Our 17th Annual Conference and Exposition will be in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 17-June 22, 2012. Our classrooms will once again fill with attendees from all over the world. Piercers, Studio Owners, Vendors, and Health Inspectors will all come together for a week of education and peer-to-peer sharing. Learn the core requirements as a new piercer just starting to work in the industry – or update your skills and information as an experienced practitioner. You need not be an APP member to attend the Conference!*
We are happy to announce next year our conference returns to Bally’s after an excellent time in 2011. Join us in the heart of the strip for comprehensive dining, unwavering service, and a signature style that attracts high-rollers from around the world.
Spend your time outside of conference in one of their numerous restaurants or shops. Relax and treat yourself to a day at the spa, or in a private cabana next to the Bally’s Blu pool. While still embodying the classic spirit of Las Vegas, Bally’s is centrally positioned on the Strip to keep you close to all the finest in shopping, dining, gaming, and nightlife. Located next to Paris and across from the Bellagio, Bally’s is a Vegas value in a convenient location.
The
Exposition is the only one of its kind in this country. There isnowhere else you will see so much great jewelry, products, and bodypiercing related services all in one spot. We expect our Vendors todonate generously to
our Raffle – in past years, total value of prizeshas exceeded $60,000, with more than 200 individual prizes donated.Social events include
an Opening Party, a Banquet Dinner, Yoga, andmore…
*some restrictions apply to the
Exposition and Members Only courses/roundtables
Be sure to continue to check this website for the most up to date information about the Conference! Or subscribe to our news feed using the "follow" tab at the top of this page to get updates as they occur. As information is confirmed and materials become available this site will be updated.
For a review of the 2011 Conference – please click here.
For a quick link to Bally's APP Room Block: Take me there!
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 some perks each year at Conference. For 2012, the APP will offer Members-Only classes, and $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 1, 2012 in order to guarantee processing by Conference. No if, ands or buts! The Membership Committee will not process applications from May 1-July 1, 2012 due to the Annual Conference.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
The APP provides 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. Details on course listings TBD
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. 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. Please see the Schedule and Course Listing pages (when available) for details.
I am a Health Inspector, can I attend the Conference? How much does it cost me?
Yes, and for the 8th 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. Our room block does fill!
If you need documentation confirming this offer, contact info@safepiercing.org or 888-888-1277.
READY TO REGISTER?
For Online Registration - select the Register Now button on any of these pages.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Hablo español. ¿Me puede ayudar usted? Por favor contacto intoutreach@safepiercing.org si usted necesita para hablar con alguien en español.
Translation of the above: Please contact intoutreach@safepiercing.org if you need to speak with someone in Spanish.
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 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 another recipient and work more than 30 hours during the Conference. In addition, they must provide their own transportation to and from the conference. 2012 application forms can be obtained by calling or emailing info@safepiercing.org at the end of November 2011. Applications must be submitted January 1-March 1, 2012. Scholarship recipients will be notified no later than April 13, 2012. 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?Volunteers made a big difference in 2011 – if you are interested in joining our team in 2012 please contact Caitlin in the office at 888-888-1277 or info@safepiercing.org
Hours and schedule can be modified to fit your needs…
CONFERENCE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
CAN I PERFORM 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 (in any hotel) 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. Don't forget proof of your industry affiliation!
CONFERENCE BADGES, WRISTBANDS, & TICKETSConference 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 RESTRICTIONSAdmittance 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 can 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 throughout, 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. (Additionally, donations towards the expense of producing The Point are always welcomed)
Don’t forget to subscribe when you register!
