Category Events

Point 76: Conference Volunteers

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2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers

2016 Conference VolunteersAl D. Scholars
Aldo Booth Gissi
Angie Van Dijken
Anthony Watts
Fabrício Cardoso
Hannah Bough
Jamie Biggers
Jane Absinth
Juan Manuel Mora
Maree Fowler
Nicole Holmes

Managers
Sarah Wooten
Will Spencer

Registration
Kendra Jane B
Theo Sheffler
Anna York
Badur Ramji
Tiana McGuire
Marina Pecorino
Stephanie Hill

Info Booth
Jezebel Voulé

Merchandise Booth
Casey Hosch
Danny Greenwood


Raffle Booth
Aaron Foster
Ken Seyler
Zane Nichols


AV
Aiden Johnson
Allen Falkner
Brian Moeller
Gus Diamond
Paul Ranier
Shana Gyure

Mobile App Helpdesk
Shorty Calma
Ryan Clark

Classroom Doors
Chadwick Jackson
Mike McInnes
Seven Wolfe

Multiple Stations
Andre Berg
Andru Rogge
Dianna Brown
Frankie Pistone
Hika Kiekenupp
Ismael Vargas Guerrero
Jacob Spjut
John Robberson
Jose Carlos Salgado
Julie Taylor
Kenny  Hughes
Logan Wright
Luna Duran
Marita Wikström
Mark Montgomery
Monica Sabin
Zach Fitzgerald

2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference Volunteers
2016 Conference Volunteers – Banquet Dinner

Point 76: Talk APP – Will Spencer

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Jaymes Lombardi at 2016 APP Conference

William Spencer headshotWill Spencer
TRX Tattoos & Body Piercing

It’s Las Vegas… everyone always wants more: more classes, more options, and of course more free time too. All at once. So how do we get more classes squished into a day without taking up more time and without a magic wand? Make them shorter.

Not all of them of course—not the technical classes, not the hands on classes. What about the others? The inspirational classes. The stuff that makes you think. The people who open your eyes and stretch your perceptions. Talking about new concepts or angles of approach to subjects you might never have thought about. These are the kind of classes that don’t need hours and hours. In fact all that extra time would bog them down and the core idea would get lost in a miasma of unnecessary flotsam.

This was the idea behind Talk APP. Inspired by the success of the ever popular TED Talks we crafted a new format just for the APP that gives us the ability to put all these great class ideas into a smaller, faster, more exciting format. With only twenty minutes for each presenter, we are able to take great ideas and boil them down to the roots. Our aim is to give you a class with punch that you’ll actually remember. This year we had two talks with standing ovations.

We hope you checked out our new format. If you haven’t already, please give us your feedback. We are always striving to integrate new ideas and make this better. We look forward to hearing from you! We can’t wait to see what next year’s topics will bring.

Jaymes Lombardi at 2016 APP Conference
Jaymes Lombardi making a point during his TalkAPP presentation on Client Connnections. Photo credit: Matte Erickson

Point 76: Thank You, Ash Misako – Kendra Jane B

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headshot of Ash Misako

Kendra Jane headshotKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

I am fortunate to work in an industry that surrounds me with beautiful things, special occasions, and brilliantly talented people. One such person I feel lucky to not only call a colleague but a friend is Ash Misako, the wandering piercer. Ash has a no nonsense attitude and will always tell you where you stand, but at the same time she wants you to stand as tall as you can and be the best you can. I am absolutely honored to be able to say thank you to Ash, from the bottom of my heart. I am so proud that I have the opportunity to join the Board of Directors as you step down, and it would not have been possible without your support.

As a fellow piercer I admire her commitment to the highest standards, the fact that she never settles, she strives to stay at the forefront of education and knowledge, and willingly helps many new piercers better themselves. As a client I admire these exact same attributes, but I also know that I am in safe hands, and that she would never compromise my health or the experience that I was looking for by rushing the process or just to make the sale. Ash is a special combination of everything a piercer should be.

headshot of Ash Misako
Ash Misako
photo credit: Autumn Swisher

A perfect testament to Ash’s commitment to our industry can be seen in the beautiful gold end from Anatometal named after her, the “Kira Kira”. However, the respect that accompanies something such as this was not earned overnight. Before owning her own shop, Kira Kira, Ash spent many years honing her piercing skills at Hearts of Fire. In fact she has been piercing since 2001 and an APP Member since 2008. Since she joined the APP, her invaluable commitment to helping and bettering our industry has become even more evident; piercing is not just a career for Ashley, but truly a passion. She has volunteered countless hours for this passion, all to ensure young piercers are steered in the right direction. She helps those piercers wanting to become Members alongside her, providing answers to their questions as they move through the steps to membership.

She has spearheaded the mentor program at Conference for the past 3 years and has set it up for success. Now, she steps down from the Board and away from these responsibilities to focus on other areas of piercing for awhile.

I hope she knows what an invaluable mentor and role model she has been to, not only myself and fellow Members, but to piercers worldwide. Ash Misako, thank you for all you’ve done.

Point 76: President’s Corner – Jef Saunders

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Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President

Jef Saunder headshotJef Saunders
APP President

The first time I ever heard Brian Skellie’s name was in a discussion about “how crazy people can get about cleanliness.” This was in 2001 or 2002 and I kind of just assumed Brian was some nut who wanted to turn body piercing into surgery. Little did I know I’d become an enormous fan of Brian’s, a proponent of much of his philosophy, a fellow Board Member and a friend.

Brian’s tenure as President was really a joy to behold. For those not in the know, Brian is a spectacular navigator of choppy waters. To him, no problem seems insurmountable; every issue fraught with emotion has a rational conclusion. Brian is the rare worker-bee that is also an expert boss.

During Brian’s tenure, the APP had it’s largest conferences to date. He helped process the application and renewals of literally hundreds of Members and applicants. He acted as a resource to the Legislation Committee. He served as International Liaison, supporting piercers all over the globe with their questions about piercing and the Association of Professional Piercers. He also filled in as Medical Liaison by committee. He spoke at industry related conferences all over the world. During all of this, he also ran businesses on two continents. Did I mention he did all of this from France, while raising two young children?

It really is difficult to imagine body piercing being quite what it is without Brian’s influence. Whether the discussion centers around health and safety, freehand technique, material standards, anodization, StatIM autoclaves, or disposable studios, Brian’s name will come up. He’s a master of all things piercing related.

If Brian’s tenure as President marked his departure from APP work, I’d write about how much we’d miss him. Of course, that’s not Brian’s style at all (and we are very thankful for this.) He will continue to assist the Board in all things technical and web related. He is now deeply entrenched in the work of updating the data processing of our ever-expanding membership. Thus giving the organization, and all APP Members, a modern and streamlined method of maintaining membership standards.

Brian hasn’t done this alone. I know this from my own personal experience. Without a dedicated partner, the kind of volunteer hours someone like Brian puts in are simply not possible. His wonderful wife Sandrine is as much a part of this work as Brian is. Thank you Sandrine!

Brian has taught me a lot about piercing, but he’s also taught me a lot about being a dad. One of my favorite experiences with Brian was talking about fatherhood in Mexico late one night while we attended the LBP Conference. It was one of those conversations you think back to and say, “I really needed that at that point in my life.” He may not have thought much about it, but I did… and still do.

So thank you, Brian. You’ve been an exceptional Board Member and President of the Association of Professional Piercers. Thank you for your ongoing support of not only the APP, but the entire piercing community.

Jef thanks Brian for his service as APP President
Jef Saunders honors Brian Skellie at the 2016 APP Conference

Point 76: From the Editor – Kendra Jane B

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The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

Kendra Jane headshotKendra Jane Berndt
Managing Editor of Content & Archives

With a blink of an eye it is over; another Conference has come and gone. The 21st annual Association of Professional Piercers Conference was my sixth, and these six years have been quite the journey. I have gone from apprentice and Al D. Scholar to Board Member. This year’s Conference had me wearing more hats and running more steps than ever, but it also came with the chance for me to share what I do with my two daughters (and show them off a bit). Being able to share the one week of the year that makes me feel the most alive and like myself with the two people that I love more than words; I have to say it was the most rewarding experience. It was an honor to introduce them to a wonderful group of people, my community, my family, the most beautiful people I know. After all they say it takes a village to raise a child, and I belong to a great village.

I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up in a household with a mother that is not only educated, but owned her own business, travelled the world, and can change a tire or build a deck. She set me up for success without even realizing it. She allowed me to learn from my own mistakes while still showing me compassion. She may not have agreed with all of my life choices, but she always supported me. As a female leader in our community, I feel that I have a responsibility to be supportive, compassionate, and to encourage the growth of those around me.

I am so fortunate to be one of just a handful of women to have served the APP as a member of the Board of Directors. My way has been paved by powerhouses like Bethrah Szumski, Alicia Cardenas, Elayne Angel, and Ash Misako. This gives me some very big shoes to fill. These amazing ladies have shown that intelligence, hard work, determination, and perseverance will succeed. So I want to take this opportunity to say how fortunate I feel to have had the support of these fierce ladies in my career. It is no secret that our industry has been a male dominated industry since its inception (as with the majority of industries). Now that I have the opportunity to set an example for generations of young ladies, it is difficult to find words to express my appreciation. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be my best, both personally and professionally.

Point 76: From the Editor – Marina Pecorino

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The Point: Issue 76 - Cover

Marina Pecorino headshotMarina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics

“Good morning. Today is going to be epic!” A note with these words is how my conference experience started, and they couldn’t have been more true. is conference experience for me was epic. As my third APP Conference, this one takes the cake, but I’m sure future Conferences will be even sweeter.

I started the rough draft for this editorial after attending the week’s opening festivities at the pool party. As early morning light started peeking through my hotel window, I had an almost giddy appreciation of the events of the previous evening. For the first time at an opening party, I felt like I finally broke out of my shell. I willingly and enthusiastically floated between groups, sharing conversations about professional and personal topics; social media marketing techniques, obstacles faced by international piercers, organizing state-wide groups for piercers. I credit the awesome APP unisex underpants largely for my brazen approach.

Truthfully though, the credit should go to the incredible people in our industry, this community, and my tribe. Conference is a week of hardcore learning and aisles of unbelievably gorgeous merchandise, but it’s also a week for connecting with a much larger family. We welcome new people from around the world with an open attitude and without judgement.

My first class of Conference this year was a round table about disorders in the industry, and I heard many attendees mention social anxiety. This is certainly something I face especially in such a large crowd in such an overwhelming city, but support is strong with this group, and I feel that is a vital component for many of us. This support and lack of judgement allows Conference to serve as a safe space where ideas can flow.

Every year, I’m continually impressed by our international attendees traveling so far to share in the event. For some, the experience was only possible because of generous donations from others in our community. As an industry, the self improvement of one piercer benefits us all. The give and take of knowledge is a communal effort. Sitting around the “Splash Bar”, there are never ending opportunities to learn from exposure to new perspective through a casual conversation.

On Thursday night at the annual Banquet dinner, everyone was sporting their most futuristic attire. Quite a few folks won life-changing prizes. The scholars and volunteers cheered each other on for a week of hard work. The Board of Directors had another changing of the guard, allowing some great leaders to move on to new projects and others to take on new responsibilities. We said hello, goodbye, and thank you to members of our industry family.

And then, before we knew it, the week was over. The vibe died down and the piercing tribe dispersed. We all trickled back home and started counting the days until our next chance to gather. For many, this count-down will be short, thanks to opportunities like guest spots, Camp APP, and conferences like UKAPP (congrats on the second annual!) and BMXnet. Personally, I can’t wait to see you all in Vegas for the 22nd annual APP Conference; mark your calendars now for June 11-16, 2017.

Point 75: Preparing Your Studio For Conference – Julie & April

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The Point Issue 75 Cover

JulieTaylorAprilThomasJulie Taylor & April Thomas
Outreach Committee

If you or other piercers in your studio are going to be at Conference for a week, it is best to take stock of how this will affect your studio as soon as possible. The sooner you do this the sooner you put into place a plan for while you are away.

There are a variety of approaches to determining what will work best in each studio. Communicating with your entire team and making a plan in advance can reduce your anxiety about what is happening in your studio while you’re enjoying your time at Conference.

Body jewelry displayIf most of your staff is going to Conference it could be a time to close the studio and give your tattoo artists a week off. If your entire staff is away, you might consider hiring someone who can answer basic questions and book appointments for you.

It could also be a time to have a guest piercer come into assist your clients while you’re away. If you are not the studio owner, offering to fill the spot with another piercer could be greatly appreciated. APP Member Woodstock Bader, owner/piercer of Crow’s Nest Tattoo, says, “quite simply, we find a piercer we trust to live in our house and [work] at the shop.” Woodstock offers this piercer a guaranteed minimum to ensure they will make money while they cover for him.

Use your social media and email contacts to let your clients know about Conference. Get them excited about your trip, so although they will miss you when you’re gone, they know you will return full of inspiration and knowledge, and in turn they will even support you being gone. APP Member Brian Fowler, owner/piercer of Brand X Piercing, says he lets people know that he will be away for months in advance online as well as when they come in to get pierced. He says that those who stop by when he is away “receive a fancy coupon to entice them to come back.”

If you regularly answer your studio’s emails or other messages, have someone else take this task over, even if they have to refer some questions and troubleshooting to you. Vegas is not the best environment for replying to clients in a timely fashion. Pat Pierce, owner/piercer at Mauve, says he creates an email out-of-office message which “responds to anybody that emails me, stating that I am away with the dates that I am gone, what I am away for, when I will return, and that the reception staff are available.” Pat will also try to look through his messages as time permits so that he is able to respond to any urgent client concerns.

