19th Annual Conference & Exposition Program

THE ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS

19TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION June 8-13, 2014

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hanks to informative and meaningful healthcare information included, your clients optimize their chances of a successful healing process.

The inspiring photo gallery helps them figure out new and exciting places to adorn their body. This encourages repeat customers.

Inside the app they can easily see the different locations on the body, which are most common to pierce, and with a simple touch, they get the necessary information regarding their specific piercing.

This app is also designed to promote the entire body piercing industry. You as a Piercer can recommend your clients to download the app instead of handing out written care instructions. This will help you save the environment, time and money. All piercing studios will benefit from this informative quality application for smartphones and tablets.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM INSURANCE BROKERAGE

INSURING THE BODY PIERCING INDUSTRY FOR

BODY PIERCING • SURFACE PIERCING MINOR PIERCING • GUEST PIERCERS DERMAL ANCHORING • TATTOO SHOPS MINOR TATTOOING • TATTOO REMOVAL COMMUNICABLE DISEASE • SEXUAL ABUSE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS • CONVENTIONS APPRENTICESHIP • MOBILE UNITS PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY • PROPERTY COVERAGE LANDLORD ENDORSEMENT SIGNS / GLASS / FLASH CA LIC #OB17238 / CA LIC #OH27235

F O R M O R E IN F O RM AT I O N : 4 1 5 . 4 7 5 . 4 3 0 0 o r TAT TO O - I N S . C O M

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ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION!

hether this is your first time joining us at the Association of Professional Piercers’ conference, or your tenth, WELCOME. Personally, this is my 11th time at the APP conference and I love it more and more every time. My first conference was in 2002. I had owned my own shop for about a year and had been piercing for a handful more.

I showed up in Las Vegas terrified. I had no idea what to expect, I didn’t know anyone, I was just some piercer kid from New Hampshire. I walked into the Tropicana and must have looked like a deer in the headlights just standing in the lobby kind of star struck by all the piercers I recognized from online (before Facebook there was this amazing website called BME). This nice guy in a Hawaiian shirt came up and introduced himself as Gus and asked if I needed help finding the convention area. Fast forward to 2014 and I am here at conference as an APP member, as an instructor, and I get to see all the great friends I have made in the industry over the years. Don’t spend all week in your hotel room, or at the bar, or even all in classes. Walk up to those piercers you recognize and start a conversation. Move around a lot, check out everything you can. Not just in the hotel but get out and see the strip. This conference can be both career and life changing, make the most of it.

—Ryan Ouellette, APP Member/Instructor

STAY HEALTHY! Please take care of yourselves during this eventful week – get enough rest, stay well hydrated, eat regular meals – check out the Yoga classes and work out the stress or toxins.

Need extra support? Please let a Board Member, Mentor, or SUPER volunteer know. All of these people can be identified by special ribbons!

Friends of Bill W. meets Monday at 6:45pm; and as needed.

Just for Today Al-Anon meets Tuesday 5:45pm.

Meditation Sessions will be Wed. at 3-3:30; and Thursday from 12:30 to 1.

2014 APP CONFERENCE 7

ORIENTATION INFO

WELCOME TO THE 19TH ANNUAL

THE APP REQUESTS THAT YOU READ & ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING.

As an attendee of the APP Conference, you are a representative of the Industry to the general public, the hotel staff, and all other Conference attendees. This representation necessitates that you conduct yourself in a courteous, professional manner while attending the Conference.

Your behavior while at the Conference, in the host hotel, in other hotels, and while in Las Vegas during the time of the Conference reflects on the APP and the Industry as a whole. Participating in illegal or disruptive activities (use of drugs/ excessive drinking), damaging property, etc. can all create a potential problem for you, the APP and the Body Piercing community.

Posted signs and verbal instructions from APP representatives pertain to ALL attendees and vendors as we have ALL of the participants’ best interests in mind. Volunteers are giving their time so that everyone can have a successful conference – please be cordial to them when they are enforcing Conference rules and regulations.

The Exposition Hall has specific hours and we ask for your assistance in making sure the Hall opens and closes on time by paying attention to announcements and finishing up your purchases/sales in a timely manner.

Inappropriate language, sexist, racist or otherwise rude or offensive comments have no place at a professional event.

Unwanted advances and/or aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. All attendees should be allowed to feel safe and comfortable at our event.

The APP takes safety and security at this event seriously. If you have knowledge of any activity that could potentially be a danger to the public and/or any individual at Conference, you should bring these concerns to the attention of an APP Board Member immediately.

Despite our best efforts, theft is a potential reality at an event and venue of this size; please keep an eye on your personal belongings and assist your fellow attendees in doing the same.

Activities that are illegal in the “real world” are illegal at Bally’s and at the Conference – this includes underage drinking, drug use, underage gambling, drinking while driving, physical abuse, theft, etc.

Absolutely no piercing, scarification, branding or implants, or any other form of body modification from hotel rooms at the host hotel or at the Conference will be tolerated. Any APP members participating in these types of activities risk losing their membership. Any member or non-member risks expulsion from the hotel and/or Conference. This type of behavior contradicts everything the APP represents and promotes in its educational outreach and mission.

ANY food and beverage not contracted by Bally’s but brought into the hotel to serve a group or at a Conference event or function violates our Contract with the host hotel and can result in a substantial fine to the APP. No foods or beverages are allowed on the Expo Floor, in Classrooms or other events that is not for personal use. No food or beverage of any kind is allowed to be brought into the opening party or the banquet dinner.

Smoking is not allowed in any of Bally’s Convention areas, hallways, lobbies, restaurants, or other indoor common areas. This includes the banquet hall and surrounding area. Smokers will need to return to the casino floor in order to smoke. Smoking is allowed ONLY in the Casino area and designated outdoor areas. This is the law in Las Vegas. Both the APP and individual can be fined for smoking in non-smoking areas. Please comply.

All product and jewelry materials, in particular natural or wildlife, must have been legally mined, harvested, imported, obtained and/or fashioned.

Booth-holding vendors are welcome to offer private product showings from their hotel rooms, however, no vending from hotel rooms will be tolerated. Booth holders are not allowed to bring new stock onto the vending floor once the floor is set. Stock in small quantities can be removed and returned each day for security reasons with the permission of the APP. These are regulations (and sometimes laws) that MUST be followed at the Conference. Failure to comply can result in arrest, eviction from the Hotel and/or Conference, and/or penalty or fines applied to the individual and/or the APP. The APP Board Members & Conference organizers thank you!

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

The Conference Mentor program is designed to reach out to new conference attendees, and help them get the most out of their trip. We understand that spending a week in Vegas with hundreds of industry professionals can be overwhelming, so we have assembled a team of conference veterans that are here specifically to help you along the way. We will be at Orientation and available during Sunday evening & Monday morning’s registration. We are happy to help you go over your schedule and pick classes (It’s a great idea to have some input, since you won’t be able take every class in just one year!), as well as give you any advice we can on how to meet new people and make professional contacts.

In addition, we are here for *emotional* support. Remember, the piercing industry is a COMMUNITY, and we do our best to take care of each other. The Mentor team will be wearing badges all week long, so you can stop us anytime if you need help or just need a familiar face for reassurance.

GOING TO CLASS & GETTING CREDIT WHEN YOU DO (NO MORE TICKETS – NO MORE CLASS CARDS)

• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR BADGES! Badges are still required to attend anything at Conference.

• Everyone needs to have a printed copy of their AGENDA – if you don’t have one you can get one at the Registration Desk. Please hang on to it – this document is key to you getting into your classes and getting credit for them!

• Full Conference Pass Attendees can still attend most classes even if they are not listed on their agendas. They MUST, however, have any workshop class and CPR/FIRST AID on their agenda if they want to attend these classes.

• Attendees going to workshop classes must have signed up for the session they want to attend. This session will be reflected on your AGENDA. Make sure if you are attending a workshop session – you are attending the correct session. Due to class size limits you can only attend the session which you signed up for. Any changes will need to be done at Registration.

• NEW! —If the workshop session you want is full - you can be issued a “no-show” pass. This pass allows you into the workshop session if there are seats which are not filled due to registered attendees not showing up for the class. To utilize your pass you need to go to the session, and wait until the volunteer at the door lets you know if you have a seat. Passes are accepted in numbered order. (only available to Full Conference attendees / Registrant Type dependent).

• The CPR/First Aid classes must also be signed up for in advance as there is a separate fee.

• Remember to silence your phones and other gadgets as you enter the classroom.

• Not all classes/instructors allow recording of their class – check the sign on the door to see if audio/video recording is allowed.

• Remember to be respectful of the instructors/facilitators, and other attendees at all times. We ask attendees to refrain from talking loudly during class or creating any disturbances.

• There’s a time and a place for drinking and partying – in the classroom is not the place. Please do not bring alcoholic beverages to class.

• Please use the microphone provided to ask any questions – everyone is here to learn, they need to hear the question too.

• Please understand our volunteers are doing their jobs – you might not agree with the rules, but please be nice to our volunteers. If you have a concern or complaint, please take it up with a manager.

• At the door of each class the volunteer will check your badge, check your agenda, and scan your agenda. This information will be used to give you credit for the class. If you don’t get scanned – you won’t get credit!

• If you are late to class, you may be too late to get credit. You cannot miss more than 15 minutes of a class and still get credit for it. While you can still attend classes, you may lose your seat in a workshop if you are more than 15 minutes late. Don’t be late, leave, or take too long on a break or you may not get credit for the class.

• Please fill out a review sheet for each class – your feedback is important to the development of our Conference.

Thank you for attending and following these guidelines; we hope you enjoy your experience!

8 2014 APP CONFERENCE

2014 APP CONFERENCE 9

ORIENTATION INFO

ORIENTATION INFO

CONFERENCE RULES AND REGULATIONS

MONDAY JUNE 9TH, 8PM–MIDNIGHT LOCATION:

Bally’s Pool Area NeoMetal

SPONSORED BY:

RAFFLE

Thanks always to our donating Vendors – this year and in past years!

TOP RAFFLE PRIZE

Please join us for the opening social event of the Conference. Swimming will be allowed! Wear your hot new suit and enjoy poolside fun. Mingle and meet with old and new friends. Food and a Cash Bar provided.

$15,000.00 of INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH BODY JEWELRY (see the prize in their display cases on the Expo Floor)

BANQUET DINNER

$12,000.00 of ANATOMETAL JEWELRY ($1000.00 in credit for twelve months) AMAZING PRIZE!

THURSDAY JUNE 12th, 8PM-MIDNIGHT SPONSORED BY: INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH BODY JEWELRY; ANATOMETAL, INC.; LEROI, INC.; THE SAFEPIERCING APP; AND KAOS SOFTWEAR, LLC

Join us Thursday night at the Banquet atop the North Tower for dinner and a show! Dress formal or to fit the Sideshow/Circus theme! Banquet tickets are available at the Registration Desk throughout the week; and at the door the night of the event (if not already sold out). Buy your ticket early, we sold out last year!

AWARDS/ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FINAL RAFFLE 10PM Awards for the best booth(s)- Single and Multiple will be announced tonight, along with the Innovator Awards.

The President’s Award and Josh A Prentice Volunteer Appreciation Award will be given at this time, along with announcements. The top ten Raffle prizes will be drawn and given out. Those attendees who do not have tickets for the Banquet are welcome to join us for these events

THANK YOU CONFERENCE SPONSORS:

The APP thanks the following Vendor Sponsors for their support! Every year the APP relies heavily on our Vendor Sponsors 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. Please take the time to stop by these companies’ booths and thank them for their support. Support those who support the APP! LEVEL ONE: Banquet Dinner - Industrial Strength Body Jewelry; Anatometal, Inc.; LeRoi, Inc.; The Safe Piercing App; and Kaos Softwear, LLC LEVEL TWO: Opening Party - NeoMetal, Inc. EXCLUSIVE SPONSORSHIP: The Volunteer Dinner - Body Vision Los Angeles LEVEL THREE: Exposition Coffee & Refreshments - Professional Program Insurance Brokerage; Omerica Organic; Oracle Body Jewelry LEVEL FOUR: Al D. Scholarship - Buddha Jewelry; Gorilla Glass; Quetzalli Jewelry; Intrinsic Body, Inc. Industrial Strength Body Jewelry also donated two complete packages for two additional Scholars in their company’s and Shannon Larratt’s name.

ORIENTATION INFO

ORIENTATION INFO

OPENING PARTY

NOT ENOUGH OF AN INCENTIVE TO PURCHASE TICKETS? INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH BODY JEWELRY HAS ALSO DONATED $10,000 WORTH OF GIFT CERTIFICATES TO OUR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY RAFFLES!

SEE THE COMPLETE RAFFLE PRIZE LISTINGS FOR MORE PRIZES! We encourage everyone to take the time to read this carefully!

• Raffle tickets will be sold at the Raffle booth during Registration and at the Banquet Dinner prior to the drawing (cash sales only at Banquet). Tickets are only $2.00 each!

• Tickets are sold for three separate raffles – and are ONLY good for the specific drawing sold for!

• Tickets are in 3 colors – one for each day’s drawing. No swaps will be made due to errors – please purchase carefully!

• Raffle drawings will be held Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday evening, and Thursday at the Banquet Dinner (only the top 10 prizes will be drawn on Thursday).

