Point 80: Conference Memories
Posts tagged ThePoint
Point 80: Conference Statistics
The Point Editor
We’ve once again broken all of our previous records; this year, our attendance climbed to 1,123!
As you can tell from our fancy pie chart (everyone loves pie!), as always, Piercers who are not APP Members made up the largest group of conference attendees, with APP Member Piercers coming in second. This probably comes as no surprise, since the main focus of our Conference is piercing related education and outreach. That be- ing said, with over 200 non-piercing attendees, it’s obvious that our conference still has plenty to offer industry professionals working outside of the piercing room.
Our third largest group of attendees this year was comprised of Expo Exhibitors and their Vendor Workers. The Expo is one of the main attractions of Conference. This year, the Expo housed 59 different Exhibitors with a wide range of piercing related offerings; literature, merchandise, advertising services, aftercare products, and of course body jewelry.-
Attendance by Health Inspectors stayed the same as in 2016, with a total of five each year. The APP is working hard to encourage health department officials to attend Conference, but we can always use your help to bring this number up in coming years. Next time your local officials drop by for a visit, please encourage them to attend. Let them know that their conference pass will be free of charge if they book in the APP Room Block and there will be class sessions and meetings specifically designed for them.
Turning our attention to the bar graph, we can see a comparison of Full and Partial registrations for our Piercer and Non-Piercer categories. As you can see, most opt for the Full Registration option, allowing for full access to the class schedule (they still need to claim their seat in advance, of course) and a few other Full Registration perks. The Non-Member/Non-Piercer category seems to be the exception to this trend. When looking through these registrations from an administrative perspective, it’s clear that this category is mainly used by owners, counter staff, managers, and jewelry buyers who are primarily interested in marketing classes and Expo access.
We look forward to seeing plenty of returning attendees and even more new faces next year, Mark you calendars now, July 15-20, 2018. It will be our last year at Bally’s before our much anticipated move to Planet Hollywood in 2019. As our Conference continues to grow in attendance, we plan to expand our class offerings and work toward providing the most unforgettable week ever.
Point 80: APP Happily Announces 3rd Annual Members Retreat
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. (Make sure you are logged into Facebook before you click the link)
Location: Hard Labor Creek State Park 5 Hard Labor Creek Rd.
Rutledge, GA 30663, USA
Contact: Bethrah Szumski
(phone: 404-315-6925)
Point 80: From the Editor: Marina Pecorino
Point Editor
As with any APP Conference I’ve attended, this year was a rollercoaster of a week. There were times where I was busy beyond words and others where I felt relaxed and totally at peace. There were moments when I was surrounded by people, activity, flashing lights, and a cacophony of sound. And then there were those solitary moments in my hotel room or the volunteer office, where I enjoyed total silence and introspection.
This year also had its fair share of firsts, including the first annual Alternatives To The Bar activities. Most of my work responsibilities occur late into the evening, which usually brings me great joy; I revel in the contrary nature of the Conference space during the quiet times. Unfortunately, it means that I missed out on ATTB: BYOF on Tuesday night. This Bring Your Own Fun evening drew a sizable group to the Grand Salon with board, tabletop, and card games galore. I stopped by several times and everyone seemed to be having a blast. This activity is definitely in my wheelhouse, so I’m planning to bring along a few games of my own and definitely make the time to attend next year. Thankfully, on Wednesday night, I finished up with my work a bit early and had a chance to watch some historic piercing films presented by Paul King during the ATTB: Movie Night. It was incredibly moving to sit in the Silver Room filled with piercing industry colleagues watching videos from the Gauntlet era. The Members Meeting on Wednesday brought a personal first. As part of my administrative duties to the APP, I had the opportunity to stand in front of my peers, assisting during several presentations from the Officers and Board of Directors. We announced the new and upcoming features of our MemberLeap software, which was (and continues to be) a very fulfilling project for me. One of my primary responsibilities for the APP is the maintenance of Member records, and this software makes it easier than ever before. It’s a work in progress; there’s always room for improvement, especially in the world of technology. Watch for future updates and system additions, and if you have questions about how the system works, don’t hesitate to let me know: mpecorino@safepiercing.org / 785.856.4540.
Thursday brings the Banquet Dinner, a time for all of us that work to relax just a bit. The grand prize raffle awards were drawn and marked yet another first. For possibly the first time in APP history, the same person won three of the top prizes, and it was an astonishing event to behold. Paul Rainer’s personal account of the events leading up to his improbable win, as well as video of the drawing and Paul’s reactions, are available later in this issue. It just goes to show that sometimes taking a gamble can be life changing, especially when you have the best odds in Vegas.
Now that the dust has settled from Conference, I am looking toward the future and the changes to come. As my responsibilities with the APP continue to broaden and change, so do the dynamics of my family. A few months before the 2018 APP Conference, I will become a first time parent. The thought is incredibly exciting, but also frightening. It may mean that I miss our last year at Bally’s, but I am still desperately hopeful to attend. Despite all the hard work, that week in Vegas serves to revitalize me. Being surrounded by my industry family has a way of recharging my batteries and refocusing my energy; it truly is remarkable.
Point 80: From the Editor: Kendra Jane B.
Point Editor
It’s no secret how much I love donuts (or doughnuts), but to me these tasty little morsels have become so much more than some- thing delicious to stuff down my gullet. They have become a tradition, an expression of devotion and love, and a symbol of family.
Our volunteer team shares a special bond, one that is often hard to describe in words. We have held each other’s hands, each other’s babies, been there for each other through wed- dings and funerals, and of course at Conference. Conference is sometimes the only time we get to see each other, people that come from all around the world to sacrifice their time in order to help put on the best event they possibly can, for all our attendees and industry as a whole. They are the only people I don’t mind sharing my donuts with, and I tend to guard my sugary treats with vigor. So from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to each and every person that gives part of themselves to Conference. I raise a donut in your honour and salute you.
Donuts are (usually) a circle, no beginning and no end, at least until I take the first bite. Our week in the desert is fleeting and before we know it, it’s over for another year. I hope you are ready to dive into this issue, re-living the ah-ha moments, the times filled with heartwarming laughter, the late nights, the smiles, and the hugs. I get to harness all that goodness year round now, so I feel like there really is no end to Conference for me anymore. I have already begun work for next year and the year after that. No beginning, no end; just goodness all around like my donut.
Point 79: 12th Italian SusCon, 2016
English Version
The twelfth edition of the SusCon took place this year September from the 18 to the 20 in Tirrenia, Pisa, a convenient location we have used for a long time. The Conference was good, with 45 suspensions facilitated as well as pulling between six people. On a highly positive note, 30% of our suspendees were newbies, a sign that the cultural practice of corporal suspension is expanding.
Besides Italians, we had participants from Germany, Spain, Norway and New Zealand. The suspension groups that made the whole event possible were APTPI-ST and Wings of Desire (from Norway), whose leader Havve Fjell will officially be presenting the 3rd Symposium on corporal suspension, which will be held in Berlin this May.
As usual, during the three days of the Conference, theoretical lessons were offered. This year we had the honor to host Paul King; professional body piercer since 1991 and one of the few to hold the title of Master Piercer, given by Jim Ward in 1996. He is an active member of the APP and an avid student of ethno-anthropology, as well as the anthropology of the body modification community, having lectured on these topics at various universities.
Paul presented the “Traditions of Hook Swinging in South Asia,” “Suspension of Belief and Piercing Rituals of Plains,” and “Sundance.” The subjects were very interesting and much appreciated. They highlighted other points of view on the practice of suspension, especially with regard to the ritual purpose. Another novelty for this year saw some of the attendees participate in a social and anthropological study, led by the anthropologist Federica Manfredi. She is researching the reasons and feelings involved for those who suspend. From this research they will produce 12 individual projects, all different and all unique and personal.
A special “thank you” to all of the participants in our SusCon, speakers, sponsors, and especially all the volunteers that make this a reality each year. At every event, we see a lot of passion and dedication, rewarding us all with an emotionally engaging gathering.
We can’t wait for next year, with even more surprises planned!
Italian Version
La dodicesima edizione dell’Italian SusCon si è svolta quest’anno dal 18 al 20 settembre a Tirrenia, Pisa, comoda location ormai da molto tempo.
Ancora una volta la partecipazione è stata buona, con 45 sospensioni effettuate durante il convegno ed un pulling tra 6 persone. Nota altamente positiva, il 30 % dei suspendees erano neofiti, segno che la cultura della pratica della sospensione corporale si sta espandendo, anche e soprattutto tra i più giovani.
Oltre agli italiani, si segnalano partecipanti provenienti da Germania, Spagna, Norvegia e Nuova Zelanda; i gruppi di sospensione che hanno reso possibile tutto l’evento sono APTPI-ST e Wings of Desire (Norvegia), il cui leader, Havve Fjell, ha presentato ufficialmente il 3° Simposio sulle sospensioni corporali che sarà tenuto a Berlino nel maggio 2017.
Come di consueto, durante i 3 giorni del convegno, si tengono anche delle lezioni teoriche: abbiamo avutol’onore in questa edizione di ospitare Paul King, body piercer professionista fin dal 1991 ed insignito del titolo di Master Piercer da Jim Ward nel 1996. Membro attivo dell’APP, è anche avido studioso di etnoantropologia e di antropologia delle modificazioni del corpo e su questi argomenti ha tenuto diverse lezioni in varie Università.
Da noi ha proposto: “Traditions of Hook Swinging in South Asia,” Suspension of Believe and Piercing Rituals of Plains,” and “Sundance;” gli argomenti sono stati molto interessanti ed apprezzati, ed hanno messo in luce altri punti di vista sulla pratica della sospensione, soprattutto per quanto riguarda la finalità, non ludica ma rituale.
Altra novità, alcuni partecipanti hanno realizzato un progetto a sfondo sociale ed antropologico, condotto dall’antropologa Federica Manfredi, che ricerca i motivi, ma anche le sensazioni, che intervengono in chi si sospende. Dopo aver contattato alcune persone, ha stabilito una consegna: cercare, attraverso un’opera artistica, di rappresentare cosa, o come, la coscienza elabori l’atto di sospendersi. Sono stati così prodotti 12 progetti, tutti diversi e tutti unici e personali nel taglio e nella realizzazione, che ha coinvolto molto intensamente isoggetti.
Doveroso ringraziare tutti i partecipanti al SusCon, i relatori e gli sponsors, ma soprattutto tutti i volontari che rendono ogni anno tutto questo una realtà.
Vedere e sentire tanta passione e dedizione per una pratica apparentemente poco usuale e male accettata dalla comunità, ricompensa da ogni fatica e contribuisce a rendere questo evento così emotivamente coinvolgente dal punto di vista umano e culturale.
Vi aspettiamo alla prossima edizione, con altre sorprese!
Point 79: Conference Announcement
Point 79: UKAPP Update
UKAPP President
The UKAPP hasn’t been quiet over winter; even if you haven’t heard much from us, we have been busy. Growing in number from six to 14 full members since September, we now have a members locator on our site and traffic is growing steadily.
There have been two social functions – one in Liverpool and another in Bristol – and lots of online activity. All this activity has allowed us to talk and hash out ideas with people interested in the industry, membership, or involvement at many other levels.
Our now annual Conference is heading into its third year and has proven to be such a huge success that this year we are including a lot more to see and do. Vendors, lessons, our rooms, and discussion groups are all being expanded. We have even added a raffle and photo competition. So, definitely more excitement as we do all our planning and our Conference gets closer!
This year the conference will be spread over three days, 9/17 through 9/19 at the Raddison in Birmingham. We hope to see you there.
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 90s
Brian Skellie
| THE NINETIES COMPILATION BY KENDRA JANE B The Point Editor “What can I say about the nineties? Those ten years shaped and influenced the rest of my life more than any other decade I have experienced. I graduated high school, had my first serious boyfriend, went to university, lost my virginity, found my fem- inist voice and became a regis- tered voter, lived on my own for the first time, and got my first body piercings.” —Kendra Jane B. |
“The early 90s were the golden years of ‘celebrity piercer.‘ Recognized piercers were treated like rock stars. These ‘good ol’ days’ weren’t ‘better times,’ but they were certainly more wild.”—Paul King
“The 90s were my coming of age in several ways; both as a young man and as a piercer.”—Luis Garcia
“The 90s was when I first discovered music, sex, and body piercing (in that order). I saw pierced nipples on MTV in 1995, and here I am now.”—Cody Vaughn
“My formative years were in the 90s. In 7th grade I heard “Smells like Teen Spirit,” and it’s impossible to explain how much influence that one song had on the rest of my life. By 1999 I had graduated high school and begun my career as a body piercer.”—Jef Saunders
“It was anarchy really? No rules, just putting needles anywhere you could grab. It was equal parts awesome and ridiculous.”-Ryan Ouellette
Whether showing off by the pool or volunteering for the APP, Brian Skellie’s passion for our industry hasn’t changed since the 90s.
Conference has come along way since the 90s but if you look hard enough you might see some familiar faces, ones that still make our Conference great, decades later.
