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APP Conference and Exposition 2008
April 20th- April 25th
Vendor Information here!
Riviera Hotel Reservations for the APP
Early Registration online is now closed. In order to receive the discounted full Conference rate of $375.00 you must mail in or fax your registration form to reach the APP office no later than April 11th. Registration is available onsite - in Las Vegas at the Conference starting Sunday April 20th at 6pm. The rate for the full conference will increase by $50.00 at that time.
Registration forms have contact information.
Class Descriptions and Schedule
Bar Graph Schedule
Vendor List
The Association of Professional Piercers would like to invite you to attend our 13th Annual Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Riviera welcomes us back for a 6th year. The Riviera Hotel is centrally located in the heart of the Strip, which allows all of the attendees a few minutes walk to all of Las Vegas’s attractions. The Exposition is the only one of its kind in this country. There is nowhere else you will see so much great jewelry, products, and body piercing related services all in one spot. We expect our Vendors to donate generously to our Raffle – in past years, total value of prizes has exceeded $60,000, with more than 200 individual prizes donated. Social events include an Opening Party, a Banquet Dinner, Yoga, and more…
Each year, the Board of Directors works hard to design the most current and updated class curriculum for both new attendees and long time attendees. 2008 is no different with new classes & roundtables, as well as refreshed core classes. We welcome returning and new instructors, including (but not limited to) Elayne Angel, Tom Brazda, Raelyn Gallina, David Vidra, Betsy Reynolds, and many more. Come join us and all the professional piercers at our 13th Annual Conference!
The website will be updated as materials and information are developed – be sure to keep checking this page for new details/changes etc.
HIGHLIGHTS THIS YEAR!
2 Members Only classes
Genital and Single Point piercing classes for non-members
Glass, Wood, and Precious Metals classes
Night class options
Bigger discounts for members
Exclusive early Expo access for members!
WHO CAN ATTEND?
Everyone! New Piercers, Experienced Piercers, International Piercers, Apprentices, Counter People, Studio Owners, Health Inspectors, Legislators, Researchers, Retailers, Wholesalers, Manufacturers…(restrictions apply to the Exposition, see below)
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES!
If you are an APP member, you get even more this year at Conference. Two Members Only classes. $100.00 off your full conference fees. Early access to the Expo before non-member Attendees. If you are not yet a member, this is the time to join! Applications must be submitted and be complete by March 1st in order to guarantee processing by Conference.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
What kind of classes will Attendees find at the APP Conference this year?
We offer up a similar number of classes and roundtables in 2008 as we did in 2007; a thirty percent increase over 2006. The APP has attempted to provide ample course selections for both the new attendee and our returning piercers. All are welcome to attend any classes, with the exception of the designated Members Only courses. In addition to many new classes, this year we are pleased to offer non-members a Male Genital Piercing class taught by Elayne Angel, based on the well received 2007 Female Genital Piercing class. We also welcome Tom Brazda, and Raelyn Gallina who will be joining us in 2008. Additional classes will be offered again in the evening hours as this option was well received by attendees.
2008 Class Listing
«Aesthetics of Body Piercing
«Aftercare: Basic Principles
«Anatomy: Oral & Facial
«Anatomy: Body
«Anthropology
«Aseptic Technique & Infection Control
«Autoclave Usage and Maintenance
«Bedside Manner
«Blood Borne Pathogens
«Community Outreach
«CPR
«First Aid
«Glass
«Grounding
«Initial Piercing Jewelry: Size & Style
«Male Genital Piercing Basics
«Medical Risk Assessment & Troubleshooting
«Natural Aftercare
«Piercing Techniques (Members Only)
«Precious Metals and Gemstones
«Public Speaking and Professional Presentations
«Retail Sales: Environment and Technique
«Statim 101
«Steel and Titanium
«Stretching
«Studio Set-Up
«Studio Inspection
«Surface Anchors
«Suspension: Ritual vs. Performance
«Wood
«Wound Care
(Subject to change until schedule posted)
There are so many classes offered, how can I take them all?
