The Association of Professional Piercers would like to invite you to attend our 15th Annual Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The APP will be back at the legendary Tropicana Las Vegas from May 2nd to May 7th in 2010. The Tropicana is conveniently located on the hottest four corners on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Merely steps away attendees will find New York, New York; the Excalibur, and the MGM Grand!
In addition to the standard amenities, the Tropicana provides a lush tropical ambiance in their stunning five-acre garden oasis. Numerous swimming pools, waterfalls, trees, and flowers, along with large hot tubs are available in the interior garden courtyard.
The Tropicana is undergoing a renovation Spring of 2010! We are excited to be there during this transformation!
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…
This website will be updated as materials and information are developed – be sure to keep checking back for new details/changes etc.
WHO CAN ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?
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 Exposition Page)
MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES!
If you are an APP member, you get some perks each year at Conference. For 2010, the APP will offer Members-Only** classes & $50.00 off your full conference fees. If you are not yet a member, this is the time to join! Applications must be submitted and be complete by February 1st, 2010 in order to guarantee processing by Conference. No if, ands or buts!
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
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. As requested by many vendors and attendees alike we adjusted the schedule for 2010 to allow for more time to spend on the Expo floor, without impacting too much on our overall course offerings. See the Schedule and Course Listing page for details.
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. See Schedule and Course Listing page for details.
I am a Health Inspector, can I attend the Conference? How much does it cost me?
Yes, and for the 6th year in a row the APP invites Health Inspectors to attend the Conference free of charge. 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.
** NEW POLICY: Members-Only classes will now be restricted to Business Members and Business Members at Large.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Hablo español. ¿Me puede ayudar usted?
Por favor contacto intoutreach@safepiercing.org si usted necesita para hablar con alguien en español.
El APP estará teniendo un día taller largo con clases para ser contenido español en vez de proporcionar a intérpretes para 2010. Mientras el APP cree totalmente a proporcionar la educación penetrante en español, el número limitado de asistentes que necesitan servicios que interpretan y el costo alto para intérpretes ha causado que el APP tratara esta alternativa. Además, español que habla a asistentes es favorecido a asistir los seminarios de APP contuvieron México D.F. en la caída.
Translation of the above:
Please contact intoutreach@safepiercing.org if you need to speak with someone in Spanish.
The APP will be holding a day long workshop with classes being held in Spanish instead of providing interpreters for 2010. While the APP strongly believes in providing piercing education in Spanish, the limited number of attendees who necessitate interpreting services and the high cost for interpreters has caused the APP to try this alternative. In addition, Spanish speaking attendees are encouraged to attend the APP seminars held in Mexico City in the fall.
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? (Applications for 2010 are no longer being accepted - if you are interested in information for 2011 please contact the APP Office at info@safepiercing.org or 888-888-1277) 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 eight 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. 2010 application forms can be obtained by calling or emailing info@safepiercing.org after November 1, 2009. Applications must be submitted January 1-January 31, 2010. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than March 1st, 2010. Please contact Caitlin with any questions!
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.
I want to Volunteer – how can I help?
With all the new ideas – we need additional volunteers for 2010! Please contact Caitlin in the office at 888-888-1277 or info@safepiercing.org if you are interested in helping out in 2010. Hours and schedule can be modified to fit your needs…
CONFERENCE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
CAN I DO OR RECEIVE 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.
REGISTRATION AND CHECK IN – please bring a valid form of photo identification – Driver’s license, State I.D., passport etc. in order to Register onsite or pick up your Conference Badge.
CONFERENCE BADGES, TICKETS AND WRISTBANDS
Conference badges should be worn while in the Conference/Exposition area. Badges must be on your person if entering a class, roundtable or the Exposition. Appropriate class tickets and/or wristbands must also be available. Banquet Tickets must be shown for entry into the Banquet Dinner. The APP reserves the right to refuse to reissue lost items without additional fees.
EXPOSITION FLOOR RESTRICTIONS
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 the Exposition Floor without proof of industry affiliation.
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 $20 for 4 issues. Don’t forget to subscribe when you register! |
