Brian Skellie
APP President

Some of the most interesting figures in our history have been those who have taken me and others under their wing to share insights and build community. These avuncular aspects I liken to having a peculiar aunt or uncle in the trade. This year, this feeling was shared by many of my colleagues as we celebrated our 20th Conference with memorials to Tía Raelyn Gallina and our self proclaimed Freakunkle Sid Diller, and a reunion of our extended family. Over the years as much as I’ve gleaned from my familiar mentors in technical and business development, it has been paired with conscientiousness and compassion. To my delight, I have discovered I’ve become one of these figures for some of you.

This opportunity is appreciated profoundly in my reflection on the 20 years of experience interacting with the participants of this organization. Over this epoch I’ve started my own family with Sandrine. We met at the 2004 Conference, introduced by a dear mutual friend and colleague whom I knew from previous years at the event. This year, our daughter was delivered shortly after the Conference, requiring more family compromise than usual to uphold my commitments to travel and share my knowledge. Observing similar efforts from so many of my peers who brought their children, including those who work as a family, filled me with hope, and keened my focus.

The Body Piercing Archive we, the APP have committed to has shown a promising beginning, exceeding my expectations. My first walk through had me transfixed by the images and left me feeling inspired. I eagerly awaited my chance to be a docent and impart memories and observations of important participants and watershed events in our trade and organization as we followed along with our exhibit materials.

The great responsibility to give the President’s Award for 2015 was a subject which I had the privilege to ruminate upon from the moment Elayne Angel handed one to me in 2014. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to get to know this person, who represents a synthesis of the principles, talents, and open perception that has served to elevate so many others in our profession. I am elated to present to Jef Saunders this award, to confer and recognize the potential of our colleague.

It seemed this was our volunteers’ strongest year yet, showcasing their customer service talents to help their peers. Our scholarship recipients appeared to have given their best efforts alongside veterans as the cogs that keep our event moving forward smoothly.

As a speaker, each invitation to prepare and practice sharing a subject has delighted me. The members’ advanced technique round table and needle theory presentations were highlights for me, and a joy to collaborate with other instructors. All in all this was an absolutely outstanding Conference. I even have my own hashtag: #skelfie