You can’t in a single year. The APP encourages studios to send multiple representatives to maximize the number of classes and amount of education a single studio can obtain. This year the APP will offer additional class offerings in the evenings, allowing everyone more opportunities to take their favorite classes. Remember, we have many piercers who attend this Conference every year and we try to offer enough variety for everyone to have a unique experience each time they attend Conference.
What are Roundtable Discussions?
The APP believes that much of the education at Conference takes place from peer to peer. In keeping with that belief we encourage you to find time to participate in these more casual, information sharing discussions, mediated by expert piercers and/or professionals. There is no charge to attend these discussions. An attendee/vendor badge, however, must be shown in order to attend.
Expected topics:
«Gender Issues in the Workplace
«Legislation for Piercers and Health Inspectors
«Being a Professional vs. Rockstar
«Being a Pierced Parent
«Apprenticeships
«Investigating New Techniques
«Life Outside of Piercing
EXPOSITION
What is the Exposition?
This is the largest gathering of piercing related vendors in the world. Manufacturers often utilize this event to present innovative and new products/services to the piercing community. This is the venue in which you as a piercer can meet your vendors and manufacturers face to face, and see their products up close before buying. A vendor’s presence at the Expo does not constitute APP endorsement. The APP encourages all Attendees to shop responsibly.
What is the APP doing about vendors selling products/jewelry which don’t meet APP guidelines/standards?
While the APP encourages vendors to attend who meet or exceed our suggested jewelry standards, the APP does not and cannot screen any or all of the vendor’s entire product line. The APP has struggled with this issue for years. Overwhelmingly the majority of our attendees and vendors like the open floor policy of the Exposition. The APP requests all its attending vendors to select products or services that comply with the APP standards and mission for display and sale on the Expo floor. Please review all products thoughtfully and remember that, in many cases, the Conference and Expo are a learning experience for vendors as well.
How much does it cost to attend the Expo? Can anyone attend the Expo?
If an attendee pays for the full conference package price, admission to the Expo for all four days is included in their fees. Daily fees vary, please see the registration form for details. Admittance to the Expo is restricted to those affiliated with the industry as it is considered to be a trade show floor. These restrictions protect our vendors, who are selling to retailers at wholesale prices. Attendees who purchase an Expo pass will be asked to show proof of industry affiliation (business license, business card with name, other documentation). The APP will refuse entry to this event without proof of industry affiliation.
I am a vendor, how do I book a booth for the show?
Please select the link at the top of this page for vendors, it will take you to all the information you need to know to book with our Exposition.
PAYMENT
What does Full Conference or “the package” mean?
What are the advantages of paying this way?
Full Conference or buying “the package” means that you receive an Attendee Badge which allows you into any of the classes (Members Only restrictions apply) and into the Expo Hall for all four days. For anyone attending the Conference for more than two days, or taking more than 7 classes it will probably cost less for you to pay for this option. In addition, the first 200 full Conference registrants will receive a special perk!
I can only attend the Conference for a limited amount of time, or I have limited funds…can I pay less?
Absolutely! The APP offers the option to pay on a per class basis. See the class listing for the individual class prices. Be careful when selecting classes this way so that you don’t sign up for classes which are scheduled at the same time. The Class Schedule will be available at a later date.
I am a Health Inspector, can I attend the Conference? How much does it cost me?
Yes, and for the 4th year in a row the APP invites Health Inspectors to attend the Conference free of charge. In order to enhance your experience, we are offering a class on Studio Inspection and a roundtable on Legislation, designed to get piercers and Health Inspectors working together on this issue. The only requirement for this offer is that the person(s) attending reserves and stays in a room in the host hotel within the APP room block. Book early to get your room. If you need documentation confirming this offer, contact info@safepiercing.org or 888-888-1277.
How can I register? How can I pay?
Mail in or Fax (with a credit card) registration is possible using the registration form: (Attendee Registration Form). Checks should be made payable to the Association of Professional Piercers or APP. We accept Mastercard and Visa only. Registration also available on site in Las Vegas.
What are the actual costs?
