Al D. Scholar—Branko Branislav

My very first thought on the 2019 APP Conference is simple: Hell yeah, that was so great to experience. I’m super motivated to do things better, to test and try different techniques, to get things done smoother. Here and there small but important tricks were shared. Presentations were interesting and gave me new angles on topics. There were so many beautiful people all around smiling and saying hello. You can talk to any person and connect on topics immediately. The days are long and full, and worth the time and effort. Oh, and yes there is a lot of fun.

I have to admit that even attending thanks to the Al D. Scholarship, still Conference was quite expensive for me. Not only the flight, but Vegas is damn expensive. However, I believe it is worth it. The Conference is simply a mind bomb: the brain is on full speed, the notebook with 30 pages of notes, and all those insights. It was not for me that I would discover a whole other world, as I’m a piercer of 15 years, and I already have a foundation of knowledge. But still having this collective knowledge of a thousand piercers for a week in one place will make you discover a lot of thoughts from techniques, safety, materials, and how to best work with social media.

And here comes the best; I now realize that piercers are super easy to share what they know. They are eager to share and that is very special. I know many communities and this is not the case always. Often people keep their tricks for themselves as that makes them work for a living, but that is not the case with piercers at Conference. Piercers didn’t mind telling you the trick they developed over 20 years of practicing. They made a presentation out of it for anyone at Conference. That is great. That is bringing us forward, keeping things even safer, and that is a top priority for all of us; having in mind that whatever I do should be beneficial for clients. That is about what we do at Conference. We care. We share.

I was a bit pushed to apply for Al D. Scholarship, and I’m very happy that I did apply. It was all fine, and I got the chance to come and volunteer at Conference. Volunteer work was great. I liked it very much, as you can experience the conference also from behind the scenes. Who would not be curious, right? The work itself isn’t very hard; it’s more the length of days that make it a bit challenging. But having the chance to say hello at the classroom door to 300 people each time, or being at the merch and getting to see the happy eyes of guys who just bought stuff… worth it! Not a surprising side effect is the big growth on the number of real friends (yes, also on FB) that I can call anytime. I already miss them as I’m based in Europe.

To sum up, I’m so glad I had the chance to come and experience it, and I’m already looking forward to coming back again. I will go through the door, and if they are closed I will climb up the window to get in.

Al D. Scholar—Danica Kamakana

From the moment I was told I was receiving an Al D. Scholarship, I felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation. The thought that I was deemed worthy of this opportunity  warmed my heart and  gave  me a sense of confidence I had not yet experienced during my evolving career.

The time had come.

It had been years in the making and caused an accumulation of emotions, seemingly becoming bottled up in my throat: excitement, anxiety, worry, wonderment. Feelings I just had to swallow in order to take that first step. As I walked into Planet Hollywood, I realized I was one of the last volunteers to arrive and that sent me even more into a panic. Would people even like me? Would I just belly flop through this whole week?

The volunteer meeting was just beginning, and we were all making our introductions, when I stood up amongst the group of over fifty people, most of them strangers to me, and I managed to shakily say my name, a few other facts about myself, and promptly sat right back down on my butt. As the meeting progressed, I started to feel my shoulders surrender, my smile went from nervous to elated, and I gained more confidence in my voice. A realization flooded over me; this group of volunteers was far more than a bunch of random people sitting in a room, they were each amazing, special, and here for one another. I began to feel less like a lone wolf and more like a little duck. A little duck under the loving wing of such a special person who became so dear to me, as she does to everyone in the volunteer family. If it were not for Caitlin, I’m sure we would all have been a little more hungry and dehydrated than we’d like and we would definitely be lacking caffeine.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all that you do every conference and throughout the year, Caitlin. You are irreplaceable! Each volunteer made running Conference seem effortless and without worry. I know that is because we had such amazing guidance from Caitlin and our super volunteers! I appreciate every single one of you!

Later, once I was able to go up to my room for the first time, I took a deep breath and looked at my badge. There it was, “Association of Professional Piercers 24th Annual Conference,” and it had my freakin’ name on it! I had my own badge. I had finally made it to my first conference! At that moment I made a promise to myself, that I would get out of my comfort zone during the week. I would talk to anyone and everyone, even when social anxiety tried  to creep up. I would make a point to participate in each class I attended and I wouldn’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help.

I was so grateful that, even though I was a volunteer, I was given ample time to attend the classes I wanted and still was able to take a moment of downtime. Volunteering is not easy, though! The days are long: going to classes, working the doors and booths, attending office meetings, making sure to eat, stay hydrated, and being social. This can all seem like a daunting task, but taking valuable advice like “TAKE NAPS” definitely helps. Thanks, Zakk.

Each class was insightful, inspirational, well organized, and welcoming. All my apprehensions about raising my hand to ask a question quickly resolved itself and I felt like everyone in the room was there for the same reason: growth. I left each class highly motivated and looking forward to being able to put into practice all the knowledge I had gained.

As day five ended and I sat on my bed, I had this sense of sadness float over me. I thought about how soon this week would end and this community I loved would dissolve. I’d have to wait over a year to have this same feeling again. as soon as the sadness came so did the joy, though. I had found my place. Being born and raised on an island, in one of the most isolated places in the world, I rarely see modified people, and hardly get to be around such like-minded and inclusive folks. Yet, here I was, ending my search and finding my home away from home. Thank you to all of those who welcomed me without question, who reminded me of self-care, who shared their wisdom and experiences, and who hugged me when I needed it most. All these memories will be carried with me each day until, once again, I can greet you with a smile and be welcomed home.

Al D. Scholar—Kyla Hoffert

As I sit at the airport waiting to board my flight home, I reflect on the past week. I think about what this experience was for me, what it has meant to me, and what I have learned.

When applying for the Al D. Scholarship, I wasn’t very confident I would even be accepted. I made what I thought was a mediocre video in somewhat of a hurry. But I thought, “Oh what the hell, I’ll just give this a shot.” I was at a breaking point and a little lost, unsure if my career in piercing was even going to continue. I told myself if I didn’t get the scholarship I was going to hang it all up and go back to the healthcare field. The mere thought and excitement of possibly getting accepted is what helped get me through the winter months.

Upon finding out I had been accepted, I felt slightly rejuvenated. As I waited for Conference, I was overwhelmed with excitement and nervousness already. I knew there was a lot of work ahead. Daily, I looked forward to the various emails, phone calls, and messages I would receive during the six months or so leading up to Conference. With each one, my emotions shifted back and forth. There was so much to read and learn beforehand, but I made it a point to read the information given each day.

Once it was time to fly out, I was a mess. Completely engulfed by the stress of leaving home, being alone while traveling, and flying for the first time in 10 years. I felt confused, lost, and alone as I started my emotional week before even leaving home. I collected myself, boarded my plane, and before I knew it, I was in Las Vegas. I scrambled to find my luggage and find fellow Al D. Scholar, Christy. I honestly couldn’t have had a better buddy to ride to the hotel with. Quiet, but kind, Christy helped ease my nerves with her presence and calm demeanor.

The first few days went by so fast they were a bit of a blur. Every part of me was exhausted come Monday morning. At that point, I wasn’t sure whether or not I would make it through the week. I didn’t partake in any drinking or after-hours activities. While I could, I got as much sleep as possible. Without that, I certainly wouldn’t have made it through.

By the time Thursday rolled around, the realization that the week was almost over had set in. Overcome with not getting out and socializing, I became fully aware of how lonely I am/was. At best I have two people I’d consider acquaintances, but no one I felt I could sit and talk to, like that long lost friend we all have. So I sat in my room and cried; I knew I needed it. The months leading up to these moments have been a rollercoaster, even the week itself.

On Friday we attended our volunteer dinner. As we all ate, conversed, laughed, and cried, I finally realized I am not alone; my family has  been  here all along. I am just too damn stubborn to reach out sometimes.

I cannot thank each of you enough for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Conference this year. I have gained so much knowledge and appreciation, and I feel the love of such a connected group. A group that I am so proud to say that I am a part of now.

Al D. Scholar—Ryan Caruana

I am from Montreal, Quebec and I was an Al D. Scholar during the 24th annual APP Conference in May 2019. This opportunity could not have come at a better time, and was absolutely life changing. I am beyond grateful for not only the opportunity I was given, but the family I was welcomed into warmly. I would like to start off by sincerely thanking Caitlin “Momma Duck” McDiarmid and the entire volunteer team. Their hard work, dedication, and family mentality made my first Conference a week I will never forget. I would also like to thank Sleeping Goddess for making my trip to Conference this year possible!

Being a volunteer is a labor of love, and this year’s event has absolutely made me love every aspect of Conference. I was extremely excited to start my week, and was always looking forward to the next project. Upon completing setup I thought I understood the feeling that brings the other volunteers back every year, but that understanding came later. It wasn’t until I saw a first year attendee with tears of excitement looking at the crowd that I knew: this type of experience is what keeps us all coming back. This is what being a volunteer is all about, uplifting and giving back to our community.

As a first time attendee myself, I was quite nervous about meeting some members of the community I look up to (there are quite a few of you), but being part of the volunteer team made this experience so easy. The people I was once afraid to say hello to were now part of the same project as me, or were having coffee together before the day and just talking as friends. I was terrified to speak to Jim Ward until I was asked to help him set up the Gauntlet booth.

While there were too many moments and classes that I absolutely adored, I must draw attention to Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit. I credit Fakir with my introduction to body piercing, and my first inspiration to become a body piercer. Fakir’s influence has provided me with experiences and memories that are more valuable than words could ever describe. Meeting Fakir in 2017 was the start of my career, and more importantly the beginning of a new life. Fakir, your energy transfers to every person I meet, and for this I am truly grateful. Thank you for showing me the new path I now follow.

I will be returning to Conference every year for the foreseeable future, and I would absolutely be honored to volunteer each and every year. For anyone who wants to get even more out of their conference experience, I wholeheartedly suggest joining the volunteers if possible. For those who need it, I encourage you to apply for the various scholarships. The Al D. Scholarship has improved not only my career, but my quality of life and confidence immensely. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and my new volunteer family: I love you all!

Originally, I was working in a subpar shop in Mississippi; low-quality jewelry, carpet in the lobby. Do I need to say more? My mentor said we would do our best to make it to Conference in 2018, which, unfortunately, didn’t happen, but  thankfully I did learn of the Al D. Scholarship.

My mentor wouldn’t let me shadow   at other shops because he didn’t believe we should train our “competition,” even though these shops were in other states. I once “made the mistake” of liking another shop’s Facebook page and it was over for me at that particular sub par shop. I was more than okay with leaving at that point. After about three months of no work, I got the opportunity to create my own space for piercings inside of a tattoo shop; specifically, the one I liked on Facebook. Go figure.

I felt even more responsible to learn and be the best piercer I could be after leaving the previous shop. It seemed impossible for me to get to Conference, but I knew it was something I had to do. It was all my online peers would talk and rave about. I knew this scholarship could help me as I was now opening up a new business, taking care of my family, and trying to balance self-care along the way. It was easy to apply and to honestly lay it all out on the table. I didn’t have anything to lose; they were either going to say yes or no. I pulled the trigger and applied as soon as the application became available in 2018.

I’ll never forget the process—from interviews, to receiving a call from Cale. I was busy when Cale called so I had a nice little voicemail that’s now a keepsake, in a weird way. I waited until my lunch break to call back to get what I thought for sure was a “we’re so happy you applied but…” speech. Instead, I found out I was one of twelve recipients of the Al. D Scholarship! I couldn’t believe it.

Everyone told me, “you are so lucky,” and I believed them, but one of the things I learned after going to Conference and thanking everyone for giving me the scholarship is that I, and those eleven others, earned that spot. We weren’t “lucky,” we earned our keep. Every Scholar worked their ass off to be where they were and that is why we were chosen. It felt so nice to be seen and valued by the people in the industry. They saw my struggle of working a full-time job outside the industry in order to afford better for my clients. They didn’t see me as  less  of  a piercer because of that. Instead they celebrated the means I would go through to provide better for my clients. When I say “thank you,” this is what I am thankful for.

I’ve sort of isolated myself at home, as I don’t have a community to share my piercer thoughts with. I didn’t know this yet but that all changed as soon as   I got off the shuttle that Friday in May. I was welcomed by such warm people in the volunteer family. I was so used to feeling like an outcast back home, I could feel myself drawn back to that feeling of isolation even there surrounded by all that love. I just want to tell others that may feel this way that it’s okay. It’s not easy going to an industry event feeling like you came from something lesser than. Honestly, though, most people that attend are just trying to better themselves. They’re not there to look down on you. I’m not saying it was easy opening up to people, but it was worth it, in my opinion, because it allowed me to learn  more. I feel like I learned as much about myself as I did about this industry, and I do know that I’m grateful. Thank you, again, to Pupil Hall for sponsoring my Al. D Scholarship. Also, thank you, Caitlin, for always listening when I needed you to and to the volunteer family for being so freaking awesome.

Al D. Scholar—Šimon Svěrák

When I received the Al D. Scholarship to attend the APP Conference and Exposition, I was very happy and had the highest expectations. I must say, those expectations were fulfilled almost completely. I personally had four main goals:

1. To learn new piercing techniques.
2. To try and supply my country with high end, quality jewelry.
3. To experience the culture of the country where the modern piercing industry started, and to meet people involved in the beginning of this industry (even if postmortem like the Fakir Musafar exhibition.)
4. To establish contacts to start a Czech and Slovak association of professional piercers, along with Branko Branislav. Blascak who was also an Al D. Scholar this year.

1. To learn new piercing techniques.  For the last three years I have attended BMXnet. I think the information taught at BMXnet and at the APP Conference and Exposition, specifically concerning piercing, is quite similar; there are a lot of the same speakers. So, there was not that much new information for me to learn, just some small tips and tricks or some inspiration. It the end, though, this was very encouraging  for  me, because I discovered I am probably more experienced than I thought I was.
2. To supply my country with high end jewelry. There is little or no high-quality jewelry market in my country. I would not say we use low quality jewelry; I would say it is rather mediocre. The main reason is it is simply not affordable for our customers. I think that, given the economic situation of the EU and the level of development in the piercing industry in Prague, now is the right time to work towards changing that. New people I met during Conference were very helpful in this; they gave me a lot of tips about what jewelry I should buy, how I should present it to my customers, what the pros and cons of this better jewelry are, etc. They even went with me through the Expo and introduced me to brand managers. When I came back to my country I found that selling this jewelry to customers was more difficult than I expected, but I think there is a way. It just needs a lot of patience and more education for my customers. I am planning to do some blog or vlog posts about the importance and design of jewelry to provide our customers with information they need and hopefully it will help to start a new market.
3. To experience the roots of modern body piercing industry. I was very excited about the opportunity to attend a class by Jim Ward concerning his relationship with Fakir and I was excited to visit the Fakir exhibition (not to mention classes with speakers like Annie Sprinkle and others.) I have read Running the Gauntlet, Modern Primitives, and other books and getting the opportunity to meet the people involved in the creation of our subculture was more than enriching. It helped me to better realize the importance of sexuality in the development of the modern body piercing culture and I learned of its relation to spirituality. Caitlin also encouraged me to speak with Paul King who recommended a few books to study. Another part of this was experiencing the USA itself. I understand much better how the culture of the Native Americans affected the characteristics of American rationality in relation to spirituality, religion, sexuality, and the body piercing experience. I am going to gather my thoughts on this topic for a public presentation titled “Body Piercing as Fetish” by the end of this year.
4. To start Czech and Slovak association of professional piercers. I managed to establish contacts with a few people who provided me with a lot of valuable info about starting our own association, mainly Nicole Holmes and Cale Belford. There is still a great deal of work to do. I plan to focus on this more after the holidays, likely in September.

To  conclude,  I must say the APP Conference was, for me, a very strong and good experience. It was very well organized and all the people were very nice. I think I managed to meet most of my goals while there.

Rick Frueh Memorial Scholarship—Melissa Ray

My first APP Conference has come and gone, and I am still awestruck by the entire experience. I had the incredible fortune of joining Caitlin and the rest of the volunteer family as an Al D. Scholar. Thanks to LeRoi Fine Jewelry, the Rick Frueh Memorial Scholarship, the Scholarship Committee and many others, I was able to not only attend the conference that I had longed to be a part of for many years, but to play an integral role in making things run smoothly while participating. Try as I might, words fail to convey what a rewarding experience this was for me.

As someone who struggles with social anxiety and being a generally introverted person, I was astounded at how the energy of Conference could melt so many of those symptoms away, leaving room for the kind of growth one can only achieve outside of their comfort zone. Volunteering at Conference provided me with a profound feeling of purpose; I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if attending in a non-volunteer capacity. My volunteer schedule was thoughtfully crafted, allowing me to attend an abundance of enriching classes that already have undoubtedly made a difference in how I think and work. Applying and perfecting new techniques learned at Conference is so rewarding, especially once you begin to see the positive results in action. Being in the presence of over a thousand people who share the same passion for body modification and vehement enthusiasm to learn as oneself is nothing short of inspiring. I can’t wait to see how my peers have evolved when we all meet again a year from now, having benefited profoundly from these experiences we shared at Conference.

As impactful as classes were for me, I must remark on how absolutely humbling it was to experience the Fakir Musafar: In Pursuit of the Spirit exhibit, put together so exquisitely by the Body Piercing Archive. I feel so lucky to have had this touching experience, and I can’t think of better hosts than Ken Coyote and Cléo Dubois herself. I will forever treasure their stories and the history they shared with us.

