- FROM THE EDITORS
- PRESIDENT’S CORNER
- APP MEMBERS RETREAT: CAMP APP 2017 PROMO
- WHEN I GIVE THE BEST OF ME
- CONFERENCE STATISTICS
- CONFERENCE MEMORIES
- THE OPENING POOL PARTY
- THE BANQUET
- ALTERNATIVES TO THE BAR
- UPDATE FROM THE SECRETARY
- MEET SOME OF OUR SCHOLARS
- CONFERENCE MEMORIES ON INSTAGRAM
- VOLUNTEERS AT WORK & PLAY
- VOLUNTEER THANKS & THE JOSH PRENTICE AWARD
- AWARDS
- CHOOSING THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENT
- THE BANQUET & RAFFLE
- THE BPA
- APP MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS UPDATE
- ERIC DAKOTA INTERVIEW FROM INKSPIRED MAGAZINE
Posts tagged appconference2017
Point 79: Conference Announcement
Point 79: BPA: Jewelry Exhibit
The Body Piercing Archive
The Body Piercing Archive will celebrate another first at this year’s conference; we are so excited to have an exhibit booth on the Expo floor.
Yes, we will have jewelry—LOTS of it! However, none of it is for sale. The exhibit will consist of steel and titanium jewelry, merchandise, and advertising from past and present manufacturers. Everything we have was released prior to 2007. This provides ten years of history to allow for a distinct perspective of the past.
This exhibit has been a labor of love over this last year. Many emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls have been exchanged. There was even an awesome day trip to LA to visit a jewelry legend! The outpouring of love for this project has been overwhelming with so many companies sending items. Many private collectors have also stepped forward, offering to bring items to Vegas or ship them to me, so I can include them in the exhibit. All of this, for the love of the jewelry and education. For us, the importance of body jewelry styles and innovations cannot be overstated. The jewelry defines much of how we view ourselves as piercers and how the world perceives body piercing.
This jewelry exhibit is just the start. Over time, we expect to grow, develop, and expand this concept into other materials with harder to find items and obscure companies. That being said, we can’t do it without your help. Maybe you have a box from the shop that you haven’t looked in for years? Perhaps you know a shop owner that is also a hoarder? This is where we find historic gold (literally and figuratively). So, please visit the Expo floor booth, ask us questions, give us feedback. This is your history! This is your exhibit.
Point 79: Update from the Secretary
APP Secretary
The APP has a lot going on this summer, and we want you to join us! Read through for all the latest updates on Conference, Camp APP, important changes to our Membership Standards, and the Members’ Meeting Notice.
Members’ Meeting Notice
The APP’s Members’ Meeting will be held Wednesday, June 14, 7-8pm at Bally’s Las Ve- gas. This meeting will cover all current APP business for the membership. Voting members will sign in to determine if the meeting has met the required quorum. Non-voting members are welcome to attend, as well as one representative from each APP Corporate Sponsor. If you wish to address the Board and membership, you may reserve a time slot by emailing secretary@ safepiercing.org.
There will be a Members’ Mingle before the meeting from 6:30-7:00pm. Refreshments will be served.
This is shaping up to be the biggest APP Conference ever! You do not want to miss it!
Conference Photography Update
This year at Conference we will have a ded-icated portrait photographer available on Wednesday and Thursday near the registration booth. Portrait time slots will now be available for purchase for $20.00. You can purchase your time slot at the merchandise booth and schedule your time with the portrait photographer at the portrait booth.
This time slot will allow for multiple shots, and you are free to bring a friend and do quick group shots. This fee will guarantee you one or more professionally shot and edited photo(s) for private use.
For those of you who wish to use your photo for business purposes, you may purchase the rights to use your photo however you wish for an additional $30.00.
We are excited to offer attendees a smoother portrait experience and an inexpensive way to obtain a professional quality headshot for their business needs.
New Environmental Criteria for Membership
All piercers working at an APP Member studio, members or non-members, will only use appropriate jewelry for initial piercings as listed in the current APP minimum standard. Any use of non-compliant jewelry for initial piercing by any person, member or non-member, in the studio is considered a breach of environmental standards and can be grounds for losing membership.
All studios will have until Jan 1, 2018 to become compliant with this new environmental standard.
