Category Issue 72

Point #72: 2015 Camp APP Member’s Retreat

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The Association of Professional Piercers is proud to announce our first ever APP Members Retreat. The retreat will be held at Hard Labor State Creek Park in Rutledge, GA from September 29, 2015 to October 3, 2015. Attendance is limited to APP Business Members and Business Members at Large and registration is limited to 100 people. Registration closed September 20. We can’t wait to see you there.

How to get here:

For those who are driving from Atlanta:
Take I20 East from Atlanta
Get off at Newborn Rd. Exit and go left
Follow signs to Hard Labor Creek
Follow sign for main park entrance
Continue on that road until you cross a small bridge and then take an immediate right- this is the road to Camp Rutledge. Pass through the gate, entry code is #1234. (Directions)

Permits are required—we will have them for you when you arrive at the camp.

For those taking our transportation from Atlanta:
First, to get to the pick up location:
The Atlanta MARTA train system is VERY simple. There are only 3 trains! The system is convenient and safe and starts at the Atlanta domestic airport terminal. The DORAVILLE train, northbound will take you to the Chamblee station.

Our transport to and from the camp:
Shuttle service will pick up and drop off at the Chamblee station. Departure time September 29th will be 4:30pm. Shuttle will depart from the camp October 3, at 9:30am and arrive at the Chamblee station at around 11:00am.

2015 Camp APP
Camp APP is providing an opportunity to explore previously unused advanced curriculum as well as more thoroughly presenting topics that can only be touched on in Las Vegas. Workshop leads and instructors will be posting about their sessions in the main forum and on the event page. The certificates for this event will both read and be distributed differently than ever before. Attendees will receive their certificates during the closing session.

We also understand how important eating well is when you are in the forest. We are striving to cover all of the bases here. There will be plenty of vegan and omnivore options.

We will also be fortunate enough to have some extra special additions to our menu.

Some other important things to know
No procedures will be performed
No Wi-fi
Limited phone reception
Fishing licenses are available at the ranger station
No pets
No projectile weapons of any sort.

Special events

• Grounding and Public Speaking
(John Johnson)

APP member John Johnson first started teaching Bedside Manner and Grounding in Las Vegas in 2008 and this fall he’s teaching Public Speaking and Grounding at the member’s retreat. The mission of the APP is to disseminate health and safety information relevant to body piercing and public speaking is a great way to fulfill that mission. Our members often get this opportunity and this class will help them be prepared. As a professional piercer you may be asked to speak to groups like schools, health departments, and professional organizations.

Public speaking doesn’t come naturally for anyone. This is a skill we all have to work on and develop through experience and hard work. If you speak to any group about piercing you represent yourself, your studio, and the association. We want you to be confident, competent, and prepared. After attending John’s course you’ll have the tools to prepare both yourself and a presentation that impresses and engages your audience.

• Movies
(Paul King)

What camp out would be complete without a movie night? We will have an assortment of films including action, comedy, body piercing classics, as well as horror films situated in the woods of course!!!!

We even have a surprise Hollywood blockbuster filmed on location at our camp! How terrifying 🙂 Don’t blame us for your nightmares, you guys get to compete for what you watch.

So bring your comfy PJs and enjoy the snacks, popcorn, and soda.

• OSHA— It Isn’t Just About the Blood
(John Johnson, Rick Frueh)

We all know that OSHA is about worker safety. We have all taken a Blood Borne Pathogens courses, many many times. Need to renew your certificate? Well, sorry but this isn’t that class. In this 2 hour seminar we will be going into detail about some other aspects of OSHA that apply directly to the body piercing industry. Topics will range from Fire Safety to Electrical Standards and several points in between. John Johnson and Rick Frueh will be co-instructing. They are both Authorized OSHA Outreach Instructors for General Industry. If you have ever had an OSHA specific question this is the course to ask it.

• Social Media Workshop
(Social Media Committee)

Ever wonder how to make pictures look their best working with the equipment you already have? Do you have poor lighting in your studio or outside and are looking for ways to improve your media content? Join us for our content creation workshop! We will be covering everything from equipment, lighting techniques, apps, detachable lenses and setting up a photo studio in your piercing shop. Bring your smartphones, or even your full sized cameras!

The second part of our workshop will include a round table discussing ways to increase your media reach beyond Facebook and Instagram. We will cover utilizing the social functions of review sites such as Google and Yelp, as well as some newer options like Reddit and Foursquare. See you there!

• Dialing in Jewelry Sales Workshop
(Bethrah Szumski lead)

We have had numerous presentations about how to up-sell. Particularly for gold and genuine stones. The skill involved in selling people not only higher price point products but items that fit their style and personality has been generally under addressed. This session will cover three main points. First how color theory works both in metal/stone combinations and skin tone. Second, how color forecasting effects fashion and design. Third, ways to assess and talk with clients, incorporating these concepts and their personal preferences, to fit them with jewelry that they will be happy about buying.

We will also have four other workshops available, including a hand positioning workshop, we will be sure to update you as details are available.

• Hand Positioning Workshop
(Luis Garcia lead)

Whether you work freehand, with tools or somewhere in between, hand positioning is crucial. This session will focus on this for all style preferences. Participants will be able to focus on areas they find difficult as well as demonstrate the techniques they excell at.

• Fine Tuning the Eye Workshop
(Chrissy Shull lead)

Just as athletes can always find small ways to improve their performance, body piercers can and should as well! Accuracy and consistency can be fine tuned by a better understanding of visual perceptions and how they apply to marking and performing a piercing. This workshop will utilize a series of exercises that will give you the opportunity to discover your blind spots and how to work with them, how you personally perceive depth and shape and how to use your perception to your advantage, and visual illusions and how they might be affecting the quality of your work.

• Advanced Industrial Concepts Workshop
(Rob Hill lead)

Techniques that can apply to the most advanced industrial piercings. Starting off with some modern tips for traditional industrials, we will build off that with some key tips and tricks to help you nail those multi point and curved industrial projects taking your skills to the next level.

• Practical Asepsis Workshop
(Brian Skellie lead)

This workshop will include discussion and demonstration of achievable means to establish and maintain asepsis for procedures. Brian will facilitate a roundtable to concentrate upon the interdependent concepts, methods and equipment available for aseptic contact and non-touch techniques.

This should be an extension of the concepts discussed in the workshops, designed for members to go further. Come share your thoughts and learn more about safety and quality.

Point #72: Membership News & Updates

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Hello Members and Readers! We have just wrapped up another successful Conference and have many big things on the horizon. Here are our most recent updates and announcements.

2015 BILLING & CERTIFICATE UPDATE

Membership dues billing has traditionally taken place in February with the due date at the end of May—when certificates expire. This year the APP changed the timing of when billing takes place and when membership dues are paid.

2015 certificates were issued in May of 2015 with no payment required from an existing member and are good until the end of 2015. Bills will be sent at the end of September, with membership dues for 2016 being due by the end of December 2015. The certificate received from this payment will go from January to December 2016. This will effectively move our billing cycle to the end of the year for all members.

Those new members paying initial dues in July-December, will not be billed for the following year, but will be issued a 2016 certificate along with the rest of paying members in December.

ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA COMPLIANCE CHECK

Notices were sent to Members this Spring who need to update their environmental criteria.

To ensure all of our members are operating at the current minimum standards, we are requiring that all current members who have a video walk through and environmental criteria older than two years provide an updated video walk through and submit updated environmental criteria.

Members who received this notice will need to submit these updates by January 1st, 2016. There will be no video processing fee with digital or hard copy submissions.

 NEW LATE DUES POLICY

(2016 Billing Cycle: Notice of Membership Dues will be sent September 2015; and due by December 31, 2016.)

Any member who has failed to pay dues and/or provide evidence of membership certification and testing requirements (CPR certification, First Aid Certification, BBP certification, autoclave spore test results) by 6 months after the Membership Renewal due date will be required to re-apply in full with the Membership Committee.

The renewal fee will be the same as the yearly membership dues.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

In the fall the Association will begin elections for three seats on the board.  These seats are currently occupied by Brian Skellie, Ashley Misako, and Chris Glunt.  Brian is not eligible for re-election at this time; Ashley Misako is able to be re-nominated/elected.

The APP will be sending out nomination forms in the Fall to voting members of the APP, which are business members and business members at large.  This election is for two seats on the Board.

Once received, voting members will have 30 days to return nomination forms selecting two people from the list of eligible members as their choice.  At that time, the office will send Nominees information about what it means to serve as a Board member, and paperwork including a form to return to the office to accept or deny their nomination.

After 30 days, ballots and bios of the nominees will be sent to all voting members.  Please participate in the election and in your Association by voting!  Members will have 30 days to return ballots to the office.  Once the results are tabulated and the entire election is reviewed and certified, the APP will contact the nominees about the results.  Those elected will attend a Board meeting (tentatively March), and take office in July at the Annual Conference.

Who is eligible to run?

Only voting members are eligible; for the APP these are Business Members and Business Members at Large. As specified by the APP’s bylaws, each Director can hold office for no more than three years in any given position, and can serve no more than two consecutive terms. If a member has filled two different seats in two consecutive elections, that person cannot immediately run again and must be off the Board for at least one election cycle before being eligible to serve again.

Nomination packets sent to members will have a list of eligible members to select from. And yes, you are allowed to nominate yourself.

What is the difference between an Officer & a Director?

The bylaws clearly outline the titles of the Officers: President, Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer (or Treasurer); but leave the other titles and job descriptions to the discretion of the Board itself. The bylaws further state the Officers may be members of the Board of Directors, but this is not required, as the Officers are elected to their positions by the Board of Directors. Officers are allowed to be compensated for their work; Directors are not. Officers are not subject to terms limits, unless also Board Members. The current Officers are Brian Skellie, President; Paul King, Treasurer; and Aaron Pollack, Secretary. However, of the Officers, only Brian is also a Director. Brian has voting rights as a Director and is subject to the 3 year term limit.

Is it important that I vote?

Yes. The Board of Directors, while working for the membership and the mission of the Association bring their own talents and experiences to the table. Every Board will govern a little differently or want to push the Association in different directions, have varied outreach interests, and/or see different opportunities available to the Association. As a voting member it is your right and responsibility to be sure those elected will do their very best, have a mission focus rather than a personal agenda, and have time and energy to devote to this important task. If the APP doesn’t get enough votes cast to have a quorum, the entire election has to be redone. This is an avoidable expense and time-suck from the Association. Your vote is important in many ways. Please remember to vote!

How do I know if I (or someone else) would make a good candidate for a Board position?

Ask/Answer these questions:

1. Do you have the time and energy?

All Board Members travel for APP board meetings, annual Conference, health conference/s, and miscellaneous travel such as membership assistance and Conference planning. Average time away from work is twenty five to thirty days per year. Most of the time, you will make your own travel arrangements, but you will be reimbursed your costs. It is estimated a Board Member will spend a minimum of ten hours per week on APP duties for three years.

2. Can you present yourself in a professional manner, verbally and in print? Can you present the APP’s stance even if it differs from your personal opinion?

Most Board Members provide interviews with the press when required, in a professional manner. Most Board Members contribute articles and promote article submission from the APP membership or other potentially informative parties for The Point and other APP publications or online settings.

All Board Members respond to emails from other Board Members, the employee, members, general public, etc. in a timely and professional fashion.

3. Have you been actively serving on a committee or have you volunteered, taught, or led a round table at the APP Conference?

All Board Members actively participate in ongoing projects and the APP educational Conference; including teaching classes and other duties as assigned. Having an ongoing history of performing these duties is the best preparation for serving as a Board Member.

4. Are you able to keep matters to yourself? Not gossip? Understand your behavior will be under scrutiny at all times? Behave professionally even when no one is watching? Keep your cool online? Not be drawn into arguments or into offering your opinion as separate from the APP’s position on something?

All Board Members must sign and abide by a confidentiality statement and statement of conduct. All Board Members must conduct themselves for the duration of their term, in a way that reflects the mission and professional attitude of the Association, acknowledging their position as a leader, role model, and spokesperson for the membership, organization, and industry at large.

It’s a big job and responsibility but it’s also hugely rewarding. Need more information? Talk to your current Board Members; they too wondered what it would be like, and now they most certainly know.

Website Update

Our web presence as an Association is constantly evolving to better serve our members and the public at large. Our newest version of our website has recently launched. Be sure to check it out: www.safepiercing.org

2016 APP Conference and Exposition

We are excited to announce the location and dates for the 2016 APP Conference and Exposition.

Where: Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV

When: July 24- July 29 2016

Can’t wait to see you all there!

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Jose Carlos

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Jose CarlosJose Carlos

 

English Translation:

When I was informed that I had been awarded the Al D. Scholarship to attend the 2015 APP Conference I was overrun by many emotions. Joy, a great sense of joy. It felt as if all the hard work and effort I had put into this for months and years prior was being rewarded. Fear, the fear of not being “up to par” and disappointing those who had put their trust in my abilities, and my maturity to not waste the opportunity that had been given to me. Excitement, the excitement for the great adventure that was to come; the adventure of sharing and learning, surrounded by friends old and new. Peers and colleagues, great professionals who all share the same connection and love for body piercing regardless of city, country, or continent of origin.

With all this in mind, the weeks went by. Each week brought detailed emails more frequently, all with a ton of information to help with the work that was to come. This made me even more anxious to arrive in Las Vegas. At last the day had come and there was no turning back. From the very first moment I arrived, all my fears, nerves, and anxiousness that had me worried vanished, like a magic trick. From the first encounters and meetings with the volunteer group I realized that apart from working and attending classes, Conference was going to be something special and even more beautiful than I had imagined. As those first hours passed, I felt welcomed into a new family. A family that loves and supports one another. A family that works together so that this great event can grow and be an integral part of many piercers’ year.

So many people work so many hours, yet do it with a smile and kind words. They also bring so many hugs! Hugs that can make the stress melt away in seconds. And so the days passed. The lack of sleep and fatigue were noticeable, but it didn’t matter. It was all worth it. It is very difficult to describe in writing the great experience that was my week and volunteer work, how it has changed my view towards Conference and the effort involved in making it happen. People don’t realize how much work is involved until they are part of it. The experience and hard work was all worth it. Watching the large group of volunteers work together with Caitlin was wonderful. Without her this whole event would be impossible. Watching her work was incredible, inspiring and admirable. I know for sure that I’ll be back as a volunteer next year. I am sure that each year will be better than the previous year. There is only one thing left to say, and that is thank you from the bottom of my heart. In my heart I hold you all.

Thank you very very much.

 

Spanish Original:

Cuando me informaron que había sido seleccionado para poder ir a la conferencia de la APP 2015 con una beca me sentí invadido por muchas y diferentes sensaciones. Una gran alegría que el trabajo y esfuerzo de meses y años ahora se veía recompensado de una manera que nunca habría imaginado. Miedo, miedo de no estar a la altura y decepcionar a quien había puesto en mi toda su confianza. Confianza en mi capacidad para trabajar y para no desperdiciar la oportunidad que me estaban dando. Emoción, la emoción del que va a vivir una gran aventura, una aventura de compartir y aprender rodeado de viejos y nuevos amigos. Amigos que son grandes profesionales y que todos tienen el mismo nexo en común independientemente de su ciudad, país o continente de origen, el amor y el respeto por su profesión el body piercing.

Con todo esto en la cabeza pasaban las semanas, la fecha se acercaba, los mails explicativos llegaban cada vez con más asiduidad con una cantidad de información para facilitarme el trabajo. Y yo cada vez más nervioso deseando llegar a Las Vegas. Por fin llegué, ya estaba allí, ya no había marcha atrás. Desde el primer momento mis miedos, mis nervios, todo lo que me tenía preocupado desapareció como por arte de magia. Con los primeros encuentros y reuniones comprendí que aparte de trabajar y asistir a conferencias, iba a ser algo más, algo más importante y bonito de lo que yo podía imaginar. Según pasaban las horas sentí formar parte de una nueva familia, una familia en la que se apoyan y se quieren, en la que trabajan todos juntos para que el gran evento salga adelante sin fallos. Muchas horas de trabajo y siempre con una sonrisa y una palabra amable.

Abrazos, muchos abrazos que hacían que el stress desapareciese en cuestión de segundos. Así transcurrieron los días, la falta de sueño y el cansancio se notaban, pero no importaba valía la pena. Es muy difícil describir con palabras la gran experiencia que ha sido trabajar y como ha hecho que cambie mi visión de la conferencia

y todo el esfuerzo que implica llevarla a cabo. Uno no se da cuenta hasta que no está dentro formando parte de la organización, solo por haber vivido esa experiencia  todo el esfuerzo valió la pena. El maravilloso trabajo de los voluntarios y el gran grupo que forman con Caitlin al mando—sin ella sería imposible—Ver cómo trabaja ha sido algo increíble e inspirador, es admirable. El gran esfuerzo que hace la APP para llevar a cabo la conferencia, usando todos sus recursos tanto humanos como materiales. Ha sido genial formar parte de algo así. la única idea que tengo fija en mi cabeza es volver el año próximo como voluntario. Porque estoy seguro que la experiencia siempre será mil veces mejor que el año anterior y ahora que he entrado en la familia no quiero dejar de verla. Solo me queda dar las gracias de todo corazón, y en el corazón los llevo a todos. 

Muchas, muchas gracias.

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Aiden Johnson

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Aiden JohnsonAiden Johnson

 

For me, Conference was a week long riot of love, laughter, and learning all culminating in a new outlook on life. Whether it was the time spent in meetings with the volunteer team, in class with fellow piercers, or trying to build the courage to talk to industry greats at the bar, I have built long lasting relationships with people that I will go to the ends of the Earth (literally with the flights I’d need to take) to help out.

I first arrived at Conference nervous and feeling very lonely. However, within minutes of meeting my fellow scholars and volunteers I was put at ease. These were people that all had the same passion for piercing and our industry. These people were also willing to accept me and take me as one of their own before knowing anything about me. Before the week came to an end, though I knew these people in detail, sometimes details I never would have expected.  I can’t wait to learn and work alongside them again.

In our volunteer group we are told that self care is very important throughout the hectic week. However, this wonderful family will also take care of you when you forget to do it yourself. That is one memory that remains the strongest for me; after forgetting to care for myself I needed to retire to my room. I awoke to find 3 of my new friends tickling my feet, smiles surrounding me, and a cupcake on my night stand. This was an induction into a new family I knew that I would never forget.

In between attending classes, carrying out my volunteer duties, and having fun, I changed. My outlook on life became broader. A focus on self-care and quality of life crept in. A new level of love for what I do came to me and I never want to let that go. I can’t wait to attend APP 2016 and volunteer my time.  Conference is a life changing experience and is so difficult to put into words. To everyone who has anything to do with Conference, all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart. To those of you who have never attended, I urge you to go; you won’t be disappointed.

See you next year!

Best Wishes

2015 Volunteer Team

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Charlie LeBeau

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Charlie LeBeauCharlie LeBeau

When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.

Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.

Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!

It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.

There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.

I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.

This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.

Thank you, for everything.

No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau
No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau

Point #72: Al D. Scholar – Charlie LeBeau

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Charlie LeBeauCharlie LeBeau
When I was first told about the Al D. Scholarship, I almost didn’t apply. The idea of going was quite scary. I feel I come from a fairly humble background; I didn’t receive a good apprenticeship, I don’t stock any high end jewellery, and I felt very intimidated by the people that I knew would be there. I can honestly say that taking that step outside my comfort zone and filling out the application was one of the best decisions of my life.
Coming to the APP Conference this year was a truly mind blowing introduction to a part of my industry I had always felt was out of reach. I’ve never felt so at home so quickly with a group of strangers (although Facebook for all its trouble, has definitely made that easier). The friendliness and warmth of the volunteers, members, and attendees took me by surprise in the best of ways.
Working with the other volunteers was made incredibly easy, with the meetings we had and the good nature of everybody I spoke to. I never felt stupid for asking a question or for reaching out for help; this is something I usually struggle with. I am very independent and that has been a problem for me in situations, in the past, where I really could have used help. The volunteers (especially Caitlin and Kendra) were welcoming and helpful, even when they were stressed out and they probably wanted to be focused on other things!
It wasn’t until I met Jim Ward that I felt completely and utterly overwhelmed. I sat in a large room, filled with people from all walks of life, and before us stood the man who made it all possible. His talk was funny and mesmerizing and I could’ve listened to him speak for days on end. I eventually mustered enough courage to go up and speak with him. I’m pretty sure I must have sounded like a gibbering idiot, but he was so friendly, smiling and talking. He even let me act like a fan girl, taking a photo with him—which is getting printed, framed and hung in my piercing room back home.
There were, of course, a couple of down points; missing out on a lecture or two, not having enough time for certain talks to be completed and at points feeling a little too shy to speak out or ask questions, but they are so outnumbered by the good times, I can barely remember them.
I’m sure I’m not the first, and I certainly won’t be the last, to say that because of the generosity of the scholarship that I received, I know I have become part of this big, weird family. One where learning never stops and, although there may be oceans between us, it is as if we are right next door.
This experience has changed my life for the better and I will fight tooth and nail to make it back next year to volunteer again.
Thank you, for everything.

No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau
No Excuses Scholar Loreia Bürgen with Al D. Scholar Charlie Remy LeBeau

Point #72: BPA Exhibit – Matte Erickson

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Matte Erickson headshotMatte Erickson
Alpha-Omega Body Piercing

 

“If you don’t know history, then you don’t know anything. You are a leaf that doesn’t know it is part of a tree. ”  —Michael Crichton

January 2015 started off with a bang. Emails, Facebook notifications, and text messages started flooding our inboxes, as serious discussion began in preparation of creating the Body Piercing Archives. It had begun. Months of casual conversations were now not so casual. They had intent and a purpose to preserve the history of the body piercing industry. The core players were in place with only a general idea of where this was going to take us. The boxes started arriving. Details were worked out. Goals were set. All the pieces were falling into place.

One month later, the three of us (Paul King, Becky Dill, and myself) sat on the floor of Paul’s apartment discussing proper handling of ephemera and other technical details before digging through the boxes and envelopes that had arrived over the last few weeks. Time flew by. We were completely lost in the moment. Eight hours later, we set a time for our next meeting and said our goodbyes.

Alter in memory of Raelyn Gallina
Alter in memory of Raelyn Gallina

It took three meetings to get all the items photographed and categorized by year. During this time we were constantly receiving data, more ephemera, and doing individual research on our off time. Finally, we got to sit back, admire our work, and decide just how we were going to put all this information together into a cohesive display. Over the next two months, we were averaging an eight hour, in person, meeting every two weeks. This involved an insane amount of reading and scanning, as well as at least a half dozen layout changes.

As Conference drew closer, our lives became organized chaos to say the least. Long hours and late night phone calls became the norm. Contributors were pushed to their limits—thank you from the bottom of my heart, Barry Blanchard and Gus Diamond—and vendors were put to the test. We literally received the last printed items 3 days before I was to leave for Las Vegas.

The first day of Conference I found myself standing in Bronze 4 with stacks of boxes. With each box that was opened, our dream came closer to fruition. The next two days were spent unpacking items, filling flash drives, and building a beautiful tribute. With the help of several volunteers, the room slowly took shape and became the Body Piercing Archive’s first exhibit.

First thing Wednesday morning, the doors finally opened to the public. As our peers filed through the exhibit, there were a myriad of emotions. People laughed. Several people cried. People were chomping at the bit to give docent tours—thank you to all the people that volunteered—and even more were excited to hear the stories first hand. There was a definite energy in the air. One of my personal highlights (one of many) was David Vidra watching the slideshow, talking about all the people in the photos in a way only Mama could. Many attendees also brought with them personal stories to share and add to what our docents were offering. This all contributed to the experience. Many stories were passed back and forth between attendees as banners chocked full of data were read, analyzed, and discussed. The banner topics included key articles, Board Members, membership, Conferences, The Point covers (and evolution), volunteer information, Al D. Scholarship recipients, International Conferences, and a touching tribute to Raelyn Gallina. Information on the Sailor Sid archive preservation fundraising campaign and a sneak peek at next year’s exhibition was also included.

Over the two and a half days of the exhibit, hundreds of people filed through. Some reminisced, some learned a few things, many learned quite a bit. I think everyone who attended took something away with them that, I hope, will stay with them for many years to come. I believe our goal was met and exceeded based on the feedback from the attendees. It has truly been a labor of love.

This exhibit could not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Paul King and Becky Dill. I would also like to thank Bethrah Szumski for never throwing anything away and for having a memory like a steel trap, Caitlin McDiarmid for keeping great records, Barry Blanchard for taking and keeping so many photos, Gus Diamond for having the foresight to shoot lots of video when nobody else was, Brian Skellie for helping fill in some of the blanks, Fakir Musafar and Babs McGary for their generous donations for the Raelyn tribute, and all the people that allowed us to pick their brains. Also a big thanks to The Point staff for getting the word out there for us.

If you would like more information on or would like to make donations to the Body Piercing Archive, please email us at archive@safepiercing.org.Images from the Body Piercing Archives 2015

Point #72: Sailor Sid Update – Paul King

1 Comment read In Memorium, Issue 72

PaulKingPaul King
Committee Chairperson & APP Treasurer

 

The Leather Archive and Museum and the Association of Professional Piercers are thrilled with the success of the Sailor Sid Diller Photographic Archive fundraising campaign!

This project began in September 2014, when Elayne Angel forwarded an email to the APP from the Leather Archive, a non-profit museum[1], requesting a grant of $10,000 to preserve a fragile collection of Sailor Sid Diller’s ephemera, letters, photographs, and films, that had been passed on to the LA&M by Jim Ward.

The Officers and Board of Directors of the APP thought it would be best to share this undertaking with the greater piercing community. The goals of the fundraiser were to raise a considerable sum of money for preservation expenses, as well as educate folks in the piercing community who may have never heard of or knew very little about our communities’ historical figure “Sailor Sid.” the LA&M loved the idea of a fundraising campaign and worked closely with the APP in every step of the process. The financial goal was upped to $11,000 to cover most of the costs of gifts to those that would contribute to the campaign. The online Indiegogo portion would be $6000 with the APP committing to match up to another $5000. The campaign was a resounding success exceeding all expectations!

Badur Ramji with Sailor Sid in the 2015 Body Piercing Archives
Badur Ramji with Sailor Sid in the 2015 Body Piercing Archives

The Indiegogo online campaign raised $12,286, with 102 registered contributors.[2] The largest contributors were Badur Ramji (Punkmedics) and Vaughn Body Arts (Cody Vaughn) at $2,500 each, Tiffany Diamond (DV8 Body Art) at $1,000, and 3 additional contributors: James Weber, Metamorphosis (Kristin and Joe Otter), and Billy Wood Jr., at $500 each. If you see these folks out and about or online, please thank them! In addition to the online Indiegogo campaign, the APP raised another $2,654 onsite at Conference and LA&M raised $3,824 from a business donor. Altogether, we were able to raise funds totalling $23,764!

Originally, the scope of this endeavor was focused on preservation with the intent to share a representative selection of the digitized photographs and films online. However, as a result of the exceptional support, the LA&M has committed to digitizing the entirety of Sailor Sid’s archive, making it all available online! This will be a huge and unprecedented undertaking for our communities.

In addition, this project raised enough funds to cover the expense of an exhibition featuring original materials and film screenings during the next annual APP Conference and Exposition. [3]LA&M’s archivist, Jakob Vanlammeren, will be in person to oversee the exhibit and lead small groups on tours.

Both the LA&M and the APP are excited about the possibilities for future projects that will save precious collections that are historically significant to both communities.

The campaign would like to acknowledge the efforts of the individual team members that helped make this happen: from LA&M—Rick Storer (executive director), Jakob Vanlammeren (archivist and project lead), Jeffrey Storer (social media), and Christina Court (reviewer), as well as from the APP—Paul King (advisor), Miro Hernandez (social media), and Dannielle Greenwood (designer), Matte Erickson (BPA), Becky Dill (BPA), and Kendra Jane Berndt (BPA).

Point #72: Raffle & Sponsor Thank You

1 Comment read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 72

CONFERENCE SPONSOR THANK YOU
Every year the APP relies heavily on vendor sponsorships to assist us with the expenses incurred for our special events, services, and scholarships. If it wasn’t for these companies the APP Conference would be less than what it is every year. We urge you to consider supporting these companies throughout the year when stocking your shops. Please support those who support the APP!

LEVEL ONE: Banquet Dinner
Industrial Strength Body Jewelry
Anatometal, Inc.
LeRoi, Inc.

LEVEL TWO: Opening Party
NeoMetal, Inc.
Buddha Jewelry Organics
Safe Products
Body Vibe

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: Attendee Lounge
Anatometal, Inc.

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: Volunteer Support
Body Vision Los Angeles
Body Art Pro

LEVEL THREE: Exposition Coffee & Refreshments
Anatometal, Inc.
Omerica Organic
Oracle Body Jewelry

LEVEL FOUR: Al D. Scholarship
Anatometal
Gorilla Glass
Quetzalli Jewelry
Intrinsic Body, Inc.

Industrial Strength Body Jewelry also donated two complete packages for two additional Scholars (in the names of their company and Shannon Larratt).

Sponsors of our smartphone app include: Industrial Strength Body Jewelry, Blessings to You, Eleven44, Kraken, Buddha Jewelry Organics, Namaste Adornments, Nakaztli, Tawapa, Prysm Body Piercing, Body Art Solutions, and Anatometal, Inc.

We would also like to thank Anatometal, Inc. for providing the Conference with badge lanyards this year.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO MAKE THIS CONFERENCE WHAT IT WAS.

2015 RaffleRAFFLE THANK YOU
Each year at Conference, lives are changed. One of the catalysts for change is the big raffle prizes. In the past, these raffle prizes have been enough to allow winning piercers and/or shops to completely switch over from externally threaded jewelry, or meet standards for APP membership. This type of change can indeed be life altering. By providing such substantial prizes, sponsors Industrial Strength Body Jewelry and Anatometal, Inc. change our attendees lives and generate funds which help sustain the APP and its programs all year long. But remember it isn’t just our big donors; every vendor that donates and every attendee that purchases a raffle ticket helps the APP.

The APP would like to offer a very special thank you to Industrial Strength Body Jewelry and Anatometal, Inc. for their continued support on a grand scale!
Industrial Strength donated $15,000.00 Grand Prize and $10,000 in smaller prizes
Anatometal, Inc. donated $12,000.00, plus an additional four surprise prize packages given out at the banquet!!

The APP would also like to recognize our other top donors: BVLA; H2Ocean; LeRoi, Inc.; Glasswear Studios; Omerica Organic; and NeoMetal, Inc.

Thank you to all of our donating vendors and our attendees who made this a record year for the raffle!

Top prizes & winners from our banquet dinner.
Industrial Strength $15,000 of jewelry—Chrissy Shull
Anatometal $1000/month for 12 months—Brand X
H2O $1450 of product—Kim and Aya
Industrial Strength $1000 credit—Trisha; Will VonDoome
Omerica $1000 credit—Chris Norris
Namaste $1000 credit—Amanda Waters
APP free 2016 pass and 1/2 off a new attendee—Shorty; Woodstock
Buddha Jewelry Organics $500 gift certificate—Stealy Tattoo and Piercing
Industrial Strength $500 credit—Leo Cabrera; Gladix Porca Miseria; Alien Ink; Blake Williams
Safe Products Stone Plugs $500 credit—Stephanie Hill; Jesse V.

Anatometal also surprised us all by giving away an additional 5 prizes of $1000/month of credit for 12 months!!!!
The lucky winners were; Precision Body Arts, Adorn Body Art, Rick Hartwick, and Steph Devotchka.

Point #72: Volunteer Thank You – Caitlin McDiarmid

1 Comment read Awards & Recognition, Conference, Issue 72

CaitlinMcDiarmid

Caitlin McDiarmid
APP Administrator

 

Every year I have the joy of working with an ever growing group of people who volunteer to help before, during, and after the Conference. Of all the things I do for the APP—of all the tasks that I do in my job—meeting, training, assisting, working alongside of, and getting to know these people is my favorite thing. Mentoring these young women & men to meet their own personal challenges through the act of service is the thing I am most proud of professionally.

Volunteers at the banquetThis year our Al D. Sowers Scholarship recipients came from all over the world and came together to tackle all the new-ness that is Conference.
Gladix (Gladys) Porca Miseria
Sydney Harbaugh
Jason Heeney
Mariona Huertas Riera
Aiden Johnson
Charlie Remy LeBeau
Paul Rainer – “Shannon Larratt – Industrial Strength” scholarship recipient
Jose Carlos
Mandy Thiel — “Industrial Strength” scholarship recipient
Lucina Ayelen Ugarte Basulto

JD Lorenz and Industrial Strength donated two complete scholarships. Gorilla Glass, Quetzalli Jewelry, Intrinsic Body, Inc. and Anatometal all contributed to the scholarship fund in 2015. Stephen DeToma from Anatometal also ran a contest at the Expo challenging attendees to test their core strength, in the Plank position – and raised money towards next year’s fund.

We also had several piercers contribute passes and money to the No Excuses Scholarship fund which this year allowed Caleigh Bell-Morena, James Garvin, Jessica Stone, Emily Woods, Miriam “Loreia” Haslinger, Rob Gold, Anderson Reinkordt, and Matt Lyle to attend Conference.

The amazing amount of support the two scholarship programs receive is growing each year and this is a beautiful thing – we and the piercer recipients are so very grateful.

This year we invited a number of 2014 and 2013 scholars back to work with us, based on their outstanding performances:
Marita Wikström
Andre Nalin
Ismael Vargas
John Robberson
Zach Fitzgerald
Ryan Clark
Jacob Spjut
Nathan Grosvenor

Many of the following volunteers not only did all the things all volunteers do – but also served on the Speaker Operations, Product and Design, and Conference Operations Subcommittees.

I pushed some of the Super Volunteers to be involved in those committees, make training videos, and provided support to encourage them to do their own mentoring of the other volunteers. While most of them do a variety of jobs – they each have their “home base”.

Seven Wolfe, Ryan Feagin, Kristen Young, Chadwick Jackson II
Seven Wolfe, Ryan Feagin, Kristen Young, Chadwick Jackson II

Our Classroom Supers:
Kristin Young (Speaker & Conference Operations Subcommittee)
Seven Wolfe
Ryan Feagin *Super in Training
Chadwick Jackson
Mike McInnes *Super in Training

Our Merch Booth Supers:
Casey Hosch (Design / Product Subcommittee)
Danny Greenwood (Design / Product Subcommittee)
Monica Sabin
Mark Montgomery

Our Raffle Booth Supers:
Ken Seyler
Zane Nichols
Kenny Hughes

General Supers:
Dianna Brown *Super in Training
Andru Rogge

Our Registration Supers:
Kendra Berndt (Conference Operations Subcommittee)
Theo Sheffler
Anna York
Badur Ramji
David Kelso
Tiana McGuire
Marina Pecorino

Our Information Booth Supers:
Jezebel Voulé (Conference Operations Subcommittee)
Luna Duran

Team AVOur AV Supers:
Gus Diamond (Conference Committee)
Allen Falkner
Brian Moeller (Conference Committee & Speaker Operations Subcommittee)
Shana Gyure
Shorty Calma *Super in Training
Ryan Clark

William Spencer (Conference Committee) and I shared the management of the volunteers. He’s always willing to pitch in and he keeps me from taking things too seriously while at the same time making sure I don’t forget to feed and water the volunteers. He also reminds me that there’s more to our experience at Conference than work. He jokes around a lot, but he’s an essential part of the team and a critical support to me personally and to the event.

We had a lot of returning LOVE volunteers and a few new ones:
Amanda Badger
Arik Johnson
Aubrey Diebler
Brittany Kronbeck
Christina Blossey
Dae Jedic
Evan Quinno
Hika Kierkenupp
Julie Taylor
Kaitlin Siebken
Krystal Slager (Klos)
Lani Soleil
Rob Church
Robyn Johnson
Solo Paige-Turner
Stephanie Hill
Stephanie Savage
Trist’n Peterson
Vivi Contreras

Our mentor team worked hard this year to improve contact with their mentees and I want to make sure we recognize both the organizers and those serving as mentors—

Our mentor team:
Ash Misako
April Berardi
Billy Wood Jr.
Kendra Berndt

Our mentors:
Adam Aman
Dana Dinius
Brett Graham
Jake Hardman
Rob Hill
Richard Ivey
Mark Montgomery
Pablo Perelmuter
Brett Perkins
Shawn Porter
Monica Sabin
Jill Sans
Mick Swan
Chris Theis
Johnny Velez
Will VonDoome
Casey Wardell
Darrin Walters
Nick Wolak

As everyone here knows, the industry has been experiencing huge growth and this is clear at our Conference. The Conference Committee and the related subcommittees worked really hard to implement some new technology at Registration, the classroom doors, and booths, also creating new programs like the Conference smartphone app.

I need to give special thanks to a group of the volunteers. These folks worked extra outside of Conference and while at Conference to really make things happen this year. They are the best and the brightest of the bunch, reviewing countless spreadsheet-based schedules, doing research and writing merch proposals, proofing badge packets, proofing the website, and helping with the app. My job has grown too big and without my smarty pants team I wouldn’t have made it.
Marina Pecorino
Jezebel Voulé
Kristin Young
Theo Sheffler
Danny Greenwood
Casey Hosch
Shorty Calma
Brian Moeller
Kendra Berndt (Her first time managing the Registration Department also went smashingly)

I hope our readers and especially our attendees appreciate the efforts of these individuals to help make our event the amazing Conference that it is.

Saving the best for last, thank you Thaddeous Love— not only for all you do for the APP (technology research; repair; maintenance; moving boxes; chauffeur; award designer/manufacturer; onsite taco delivery service); but for all you do to shore me up through long hard days, weeks, and months of Conference prep—and for knowing when to listen and when to tell me, “That’s enough. Enough work stuff.”