for remaining fees, damages & incidentals, once you check out any amounts not used will be released from hold.

*Please note Debit card take 7-10 business days to release back to the card from your check-out date. Credit Cards will generally be released same day but could take additional time for your card issuer to release back to you.

Sandestin® offers guests a choice of more than 20 restaurants right on the resort grounds. The resort's Village of Baytowne Wharf features a number of dining options including Slick Lips Seafood and Oyster House, Another Broken Egg Café, Cosmo's Robo Diner, Cannery Lane Cantina and Poppy's Seafood Factory. Hammerhead's Bar & Grille, Rum Runners and John Wehner's Village Door provide guests with a choice of nightlife venues.

At our beautiful new Hotel Effie Sandestin, you’ll find four restaurants including upscale dining at Ovide, appetizers and drinks at TLB (The Lobby Bar), hand-crafted cocktails and small bites at Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge, and its very own coffee market, Sweebay Coffee.

In addition to the dining choices at the Village, Sandestin® also offers guests a Gulf-front experience—The Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Located at the scenic Baytowne Marina overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay, Marina Bar & Grill is a treasure for all ages. Three Tiki Bars are also available seasonally. Located adjacent to Sandestin's Baytowne Marina, The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a 28-acre pedestrian-only coastal village located along Choctawatchee Bay.

Leave NO trace: Unattended, overnight items will be removed.

NO metal shovels: Large holes create dangerous situations for fellow beachgoers and marine life. 

NO glass containers

Stay off dunes

NO littering, nudity, or excessive noise

Vehicles, pets, and fires require permits

Violation of beach rules may result in penalties or fines.

Yes, Sandestin accepts Debit Cards for payment however, it is not recommended.

Sandestin has this documented on their website regarding Debit Card payments:

*Please note Debit card take 7-10 business days to release back to the card from your check-out date. Credit Cards will generally be released same day but could take additional time for your card issuer to release back to you.

Publix at Grand Boulevard

Publix Pharmacy
725 Grand Blvd
Sandestin, FL 32550-7873

Get Directions

Pharmacy: (850) 622-3772

• Monday
  9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST
• Tuesday
  9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST
• Wednesday
  9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST
• Thursday
  9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST
• Friday
  9:00 AM - 9:00 PM CST
• Saturday
  9:00 AM - 7:00 PM CST
• Sunday
  11:00 AM - 6:00 PM CST

CVS Pharmacy
130 Scenic Gulf Dr
Miramar Beach, FL 32550

Get Directions

Pharmacy: (850) 837-3999

Pharmacy hours 
(*closes for lunch from 1:30 PM- 2:00 PM CST)

• Monday
  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST
• Tuesday
  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST
• Wednesday
  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST
• Thursday
  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST
• Friday
  9:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST
• Saturday
  9:00 AM - 7:00 PM CST
• Sunday
  11:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST