Since the mid-1960s, a reunion of sorts has taken place at the National Geographic headquarters in Washington. What began as a chance for National Geographic photographers to share their work with each other and their editors has evolved into a day-long “celebration of photography,” in the words of Senior Photo Editor and organizer Elizabeth Krist.

With almost 800 RSVPs from diverse corners of the photography world—photographers, editors, curators, gallery owners, students, professors, critics, and other industry professionals—the seminar may feel less like the intimate projection that it once was, but it still has the spirit of a family reunion designed to nourish the creative spirit of the invited guests, and to offer inspiration for the year ahead.

The history of speakers includes