• Prizes for Tuesday and Wednesday may vary but the total prize value will be similar for each drawing.

• To enter in Tuesday’s drawing you need to return your ticket stubs by 2pm on Tuesday.

• To enter in Wednesday’s drawing you need to return your ticket stubs by 6pm on Wednesday.

• To enter in Thursday’s drawing you need to return your ticket stubs by 10pm on Thursday (at the Banquet Dinner).

• You will not be entered into the drawing(s) unless you return your completed tickets stubs!

• EXCEPT for the top ten prizes – ALL other prizes now allow you to claim it within 30 days. Some vendors may allow longer claim periods. HOWEVER, Vendors are allowed to charge the winner shipping if the prize is not claimed onsite.

• IF YOU WIN: You can check to see if you have won at the Raffle Booth any time after the drawings take place.

You will be asked for i.d. and your half of the ticket. You will be given a prize certificate. It is up to you to claim your prize from the donating company. You can claim most prizes even after the Conference. So even if you are leaving early – be sure to buy your tickets!

MEET AND READ THE GREATS!

Jim Ward- Running the Gauntlet—An Intimate History of the Modern Body Piercing Movement is part memoir, part history lesson. Jim Ward tells the detailed story of discovering his own fascination with body piercing, his founding of Gauntlet (the first body piercing studio), and the beginning of the modern body piercing industry.

Elayne Angel - The Piercing Bible contains a great deal of information for everyone interested in piercing, including detailed information about evaluating piercers and studios, piercing placements, appropriate body jewelry sizes, styles, and materials, aftercare, troubleshooting, and much, much more Fakir is known worldwide for his 50+ years research and personal exploration of body modifications and rituals.

Fakir has documented his many adventures in his own photo book: Spirit + Flesh.

Don’t miss your chance to speak to these most respected individuals in our industry, purchase and have their books signed! Find them at the APP Authors’ tables at the front of the Expo Hall.

10 2014 APP CONFERENCE

2014 APP CONFERENCE 11

Launched in 2009, the Innovators Award proved to be a welcomed addition to the APP Exposition. The Innovators Award program is a chance for Vendors and Attendees alike to showcase new and innovative designs. Whether it is a single item showpiece, an introduction to a new line, or a new idea an amateur jeweler has developed – we welcome your submissions!

The vendor or attendee who wins an Innovator of the Year award, in addition to the formal recognition of their contribution, will be given an interview in The Point.

Each Vendor/Attendee is allowed one entry into each of the two categories: Technical Innovation & Creative Innovation. Everyone attending Conference should vote in each category!

The display of entries is located at the APP Raffle Booth at the front of the Exposition Hall. Award Ballots are issued at the time of registration with each individual badge. Voting will be allowed by anyone who is issued a badge.

Step One: Review all the entries – they are in the display case located at the APP Raffle Booth Step Two: Choose your winners for each category, one for Technical Innovation and one for Creative Innovation.

Each entry is accompanied with an informative tag and has its number on it. Put your winner’s number on the respective ballots.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS AND SCHEDULE OF CONFERENCE

get the most out of their trip. We understand that spending a week in Vegas with hundreds of industry professionals can be overwhelming, so we have assembled a team of conference veterans that are here specifically to help you along the way. Tambien tenemos ayudantes que hablan español.

SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH

9:30-10:30

6:00-9:00pm On-site Registration and Check-In for Pre-Registrants and Vendors LOCATION: Grande Salon Registration Desk Start Conference off on the right foot! Register now or if you pre-registered, pick up your badge and agenda and sleep in an extra hour tomorrow morning!

Step Three: Put your ballots in the ballot box! Do it before 3pm on Thursday to make your vote count!

MONDAY, JUNE 9TH

APP PHOTOGRAPHER

8:00-9:00am

The APP would like to welcome and introduce Autumn Swisher, this year’s official APP Photographer. Please take a moment to get your photo taken at the photo booth in the Grande Salon, the APP needs your image(s) for it’s publications/digital media!

Autumn Rose Swisher received her Bachelor’s degree of Fine Art in Photography from Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2007.

She attended the New York Studio Program through Parsons in 2006, where she spent a semester in New York interning at the 20x24 Polaroid studio, coming back to N.Y. years later to shoot for Love Adorned and New York Adorned in 2010.

In addition to photography, Swisher has worked as a professional body piercer for approximately one bazillion years. Swisher attended her first APP conference in 2002 and has been attending ever since. Autumn has led the portfolio round table twice and helped teach the photography class in 2013.

Swisher has pierced in a plethora of shops across the U.S. Body modification has become a major part of her work and life, and she dedicates substantial time to documenting this unique community through her photography.

APP MEMBERSHIP

Want to join the APP? Not sure how? Do you have questions about the process or if your studio will pass the criteria? Attendees are encouraged to either attend the round-table discussion on Tuesday at 2pm or visit with the Membership Committee members at any time, identified by their ribbons

REGISTRATION DESK HOURS June 8 (Sun) 6:00 PM-9:00 PM

June 9 (Mon) 8:00 AM-5:00 PM June 10 (Tues) 8:00 AM-7:30 PM June 11 (Wed) 8:00 AM-6:30 PM June 12 (Thurs) 9:30 AM-4:30 PM (If there are remaining banquet tickets they can be bought at the door of the event–cash only!)

June 13 (Fri) 9:30 AM-1:30 PM

12 2014 APP CONFERENCE

Yoga LED BY : Seven Wolfe LOCATION:

Palace 6/7

Free to all. All levels welcome!

8:00-5:00 On-site Registration and Check-In for Pre-Registrants and Vendors LOCATION: Grande Salon Registration Desk Still need to register? Our staff is here to assist you!

Already registered? Pick up your agenda and your badge. Both are required to enter ANY classrooms.

Only badges are required for the Exposition. Do not lose your badge!

9:00-10:30 Orientation/Mentor Program FACILITATORS: Derek Lowe (Orientation), Ash Misako (Mentor Program) LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 Conference can be overwhelming for first time attendees. This orientation will help you prepare for a successful week of learning and networking. The APP’s annual conference is one of the most important opportunities piercers have for continued education, and we want to welcome and encourage you to make the most of your time in Las Vegas. Here, we invite new attendees to meet with conference veterans.

The Mentor Program is designed to help guide them through a busy week of classes and events.

The Conference Mentor program is designed to reach out to new conference attendees, and help them

International Suspension Alliance LED BY : Allen Falkner LOCATION: Palace 1/2 This meeting is being held to discuss the imminent launch of the ISA. Topics will include Membership (types of memberships, voting rights of the different types, how we will be accepting members. etc.), our finalized bylaws, the first Board of Directors and the structure with which we will vote in new board members in the future, as well as a possible launch “event” for interested teams to be a part of. Other than this we will be answering any and all questions that anyone may have.

This meeting is open to all. We invite you to join us so that we can show you what we have done and where we are going.

11:00-12:00 Vendor Meeting LED BY : Luis Garcia, Ed Chavarria LOCATION: Palace 6/7 Open to Vendors only. The APP requests that all Vendors attend this informative meeting and open discussion with representatives of the APP Board of Directors and Vendor Floor Liaison, Luis Garcia.

11:00-12:30 Aftercare Series: Wound Healing Dynamics INSTRUCTOR: Betsy Reynolds, RDH, MS LOCATION: Palace 1/2 In this course, the fundamentals of wound healing will be explored, giving the piercer an understanding of how piercing affects different bodily tissues and sites. Different types of wounds will be defined and described. An overview of anatomy and the physiology of skin and mucosa will be presented along with the phases of wound healing common to piercing sites.

Scar formation and its impact on piercings will also be included. Additionally, factors that may impede and/ or promote healing of a piercing site will be explored.

Course participants are encouraged to share questions, comments and professional experiences to enhance the learning experience.

2014 APP CONFERENCE 13

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

ORIENTATION INFO

INNOVATORS AWARD

Gold Jewelry: Sales and Marketing INSTRUCTORS: Noah Babcock, Nate Janke LOCATION: Bronze 2/3

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

This Class will be specifically geared towards increasing the sales of high end gold body jewelry within the piercing studio. It will cover multiple topics such as jewelry displays, appropriate price structures based upon regional tendencies, how to get consistent results by selling with confidence, how to appropriately “profile” customers and alter sales tactics based upon individual personality, and the overall evolution from piercers to stylists and designers. If you are a studio that currently sells gold, or do not currently do so and wish to, this class is paramount. The industry is changing, and there is a far more diverse demographic of potential clients now more than ever. This class will give you the tools needed to appeal to a wider spectrum of tastes, and in turn increase sales and overall profit margins in the studio.

11:00-1:00 Versatility in Piercing Techniques (A) INSTRUCTORS: Ed Chavarria, Chris Glunt, Brian Skellie, Dana Dinius LOCATION: Bronze 4 The multi-technique workshop will focus on the many ways to perform a successful piercing. We will discuss various techniques to achieve the common piercings we do in our studios on a daily basis. We will focus on basic piercings with clamps, receiving tubes, and toolless techniques. The workshop will have both lecture and a practical hands on session broken into smaller groups so the instructors can have one on one time with the class attendees.

11:00-1:30 Working Clean Within Your Studio (A) INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jesse Villemaire, A.J Goldman, Johnny Velez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 Core content: Examining safe work practices used in piercing services and equipment processing to lessen cross contamination incidents. We will discuss the steps you can take in setting up your work areas to minimize the effort needed to maintain an aseptic technique. We will also discuss proper transportation and decontamination of used tools to re-sterilize them as safely and efficiently as possible. A live demonstration of work practices will be used to illustrate multiple theories. Attendee questions and participation are encouraged.

14 2014 APP CONFERENCE

Workshops are flexible by nature and each class can be molded to the attendees’ needs through requests and questions. Additional content covered may include: how and when to don sterile gloves; how to adapt your set-up to a tool-free or disposable technique, how and when used tools need to be scrubbed or reprocessed (or if you need to process them at all), what kind of disinfectants should be used, and how to use them correctly.

1:00-5:00 Expo Floor: Vendor Move in – Shepard On-site An opportunity to move in early – and get a head start on set up!

Note: 5:00-8:00 Expo Floor: Vendor Set-up - No move in of materials. Vendors MUST have already moved in all materials etc. in order to be able to set up on Monday night.

1:45-2:45 Round-Table Discussion: Disorders in the Industry FACILITATORS: Courtney Maxwell, Ash Misako LOCATION: Palace 6/7 It is no secret that people who have struggled with their mental health are often drawn to the world of body modification, and professional piercers certainly have their fair share of these symptoms and disorders.

Fortunately, there are many times when our jobs can be healing and beneficial, and we can use our personal insights to help us relate to our clients. We would like to invite you to share and discuss the many ways we work with our strengths, and how we can learn to manage our weaknesses.

1:45-2:45 Spanish 101 for the Piercing Room INSTRUCTOR: Ed Chavarria LOCATION: Palace 1/2 Spanish 101 for the Piercing Studio is an intro or good brush-up for people who have a larger Latin American client base. The class is an overview of how to walk someone through your studio and give them a tour of your facility. It will review basic counter words and conversational phrases to make non-English-speaking clients feel at ease. It will also go over proper words and pronunciation for the most commonly used words in our studios. The focus of this class is to break barriers between piercers, counter staff, and their Spanish-speaking clientele.

1:45-3:15

3:30-7:30

Anodizing is Awesome!

INSTRUCTOR: Brian Skellie LOCATION: Bronze 4

Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) INSTRUCTORS: John Johnson, Rick Frueh, Brian Oviatt, Chris Glunt LOCATION: Palace 1/2

Brian Skellie makes it easy for you to anodize your titanium and niobium body jewelry with detailed information and rationale, accompanied by video, demonstrations and step by step instructions.

Topics covered will include: how and why to include anodization in your work flow for a cleaner and less reactive Ti and Nb surface finish; how to offer instant coloration/re-colorization for customers (as well as a scientastic live demonstration!); how can this surface finish process make a difference in your client’s healing results?; and how can you re-anodize client jewelry if the color has worn off? These questions and more will be answered in this class.

This in-depth course covers both regulations and training requirements of OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) and is unique in that it is taught and applied specifically to the body modification industry with a primary focus on body piercing.

Integrated within the course will be a brief overview of Infection Control that focuses on the development and application of an industry-specific, comprehensive Infection Control Program. This year we pay special attention on Mycobacterium infections and how to prevent them in answer to recent noted outbreaks within the industry.

1:45-3:15

4:00-6:00

Writing a Business Plan INSTRUCTORS: Christina Shull, Mike Bindrup LOCATION: Bronze 2/3

Basic Steel & Titanium INSTRUCTOR: Jason King LOCATION: Bronze 2/3

A well written business plan is crucial to building and maintaining a successful and profitable business.

Whether you dream of opening your own business or you have an existing business that you want to build. We will provide you with the information you need to write a great business plan! This class will cover all aspects of writing a business plan, including differentiations in planning for a startup vs. an existing business, and discuss resources and opportunities available to business owners.

Part of being a professional piercer is understanding the materials we use for initial piercings. After attending this class you will have a working understanding of why we use the grades of Titanium and Stainless that we do, with an emphasis on understanding the importance of ASTM designations F136 and F138. Although this class has been offered several times, the extensive research allows the class to be updated so it is always current and factual. The class is highly technical, detailed and informative.

3:30-4:30

4:45-6:45

Round-Table Discussion: Community Outreach: Sharing the Safe Piercing Message FACILITATORS: Ash Misako, Chuck Kesler, The Outreach Committee LOCATION: Palace 6/7

Strategic Marking Workshop (A) INSTRUCTORS: Christina Shull, Georg Birns, Courtney Maxwell, Rob Hill LOCATION: Bronze 4

The APP Outreach Committee welcomes you to share ideas for outreach to schools, health professionals, and other community members. Topics covered will include everything from getting your foot in the door, to holding the attention of your audience. Join the discussion on outreach related tips and tricks with seasoned pros. Outreach benefits our communities, our studios, and the APP.

This workshop offers a hands-on approach to learning new marking tips and techniques for a variety of different marking scenarios. It will cover matching placements, advanced multiple piercing projects, as well as some new tricks for basic concepts. You will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with each of the instructors as you work with multiple marking and measurement instruments on a variety of piercing placements.

2014 APP CONFERENCE 15

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

11:00-12:30

8:30-9:30

11:00-12:00

3:15-4:45

Working Clean Within Your Studio (B) INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jesse Villemaire, A.J Goldman, Johnny Velez LOCATION: Palace 4/5

Ongoing Committee Members Meet LED BY : Bethra Szumski LOCATION: Palace 1/2

Health Inspector Meeting FACILITATORS: Steve Joyner, Rick Frueh LOCATION: Palace 6/7

Marketing: Stand Out and Be Remembered INSTRUCTORS: John Johnson, Mike Bindrup LOCATION: Palace 1/2

This is a mandatory session for all available members of ongoing committees. The group will meet to discuss projects, needs and address any concerns.

Open to Health Inspectors only. A chance for Health Inspector attendees to meet each other and discuss pertinent issues related to the Conference.

10:00-12:00

12:00-1:00

Strategic Marking Workshop (B) INSTRUCTORS: Christina Shull, Georg Birns, Courtney Maxwell, Rob Hill LOCATION: Bronze 4

EXPOSITION OPENS TO APP MEMBERS ONLY

The world is becoming a smaller place as technology brings people closer together. This means new opportunities for small businesses to be seen and compete. New studio owners need to understand what it takes to grow their business and owners of long established studios want to stay ahead of their competition. The instructors will discuss strategies for effective marketing and branding that any piercer or studio owner will find useful.

A workshop dedicated to preventing cross contamination and working safely within your piercing room and sterilization area. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

5:00-8:00 Expo Floor: Vendor Only -Set-up — No move in of materials Vendors MUST have already moved in all materials etc. in order to be able to set up on Monday night.

6:45-7:45 Friends of Bill W LOCATION:

Palace 6/7

8:PM-Midnight OPENING PARTY—SPONSORED BY NEOMETAL LOCATION: Bally’s Pool Area Please join us for the opening social event of the Conference. Swimming will be allowed! Wear your hot new suit and enjoy poolside fun. Come, meet and mingle with old friends or make new ones. Food and a Cash Bar provided.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10TH 8:00-9:00am Yoga LED BY : Seven Wolfe LOCATION:

Palace 6/7

Free to all. All levels welcome!

8:00-11:00 Expo Floor Move In & Set-Up – Vendors Only; Shepard On-site

8:00-7:30 On-site Registration and Check-In for Pre-Registrants and Vendors Pick up your agenda and your badge both are required to enter ANY classrooms. Only badges are required for the Exposition. Do not lose your badge!

16 2014 APP CONFERENCE

A hands-on approach to marking techniques with a focus on marking paired piercings and multiple piercing “projects”. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

10:00-11:30 Mastering the Jewelry Monster— Storing and Caring for Jewelry INSTRUCTORS: Alicia Cardenas, William Spencer LOCATION: Palace 1/2 The how-tos of managing the jewelry in your studio.

We will cover the logistics of ordering, processing, storing and growing the jewelry inventory, in a variety of studios.

10:00-12:30 Oro-Facial Anatomy for Safe & Successful Piercings INSTRUCTORS: Betsy Reynolds, RDS,MH; Elayne Angel LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 Provides the information required to understand orofacial anatomy in relation to safe, successful piercings.

Covers the types of tissue and structures piercers deal with; relevant anatomy by common piercing sites; and the risks and possible complications based on localized anatomy.

10:00-12:30 Working Clean Within Your Studio (C) INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jesse Villemaire, A.J Goldman, Johnny Velez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 A workshop dedicated to preventing cross contamination and working safely within your piercing room and sterilization area. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

Attendees must have their Badges, Member Ribbon, and/or wristbands for entry.

1:00-8:00 EXPOSITION OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES

1:00-3:00 Versatility in Piercing Techniques (B) INSTRUCTORS: Ed Chavarria, Chris Glunt, Brian Skellie, Dana Dinius LOCATION: Bronze 4 An overview of all techniques use for body piercing.

See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

1:30-3:00 Stretching: Lobes and Beyond INSTRUCTORS: Miro Hernandez, Christopher Jennell LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 The stretching class will take an in-depth, comprehensive look at the ideologies and methodologies behind stretching piercings. Not limited to lobes, we will discuss different techniques and aftercare for all kinds of stretched piercings.

1:30-4:00 Working Clean Within Your Studio (D) INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jesse Villemaire, A.J Goldman, Johnny Velez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 A workshop dedicated to preventing cross contamination and working safely within your piercing room and sterilization area. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

2:00-3:00 Round-Table Discussion: APP Membership FACILITATORS: APP Membership Committee LOCATION: Palace 6/7 The purpose of this round table is to walk piercers through the process of the APP membership applications, as well as to dispel some myths regarding membership requirements.

3:30-5:00 Aftercare Series: Client Home Care INSTRUCTORS: Steve Joyner, Cody Vaughn LOCATION: Silver This class will cover different aftercare options that we suggest to our clients, pros and cons of different aftercare concepts, and how things like geography can alter the way that aftercare products perform.

4:15-5:15 Standing Out and Fitting in: Life with Visible Body Modification FACILITATOR: Richard Ivey LOCATION: Palace 6/7 In this round-table, attendees will participate in an in-depth discussion of selecting, acquiring, and living with ‘heavy’ visible body modifications in many popular forms such as tattoos, stretched piercings, implants, and scarification. Topics for discussion include choosing the right art, the right time, and the lasting effects of these decisions in our personal, social, and professional lives. Attendees will be asked to share their relevant experience and anecdotes on how age, gender, and locale affect their decisions and others’ perception. The discussion will benefit a diverse audience of participants, regardless of how much modification work they have done.

5:15-7:15 Needles: the Cutting Edge INSTRUCTORS: Brian Skellie, Luis Garcia LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 In this class, you will find two piercers that have pushed a haystack worth of needles, they will demonstrate how to use the needles cutting edge to improve safety, control, and accuracy.

2014 APP CONFERENCE 17

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

4:45-7:15

7:30-10:00

Strategic Marking Workshop (C) INSTRUCTORS: Christina Shull, Georg Birns, Courtney Maxwell, Rob Hill LOCATION: Bronze 4

Working Clean Within Your Studio (E) INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jesse Villemaire, A.J Goldman, Johnny Velez LOCATION: Palace 4/5

A hands-on approach to marking techniques with a focus on marking paired piercings and multiple piercing “projects”. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

A workshop dedicated to preventing cross contamination and working safely within your piercing room and sterilization area. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

5:30-7:00

7:30-10:00

Aftercare Series: Troubleshooting Piercing Problems INSTRUCTOR: Bethra Szumski LOCATION: Silver

Studio Documentation: Putting the Paper to Work INSTRUCTORS: Rick Frueh, Crystal Sims LOCATION: Palace 1/2

A comprehensive look at how to assess issues with healing piercings and minimize tissue trauma. A strong emphasis is placed on how to talk with clients about their concerns and symptoms without crossing over into the realm of medical diagnosis.

5:45-6:45 Just for Today (Alanon) LED BY : Caitlin McDiarmid LOCATION:

Palace 6/7

5:45-6:45 Round-Table Discussion: Legislation FACILITATOR: Steve Joyner LOCATION: Palace 1/2 We will cover such topics as getting involved in the legislative process and how to be included in decisions that impact our lives daily. We will discuss how to be a welcoming, positive, trusting representative of our industry as a partner with your local health department. Including Health Inspectors in the discussion – we will also discuss how inspectors can approach piercers and studio owners to facilitate a cooperative relationship. Be included, not excluded.

7:30-8:30 Round-Table Discussion: Shop Owners FACILITATOR: Darrin Walters LOCATION: Palace 6/7 This Round-table will provide a chance for shop owners to network with one another and discuss a variety of topics common to one another. Please join us in sharing your experiences with one another.

This class will cover some of the important paperwork that must be in place for the protection of body art studios, their owners, their employees, and their clients. Topics such as release forms, cleaning schedules, log books, employee manuals, new hire/ training paperwork, OSHA required paperwork, and more will be discussed. The handouts this year will include examples of many of these forms. Feel free to bring your release forms, manuals, ECPs, etc in if you would like to have the instructors take a look at them.

This class is a must for anyone who is a studio owner, manager, or aspires to be one.

7:45-9:45 Suspension Rigging : Mechanical Advantage INSTRUCTOR: Allen Falkner LOCATION: Silver An in-depth approach to understanding how ropes and pulleys are used to amplify the force needed to lift, hold and fly a dynamic load.

7:45-9:45 Nostril Piercing Advanced Fundamentals INSTRUCTORS: Jef Saunders, Alicia Cardenas LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 Nostril piercings are one of the most popular piercings we do. This class is intended to dissect nostril piercings, breaking them down to their fundamentals and proceeding from there. Jef and Alicia will be discussing several techniques and jewelry options, as well as troubleshooting and challenging anatomy issues. You may just find that the piercings you do the most… you could be doing better.

8:00 EXPOSITION CLOSES

18 2014 APP CONFERENCE

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11TH 8:00-9:00am Yoga LED BY : Seven Wolfe LOCATION:

Palace 6/7

Free to all. All levels welcome!

8:00-6:30 On-site Registration and Check-In for PreRegistrants Pick up your agenda and your badge both are required to enter ANY classrooms. Only badges are required for the Exposition. Do not lose your badge!

10:00-11:30 Hardwood is Good to Find: Wood Safety and Maintenance INSTRUCTOR: Brandon Bishop LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 In Hardwood is Good to Find we will go over a myriad of subjects relevant to offering wood jewelry for sale in your studio. Our primary focus will be on material safety, where we will discuss safe woods, poisonous woods, woods extremely prone to provoking an allergic reaction and safe and unsafe polishes/finishes. We will also discuss proper ways to maintain jewelry while on display and while being worn. You will be given botanical details on common exotic woods and discuss the specific details that make for safe woods in an attempt to provide you with enough background and resources that you yourself will know where to look and what to look for to determine if anything not explicitly discussed in class is safe or not since the tens of thousands of species of wood in the world cannot possibly be covered in such a short period of time. Most importantly we will discuss the importance of puns now that your studio has wood!

10:00-12:00 Strategic Marking Workshop (D) INSTRUCTORS: Christina Shull, Georg Birns, Courtney Maxwell, Rob Hill LOCATION: Bronze 4 A hands-on approach to marking techniques with a focus on marking paired piercings and multiple piercing “projects”. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

10:00-12:00 Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (A) INSTRUCTORS: Luis Garcia, Seth Dietz, Nate Janke, Miro Hernandez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 This year’s surface piercing workshop will take a comprehensive, hands-on look into all aspects of surface piercings. The workshop will cover the differences between jewelry types (including surface bars vs. surface anchors), to an array of techniques, tools, and even tissue manipulation. With a well-rounded team of instructors, this workshop is fantastic for piercers of all experience levels, new and seasoned.

10:00-1:00 CPR Red Cross Silver

INSTRUCTORS: LOCATION:

Provides individuals in the workplace the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for breathing and cardiac emergencies for adults, including how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Required annually to maintain APP membership.

12:00-7:00 EXPOSITION OPENS

12:15-1:15 Round-Table Discussion: Piercing Minors FACILITATORS: Becky Dill, Courtney Maxwell LOCATION: Palace 1/2 Thankfully it is slowly becoming common knowledge that ear piercing guns are dangerous to use. As public opinion changes we have an opportunity to offer our services to the families searching for a safe place to get pierced. The goal of this round-table is to offer solutions, different experiences, and techniques for working with a younger clientele. Our conversation will focus on piercing children who can offer consent, ways of communicating with them, and tips on making this stressful situation into a positive and rewarding experience.

12:15-1:15 International Meeting LED BY : Brian Skellie, Danny Yerna LOCATION: Palace 6/7 For all International Attendees or those interested in international piercing issues.

2014 APP CONFERENCE 19

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

5:15-7:15

4:00-5:00

Round-Table Discussion: Healing or Harm?

Our responsibility as Body Piercers FACILITATOR: Fakir LOCATION: Bronze 2/3

A “Fireside” Chat with Jim Ward INSTRUCTOR: Jim Ward LOCATION: Bronze 2/3

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

As body piercers, we knowingly or unknowingly have a huge influence on our clients’ lives for better or worse. Fakir will lead a discussion on the positive and negative effects of what we do: physically and medically, aesthetically, socially, psychologically and spiritually. He will start the discussion with a few graphic examples and stories of harm done by some contemporary piercers through ignorance or ego.

On the positive side, he will give a few examples and open discussion on some of the healing and transformative experiences we are able to facilitate through our intelligence, intuition and unique skills.

1:30-3:30 Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (B) INSTRUCTORS: Luis Garcia, Seth Dietz, Nate Janke, Miro Hernandez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 A hands-on experience covering modern surface piercing techniques. See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

1:30-3:30 Versatility in Piercing Techniques (C) INSTRUCTORS: Ed Chavarria, Chris Glunt, Brian Skellie, Dana Dinius LOCATION: Bronze 4 An overview of all techniques use for body piercing.

See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

2:45-3:45 New Attendees & Mentors Meeting LED BY : Ash Misako LOCATION: Palace 6/7 New attendees are welcome to stop by for a casual round-table about how their week is going. Share observations, questions, or frustrations with some of our mentors. Ask questions to expand on what you’ve learned in class or at the expo, and get advice on how best to implement that information into your home studio.

3:00-3:30 Meditation Session LED BY : Seven Wolfe LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 Meditation will be held for 30 minutes. Dive deep into the quiet in your heart. Allow yourself this time to sit and find stillness...to be true to you.

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A relaxed discussion of Gauntlet and the inception of the body piercing industry, and if all goes well, Jim will conclude the hour with a brief harp performance.

5:15-5:45 Members Mingle OPEN TO: APP Members LOCATION: Palace 1/2

An emphasis will be placed upon what factors are involved with successful selection of initial jewelry for body piercings, including; initial jewelry lengths, diameters, gauges and bead sizes and acceptable initial materials. Attendees in this class should also consider taking the Basic Steel and Titanium class.

7:15-9:15 Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (C) INSTRUCTORS: Luis Garcia, Seth Dietz, Nate Janke, Miro Hernandez LOCATION: Palace 4/5

different perspectives and philosophies. In this class, they will be presenting on their differing approaches toward male genital piercings, including piercing placement and techniques, initial jewelry selection, anatomical considerations, sexual function, piercer/ client relations, and aftercare—with a bit of piercing history for good measure.

10:00-12:00 Versatility in Piercing Techniques (D) INSTRUCTORS: Ed Chavarria, Chris Glunt, Brian Skellie, Dana Dinius LOCATION: Bronze 4

Spend a little time before the meeting starts catching up with old friends and meeting our new members.

A hands-on experience covering modern surface piercing techniques. See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

5:45-6:45

7:30-9:30

10:00-12:30

Members Meeting LED BY : APP Board of Directors LOCATION: Palace 1/2

Members Only: Open Techniques LED BY: APP Members LOCATION: Bronze 4

This meeting is to present information to the Membership body of the Association and review its current business. Voting members will be asked to sign-in in order to establish whether a quorum is present. Non-voting APP Members are welcome to attend and observe this process, as well as one representative from each APP Corporate Sponsor.

This is a (nearly) anything goes workshop where members, as a group, can select a variety of piercing procedures as well as prep and mark them onto willing models. No actual piercing will take place but everything up to that point will be explored. There will be several members facilitating and discussing their own techniques but we hope to have as much participation as possible. Basic tools and supplies will be provided.

Working Clean Within Your Studio (F) INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jesse Villemaire, A.J Goldman, Johnny Velez LOCATION: Palace 4/5

7:00 EXPOSITION FLOOR CLOSES

7:15-9:15 Anatomy of the Body for Safe & Successful Piercings INSTRUCTORS: Elayne Angel, Dr. Jack LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 Provides the information required to understand the human body’s anatomy in relation to safe, successful body piercings. Covers the types of tissue and structures piercers deal with; relevant anatomy by common piercing sites; and the risks and possible complications based on localized anatomy.

7:15-8:45 Initial Jewelry: The “Rules” (and When to Break Them) INSTRUCTORS: Cody Vaughn, Jef Saunders LOCATION: Silver This class is intended for piercing apprentices and piercers in their first years of piercing. Cody and Jef will discuss commonly accepted jewelry materials, styles, and sizes currently used in the piercing industry.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH 8:00-9:00am Yoga LED BY : Seven Wolfe LOCATION:

Palace 6/7

Free to all. All levels welcome!

9:30-4:30 On-site Registration For any additional registration needs; late Check-In, badge pick up etc.

10:00-12:00 Male Genital Piercings: A Dual Perspective INSTRUCTORS: James Weber, Elayne Angel LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 Body piercing veterans James Weber and Elayne Angel have a combined total of over fifty years of industry experience between them, but they come from different backgrounds, different eras, and have very

An overview of all techniques use for body piercing.

See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

A workshop dedicated to preventing cross contamination and working safely within your piercing room and sterilization area. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

10:30-12:00 Bedside Manner and Grounding: Making the Most of the Moment INSTRUCTORS: John Johnson, Josh Bryant LOCATION: Silver As a piercer, you focus a lot of energy on jewelry sales and piercing techniques hoping your clients love their piercings for a long time. But, the quality of your bedside manner will leave an impression that might be as important as the piercing itself. This presentation will offer information and strategies for taking the client’s experience from good to first-class. John and Josh are offering this class for the fifth time together and hope to see you attend.

12:00-6:00 EXPOSITION OPENS

12:30-1:00 Meditation Session LED BY: Seven Wolfe LOCATION: Palace 6/7 Meditation will be held for 30 minutes. Dive deep into the quiet in your heart. Allow yourself this time to sit and find stillness...to be true to you.

2014 APP CONFERENCE 21

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

1:30-2:30

Ascetic Practices of Hindu Tamil— Festival of Sri Lanka INSTRUCTORS: Paul King, Jon John LOCATION: Bronze 2/3

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

This lecture delves into the ritual practices of the Vel, Katargama, and Esala Perahera examining the colorful and intense expressions of religious devotion and self-sacrifice.

1:15-3:15 Strategic Marking Workshop (E) INSTRUCTORS: Christina Shull, Georg Birns, Courtney Maxwell, Rob Hill LOCATION: Bronze 4 A hands-on approach to marking techniques with a focus on marking paired piercings and multiple piercing “projects”. See Session A for a more detailed description of this course.

1:45-3:45 Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (D) INSTRUCTORS: Luis Garcia, Seth Dietz, Nate Janke, Miro Hernandez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 A hands-on experience covering modern surface piercing techniques. See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

2:00-3:30 How to Use a Statim INSTRUCTORS: Ryan Ouellette, Jef Saunders LOCATION: Silver Statim cassette autoclaves have become commonplace in many of the industry’s leading studios. This class will cover common misconceptions about working with a Statim such as; Statims are unreasonably expensive, you need to change your entire studio or set up to work with one, statims require costly maintenance and training. When used properly Statims can cut down on wasted time and supplies and eventually pay for themselves. This class will explain how to incorporate and use a Statim in an average piercing studio, we will also explain how the different sizes and types of Statims should be selected to match your studio’s needs. Information for all skill levels whether you use a Statim everyday, or have never touched one before. We will cover topics such as how to load an entire set up for a client into a cycle and be ready to pierce in under ten minutes. How to run multiple set ups in one cycle, pierce four clients in under twenty minutes. What items you can sterilize in

22 2014 APP CONFERENCE

a Statim cassette and what items you shouldn’t (even though you might think you can already). How to use a Statim to up-sell jewelry and make more money.

Typical scheduled maintenance for the Statim will be covered briefly. For more detailed maintenance, or for troubleshooting information please also attend Brian Skellie’s advanced Statim maintenance round-table.

systemic conditions. The goal is to help piercers have a better understanding of when it is, and isn’t, appropriate to perform a piercing. There will also be some discussion of how various conditions might affect the healing process. While the focus will be on the health and safety factors of performing piercings in these situations, the potential liability considerations will also be touched upon.

4:00-6:00

6:00

Members Only: Staying Ahead of the Curve: Tracking and Utilizing Trends in the Industry FACILITATORS: APP Member Panel LOCATION: Silver

EXPOSITION CLOSES

An open discussion on how to track new trends and adjust your marketing and studio presentation accordingly.

4:30-5:30 Round-Table Discussion: Statim Maintenance and Troubleshooting INSTRUCTORS: Brian Skellie LOCATION: Palace 4/5 The Statim round-table is for all body artists interested in proper maintenance and advanced technical aspects of Statim operation. Live hands on troubleshooting and service of volunteer units.

4:30-5:30 Ergonomics in the Piercing Room: What’s Easiest for You is Easiest for Your Client INSTRUCTORS: John Johnson, Dana Dinius, Sarvas Berry LOCATION: Bronze 4 Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment to be easy to use. For the purpose of this presentation, we’ll use the word ergonomics to describe the flow of a studio’s design as well as piercing techniques.

It’s easy for a piercer to develop a routine and make little to no changes over several years and we hope to offer some great new ideas. This class will discuss possibilities that may make your work day and piercing routine less stressful.

4:30-6:00 Medical Considerations for Body Piercing INSTRUCTORS: Derek Lowe, Chris Glunt LOCATION: Bronze 2/3 We will discuss a variety of medical and health conditions that clients may have, including temporary and chronic conditions, as well as localized and

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

1:15-3:15

8:PM-Midnight BANQUET DINNER—SPONSORED BY INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH BODY JEWELRY; ANATOMETAL, INC.; LEROI, INC.; THE SAFE PIERCING APP; AND KAOS SOFTWEAR, LLC LOCATION: North Tower AKA Indigo Tower Join us Thursday night at the Banquet atop the North Tower for dinner and a show! Dress formal or dress to fit the Sideshow/Circus theme! Banquet tickets are available at the Registration Desk throughout the week; and at the door the night of the event (if not already sold out). Buy your ticket early, we sold out last year!

Awards/Announcements and Final Raffle 10pm Awards for the best booth(s)- Single and Multiple will be announced tonight. The President’s Award will be given at this time, along with a few announcements.

The top ten Raffle prizes will be drawn and given out. Those attendees who do not have tickets for the Banquet are welcome to join us for these events.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13TH 9:30-1:30 Registration Desk Final Expo ticket and class sales.

10:00-1:00 First Aid Red Cross Bronze 2/3

INSTRUCTORS: LOCATION:

Provides individuals in the workplace the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for injuries and sudden illnesses. Skills include controlling bleeding, burns, splinting, sudden illnesses, and heat and cold related emergencies. Required renewal every 3 years to maintain APP membership.

11:00-1:00 Versatility in Piercing Techniques (E) INSTRUCTORS: Ed Chavarria, Chris Glunt, Brian Skellie, Dana Dinius LOCATION: Bronze 4 An overview of all techniques use for body piercing.

See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

11:00-1:00 Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (E) INSTRUCTORS: Luis Garcia, Seth Dietz, Nate Janke, Miro Hernandez LOCATION: Palace 4/5 A hands-on experience covering modern surface piercing techniques. See Session A for a detailed description of this course.

2:00 Exposition Floor Closes

2014 APP CONFERENCE 23

SCHEDULE QUICK REFERENCE

MONDAY Yoga Orientation/Mentor Program International Suspension Alliance Vendor Meeting Aftercare Series: Wound Healing Dynamics Gold Jewelry: Sales and Marketing Versatility in Piercing Techniques (A) Working Clean Within Your Studio (A) Expo Floor: Vendor Move in – Shepard On-site Round-Table Discussion: Disorders in the Industry Spanish 101 for the Piercing Room Anodizing is Awesome!

Writing a Business Plan Outreach: Sharing the Safe Piercing Message Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Basic Steel & Titanium Strategic Marking Workshop (A) Working Clean Within Your Studio (B) Friends of Bill W OPENING PARTY TUESDAY Yoga Ongoing Committee Members Meet Strategic Marking Workshop (B) The Jewelry Monster Oro-Facial Anatomy Working Clean Within Your Studio (C) Health Inspector Meeting Versatility in Piercing Techniques (B) Stretching: Lobes and Beyond Working Clean Within Your Studio (D) Round-Table Discussion: APP Membership Marketing: Stand Out and Be Remembered Aftercare Series: Client Home Care Life with Visible Body Modification Needles: the Cutting Edge Strategic Marking Workshop (C) Aftercare: Troubleshooting Piercing Problems Just for Today (Al-Anon) Round-Table Discussion: Legislation Round-Table Discussion: Shop Owners Working Clean Within Your Studio (E) Studio Documentation: Putting the Paper to Work Suspension Rigging: Mechanical Advantage Nostril Piercing Advanced Fundamentals

24 2014 APP CONFERENCE

TYPE Self-Care Meeting Meeting Meeting Class Class Workshop Workshop

LOCATION Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Palace 1/2 Palace 6/7 Palace 1/2 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Palace 4/5

Roundtable Class Class Class Roundtable Class Class Workshop Workshop Self-Care Social

TIME 8:00-9:00am 9:00-10:30 9:30-10:30 11:00-12:00 11:00-12:30 11:00-12:30 11:00-1:00 11:00-1:30 1:00-5:00 1:45-2:45 1:45-2:45 1:45-3:15 1:45-3:15 3:30-4:30 3:30-7:30 4:00-6:00 4:45-6:45 4:45-7:15 6:45-7:45 8pm–Midnight

Self-Care Meeting Workshop Class Class Workshop Meeting Workshop Class Workshop Roundtable Class Class Roundtable Class Workshop Class Self-Care Roundtable Roundtable Workshop Class Class Class

8:00-9:00am 8:30-9:30 10:00-12:00 10:00-11:30 10:00-12:30 10:00-12:30 11:00-12:00 1:00-3:00 1:30-3:00 1:30-4:00 2:00-3:00 3:15-4:45 3:30-5:00 4:15-5:15 5:15-7:15 5:15-7:15 5:30-7:00 5:45-6:45 5:45-6:45 7:30-8:30 7:30-10:00 7:30-10:00 7:45-9:45 7:45-9:45

Palace 6/7 Palace 1/2 Bronze 4 Palace 1/2 Bronze 2/3 Palace 4/5 Palace 6/7 Bronze 4 Bronze 2/3 Palace 4/5 Palace 6/7 Palace 1/2 Silver Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Silver Palace 6/7 Palace 1/2 Palace 6/7 Palace 4/5 Palace 1/2 Silver Bronze 2/3

Palace 6/7 Palace 1/2 Bronze 4 Bronze 2/3 Palace 6/7 Palace 1/2 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Palace 4/5 Palace 6/7 Bally’s Pool

WEDNESDAY Yoga Hardwood Strategic Marking Workshop (D) Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (A) CPR Round-Table Discussion: Piercing Minors International Meeting Healing or Harm?

Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (B) Versatility in Piercing Techniques (C) New Attendees & Mentors Meeting Meditation Session A “Fireside” Chat with Jim Ward Members Mingle Members Meeting Anatomy of the Body Initial Jewelry: When to break the “Rules” Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (C) Members Only: Members Open Techniques THURSDAY Yoga Male Genital Piercings: A Dual Perspective Versatility in Piercing Techniques (D) Working Clean Within Your Studio (F) Bedside Manner and Grounding Meditation Session Ascetic Practices of Hindu Tamil Strategic Marking Workshop (E) Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (D) How to Use a Statim MEMBERS ONLY: Staying Ahead of the Curve Statim Maintenance and Troubleshooting Ergonomics in the Piercing Room Medical Considerations for Body Piercing BANQUET DINNER FRIDAY First Aid Versatility in Piercing Techniques (E) Modern Surface Piercing Technique Workshop (E)

Self-Care Class Workshop Workshop Class Roundtable Meeting Roundtable Workshop Workshop Meeting Self-Care Class Social Meeting Class Class Workshop Class

8:00-9:00am 10:00-11:30 10:00-12:00 10:00-12:00 10:00-1:00 12:15-1:15 12:15-1:15 1:30-2:30 1:30-3:30 1:30-3:30 2:45-3:45 3:00-3:30 4:00-5:00 5:15-5:45 5:45-6:45 7:15-9:15 7:15-8:45 7:15-9:15 7:30-9:30

Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Palace 4/5 Silver Palace 1/2 Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Palace 4/5 Bronze 4 Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 2/3 Palace 1/2 Palace 1/2 Bronze 2/3 Silver Palace 4/5 Bronze 4

Self-Care Class Workshop Workshop Class Self-Care Class Workshop Workshop Class Meeting Roundtable Roundtable Class Social

8:00-9:00am 10:00-12:00 10:00-12:00 10:00-12:30 10:30-12:00 12:30-1:00 1:15-3:15 1:15-3:15 1:45-3:45 2:00-3:30 4:00-6:00 4:30-5:30 4:30-5:30 4:30-6:00 8pm–Midnight

Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Palace 4/5 Silver Palace 6/7 Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Palace 4/5 Silver Silver Palace 4/5 Bronze 4 Bronze 2/3 North Tower

Class Workshop Workshop

10:00-1:00 11:00-1:00 11:00-1:00

Bronze 2/3 Bronze 4 Palace 4/5

2014 APP CONFERENCE 25

SCHEDULE QUICK REFERENCE

SCHEDULE AND CLASSROOM QUICK REFERENCE

SUGGESTED FOR NEW ATTENDEE/PIERCER *Monday, 9-10:30AM Orientation and Mentor Program

MEETINGS

| 10am

| 11am

MONDAY

BRONZE 2/3 PALACE 1/2

9:30–ISA MTG.

ROUNDTABLES

| 12pm

| 1pm

| 2pm

| 3pm

GOLD: SALES & MKTG.

ANODIZING IS AWESOME

AFTERCARE: WOUND HEALING

WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN

VERSATILITY IN PIERCING TECHNIQUES (A)

BRONZE 4

ANYONE (CORE)

ANYONE (ELECTIVE)

| 4pm

| 5pm

DISORDERS

COMM. OUTREACH

FRIENDS OF BILL W.

EXPOSITION MOVE IN FOR VENDORS ONLY—SHEPARD ONSITE

SET-UP TIME FOR VENDORS—NO MOVE IN ALLOWED

MARKETING: STAND OUT

TUESDAY

STRATEGIC MARKING WORKSHOP (B)

STRETCHING: LOBES & BEYOND

HEALTH INSPS.

PALACE 6/7

AFTERCARE: CLIENT HOME CARE

APP MEMBERSHIP

NOSTRIL PIERCING

LEGISLATION

STUDIO DOCUMENTATION

WEDNESDAY

BRONZE 4

WORKING CLEAN WITHIN YOUR STUDIO (E) AL-ANON

HEALING OR HARM?

MEDI.

JIM WARD

BODY ANATOMY FOR SAFETY & SUCCESS

PIERCING MINORS

MEMBERS MINGLE/MEETING VERSATILITY IN PIERCING TECHNIQUES (C)

STRATEGIC MARKING WORKSHOP (D)

OPEN TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP

CPR

SILVER

INITIAL JEWELRY “RULES”

SURFACE PIERCING TECHNIQUE (A)

PALACE 4/5

SHOP OWNERS

EXPOSITION

HARDWOOD

PALACE 1/2

| 12

SUSPENSION RIGGING

AFTERCARE: TROUBLESHOOTING

STAND OUT/FIT IN

EXPO–MEMBERS

BRONZE 2/3

| 11pm

OPENING PARTY

NEEDLES: THE CUTTING EDGE

WORKING CLEAN WITHIN YOUR STUDIO (D)

WORKING CLEAN WITHIN YOUR STUDIO (C)

PALACE 4/5

| 10pm

STRATEGIC MARKING WORKSHOP (C)

VERSATILITY IN PIERCING TECHNIQUES (B)

THE JEWELRY MONSTER

SILVER

| 9pm

WORKING CLEAN WITHIN YOUR STUDIO (B)

PALACE 1/2 BRONZE 4

| 8pm

STRATEGIC MARKING WORKSHOP (A)

ORO-FACIAL ANATOMY

BRONZE 2/3

| 7pm

BBP (BLOOD BORNE PATHOGENS)

SPANISH 101

VENDORS’ MTG.

PALACE 6/7

| 6pm

SUPPORT

APP MEMBERS ONLY

BASIC STEEL & TITANIUM

WORKING CLEAN WITHIN YOUR STUDIO (A)

PALACE 4/5

WORKSHOP

SURFACE PIERCING TECHNIQUE (B)

SURFACE PIERCING TECHNIQUE (C)

INTNL. MEETING

PALACE 6/7

THURSDAY

EXPOSITION BRONZE 2/3 MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS PERSPECTIVES

HINDU TAMIL FESTIVAL OF SRI LANKA

MED. CONSIDERATIONS

BRONZE 4 VERSATILITY IN PIERCING TECHNIQUES (D)

STRATEGIC MARKING WORKSHOP (E)

ERGONOMICS

BEDSIDE MANNER

HOW TO USE A STATIM

TRACKING & USING INDUSTRY TRENDS

WORKING CLEAN WITHIN YOUR STUDIO (F)

SURFACE PIERCING TECHNIQUE (D)

STATIM TRBLSHTNG

SILVER PALACE 4/5

MEDI.

PALACE 6/7

NEW ATTENDEE

FRIDAY

EXPOSITION

BANQUET DINNER—NEED TICKET

AWARDS & TOP RAFFLE - OPEN TO ALL

FIRST AID

BRONZE 2/3 BRONZE 4

VERSATILITY IN PIERCING TECHNIQUES (E)

PALACE 4/5

SURFACE PIERCING TECHNIQUE (E) EXPOSITION

| 10am 26 2014 APP CONFERENCE

| 11am

| 12pm

| 1pm

| 2pm

| 3pm

| 4pm

| 5pm

| 6pm

| 7pm

| 8pm

| 9pm

| 10pm

| 11pm

2014 APP CONFERENCE 27

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INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

ELAYNE ANGEL has been a driving force to professionalize and promote body piercing since the 1980s. Within the industry she is known as a pioneer for developing piercing techniques, formulating aftercare guidelines, and innovating a variety of new piercing placements. Elayne is credited with popularizing tongue and triangle piercings, naming the lorum, and inventing the fourchette and Princess Diana piercings.

Ms. Angel is the author of the best-selling comprehensive and informative reference book, The Piercing Bible—The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing (Random House). It is now also available in Russian.

For over eight years she has been living in Yucatán, Mexico. She travels the U.S. doing guest piercing at quality studios as an APP Business Member at Large. She also writes the monthly “Ask Angel” column for body art industry publication, Pain Magazine.

Elayne has completed three previous terms on the Board—one as Outreach Coordinator, and two as Medical Liaison. She authors much of the organization’s literature, and has acted as an editor of the quarterly journal, The Point for numerous issues. For over a decade Elayne has been an instructor for classes at the annual APP Conferences.

WEBSITE: http://www.piercingbible.com EMAIL: elayneangel@piercingbible.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ ThePiercingBible

NOAH BABCOCK has been piercing professionally since 1995 and an APP member since 1999, and has been employed at Evolution, Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico since 1999. In his time at Evolution, Noah has consistently increased the usage and sales of high end body jewelry (particularly gold) in what many would regard as a difficult market to do so. Over the past 18 years he has been at the forefront of many industry innovations including multiple applications of surface piercing, hand bent industrial jewelry, multiple point industrial fittings, jewelry design, and utilization of high end precious metal body jewelry. Noah travels the country teaching site specific, in-studio courses on gold and fine gemstone body jewelry sales and marketing.

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When he is not piercing or instructing he can be found running about with his wife Donna and their two children.

WEBSITE: www.evolutionbodypiercing.com SARVAS BERRY began piercing professionally in 2002 in his home town of Missoula, Montana. He spent two years learning the ropes before traveling the U.S. to explore other studios. His first stop was Portland, Oregon where Sarvas discovered how different standards from studio to studio could be.

This taught Sarvas to always set the bar high for himself.

In 2005 he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he included freehand piercing and using a Statim into the mix. Sarvas has been a guest piercer at many of the country’s most renowned studios which has given him a unique perspective and well-rounded knowledge of how piercing is performed and received in the U.S. today.

Since joining the APP in 2007, Sarvas has been an active and dedicated member. He holds himself and his industry to the highest possible standards and continues to be a positive representative of the piercing community. Sarvas was elected Membership Liaison in 2010 and is regularly active on the membership committee.

In October, 2011 Sarvas became a level 1 Crossfit trainer and is currently working at Evolved Body Art in Columbus, OH. MIKE BINDRUP was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV. Michael studied Communications during his undergraduate work at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and holds a Masters in Business Administration in Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona.

Michael has over 16 years of Marketing Communications experience. He is a self-taught graphic designer with a love for marketing. He was the Managing Partner of a local advertising agency that he founded and ran for 8 years.

Michael has also worked in the publishing, digital signage, and interactive media industries.

Michael currently is the International Trade Program Manager and Business Development Advisor for the Nevada Small Business

Development Center in Las Vegas where he advises small business owners on management issues and delivers entrepreneurial training courses to Southern Nevada business community.

Michael is also a citizen of the world. He has lived and worked in Chile, Mexico, France and Switzerland. He spends his spare time in the study of foreign languages, music and culture.

He speaks fluent Spanish and is conversational in French and Italian.

GEORG BIRNS is the principal Owner and President of Barbella, High Priestess Piercing & Tattoo and HTC Body Piercing. He’s twenty years into the industry and is still piercing. He grew up on the East Coast, was educated in the Midwest, and finally settled down on the West Coast where he is father to two young boys and husband to his lovely wife JoPants. He stays active in the community by doing body art education and outreach, body play gatherings, and numerous fundraisers. During the summers Georg brings the shop directly to the clients. High Priestess attends events, conventions and fairs with their mobile state-of-the-art studio.

When he’s not piercing he enjoys the great outdoors, martial arts, coaching children’s seasonal sports, and spending time at home with his family.

WEBSITE: http://www.highpriestess.com/ BRANDON “DANGER” BISHOP is the sole face behind Bishop Organics and co-owner of Artisan Piercing Boutique in Pittsburgh PA. Little is known about his origins, but rumors that he is the result of a wizard making tender love to a tree in a puddle of radioactive waste are greatly exaggerated. His love of woodworking and knowledge of lumber are a result of being raised in the mountains by a family of Sasquatches. Life as the adopted son in a squatch family can be monotonous and young Danger spent all his free time turning trees into small circles, the perfect upbringing for a life as a plug maker. He rejoined civilization after being rescued from the squatches by a travelling circus where he was put to work as a carpenter, but quickly escaped and began pursuing his dream of being the most famous wood circle manufacturer the body art community would ever know. In 2013, after many years of wild success, he grew bored with life as a world class playboy philanthropist and abandoned his yacht to settle in Pittsburgh to

give back to the community that had gotten him to where he was. In December of 2013 Danger valiantly decided to ignore his utter lack of shop experience or qualifications and, with friend and talented piercer Twitch[ard], opened their very own studio.