Jewelry displays at APP Conference & Exposition 2015An invaluable way to ensure that your clientele appreciate your absence, is to promote the jewelry you will be returning with. Take special orders for any vendors you only shop with while at Conference. Once you return with your goodies, plan to do things like organize a trunk show and/or update displays to show off the year’s new releases and designs. This is a great way to showcase the designs that may be unique or new to your studio. There’s nothing like sharing your post-Conference glow with your favorite clients!

 

Point 75: An Interview with Gus Diamond – Matte Erickson

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Gus Diamond at APP Conference 2015

Matte Erickson headshotMatte Erickson
Alpha-Omega Body Piercing

The Body Piercing Archive presents a new series of informal interviews with some of the most interesting people in the body piercing community. Often the importance of the spoken word and the stories handed down from one generation to another is forgotten. We hope you enjoy this lighthearted (sometimes [pierced] tongue-in-cheek) insight into our industry’s history.

Our first interview is with Gus Diamond, a piercer, cigar smoker, long-time supporter of the APP, Super Volunteer, and most importantly a pirate. Gus is also a member of a very exclusive club that many people don’t even know exists; he has attended all 20 Conferences (this year will be 21) that the APP has held. A larger than life personality, yet, humble beyond measure. Some just know him as Gus. Others know him as Funky Gus. Some, only know him as Smee. A few of us still remember he was the one that pierced Britney Spears’s navel back in 2000. So without further ado….

Gus Diamond at APP Conference 2015
In Gus We Trust

BPA: How long have you been around piercing? What is your history?
Gus: The first non-ear piercing [was] in ‘89; I got my nipple pierced while in Navy Deep Sea Dive school (because divers pierced their nipples and “dicks”). When I started piercing I was a hack piercer (from ‘90-’93) and opened my first shop in ‘94. I opened Paragon in ‘95 and sold it in ‘01 before leaving Hawaii.

BPA: Who has most influenced you over your body piercing career?
Gus: Allen Falkner, him and I were friends before piercing.

BPA: You are part of an elite group of people that has attended all 20 Conferences. What were the first conferences like?
Gus: It was amazing being in the same room with so many people that wanted to make our industry better.

BPA: What are a few of your favorite Conference memories?
Gus: There are too many to list, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be the first few Conferences in ‘96-’98, the chance to meet so many like-minded people for the first time, it is unforgettable.

BPA: When did you start volunteering at Conference and how did that affect your viewpoint on the experience?
Gus: 2003 was my first year volunteering. I feel everyone should do it at least one year.

BPA: Where do you see Conference in another 20 years?
Gus: In Las Vegas

BPA: Many of us know that in your spare time you are a pirate. Why a pirate, say instead of a buccaneer?
Gus: I’ll be a Pirate, Buccaneer, or Privateer whatever pays the most… 😉

BPA: What keeps you busy now that you no longer pierce?
Gus: I am a video editor, but am still looking for a quality shop to help and work with in my area.

BPA: Who have been your role models over your involvement in the piercing industry?
Gus: Allen Falkner, Pat Pruitt, and Steve Joyner just to name a few.

BPA: If you could pass on one piece of advice, what would it be?
Gus: Save it while you can; some day you may not be making it like you did.

BPA: Puppies or kittens?
Gus: Kittens.

Gus Diamond

We hope you enjoyed this quick insight into one of the friendliest faces at Conference, Gus Diamond. Ask him to share a great story from Conferences past when you see him in July; he has lots. We hope you look forward to our future interviews in The Point. If there is someone specific you would like to see us interview please email us at archive@safepiercing.org.

Point 75: The Mentor Program – Cale Belford

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The Point Issue 75 Cover

Cale Belford headshot

Cale Belford
The Mentor Team

What is the mentor program? It is a fantastic outreach system started by Ryan Ouellette in 2009. His dream was to essentially build small conference families that could work together as a group and lean on each other for support. We have seen incredible progress and have had wonderful feedback when it comes to the program. We look forward to continuing this process for years to come.

Our mentors are well-rounded, experienced conference goers who want to ensure that the new attendees at Conference have an outstanding time. The mentor team acts to pair mentors and mentees based on similar interests, areas of knowledge, and class schedule needs. We use information built from a survey sent out during registration. These small groups consisting of a mentor and three to four mentees will help to assist and encourage each other and provide a positive and enriching Conference experience. Mentors are available to support mentees; providing reassurance if they feel overwhelmed, giving assistance with class and event schedules, or to simply give advice on where to find the tastiest tacos or a delicious vegan donut. Don’t be afraid to take full advantage of this opportunity!

Do you plan on attending Conference for the first time? Do you have questions that you would like to have answered, need help selecting your classes, or would you simply like to have a friend before arriving in Vegas? The APP Mentor Program is here to help!

If you are a first or second year attendee and would like assistance from a mentor chosen specifically for you, please email mentor@safepiercing.org with MENTEE in the subject line. Be sure to include your name, telephone number, and other contact information in the email. There is technically no deadline for signup, but the earlier you enroll the more you will get out of the program! We are thrilled that you have decided to come to Conference this year and we are all waiting to meet you.

We genuinely want each and every one of our new attendees to get the most out of their conference experience and hope that the mentor program helps to make this possible. If you have any questions about the mentor program, becoming a mentor, or being a mentee at Conference, please do not hesitate to contact anyone on the Mentor Team. This year’s Mentor Team includes Ash Misako, Billy Wood, Chris Theis, and Cale Belford. They as well as all of our mentors can be easily identified at Conference by their Mentor Ribbons.

Part of being a mentor means that we want to ensure you are prepared and set up for success before arriving in Vegas. It’s natural to get caught up in the excitement of going to Vegas making it easy to forget even the most basic necessities. Las Vegas is a lot like the Bermuda Triangle, with all the activity and controlled chaos, it can be easy to lose track of things. So basically, if it will break your heart to lose it, leave it at home!

However, if there are a few small creature comforts from home you need to make your day a little easier or brighter, especially things you don’t feel comfortable borrowing or may be difficult to find, then bring it. The hotel will provide you with towels, soap, shampoo and conditioner, even an ironing board and hair dryer. Most of the time you can find other items in shops around the hotel, but they will be limited and expensive. If you are particular, don’t forget them.

You shouldn’t bring every credit card you have, but unexpected things may happen and it’s best to be prepared. Always keep your emergency funds separate from your spending funds.

When it comes to clothing, be sure to bring enough outfits to last you a little longer than your stay. You will be experiencing long days with many different activities and some people find it comfortable to change throughout the day. You may also want to wear different clothing to your activities, classes, meet-ups, special events, etc. And don’t forget, accidents happen, so it’s never a bad idea to have a spare shirt or pair of pants just in case. The classrooms and the hotel can get a little chilly, so you will want a sweater to make sure you are comfortable! If you enjoy dressing up for the Banquet dinner, special events, or just in general, make sure to bring your accessories. You will likely also want to look your best while enjoying the pool and hot tubs! Don’t forget about the opening party, which takes place this year at the Bally’s pool.

There may be times when you want relief from your nice shoes. We suggest bringing multiple pairs. You will track a lot of miles in Vegas!

Even if you don’t normally use lotions and moisturizers you will very likely need them in Vegas. It’s dry in the desert and even drier in the hotel. Battling dry lips in a dry climate can be even more challenging. Bring as much chap stick as you can. If you will be laying by the pool or leaving the hotel, sunscreen will save you from a nasty sunburn. Even if you only go in the sun for a few minutes, apply sunscreen! Las Vegas is no joke during the month of July!

Pain relievers, allergy pills, and the like can make a world of difference when you need it most. Make sure to bring enough to last you through your stay and a few extra days just in case. Taking vitamins in advance of arriving will improve your chances of staying healthy so don’t delay.

Things in Las Vegas can be expensive and eating between classes, events, and socializing isn’t always easy to fit in your schedule. Having a supply of on-the-go snacks that don’t require a fridge or preparation can make your week less stressed. There are some grocery stores around to help you stock up for your stay if needed.

Especially during this week of networking, it is important to stay connected. Having a copy of your portfolio ready to go on your phone or laptop can make a lasting impression while networking. With all this networking don’t be surprised if your battery needs more charging than normal. So ensuring you have chargers for all of your electronic devices is mandatory. It’s also a good idea to have a stack of business cards at the ready. We all know technology isn’t always there when we need it, so in case of an emergency or if you misplace your phone, keeping some contacts in your wallet can be a lifesaver.

By downloading the 2016 Conference app you will be able to check out your schedule, find where you are going, and to get any last minute updates.

Always have water with you! Remember that Las Vegas is a desert. Staying hydrated is not only important, but is a key to having a good experience. Awesome APP water bottles are available for purchase at the merchandise booth. There are also water dispensers provided throughout the conference area so feel free to use them!

The APP Board of Directors and Administrator, along with the Conference Staff, Volunteers and Mentors all want you to have an exceptional experience. If there are any questions we can answer or concerns that should be addressed, please do not hesitate to contact us.