A successful Conference is defined in many different ways depending on who you speak with. This was the first Conference I attended; it was a huge success that met and exceeded every expectation I had, and the ones I had never imagined. I can’t thank everyone enough for the many roles they have played thus far in my personal and professional growth. I am endlessly thankful for this experience. It allowed me to learn so much more about piercing, my own goals and visions, and the endless possibilities of our profession. I absolutely cannot wait to do it all again in 2020. Until then, I will continue to do my best to evolve, learn, and contribute in the most meaningful ways possible to this industry that I adore and that has done so much for me.

Al D. Scholar—Victoria Rothman

Conference sprang anew in 2019. The reality of departure from our long-standing, home-away-from-home at Bally’s settling into our brains, sobering our emotions as we exited terminals, parked cars, and shut taxi doors, leaving the outer circle behind and entering the week-long marathon. This year marked only my third conference, still malleable, for me the uprooting was minimal. Into Planet Hollywood we trickled -our new dwelling. One by one, two by two; nervous, excited, and slightly missing home; we navigated ourselves through the hallways to find our (class)rooms like we did in elementary school, so long ago.

Hidden between the scramble to find new footing, I recall a sentiment of cleansing; and a healing joined by subtle release of customs staled throughout the years. For some we grieved, others we banished as no longer serving us. Practices established long before I came onto the scene, only described to me, let go silently; in unspoken agreement. Their only evidence of existence, a quiet inquiry, a gesture-a nod, a wink.

We grieved not, as we re-learned that with every end comes the adjacent genesis; a clean slate upon which to build anew. Inception hung in the air. The Heart Bar, our new watering hole, ready in waiting for us to create the first of many traditions. Here I conversed with my APP family, my volunteer family, my Al. D 2019 (what what!) family.

Conference became new again to me, as 11 of my peers and I joined the APP’s volunteer crew. Like a rite of passage, we stood among giants, before conference veterans, 20 year+ volunteers, founders; and introduced ourselves as not just scholars, Al D. scholars. Elbow to elbow, sometimes literally, we worked our way through the week, pulling late nights and early mornings. We often reminded ourselves and each other that, if we made it so, it could be one of the most important weeks of our careers. When it came down to work or play, we reminded each other. When we had to choose between sleep and overtime, we reminded each other. Through uncertainty, we looked to one another for guidance. And in joyous celebration we praised each other and our achievements. For me, the Al D. experience fostered a sense of belonging, and a pride in that belonging. The feeling of camaraderie I experienced that week is one I look forward to fostering for years to come.

Mark Siekierski Memorial Scholar—Christy Guare

So, I’ll start by saying that I am not great with words or expressing emotions, but I will try my best to keep this from being a total cringe! Three weeks since returning from Conference, and it has definitely been a struggle to figure out how to sum up my experience in just a few words. As I feel like I could talk about Conference forever, I thought I would focus on my experience with the volunteer team. Here goes.

The volunteer team truly left a lasting impression on me. I was taken aback by how much of a strong family the volunteer team is. Everyone is there to look after each other, to work their butts off, and have a great time together. And it’s true what everyone said; once you are a part of the volunteer team, you are a part of the family.

Even months before traveling from the UK to Vegas, it was immediately apparent the amount of care and love everyone has for the APP and Conference. Caitlin truly goes above and beyond, putting her all into making everything run smoothly, and it was clear that she deeply cares about every one of her ducklings. It is definitely clear why we all call her Momma Duck!

Honestly, it was definitely intense working with so many new faces and such big personalities in the industry. Applying for the scholarship as a small time piercer in the UK with only two years of piercing experience, I genuinely didn’t think I would be noticed, but every single person showed nothing but love and understanding, even when I was awkward and shy. My main regret from the week is that I didn’t speak to everyone more, as they were what made the week truly special.

The classes were invaluable, the people were nothing but loving, and I will never forget my first intense, exhausting week in Vegas. It has absolutely motivated me to go to more conferences (see you soon UK Conference!) and I truly hope that I have the chance to volunteer at APP Conference again.

I would like to add a huge thank you to Caitlin and the volunteer team for being so amazing, and also to the scholarship committee (Caitlin, Cale, and Ryan) and Sleeping Goddess for funding the Mark Siekierski Memorial Scholarship and making this insane opportunity possible!

The scholarship recipients also included
Gabby Ray and Yo Anna.