When I look back at the big fuzzy ball of excitement and emotion that has become my fused memory of this year’s APP Conference, I can’t help but inhale a contemplative breath of satisfaction and wonder. This year was my first and I was fortunate to be awarded the Al D. Scholarship; it gave me a view beyond simply attending.

The event and location were not at all what I had expected. As it turns out I thoroughly enjoy Vegas, which came as quite a surprise being a tree-dwelling hippy! Before the Conference began, I took the time to look around; wandering the streets it was easy to spot other piercers doing the same. We definitely took over Vegas!

Cherry picking my highlights I would have to say the first few volunteer meetings were an unforgettable experience. Such an amazing collection of wacky and wonderful people gathered for a collective cause. I felt instantly at home and quickly part of the volunteer family. Helping with attendee reception during Registration was particularly electric. All the attendees lining up down the hall with anticipation. An incredible hubbub.

Another favorite moment was the privilege of covering the Expo door just as the Members-only hour started. It was so fun to be part of that hour long piercer Christmas!

I had a particular fondness for 45 piercings in 45 minutes. This was a fast paced video reel of quick edit videos showing the few seconds before, during, and after the execution of a piercing from a head cam worn by the piercer.

Also, I never realized how many Members-only sessions there would be. While there were so many classes available to every piercing attendee, the Members-only sections were quite different. Delving deeper and longer into the discussion material.

But fun and memorable aside, I wasn’t just attending as Nici the piercer and volunteer. I was also there as Nici the first president of the UKAPP and for that, I had many many educational and eye opening moments. Seeing the well-oiled machine that is Caitlin and Conference – together still learning and growing, becoming ever more tight knit – showed me that the UKAPP holds the potential for something great. It has the potential to become a thing that really can benefit both individuals and the industry mutually.

For example, the doubling up of speakers in each class was possibly accidental genius. Having multiple opinions on each topic, varied experiences, and often even moments of yin and yang techniques was eye opening and definitely something I appreciated and will take home.

In short, I learned a lot, made dozens of new and future friends. I had some fantastic new experiences. I pushed my personal limits and boundaries. I met some of my heroes and bought some amazing jewelry. I will definitely make it my goal to return each and every year possible.

I’d like to take this opportunity to urge you to get to next year’s Conference and if you’re struggling, please apply for one of the scholarships. Also to say a huge thank you to everyone that helped me get there this year. You were right, I needed to go and it did change my life.

You’ll make life long friends, they said.
Be prepared for tears, they said.
It will change your life and you will want to volunteer every year, they said.
They were right.

Receiving the call saying I was successful in gaining an Al D. Scholarship was emotional. They, the volunteers, are one big family and every year open their arms and welcome a group of strangers as one of their own. It truly is heartwarming that no matter how many miles from home any given volunteer was, no one was ever alone. With endless hugs, laughter, and self care reminders, I always felt safe and relaxed.

For many, in our youth we were the outcast, quiet, nerdy, alternative kids. To be in a place and be surrounded with what feels like ‘your own kind’ is a beautiful experience. For me personally, I was incredibly nervous, shy, and found it hard to start conversations. Mostly I was anxious for my first volunteer shift working the classroom door. It’s an intimidating feeling having up to 300 beautiful and skilled piercers standing in front of you, many of whom I admire. There were many I did not know, but wanted to get to know. However, I surprised myself and found I loved scanning their passes and welcoming them to the class. The quick hellos and welcomes, exchanging a few friendly words; this gave me the confidence I needed to enjoy and gain the most from Conference.

There are so many highlights, memories, and experiences to list. If asked what I took away from Conference, I would have to say, passion for this industry. I gained more than I even had before, self confidence to trust in myself both professionally and personally. Should I ever need to reach out, I have the support of my new duckling family and fellow attendees from Conference. Las Vegas and the APP Conference & Expo has been a humbling and unforgettable experience.

This wee lassy has come back to Scotland with newfound friends, new goals I will strive to achieve, and a lasting desire to be the best piercer I can be.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will make it my mission to be there again next year. All my love.

I initially found out about Conference four years ago. However, up until last year, attending it was something that seemed unachievable for me, until I found out about the Al D. Scholarship. I found applying for the scholarship to be an extremely nerve wracking experience. I just hoped that throughout the application process my hard work, dedication, and passion for the industry would show. I don’t think I’ll ever forget the moment I got the call from Kendra to say I made it. Achieving a place as a Scholar was definitely a career defining moment for me.

In the weeks leading up to Conference, I became extremely excited to meet all of the faces I had seen from the other side of a computer screen. I watched all of the training videos, attended meetings, and prepared myself for the tasks that were to be set for me as a Scholar. However, nothing could prepare me for what I was about to undertake.

Being a volunteer means you get to be part of this awesome group of people who accept you as if you have been part of Conference since day one. They accept you as one of their own and take care of you when you need it (and even if you don’t.) I have never met a group of people so willing to help others at the drop of a hat. The selflessness of the volunteers is astounding and I am already counting down the days until I get to see them again.

There are numerous things that happened during my time at Conference that I won’t forget: the myriad of information during classes, meeting some of the piercers whose work I admire, volunteer dinner, and the extremely loud singing on the way (I’m sure the other passengers on the bus were delighted by our dulcet tones!) Yet, one of the most overwhelming and emotional moments for me was having my name called out at Banquet. It made me feel privileged to stand up in front of my peers, knowing that we are all striving to make our industry a better place and that all of the hard work during the application process had been worth it.

I am really happy that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and applied for the scholarship. It was definitely worth all of the stress I put myself under. If asked if I would do it again I would, without a second thought. Since coming back from Conference I have faced my work with a renewed energy and I am counting down the days until next year. Thank you to everyone I met during my week for making my experience great, but especially Caitlin, Kendra, and Ryan for allowing me to be part of it.

“I’m too inexperienced, too small, too far away. Let’s attend in the future, when I’m more experienced. Why should I attend now?” Thoughts that have frequently gone through my head. I was second guessing myself all the time; doubt all over. It wasn’t until after a conversation with Shorty; he convinced me to go, with just one single question: “Do you want to improve?” Of course I do! “Then sign up,” he said and so I did. Two days before the deadline with the thought, “at least I tried.” I’m happy I did, because I got through!

I drove to the airport, slightly fearful of going on a trip this far alone and not knowing what to expect, but there was no need to be worried. I arrived safe and sound at Bally’s Hotel and it felt like home right from the start. It’s just so great to see people from all over the world, with the same passion for piercing and the same purpose to attend—to teach and learn.

Everyone was super friendly and showed true interest in one another, all open for a chat or a hug. It is the place to network, make friends, have fun, and have a drink or two. Just by having conversations with others, you will learn new things, get new ideas, or get the advice you were looking for. In one week you will increase your knowledge and expand your view on things.

The classes were great and interesting. Being a volunteer, I also had the chance to see what goes on back-stage, how truly amazing it is to see so many people working together to make this Conference happen. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible!

I’m so glad I applied for the Al D. Scholarship. I’ve grown in so many aspects, professionally and personally. Not only did I learn a lot, but I also made new friends. I have a new family now. I can proudly say, I’ve been there and hell yes, I’ll be back again as a volunteer!

So, if you are like me—second guessing if you should go, because you feel like you don’t have the experience or own a small studio—just ask yourself one thing. Do you want to improve?