Standards Update: Initial jewelry & Rose Gold This change was made after input from our membership, information provided by a workgroup at Camp APP, and consultation with major gold manufacturers. Please review the updated standard below:
Gold (yellow, white, or rose) is appropriate for initial piercings if it is solid 14k or 18k, alloyed for biocompatibility, and free from nickel or cadmium. Gold higher than 18k is too soft for body jewelry because it can easily be scratched or nicked. Gold lower than 14k, gold plated, gold-filled, or gold overlay/vermeil jewelry is not acceptable for fresh piercings.
3rd Annual Camp APP Members Retreat Registration for Camp APP 2017 will be opening soon. Camp APP will be October 3-7, 2017 at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, GA.
Camp APP is a great alternative for people who can’t attend Conference or for anyone who wants to add to their educational experience. It is a week filled with great food, new friends, hands-on educational opportunities and summer camp style fun. To find out about registration first join the Facebook event page
Point 79: The Mentor Program
APP Mentor Program Coordinator
If you have ever attended the annual APP Conference, then you know it can be an overwhelming experience; especially if it is only your first or second year attending. To make this transition into becoming a seasoned Conference goer simpler, there is the Mentor Program.
So what exactly is the Mentor Program? It is an amazing outreach system created in 2009 by Ryan Ouellette. Essentially, the idea was to build small families that can work together as a group and lean on each other for support during the APP Conference. We have seen incredible progress and have had wonderful feedback when it comes to this program, and we look forward to continuing this process for years to come.
Our mentors are experienced Conference goers who want to ensure that our new attendees have an outstanding time. To pair mentors and mentees, we use a survey system conducted by the Mentor Team to create groups based on similar interests, areas of knowledge, and class schedule needs. These small groups—consisting of a mentor and three to four mentees—assist and encourage each other while providing a more welcoming environment to the Conference experience as a whole. Mentors are here to provide support if you become overwhelmed, require a little reassurance, or want assistance with your class schedule. They can even give you advice on where to find the tastiest tacos or a delicious vegan donut. It is essential to take full advantage of this opportunity! Many mentors and mentees develop connections with each other that can last for years!
If you plan on attending Conference for the first time and have questions that you would like answered, need help selecting your classes, or you would simply like to have a friend before arriving in Vegas, then the APP Mentor Program is here to help! If you are a first or second year attendee and would like assis- tance from a mentor chosen specifically for you, please email mentors@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 to sign up as a mentee, 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 cannot wait 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 what the Mentor Program offers makes 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 Cale or anyone else on the Mentor Team. The 2017 Mentor Team includes Cale Belford, Ryan Ouellette, Billy Wood Jr., and Will VonDoome
Point 79: What a Year Can Do – Revisiting Al D. Scholars from 2016
(with Caitlin, APP Administrator)
How time flies, with this year’s APP Conference #app2017 fast approaching there’s no better time than the present to reflect on the past year.
Since attending as an AL D scholar last year, I feel like a new me in my piercing room. After coming home and having the confidence to try new techniques, explain things better to clients and suggesting changes to better the daily running of the studio I have found a new confidence that only could have happened because of Conference last year. Getting the opportunity to talk to fellow piercers and the vendors of companies whose jewellery I had admired for the longest time, building friendships, and the chance to network is a wonderful experience.
Since returning I have successfully become a member of the UKAPP. I’m also a part of the UKAPP online team, running the social media and promotion alongside Seb Wolfe, of which I am so proud of.
If I have any advice for this year’s scholarship winners, I’d say do not underestimate yourself. You can achieve anything you set your mind too. You already have, by applying and being successful in gaining a scholarship to conference.
It truly is life changing. I can’t wait to return and see you all in June.
Jane Absinth, 2016 Al D Scholar
Recalling my first Conference, I have this amazing warm feeling. As we were prepared for the event with the video-chats and info materials, I had the feeling it would be REALLY OVERWHELMING.
But to my pleasant surprise everything went smoothly and was not so frightening at all! Now I have a very special extension of my piercing family. Everyone I met, from the every other part of the world was just as amazing and friendly as you could imagine.