When not making jewelry or fumbling his way through managerial aspects of shop ownership he enjoys expanding his skillsets and working on (read: blowing up) his motorcycles, genetically engineering a race of 50s style atomic monsters, and refuting the existence of Sasquatches in an effort to protect his family. He can also be found on two wheels forging trails across the abandoned super highways of post-apocalyptic America.

EMAIL: BrandonDanger13@hotmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/brandon. danger.3

JOSH BRYANT is Vice-President and minority owner at High Priestess Piercing and Tattoo (Oregon), Barbella Studios (SoCal) and HTC Body Piercing (Arizona). His piercing career started in 1996 as co-founder of High Priestess. He is the Human Resources Director for the Oregon operation and a Senior Piercer. Aside from his responsibilities at the company, he sits on the Board of Body Art Practitioners and proctors Body Piercing Practical Examinations for the Oregon Health Licensing Agency (OHLA). He is an American Red Cross certified CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens trainer. He has been a member of the APP for 12 years and helped instruct several Conference classes over the years. He’s a proud husband, the father of a devilishly cute 2 year old girl, a licensed and practicing Barber, an ordained Minister, a leather worker and is halfway to becoming a Notary Public. Obviously he is a very busy man, but he loves his community and enjoys giving back what has been so freely given to him by teaching at conference.

WEBSITE: http://www.highpriestess.com/ EMAIL: josh@highpriestess.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Shwa23 ALICIA CARDENAS has been a professional piercer for 19 years and a studio owner for 17 years and is the owner of Sol Tribe in Denver, CO. Alicia is an instructor for BBP with the National Safety Council, certified instructor for the city

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2014 APP INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

ED CHAVARRIA is a long time volunteer to the APP. He is a former Board Member, a former Al D. scholar, a committee member serving on both the Membership and Conference Committees, and a returning instructor for the 2014 APP Conference.

He has had the pleasure of working at many of the nation’s top studios and has now found a comfortable home in Philadelphia, PA working at Infinite Body Piercing.

Though quiet by nature, Ed is always excited to meet new people in the community, and is always willing to share his knowledge and passion of body piercing.

EMAIL: Eduardo@infinitebody.com SETH DIETZ has been piercing professionally since 2006 and has been a member of the APP since 2011. He attended his first APP conference in 2009 and has attended every year since.

Currently working at Adorn in Portland, Oregon, he specializes in surface work as well as simple and

30 2014 APP CONFERENCE

advanced ear projects, but his attention to detail makes him proficient in all areas of body piercing.

2014 makes his third conference as an educator and he is honored to be able to give back to our community that has given so much to him.

In addition to piercing full-time, Seth also serves as a board member on Oregon’s Board of Body Art Practitioners where he continues to help guide Oregon with their newest regulations. In addition to working with Oregon legislators, Seth is also a member of the APP Legislation Committee that helps guide various local and state agencies with safe and rational body art regulations.

When not working on piercing related projects, he is an avid hiker and backpacker, and has also been known to occasionally compete in regional and national beard and mustache competitions.

WEBSITE: www.adornbodyart.com EMAIL: seththebeard@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/seththebeard BECKY DILL has been passionate about piercing since she began in 2003. Coming from humble beginnings, she attended her first APP conference in 2006, where her life was changed forever! In 2007 she was welcomed into the beautiful 23rd St Body Piercing where she became a member of the APP. In 2009 Becky moved to San Francisco and is thrilled to have found her home at Cold Steel America. In 2009 Becky also founded the Bay Area Piercer’s group; a group of local piercers dedicated to continuing their education by creating a positive and intimate exchange of ideas, personal experiences, and information. More than 4 years later the BAP’s has surpassed 140 members and has inspired the creation of piercing groups across the country. Becky is friendly, outgoing, and loves to meet new people! Please don’t hesitate to say hello!

WEBSITE: http://coldsteelpiercing.com, http:// bayareapiercers.com EMAIL: BeckyAdorned@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ BeckyAdorned

DANA DINIUS has been a professional piercer for twenty years and an APP member since 2005 as well as a former board member. He is currently a managing piercer at HTC in Phoenix, Arizona, and for nine years, has also been active in the

suspension community. Constantly seeking to improve and grow in any aspect regarding piercing or suspension with an unflinching tenacity.

WEBSITE: www.htcaz.com EMAIL: dana@htcaz.com ALLEN FALKNER is a founding member of the Association of Professional Piercers and served on the first board as its secretary. He has owned and operated multiple piercing studios between 1992 and 2007. He is best known for organizing Traumatic Stress Discipline (TSD), one of the first, most influential suspension groups, and establishing the suspension.org website. Although Allen is by no means the progenitor of body suspension, he has received notoriety in the media as a spokesperson for the art form and is often referred to as the Father of Modern Suspension.

Allen’s work in the body modification community has paved the way for the creation of multiple suspension groups, the hosting of several suspension conventions (suscons), and the compilation and dissemination of pertinent information pertaining to the art and science of suspension. For more than two decades he has traveled worldwide performing, facilitating suspensions, presenting lectures, and teaching workshops on the fundamentals, mechanics, evolution, and history of body suspension.Most recently Allen Falkner was honored by the APP by becoming the recipient of the 2011 President’s Award.

WEBSITE: http://suspension.org/ EMAIL: allen@suspension.org FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/ allenfalknerpage

RICK FRUEH began his piercing career in 1999 in a small town in Illinois. His first conference was in 2001, and he has been to all but one since. Rick joined the APP the following year and at the time he was the only member in Illinois. Rick is a former President of the CoBM and is currently serving its board of advisors. Over the years he has been fortunate enough to get to speak to a lot of people on the subject of body piercing and modification.

He has taught regularly at the APP conference and moderated some of the online Round Tables and also has had the privilege to represent the APP at the ACHA conference. Rick has been a guest speaker at several Colleges and Universities and

done interviews with countless media outlets over the years. He is currently piercing at 23rd Street Body Piercing in OKC after closing his studio, Industrial Primitives in Austin, TX. He started the very popular and well travelled Body Modification Learning Forum on Facebook and founded the Central Texas Piercers Group. Rick was the chair of the Manual Committee which worked to create the 2013 Edition of the APP Procedural Manual and worked on the bloodborne pathogens committee to help create the APP BBP course. He has worked with several companies to help them write protocols for product usages in our industry along with some product testing and development. He has worked with several studios to teach BBP, first aid, CPR, and AED and to write their studio protocols and documents. Rick is also your outgoing Medical Liaison. He is currently chairing a committee on standardizing curriculums for education in the body piercing industry and continues to work with the BBP committee. Rick is a former instructor and US director of Health Educators. He currently has one kitty, Helga, and loves to show you photos of her.

WEBSITE: www.23sbp.com EMAIL: jagerick@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/RickFrueh LUIS GARCIA began his piercing career as a self taught piercer in 1991 in Miami, FL. When he moved to Washington, DC in 1995 to attend the George Washington University, he received more formal training with an apprenticeship under Andrew Lewis and Onabe Tashi of Perforations Body Piercing. In 1998, he moved to Philadelphia to work at Infinite Body Piercing, where he began to expand his skill set, gaining mastery of successful surface piercing, large gauge piercing, and ear projects. In 2002 he joined the staff at NoKaOi Tiki Tattoo and Piercing, where he still frolics in the tropically themed hallways.

Luis has also been heavily involved in the greater piercing community since 1996 through BMEzine.com, the first true internet piercing community, and has been a member of the Association of Professional Piercers since 1999.

He was also elected to serve on the board of directors for the association as international liaison from 2005-2008.

Over the years, he has also become a renowned piercing instructor, teaching classes for the 2014 APP CONFERENCE 31

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

and county of Denver, has worked with Health Educators and is very passionate about education for the body art industry. She has served on the APP Board of Directors as both its International Liaison and as its President. Alicia is in love with the international piercing community and often travels to participate in educational opportunities all over the world. She was recently given an award at the First LBP conference for bringing the APP Seminars to Mexico City alongside of Danny Yerna and Ana Paula Escalante. Alicia works full time at Sol Tribe, tattooing, piercing and doing all types of body art. Alicia also spends a large portion of her time facilitating blood rituals of all types for her spiritual community. Alicia believes in the APP and its Mission with every breath she takes and reaches out to many people encouraging them to be members and participate as much as possible. This self proclaimed hippie seeks a deep connection with her peers and is willing to offer her help, especially to new business owners and piercers. Alicia is the mother of a crazy wonderful 4 year old named Xochitl Mayahuel and is celebrating 13 years as a member of the APP. She feels deeply honored to be able to continue to bring new perspective and energy to her classes.

WEBSITE: http://soltribetattoo.com/home.html EMAIL: soltribe@gmail.com

garcia.31105674 INSTAGRAM: @luisgpiercing TUMBLR: luisgpiercing.tumblr.com

CHRIS GLUNT has had the chance to interact with other piercers over the years, providing experience in many different techniques and studio policies.

Having seen firsthand the effects of cheap jewelry, the wrong aftercare, and poor technique, Chris has spent the last 13 years refining his skills by learning and sharing information with others. After ten years of piercing professionally Chris has transitioned into working in the operating room as a surgical technologist. This training has allowed him to greater understand the importance of minimizing the reprocessing of instrumentation as well as human anatomy, surgical instrumentation, and proper aseptic technique.

WEBSITE: www.chrisglunt.com EMAIL: chris@newflowerstudio.com AJ GOLDMAN has been piercing professionally since 2007 and currently works out of Twelve Ounce Studios in Deptford, NJ. AJ has been an APP member since March 2012. He has served as a part of the APP’s Outreach Committee in the past, and is currently a member of the APP’s Social Media Sub-committee.AJ has built a name for himself with unique ear piercings, ranging from intricate ear projects to simple, complimentary piercings with elegant jewelry choices. He is also the creator and moderator of the Facebook group, Ask A

32 2014 APP CONFERENCE

Professional Piercer. AJ enjoys doing daily outreach to the public, answering their questions through a variety of social media platforms. In addition to this online outreach, he has also represented the APP at several tattoo, and environmental health, conventions.

2014 will be AJ’s third year attending the APP Conference, and his first year as an instructor.

He is excited about making this transition to educator and looks forward to seeing everyone at conference!

WEBSITE: www.PiercingsByAJ.com EMAIL: PiercingsByAJ@yahoo.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/PiercingsByAJ MIRO HERNANDEZ is based out of Dandyland in San Antonio, Texas. He has been piercing for the past 13 years, and has been a proud member of the APP for 8 of those. A strong advocate for education in the piercing industry and a former trainer for Health Educators, he has spoken and given presentations at past APP conferences, Seminarios Educativos in Mexico City, Baylor College of Medicine, and local colleges and universities. Well versed in many different facets of body piercing, he is constantly striving to refine and evolve his technique and give back to the community what has been given to him. Appreciative in the personal adornment aspects of body piercing, Miro received the Body Vision “Golden Piercer Award” in 2012 for his contributions in helping with elegant jewelry design and innovation and promoting the use of precious materials and precious gemstones. As a newly elected and incoming board member, he is very excited about the future of not only the organization, but the industry as a whole and couldn’t be more humbled and honored to be coming on board when the industry and the APP are at an all time high.

WEBSITE: www.dandylandtattoo.com EMAIL: piercermiro@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/piercermiro ROB HILL is the owner of Prysm Body Piercing in West Des Moines, Iowa. He has been piercing for 14 years. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Rob has traveled internationally perfecting his craft.He comes from a background in art and body jewelry manufacturing, an attendee at Fakir Intensives (2002), an APP member and regular

attendee of conference. Rob is a strong advocate of continuous education and plans to continue his evolution and move forward with his passions: learning, sharing and teaching. While Rob finds joy in all types of piercing, his eye for detail, and artistic expression has generated a piercer who loves ear projects, from the planning and mapping to the execution of the piercings and photography.

It is a true love for him. Rob has found an outlet for this love. Industrial Strength’s “Earmageddon” contest has been very kind to Rob, presenting him multiple awards in various categories over the last 3 years. Rob is easily approachable and loves a good conversation. Be sure to say, “Hi” WEBSITE: www.prysmpiercing.com EMAIL: prysmpiercing@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/prysmpiercing RICHARD IVEY was born and raised in North Carolina, Richard has been piercing since 2006.

Leaving a lengthy tutelage at Warlock’s Tattoo and Body Piercing, he moved west to California to work at ANATOMETAL. After some time there, Richard relocated to southern California to work at ANOMALY. He now spends his time travelling the country visiting different studios, offering his services in both piercing and scarification. Richard sits on the Board of Advisors of the Church of Body Modification, where he also serves as a minister.

Known for his straight forward, no-nonsense advice, Richard enjoys reaching out to other piercers to encourage personal and professional growth both online and in person. The proud owner and best friend of a miniature Dachshund named Bossman, he enjoys studying nature and Eastern philosophy in his spare time. Richard is pleased to be assisting with the Mentor Program this year, and looks forward to meeting you.