Early Full Conference: $375.00 - includes unlimited classes/four day expo pass
Onsite Full Conference*: $425.00 – includes unlimited classes/four day expo pass
Banquet Dinner: $40.00 (not included in Full Conference fee)
Exposition Passes: (included in Full Conference fee)
$20.00/single day
$30.00/two day
$35.00/three day
$40.00/four day
Individual Class prices (subject to change until schedule posted): an alternative to Full Conference
«Aesthetics of Body Piercing $35.00
«Aftercare: Basic Principles $35.00
«Anatomy: Oral & Facial $65.00
«Anatomy: Body $60.00
«Anthropology $55.00
«Aseptic Technique & Infection Control $55.00
«Autoclave Usage and Maintenance $55.00
«Bedside Manner $45.00
«Blood Borne Pathogens $60.00
«Community Outreach $35.00
«CPR/First Aid Combo $70.00
«CPR $50.00
«First Aid $40.00
«Glass $55.00
«Grounding $35.00
«Initial Piercing Jewelry: Size & Style $40.00
«Male Genital Piercing Basics $65.00
«Medical Risk Assessment & Troubleshooting $50.00
«Natural Aftercare $50.00
«Piercing Techniques (Members Only) $65.00
«Precious Metals and Gemstones $40.00
«Public Speaking and Professional Presentations $50.00
«Retail Sales: Environment and Technique $40.00
«Statim 101 $50.00
«Steel and Titanium $45.00
«Stretching $45.00
«Studio Set-Up $45.00
«Studio Inspection $50.00
«Surface Anchors $65.00
«Suspension: Ritual vs. Performance $65.00
«Wood $40.00
«Wound Care $55.00
The deadlines for early registration and the full conference discount are:
Online registration: March 31st at Midnight (Online registration will close at that time)
Mail-in registration: Registrations must be received by April 11th
*Any Attendees not registered by the above dates, will need to register onsite at the Riviera.
Cancellation Policy: Prior to April 1, 2008, the Association will refund 50% of the registration price. After March 31, 2008, the attendee forfeits the entire amount paid.
To thank our members, members in good standing in 2008 will receive $100.00 off the full conference package price.
International attendees receive $50.00 off the full conference package price.
Vendors receive one free class per company registration, but must register for this class.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Hablo español. ¿Me puede ayudar usted?
El APP anuncia felizmente que estará proporcionando a Intérpretes españoles profesionales otra vez para el español que habla a asistentes. Por favor contacto international@safepiercing.org o intoutreach@safepiercing.org si usted necesitará los servicios que interpretan.
The APP happily announces that it will be providing professional Spanish Interpreters again for the Spanish speaking attendees. Please contact international@safepiercing.org o intoutreach@safepiercing.org if you will need interpreting services.
I have a disability. Can you help me?
The APP wants Conference to be a great experience for all its Attendees. If you have a need for special services or concerns about access etc. please do not hesitate to contact us. 1-888-888-1277 or 785-841-6060 or info@safepiercing.org
I have no money. Can you help me?
The APP has a limited number of scholarships available. Before he passed away in February of 2001, Al D. Sowers devoted much of his piercing career to the education of piercers. It is only fitting that this scholarship be named for him. This is funding for four to six piercers in need of financial assistance to attend the APP conference. Accommodations and Conference registration are included in the Scholarship. Scholarship recipients are expected to share a room with other recipients and work more than 30 hours during the Conference. In addition, they must provide their own transportation to and from the conference. Applications can be obtained by calling or emailing info@safepiercing.org. Applications must be submitted January 1-January 31, 2008. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than March 1st.
I am easily stressed. Can you help me?
The APP encourages all participants to take care of themselves during Conference. Due to long hours and the excitement of the event, many attendees find themselves overwhelmed. Daily morning Yoga classes are free to all attendees. The Friends of Bill W. have meetings during the week. The staff and volunteers at Conference are available should you need assistance in finding emotional support, medical care, or a quiet place to rest – please let us help.
HOUSING
Where can I stay? Do we get a reduced rate at the host hotel?
The Riviera is our host hotel, and the APP block of rooms for attendees of the Conference. When making your reservation, request rates for The Association of Professional Piercers. Our classroom spaces are provided based on room occupancy, this means that filling our room block allows the APP to keep prices low for Conference fees. Please support our Conference by staying at the Riv! If you plan to stay at the hotel the weekend before or after conference book as soon as possible, weekend rates are subject to availability.
Single or double per night rates:
Standard Room..........................$91.00
Petite Suite.................................$175.00
One-Bedroom Deluxe Suite.......$300.00
Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suite........$400.00
Call 1-800-634-6753 to reach the Riviera or register online at "Riviera Hotel Reservations for the APP"
CONFERENCE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
Can I get pierced at the Conference or do piercings in my hotel room?
Absolutely not! To maintain space in our host hotel and comply with insurance requirements, absolutely no piercing, scarification, branding or implants; or any other form of body modification from hotel rooms will be tolerated. Any APP members participating in these types of activities risk losing their membership. Any member or non-member risks expulsion from the hotel and/or Conference. This type of behavior contradicts everything the APP represents and promotes in its educational outreach and mission.
Smoking Policy: Important News!
The Riviera Hotel and Casino in accordance with the Clear Air Act now prohibits smoking in all public spaces except for the casino proper, bars in the casino area, and designated outdoor smoking areas by the pool. No smoking is allowed in any of the Convention areas, or any of the corridors, lobbies, restaurants, special meeting rooms in the Hotel. The APP supports this change and encourages all attendees to comply with the new regulations.
EVENTS
Sunday Night “Meet and Greet” for Staff (Open to Members, Vendors, & Volunteers)
A casual event for those working the Conference to get to know each other. Game Show competition, Food, and a Cash Bar provided.
Opening Party: Details Pending– Please join us on Monday evening for the opening social event of the Conference. Food and a Cash Bar provided.
Banquet Dinner: Saddle up yer pony, and put on your pointy boots!
The banquet dinner and party in 2008 has a Country and Western Theme – dress accordingly! Dinner will be served buffet style (with vegan options). Be prepared to be entertained, dance, and mingle! The Conference’s awards presentation, open meeting, and top prize raffle selection will be held after 10pm, and the hall will open to non-ticket holders at that time. During the meeting, members of the board who are departing will say their goodbyes, and incoming directors will introduce themselves.
Movie Night
More details to come…
Raffle
Want the chance to win thousands of dollars worth of goods and services? The APP raffle continues to be the best gamble in Vegas. The APP can never thank its Vendors enough for their continued generosity with raffle donations. This fundraiser for the APP continues to sustain the organization in a huge way. Tickets are $2.00 a piece. Tickets are now available for purchase online at the time of your registration or can be purchased at the Registration Desk or APP Booth. Tickets purchased online will be picked up with your badge.
Yoga - Available daily to all attendees free of charge.
Members Annual Meeting
Open to APP Members only. Members who attend will receive a special gift!
International Attendees Meeting
Open to all international attendees and those interested in international issues.
Vendors Annual Meeting
Open to Vendors only. The APP requests that all Vendors attend this informative meeting and open discussion with representatives of the APP Board of Directors.
GENERAL SCHEDULE
A specific schedule of classes and events will be posted on the website(s) in January 2008. Evening classes will be offered in 2008.
Onsite registration/check in: Sunday April 20th 6pm-9pm
All attendees must check in before attending classes. Check in is also available every morning before classes begin.
Expo, Classes & Roundtables
Monday April 21th : Classes/Roundtables – Expo not open yet
Tuesday April 22nd 10-2pm Classes/Roundtables; 2-4pm Members Only/Expo Access; 2-4pm Non-member Classes; 4-8pm Expo open to all attendees/No classes held
Wednesday April 23rd: Classes/Roundtables/Expo open
Thursday April 24th: Classes/Roundtables/Expo open
Friday April 25th: Classes/Expo open
Opening Party
Monday April 21st 8pm-midnight
Banquet Dinner
Thursday April 24th 8pm-midnight
One more thing…
The Point: The Quarterly Journal of the APP
With its new format, heavier stock, and full color cover, the Point is now an even more valuable resource for every piercer. APP members receive a free subscription with membership, or subscriptions can be purchased at Conference or through the APP office for $10 for 4 issues. (Additionally, donations towards the expense of producing The Point are always welcomed. As a nonprofit organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.) Don’t forget to subscribe when you register.
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