As we all prepare to come together for the 24th annual APP Conference & Exposition, we want to make sure you know about some of the great events that make up our week in Vegas.
OPENING POOL PARTY
Monday, May 12, 8 pm–Midnight
Sponsored by Sleeping Goddess Jewelry, Auris Jewelry, Anatometal, and Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
We will be taking our Opening Pool Party down the street to the fabulous Flamingo Go Pool. After the fantastic party last year, how could we not want to do it again?! Right across from Bally’s, this destination party means even more fun in a beautifully updated pool that was designed specifically for parties like ours. You can even rent your own Cabana so you can enjoy the party in real style. Free shuttles will be available for attendees from Planet Hollywood to The Flamingo Go Pool.
Tuesday, May 13, 10 am–11 am
Reducing Waste In Your Studio
Kendra Berndt & Harley Plamondon
This roundtable hopes to foster an open conversation with attendees about the ideas of reducing waste and the overall carbon footprint of a shop. We will look at ways in which piercers and shop owners can lessen their impact on the environment from build out to everyday operations in their studios.
When you hear the word “sustainability,” your first thoughts might be of recycling soda cans or composting your vegetable scraps. The idea of being a more environmentally conscientious business is not new, although it is not
necessarily the first thing you think of in reference to tattoo and piercing shops. At home maybe you are already living a greener life; upcycling, sorting your curbside recyclables, and buying your food locally. Meanwhile at work, the computer stays on all night, you use only one side of printer paper and the climate controls keep it a constant 68°F all year long. It’s easy to let the green routine slide at work, since it may not technically be your space. On the other end of the spectrum, you may be your shop’s outspoken green warrior.
The nicest thing about working towards more sustainable business practices is that these changes can be eco-friendly while potentially reducing overhead costs. So even if the benefits to the planet are hard to see, those benefits
to your bottom line may be more visible.
Thursday, May 15, 1 pm–2:30 pm
Giving & Receiving Feedback
Julie Taylor & Cody Vaughn
At last year’s conference I presented “Communication 101: How to Have a Difficult Conversation” with Aaron Pollack. We discussed the reasons we avoid difficult conversations, and how to initiate them. This year Cody Vaughn and I are going to delve into more communication skills, looking at how to give and receive feedback.
Not having control of what the other person says in reaction to you can be very frightening, but it’s worth it! We’re a community of people who are familiar with being brave. Open, honest conversations are part of having what researcher Dr. Brene Brown calls a “Courage Culture” and I want that culture for our industry. It will come as no surprise to readers that it’s often easier for us to feel physical pain, than to be exposed and vulnerable emotionally.
But I think we can make spaces that are psychologically safe
for each other, and help each other grow.
Besides all the touchy feely stuff, we’re also looking at Employee Performance Reviews and Regular Employee Check Ins. Having consistent—and even scheduled—conversations can help to resolve issues, give feedback, and share ideas.
We hope you’ll join us at our class. Let’s talk about stuff that’s
hard to talk about!
EVENING EVENTS
ALTERNATIVES TO THE BAR (ATTB)
The APP Board and Conference Committee are excited to announce that we will once again be offering some evening entertainment options on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. These extra curricular activities are a great alternative to traditional Vegas activities and are free of charge to all attendees of the Conference. They will offer information via interactive discussions and demonstrations from the instructors.
These are alcohol free options and we ask that all attending refrain from drinking or bringing alcohol to these events.
Tuesday, May 13, 8 pm–10 pm, Mezzanine
Needle Bending
Ed Chavarria will provide information and approaches to basic needle bends for various piercings as well as the techniques used to bend them.
There will be needle blanks available for practice. Attendees are asked to sign up in advance, but walk ins are also welcome. (Piercer Only)
Tuesday, May 13, 8 pm–10 pm, Mezzanine
Anodizing is Awesome
Brian Skellie and Lola Slider make it easy for you to anodize your titanium and niobium body jewelry with detailed information and live demonstration. How can this surface
finish process make a difference in your client’s healing results? How can you re-anodize for client jewelry if the color has worn off? These questions and more answered in
this workshop. Attendees are encouraged to sign up, but walk-ins are welcome. (Open to All)
Wednesday, May 14, 8:30 pm–until no one wants to play anymore, Mezzanine
Board Game Night
Bring your favorite board game, or two, or three, and join your fellow game lovers. There will be lots of laughter. This event has been a blast every year. (Open to All)
8:30 pm–10 pm, Melrose 3 & 4
Harm Reduction & Overdose Prevention & Response Training
This presentation will introduce the concept of harm reduction in the tattoo/piercing community as wel as provide participants with an in-depth exploration of opiate overdose, prevention strategies, and how to respond to an overdose. (Open to All)
CLOSING PARTY
Thursday, May 16, 8 pm–Midnight
NEW! This year we won’t be having a Banquet!
Our big wrap up event will be in the Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood. Join us for an upscale evening of dancing and entertainment, drinks, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Mingle the night away in your Moulin Rouge attire with all
your new industry friends. Purchase your tickets when registering; the event is sure to sell out!
Closing Party tickets are also available at the Registration Desk throughout the week; and at the door of the Gallery Nightclub on the night of the event (if not already sold out).