WEBSITE: www.richardeffinivey.com EMAIL: richardeffinivey@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/richardeffinivey NATE JANKE completed his apprenticeship in 2006 and shortly after joined the feisty piercing family at Saint Sabrina’s in Minneapolis. In that time he has developed a style uniquely his own, focusing on using gold in innovative placements and designs. With these piercings, he also strives to create a higher quality of piercing promotion.

Expanding his amateur photography skills to create

tumblr worthy images that portray body piercing in a fresh fashion forward style, he has created a local market for fine body jewelry that didn’t previously exist. In recognition for these creative efforts, he was honored to receive the 2012 Golden Body Piercer award by Body Vision.

In addition to covering the public in a beautiful layer of gold, he is well known for his surface piercings/anchors and male genital work. His desire to explore new techniques, and constantly refine his approach to piercing, has paired well with a passion for technically advanced piercings.

Outside of the shop, he has enjoyed many opportunities to speak at local high schools as well as the University of Minnesota on the subject of piercing safety.

CHRISTOPHER JENNELL has over 12 years of experience working in some of the United State’s finest studios. He has a strong passion for selling, designing and piercing with our industry’s top jewelry. With his time in the industry, he has had the opportunity to aid many clients, not only, along the journey of healing a happy piercing, but also those looking to stretch a piercing beyond its initial size. From earlobes to genitals, Chris has helped many people along the way to reach their goals with stretching.

Chris has also been an active member of the APP since 2005. When he is not piercing people with gorgeous and unique jewelry, Chris enjoys time away from work with his family.

WEBSITE: www.Uncommonartsllc.blogspot.com EMAIL: modifiedsoul@yahoo.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ christopher.jennell

JON JOHN is a French artist working with video, photography, installation, and, most notably, performance. John utilises the body; flesh, skin and blood as a vehicle for expression. His performances provoke, enlighten and move the audience. His work is based on Ritualistic acts, going through various civilisations, cultures, religions, eras and aesthetics. Using ancient procedures and ritualistic rites and merging them with his contemporary vision Jon John shows us something fresh. His performances result in physical live acts mixed with eroticism, mysticism, poetic sensibility and emotions.

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INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

association at their yearly conference since 2004.

In 2013 he was honored by the APP, receiving the Josh Prentice award for his extensive volunteer work and dedication to the Association. He has also taught at the APTPI conference in Milan, Italy in 2012, the BMXnet conference in Essen, Germany in 2007, the APP Mexico conference in 2006, and most recently at the first ever LatinoAmerican Body Piercing (LBP) conference in Mexico City in 2013.

Piercing-wise, Luis has become known for his advanced ear projects and his success with surface piercing. In 2012 he placed first in several categories of Industrial Strength’s Earmageddon ear project competition.

WEBSITE: www.nokaoitikitattoo.com EMAIL: luisg@bodmod.net FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/luis.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

JOHN JOHNSON is at the end of his term as Vice President of the Association of Professional Piercers, and 2014 is his 16th year attending the conference. John is also the co-owner of New Flower Studio piercing in Long Beach, CA. He returns this year to teach Bedside Manner and Grounding, Ergonomics for Body Piercing, Marketing, and the APP’s new Bloodborne Pathogen class. John is a member of the conference committee, has contributed to The Point, and worked the APP exhibit at other professional conferences on behalf of the organization. He’s a strong advocate for piercers wishing to become APP members and welcomes everyone to conference.

WEBSITE: www.NewFlowerStudio.com EMAIL: info@newflowerstudio.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/john. johnson.94651774

STEVE JOYNER has over 26 years of piercing experience and has been an active member of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) for 17 years. Currently on the Board of Directors as the Legislation Chair, he is also a former Vice President of the APP, a recipient of the Al D. Memorial Award, and the 2012 recipient of the President’s Award.

Steve is an international instructor, specializing in Aftercare, Aseptic Technique, Studio Set-up, Advance Piercing Techniques, and Suspension.

He has assisted 29 states and 6 countries in regulating body piercing and the art of public suspensions. He is currently very active in assisting further education with numerous states Health Departments and Environmental Health programs, and countries Ministries of Health..

Steve has also been involved with suspensions and performance art for over 19 years, first

34 2014 APP CONFERENCE

performing with Traumatic Stress Discipline (TSD) for 5 years and then as the Founder and Director of the internationally acclaimed Constructs of Ritual Evolution (CoRE), based in Los Angeles, and Oakland/San Francisco, California.

WEBSITE: www.wearecore.com EMAIL: legislation@safepiercing.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ coredirector

CHUCK KESLER has been piercing full-time since ‘99 and in 2002 opened his own shop, Dead RockStar, in Fargo, ND. He became North Dakota’s first APP member in 2007 and has been attending the APP conference since 2006. This year is Chuck’s first year as a facilitator/instructor and he is very excited to have the opportunity to work with so many talented people and such a phenomenal organization.

EMAIL: chuck@deadrockstar.net JASON KING started piercing in 1990 and opened 23rd Street Body Piercing in 1995. He became a member of the APP in 1996, and continues to be the piercing leader in Oklahoma today. Jason served a term as vice president of the APP during which time he created and developed the materials classes for conference. Consequently, he has done extensive research on the materials commonly used for initial piercing, with an emphasis on steel and titanium.

Jason is always willing to discuss anything about the class at any time.

WEBSITE: http://www.23rdstreetbodypiercing.com/ PAUL KING is the current APP Treasurer. He has been a professional Body Piercer since 1991. He is Gauntlet trained and certified with a one and a half year apprenticeship under Elayne Angel, author of The Piercing Bible. He worked in all three former Gauntlet locations, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco and was the store manager of LA and NYC. In 1996, Jim Ward, the founder of Gauntlet, awarded Paul King with the honorary title of Master Piercer. He apprenticed many piercers for Gauntlet as well as co-taught Gauntlet Training Seminars.

In 1999, Paul King partnered to create Cold Steel America, tattooing and piercing services in San Francisco, California. He is an active member of the Association of Professional Piercers. He successfully completed a three year elected position as a board member for the APP. In 2007,

he received the APP’s President’s Award for contributions to the Piercing Industry. Currently, he is the board appointed Treasurer for the APP and studies anthropology at U.C. Berkeley.

DEREK LOWE began piercing professionally in 1995 and became a member of the APP in 1996. He served on the Board of Directors in the late 90’s and this year will mark his 18th APP Annual Conference.

For the past 12 years, Derek has been the senior piercer and general manager of Saint Sabrina’s in Minneapolis, MN where he is fortunate enough to work with a talented, dedicated group of piercers.

Even though he has been attending, and instructing, at the APP Conference for many years, he still remembers the excitement and nervousness of attending his first Conference.

By hosting the Orientation class, Derek hopes to help new attendees be a little less anxious about Conference and to help them get the most out of their very first Conference. Derek strongly believes that when approached correctly, the APP Conference will be a career-changing (and lifechanging) experience.

WEBSITE: http://www.saintsabrinas.com EMAIL: emaildereklowe@gmail.com COURTNEY JANE MAXWELL has been piercing for 9 years, and is lucky to be attending her 9th APP conference as well. As a native St. Louisan, she spent most of her years working at TRX Tattoos, until moving north to join the piercing family at Saint Sabrina’s in Minneapolis in 2012. She is a proud member of the APP and its Outreach Committee, and honored to be returning as an instructor and facilitator again this year.

Her professional interests lay strongly on the side of customer service. She greatly enjoys connecting with her clients from all walks of life, and applies a strong body positive/sex positive approach to her work. She is lucky to have a client base that provides high volumes of earlobe piercings on both young children and the elderly, advanced gential piercings, and everything else in between!

On a technical level, she prides herself on versatility. She likes to feel comfortable with a large variety of techniques and approaches to piercing procedures, and enjoys the opportunity to continuously expand her repertoire. She considers

herself blessed to be surrounded by a community of skilled and incredibly diverse piercers who never stop inspiring her to do more, and hopes to never see the day when she becomes “set in her ways”.

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ CourtneyJaneMaxwell

ASH MISAKO has been professionally piercing since 2001. Since joining the APP in 2008 she has been active in the Membership, Outreach, Legislation, and Media committees. Safe Piercing is at the core of her initiatives. Ash was elected to the APP board as the Outreach Coordinator in 2012, her experience in membership and outreach and her strong organizational skills help her to effectively communicate the importance of safe piercing to the Public and Healthcare sectors and organize staffing for APP Outreach events. Ash thrives on the importance of teaching and being able to share all aspects of her career from technical aspects to the art of piercing. She currently runs her own dedicated piercing studio (Kira Kira Fine Jewelry and Body Piercing) in Springfield, MO and travels frequently to guest spot at studios around the country. If you have any questions Ash is always happy to help.

WEBSITE: www.kirakirapiercing.com EMAIL: ashmisako@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ashmisako FAKIR MUSAFAR is known worldwide for his 50+ years of research and personal exploration of body modifications and rituals. He is the Director of Fakir Intensives, a California piercer training school since 1991; he is also a founding member of the APP. Fakir was a pioneer in the contemporary piercing movement along with Doug Malloy, Jim Ward and a few others. His work emphasizes the energetic and spiritual aspects of body piercing, body rituals and suspensions. A recent 80 minute documentary film, BODY OF GOD, traces the arc of contemporary body piercing/modification and Fakir’s role in its development.

Fakir was born on an Indian reservation in South Dakota in 1930, has taught school, been an army demolition instructor and has BSE and MA college degrees. He has appeared on many popular television series like: Learning, Channel, Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel. His history and views are published in a number

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Love, life and loss are combined with a veneration of ancient rituals to communicate his innermost secrets. John´s work takes us on a journey from tenderness to brutality via beauty and decay. Love, sex, relationship and romanticism remain in his recently developed work.

Jon John collaborates with artists such as Ron Athey, Nick Knight, Joey Arias, Chris Sutton, Kiril Bikov, Juano Diaz, Emmanuel Lacoste…This year marks his 12th year of performing in many art spaces and events all over the world. Jon John lives and works in Berlin and London.

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

RYAN OUELLETTE has been piercing professionally since the late 90’s, has been attending the APP conference since 2002, and has been a member since 2011. Ryan submitted proposals for, and helped to develop, the Conference Mentor Program, the workshop class format, and the APP’s social media campaign. Ryan currently splits management of the APP’s safepiercing Tumblr page with Cody Vaughn as well as being involved with other outreach and media projects. Ryan has instructed the sterilization workshops since their inception and has seen them grow into one of the most popular courses at conference. This is also Ryan’s second year instructing the basic Statim class. Ryan is the owner of Precision Body Arts in Nashua, New Hampshire which he opened in 2001 offering both piercing and scarification. He was the first APP member in the State of New Hampshire. Ryan has instructed at the APP conference for several years, as well as the Boston Tattoo Convention and the BMXNET conference in Germany.

WEBSITE: http://www.precisionbodyarts.com/ EMAIL: ryanpba@hotmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ryanpba TUMBLR: http://ryanpba.tumblr.com/ INSTAGRAM: ryanpba BRIAN OVIATT started piercing in the MidWest in 2004. After piercing for several years in Iowa, Brian started attending the Association of Professional Piercer’s Conference in 2010. That same year he moved to Southern California and became a member of the APP after joining the crew of Outer Limits Tattoo and Piercing. He has been fortunate to work with many wonderful and dedicated body art practitioners that have been willing to pass on the information they have collected over the duration of their careers.

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Aside from body piercing Brian enjoys rock climbing and literature.

Believing that every piercer has something to teach, he enjoys engaging other piercers in discourse about the everyday applications of body piercing practices and techniques. He is always looking to meet new people and discuss ideas so introduce yourself, say howdy and ask any questions at any time.

WEBSITE: www.brianoviattpiercing.com EMAIL: brianoviatt@yahoo.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ brianopiercing

BUSINESS FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook. com/professionalbodypiercing?ref=hl

BETSY REYNOLDS, RDH, M.S., armed with degrees in dental hygiene and oral biology, Betsy presents scientifically based programs nationally and internationally. Her continuing education presentations include a variety of topics involving the microbiological and biologic basis for oral and systemic disease prevention. Avidly committed to making the health sciences understandable and relevant , Betsy devotes time and energy to publishing articles and book chapters designed to enlighten and inspire readers. As a dedicated fan of the Association of Professional Piercers, Betsy continues to present courses to health care providers designed to inform and enhance therapy options for the pierced patient.

WEBSITE: www.betsyreynolds.com EMAIL: betsy@betsyreynolds.com JEF SAUNDERS began piercing in the late 90’s in Providence, Rhode Island. In 2002, he opened Rockstar Body Piercing and it has thrived since, adding 3 more piercers and a second location.

Fakir Musafar (body piercing pioneer and Father of The Modern Primitive movement) has called Jef, “...(an) Innovator of new piercing techniques and expert teacher of piercing...” Jef is a course contributor and Instructor for the Fakir Intensives in San Francisco, CA. His education includes several APP conferences, the Fakir Intensives Basic, Advanced and Branding seminars, as well as the Body Mechanixx Freehand Piercing seminar.

Jef writes extensively about body piercing, contributing to the APP’s own “The Point” as well as co-authoring articles in “The Journal of

Emergency Nursing”. His blog, Confessions of a Piercing Nerd (www.piercingnerd.com) features many of his more strongly worded opinions about piercing and body modification. It is from this blog that the Nostril Piercing: Advanced Fundamentals class was developed.Articles have been published about Jef’s work in the Providence Journal, and he has been featured on the cover of Parade Magazine. He serves on the APP Membership Committee. His work in safe piercing outreach in Rhode Island has brought him to lecture at schools and hospitals in RI. In 2012 Jef started the New England Piercing Group with the goal of promoting education and community amongst New England body piercers. Jef will be serving on the incoming 2014 APP Board of Directors.

WEBSITE: www.piercingnerd.com www.rockstarpiercing.com EMAIL: crooshjef@rockstarpiercing.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/jefchoice

CHRISTINA SHULL has been a professional piercer since 2000 and is the owner of Integrity Piercing in Wenatchee, Washington. She has been an APP Business Member since 2003 and served as the Secretary of the APP from 2005-2007.

Passionate about ear piercing projects, Christina is known for her triple forward helix photo what went viral worldwide. In 2013, she had the honor of serving as the judge for the “Classic” category of Industrial Strength’s Earmaggedon contest. She has been an instructor at multiple APP conferences over the last decade, presenting or co-presenting topics including studio set-up, customer service, building a portfolio, and three separate courses about ear piercings and projects.

An active member of the APP Legislation Committee, Christina has been very active with piercing legislation, including serving on the Oklahoma regulations committee in 2006, Vice-Chair of the Oregon Board of Body Art Practitioners in 2012-2013, and as a proctor for Oregon piercing practical exams. Before opening her own studio, she was fortunate to learn from some of the best in the industry, including employment at Evolution Body Piercing, 23rd Street Body Piercing, High Priestess and by guest piercing opportunities at Body Work Productions, Outer Limits, HTC, and Adorn. When she is not at

work, Christina can often be found trying to keep one of her three cats out of trouble.

WEBSITE: www.integritypiercing.com EMAIL: piercerchrissy@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/integritypiercing CRYSTAL SIMS is co-owner and studio manager of Evolution Body Piercing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her career in the body piercing industry by serving an apprenticeship under Kent Fazekas from 1994-1996. Crystal has been an APP member since Evolution opened in 1999 and she served on the APP Board of Directors from 2002-2005. Crystal is currently chairman of the New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, the board that creates rules for and licenses body art in the state. In addition to her board duties, Crystal teaches health and safety classes to body art practitioners in New Mexico, and works with her staff at Evolution to accomplish growth with each year of business and set higher standards for the industry.

WEBSITE: www.evolutionpiercing.com EMAIL: crystal@evolutionpiercing.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Evolution-Body-Piercing/310312473498

BRIAN SKELLIE founded Piercing Experience in 1992 as a piercer inspired to research and evolve safe body modification and share the results with the community. He is a frequent APP contributor since the first conference, an active business member since 1996, an educator who has presented many seminars and workshops at conferences in North and South America and Europe, former editor of The Point Journal, current chair of the Media Committee and third term Board member.

Brian provides informative resources in his areas of specialty. He has introduced and advanced many novel and effective approaches for body modification such as safe techniques for aseptic (freehand) piercing without clamps, aseptic non touch technique with instruments, single use instrument options, anodization, studio set up, instrument management, sterilization and infection prevention. He has been instrumental for guidance and standards in support of the rights and responsibilities of professional body artists on a local and international level. Beside

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of books like: Modern Primitives, LeatherFolk, Voices From the Edge, Bodies Under Siege: Selfmutilation and Body Modification in Psychiatry and Culture (Editions 2 and 3). He has appeared in movies and documentaries like: Dances Sacred and Profane, Body of God, Virgin Machine, Father is Coming. Fakir has documented his many adventures in his own photo book: Spirit + Flesh.

WEBSITE: www.fakir.org EMAIL: fakir@fakir.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/Fakir Musafar

WILL SPENCER was born in N.Y.C., terrorized a small town in New Jersey as a tiny boy, and lived in Connecticut until 1995. He started doing horrible piercings straight out of high school. As a young punk, Will started piercing on his dumb friends and himself. He became good enough to fool himself into thinking he knew what he was doing. In 1995 Will visited St. Louis and thought it was awesome, so he decided to relocate. He’s been living and piercing in St. Louis ever since, where he’s realized that knowing that he didn’t know everything was the first step to learning what he should know, thereby learning how to be a better piercer. Will has been lucky enough to work with some amazing, supportive, and patient people who have made it possible for him to own and run a number of successful studios. He spends most 38 2014 APP CONFERENCE

of his time at his biggest shop, TRX Tattoos and Piercing. He’s been an APP member, working closely with the organization, for many years. Currently on the Conference Committee, Will welcomes all comments or concerns. He very much looks forward to Conference every year; as he learns more about our industry during this week than in all the rest of the year combined. Will’s thrilled to be here again, and looks forward to seeing the people he already knows and getting to know those who he doesn’t.

WEBSITE: http://trxtattoos.com/ BETHRA SZUMSKI completed her Gauntlet Body Piercing course work in 1995, after which she was mentored by Elayne Angel who has continued to provide both professional and personal support throughout her career. Bethra founded Virtue and Vice Body Piercing in 1995, which operated from the Timeless Tattoo location and then from Pain and Wonder after its acquisition in 2000. In an effort to keep up with current piercing related information she became a member of the APP in 1996. Her role shortly switched from student to teacher in 1998 when she was appointed as Secretary of the Association. Bethra immediately instituted the Association’s first elections and was duly elected to the position and served a three year term.

Bethra was subsequently elected to the position of President and served an additional three year term in that position. After a three year break from the board she was re-elected to the board and appointed once again as Secretary and continues to serve as an Officer of the organization. Bethra has also provided countless courses of education to piercers, health care providers and lawmakers.

She is the recipient of the President’s Award, the Association’s Award of Appreciation, and was voted Hardest Working Piercer in 2005.

WEBSITE: www.virtueandvice.com, www.painandwonder.com EMAIL: secretary@safepiercing.org

CODY VAUGHN began piercing in 2004 in his home town of Monterey, California. In April of 2013 he opened Vaughn Body Arts, Monterey’s first and only studio exclusively dedicated to body piercing and fine jewelry.After joining The APP in 2009, Cody began volunteering with The APP Membership Committee, Outreach Committee, and Social Media Sub-Committee. He also handles media and questions with Ryan Ouellette on the safepiercing

Tumblr page. In 2010 Cody began working as a full time instructor for The Fakir Intensives. In 2013 he had the esteemed honor and privilege of being voted to serve as an incoming APP board member.

Cody is greatly looking forward to seeing you all at this year’s conference!

WEBSITE: www.vaughnbodyarts.com EMAIL: vaughnbodyarts@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/vaughnbodyarts JOHNNY VELEZ has been piercing for 17 years.

He has owned and operated Native Rituals since October 13, 2003 and has been an APP member since 2007 (thanks Rick!). Piercing is his passion, and has led Johnny to work in many great studios, with some of the most amazing people this industry has to offer throughout the country and Canada. He hopes to pass on some of his knowledge through his travels and research. He is currently on the Membership Committee and Outreach Committee, if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Johnny looks forward to this time of year getting to see all his old friends, and making new ones.

EMAIL:nativerituals@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/johnny. velez.10

JESSE VILLEMAIRE has been piercing since 2001 and currently owns and operates out of Thrive Studios in Cambridge Ontario, Canada. With education as a main focus in his career, he has attended APP conferences since 2004 and now enjoys teaching classes where he is needed.

On top of working full time as a professional piercer and operating his own tattoo/piercing studio; Jesse has recently accepted the role as a Canadian Instructor with Health Educators Inc., and is leading education within the body modification industry. His passion for piercing still motivates him to move forward within the industry, wanting to safely pass on the proper knowledge to the next generation of practitioners in this field.

WEBSITE: www.thrivestudios.ca, www.justapiercer.com EMAIL: info@thrivestudios.ca FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/iamjessev

DARRIN WALTERS is the Owner of Blue Star Tattoos and Body Piercing in Concord, California where he is a tattooist and body piercer, He is a

member of CoRE, the Oakland, California chapter.

He serves on the Membership committee for the APP, and has served on other APP committees in the past. As President of the Todos Santos Business Association (TSBA), he promotes the interests of service and retail businesses in Downtown Concord, California; encourages the further development of Concord’s Historic Downtown; and enhances goodwill between business and residents of the community. He sits on the downtown steering committee for the city of Concord, as well as being a director of the TSBA art foundation, which promotes performing arts and literacy programs in and around the city of Concord. He is a public speaker at local events and conferences, for the Concord Chamber of Commerce and National and Local Health Departments, promoting the safety of body modification. He’s a facilitator, mentor, and volunteer at the APP conference, and is always willing to discuss, answer, and help at any time. He has been a proud member of the APP since 1996.

WEBSITE: www.bluestartattoos.com EMAIL: bluestartattoos@gmail.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/bluestartattoos DR. JACK WARD is a licensed physician in Alabama, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia. He is also a board-certified orthopaedic surgery with a specialization in bone and soft tissue tumors.

In addition, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at LSUHSC in Shreveport, Louisiana. He is involved in both resident and medical student education, particularly as it relates to anatomy and surgery. In the early 1990’s, Dr. Ward developed an interest in the body piercing industry. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, he added body piercing and permanent cosmetics to his practice interest. He became involved with the Association of Professional Piercers as a piercer, board member and educator. Since 1996, he has been a physician-advocate and educator for the international body art community.

JIM WARD was called “the granddaddy of the modern piercing movement” by MTV in a 2004 documentary entitled The Social History of Piercing. He is considered by many to be the person most responsible for creating, not just the movement, but the modern body piercing industry as well. In 1975, with the inspiration of his friend 2014 APP CONFERENCE 39

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INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

piercing, he is an infection control expert focused on the efficient use and validation of cleaning and sterilization. He has invested years of study into the question, “how clean is clean enough?” and participated as a member of ASTM and AAMI in the interest of adapting effective methods for our trade.An active member of the ASTM committee F04 on medical and surgical devices and implants and related subcommittees, Brian works with applications of biomaterials science for body art safety and expanding jewelry options.

He develops, interprets and publishes evidence based standards for continual improvement in our field. He promotes the use of current and timely research based standards for the benefit of clients and colleagues worldwide.In the 1990’s he became an authorized independent dealer of the SciCan family of infection control products to make them more accessible for body artists. He offers both equipment and specific training on the safe operation and maintenance of automated instrument washers such as HYDRIM, and sterilizers such as STATIM and BRAVO autoclaves.

Brian is eager to help find credible answers to our questions to further enhance our profession.

His goal is the ethical advancement of quality in all aspects of body modification from conscience to science. Most importantly, he is interested in sharing ideas with you.

WEBSITE: www.brnskll.com EMAIL: brian@piercing.org FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/brian.skellie

INSTRUCTOR BIOGRAPHIES

and mentor Doug Malloy, Jim opened Gauntlet, the first studio in the world dedicated solely to this form of body modification. He is responsible for developing and/or perfecting many of the tools, techniques, and jewelry designs that became the industry standard. From these, the industry continues to evolve. In 1977, with the input of Doug and Fakir Musafar, Jim conceived and published Piercing Fans International Quarterly (PFIQ), the first and highly influential publication dedicated to body piercing. In 2011, Jim published his book, Running the Gauntlet—an Intimate History of the Modern Body Piercing Movement.

Now retired, Jim lives in Berkeley, California with his husband Drew and their dog Sparky.

WEBSITE: http://www.runningthegauntlet-book. com, http://gauntletenterprises.com/ EMAIL: mrjimw93@gmail.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/jim.

Association of Professional Piercers

ward.7792

JAMES WEBER fell in love with body piercing in the late 1980s, after discovering Gauntlet and PFIQ while studying jewelry and metalsmithing at the University of the Arts. After several years of practicing on himself and friends, he started piercing professionally in 1993 (shortly before receiving his BFA), and founded Infinite Body Piercing, Inc. in late 1994. Since that time, Infinite has gone on to become one of the busiest piercingonly studios in the U.S., staying at the forefront of body art education through its publications and website, infinitebody.com.

James served two consecutive terms on the Board of Directors of the Association of Professional Piercers. In 2005 he was elected as the APP’s Medical Liaison, and then went on to serve as the APP’s President from 2008 to 2011.

While on the board, he oversaw projects as diverse as the update to the APP’s graphic identity and copyright licensing, to a thorough review of the legal aspects of the organization, from election protocol to parliamentary procedure.

From 2005 to 2012, James served as editor (with several years as co-editor, with Elayne Angel) of The Point: The Quarterly Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers. For over seven years and twenty-seven issues, he was responsible for taking The Point from a black-and-white newsletter to a full-color trade 40 2014 APP CONFERENCE

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journal. He has written extensively for the APP, and in addition to The Point his articles have been reprinted in many publications, including Pain Magazine and BMEzine.com.

Over the two decades James has been in the industry, he’s been actively involved at an industry-wide level in legislative, educational, and public relations projects. He’s taught often at the annual APP Conference and Exposition, and lectured elsewhere on such diverse topics as piercing and sexuality at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, writing to students at Temple University, and the history of body piercing publications at BMXnet in Essen, Germany.

WEBSITE: http://infinitebody.com/ EMAIL: james@infinitebody.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/

H S IT’

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