I arrived a couple of days in advance to have enough time to fight the jetlag, but it did not work and I just fell so deep into sleep that did not even hear my roommates trying to get in to check on me, even when they called security. I can only imagine what they thought about me (first time in Vegas, etc…).
I could not have asked for a better roomie than Angie and some colleagues from Germany, who showed me everything. This is how it works: you share your experience to help the newcomers, to not be immediately overwhelmed and get lost in the casinos I am not a party monster and am relatively calm so I found me and Angie were the perfect roommate match!
I had prepared myself for some really crazy hard things during my volunteer hours at the Conference, but I seemed to get along with it pretty good. Except one day I was working the door with John Robberson and he saw my break down coming and he immediately jumped in, offered to take me to the office, where I burst into tears—haha, so well prepared! 🙂 But we Russians are pretty tough, everything was fine, just my eyes were wet because of the air conditioning. I found this very situation a perfect example of our volunteer family and how it should work—ready to give all your support to the person near you.
So after all is said and done, the first and the most important piece of advice I can give. Don’t get stressed! In fact, everything is gonna be fine, you will have the most beautiful and caring people around you whenever you need anything. And moreover, it will be probably the most exciting week of your whole year: so many new things, knowledge, amazing chats with colleagues and even some relaxing at the pool. Oh and stay hydrated and don’t forget to eat! 😉
It has been nine months since my visit to Las Vegas and the 2016 Association of Professional Piercers Conference, but it feels like yesterday. The nerves and the uncertainty I had, the experience of traveling so far alone, it was all worth it.
The welcome I got from Caitlin when I arrived late in the evening, showing me the room, while my roommate, Jane, was so asleep, we called security to make sure she was ok, oops that jet lag can be a real bummer.
It was comforting knowing she had been there a few days, and I was really happy that she already had a lay of the land. So she showed me around, letting me know where to find things, like Starbucks, very important! We got along perfectly, and she introduced me to so many new people.
The week flew by. I learned, met new people, laughed, enjoyed every minute. I hate to say I must miss all of it this year, but am more than looking forward to all the pictures and messages you guys will post. I will simply imagine I am there with you.
If I had to give our new scholars any advice it would be don’t be stressed as long as you listen and care for your body, it will be fine. Take it all in, enjoy your time with your new family, and say Hi from me.
Hope to see you all at #APP2018
Point 79: The President’s Corner – Jef Saunders
APP President
I vividly remember my first APP Conference experience. I had about $300 to my name, and I was waiting on a check to clear when I landed in Las Vegas. When I arrived I had no money at all to get to the Conference hotel; this was in the Riviera days. I actually looked through my junk mail, activated a credit card, and took a $20 cash advance to catch a cab to the hotel. When I arrived I was intimidated and excited, but before long I wasn’t amongst strangers, I was with friends.
I image that many attendees have similar experiences their first year. I know that many arrive at our Conference for the first time, low on money, but with an abundance of nerves. I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been there. Everyone has had a first Conference. I say it like that, because very few attendees have just one Conference. There is a special kind of magic that surrounds the entire event. We all end up making relationships that last a lifetime. We are learning together. We are buying jewelry and supplies from our hardworking vendors. A lucky few of us will even win raffle prizes that will alter the course of our careers. It is hard to put into words how special our Conference really is.
Until my involvement with the Board, I didn’t have an understanding of all the work that goes into the magic that is our collective learning, sharing, and growing experience. Since Conference continues to grow, more and more thought is required in addition to a tremendous amount of work and cooperation. Our volunteers, instructors, vendors, sponsors, mentors, board, officers and employees put in so much all year for this one week. They have my thanks for all the good times I have had over the years.
I’d love to be able to point to one moment in particular that cemented my love of Conference, but how could I? I was there when Rob Hill proposed to Stephanie Hill during the banquet (I mean right there, sitting next to them!) I was in the 20 years of APP roundtable listening to my heroes talk about the behind the scenes history of the APP. I got to teach a class about nostril piercing with Alicia Cardenas to a room about twice as full as I was counting on. I saw one of my closest friends, Cody Vaughn, win a huge raffle prize within months of opening his new shop. The list goes on and on.
If you’ve attended before, I’m sure you have your own moments like these. If this is your first Conference, I’m sure you’ll make your own memories that will stay with you a lifetime. If you ask me what my absolute favorite experience at Conference is, my answer is: the next one. The next time I get goosebumps. The next time I learn something that changes the way I pierce forever. The next time I cry because Caitlin is crying. That’s my favorite.
Point 79: From the Editor – Kendra Jane
Managing Editor of Content & Archives
What can I say about the nineties? They shaped and influenced the rest of my life, more than any other decade I have experienced thus far.
During those ten years, I graduated high school, had my first serious boyfriend, went to university, lost my virginity, found my feminist voice, became a registered voter, lived on my own for the first time, and got my first body piercings (other than my lobes as a baby).
My first piercing of choice came merely weeks after I turned 16 and could sign for myself. I had decided on something I thought I could easily hide from my parents, my tongue. Because although I was rebelling and going against the grain, I knew they would not understand or approve. I took the bus downtown to a local tattoo and piercing shop and signed myself up for a tongue piercing. A few hours later I had a very long externally threaded, acrylic beaded barbell in my mouth. That was my entry into the world of body modification, and although the bulk of my journey would not happen for two more decades, it all started in the nineties.
So flip the page and take a look back to where our Board of Directors may have been in the nineties. Read about celebrated photographer Charles Gatewood in a preview of this year’s Body Piercing Archive Exhibit. Matte Erickson’s teaser article on his jewelry exhibit will have us all yearning for the collector’s items of years gone by. So whether this is your first Conference or you have been to all twenty-one, get ready to strap on those Doc Martens and cut Footloose. This pre-Conference issue highlights the best of Conference and gives you a sweet taste of the nineties goodness that awaits us all June 11-16 in Las Vegas.
Point 79: From the Editor – Marina Pecorino
Managing Editor of Content & Statistics
Conference is coming!
It happened last year and it’ll happen next, but each year is a unique opportunity to meet new colleagues, share information, and purchase some of the best body jewelry available. Personally, this year, I’m most looking forward to the in-person support I get from my industry tribe and the volunteer family.
As we prepare for that life changing week, here are a few updates and things to you may want to consider:
- Register for your preferred schedule— Classes are already filling up and the wait list system has been activated. The sooner you register the better your chance of getting all the classes you want.
- Book your hotel room—We strongly encourage you to book in the APP Room Block. You’ll be closer to the excitement. Resort fees will be optional (covering in-room wifi and fitness center access), so you can choose to have more moola to spend on pretties in the Expo. And to top it off, you’ll be helping the APP maintain our privileges and position at Bally’s.
- Alternatives to the Bar (A.T.T.B) are new this year!—For many of us, the Splash Bar can become tiresome, but we still want the opportunity to network and hang out, sans cigarette smoke and drunk shenanigans, please. Now you have more options; games in the lounge, Statim discussions with Brian Skellie, an after-hours Talk APP session, and a Body Piercing Archives pajama movie night! Check the Conference mobile app for more information.
- Opening Pool Party Upgrade—This year, head over to the beautifully updated Go Pool at the Flamingo Hotel across the street. Also new for this year, there will be a strictly enforced wristband policy for the pool party. You’ll find your wristband in your registration packet, so please remember to grab it when you don that Speedo.
- Conference mobile app—This year, along with the handy maps, schedules, and speaker information in our Conference mobile app, you’ll also find a fun new game. Play “Click” to win prizes through a photo scavenger hunt designed to get you to network and socialize. This is an especially handy addition for new attendees and those of us who favor the shy side.
Still feeling unprepared or have questions? Our ever-evolving checklist of don’t forgets and survival tips has become a staple reference guide for Conference goers. If you’re ready for a reminder, check out this checklist/ survival guide from Issue 71.
Shifting gears to non-Conference news,
Kendra, Jim, and I are very happy to announce two new additions to The Point team. We would like to welcome Ryan Clark and Badur Ramji to The Point committee. Ryan’s experience with editing and InDesign are already proving useful in the final stages of our publication processes. We will be utilizing Badur’s expertise in social media and web management to further engage our readership and develop the publication’s online presence. If you have ideas for any of us or just want to welcome our new committee members, please send an email to editor@safepiercing.org.
All of that said, start drinking your water and taking your vitamins now; I can’t wait to see you all in Las Vegas in a few short weeks!