ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PIERCERS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXPOSITION
MAY 2ND-MAY 7TH, 2010
The Association of Professional Piercers would like to invite you to attend our 15th Annual Conference and Exposition in Las Vegas, Nevada. The APP will be back at the legendary Tropicana Las Vegas from May 2nd to May 7th in 2010. The Tropicana LV is conveniently located on the hottest four corners on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. Merely steps away attendees will find New York, New York; the Excalibur, and the MGM Grand!
In addition to the standard amenities, the Tropicana Las Vegas provides a lush tropical ambiance in their stunning five-acre garden oasis. Numerous swimming pools, waterfalls, trees, and flowers, along with large hot tubs are available in the interior garden courtyard.
The Tropicana Las Vegas is undergoing a renovation in Spring 2010! We are excited about being there for this transformation….
Our educational-based Conference is the only one of its kind, dedicated solely to Body Piercing, attracting 800-1000 participants every year. Nowhere else will you be able to talk with as many piercers at one event, nor meet with the leaders in the industry.
Our attendees know that this is THE event to meet the best of our Industry’s vendors of jewelry, products, and industry related services. Piercers come prepared to purchase stock for their studios, try out new products, and meet the Vendors face to face. We encourage those Vendors who may not be in the Piercing Industry, but whose product(s) are of interest to those in the Body Modification Industry to consider vending with us as well. Our speakers, attendees and vendors gather just this one time a year to share information, discuss innovations in the industry, and socialize at this week long event, please come join us!
LOCATION:
TROPICANA HOTEL Las Vegas
3801 Las Vegas Boulevard, South Las Vegas, NV 89109
Important Dates*:
May 2nd, 2010 Sunday
6:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Vendor Badge Pick up and Check In
May 3rd – Monday
6:00 a.m.-1p.m. Shepard (Exhibitor Services) Set up
10:45-11:45 Vendors Meeting
1p.m.-5p.m. Vendor Move in – Shepard onsite
5:00 p.m.-8:00p.m. Vendor Set up – MUST have already moved in all materials etc.
May 4th – Tuesday
8:00a.m-11:00a.m. Vendor Move in and Final Set up
12:00p.m-1:00p.m Expo Floor opens – Members Only
1:00p.m-8:00p.m Expo Floor opens – All Attendees
May 5th – Wednesday
12:00-8:00p.m. