By Kendra Jane B., Point Editor

It is hard to believe that yet another Conference is right around the corner. It is always so odd to me that something can feel so far away and yet so close all at the same time.

As you dive into our annual pre-Conference issue I know each of you are excited about a different aspect of Conference. For some of us it is the once a year family reunion. For others it is the endless supply of knowledge at hand. Yet for others it offers a break from the everyday; a week to get away from the everyday humdrum of life and revitalize themselves for another year. This will be my  eighth  Conference  (I have attended every one since I began piercing) and every year I take away a different and yet equally valuable lesson which often not only applies to piercing but to life as a whole.  This year as I prepare for Conference I am trying to do so in a more mindful way.  I am going into it knowing what I want to get out of it. This is what I urge all of you to do as your compose your check-lists and cross off the to do’s as we get closer and closer; think about what it is you want to gain from our week in the desert. I urge all of you to be mindful of the process, the preparation, and the prospects that will all be a part of your conference experience.

This year I hope to find a renewed connection, a connection with the people of our industry. I want to know why you do what you do. The fact that we are highlighting performance art means I can gain a better understanding of others’ connections to the industry. I am beyond thrilled that we have so many great classes as well as the Body Piercing Archive (BPA) exhibit devoted to performance art. To me performance art is the physical embodiment of someone’s connection with their emotions as art. I can’t wait to hear their stories and learn why they do what they do. So turn the page, read on, and get a taste of what this year’s Association of Professional Piercers Conference has to offer.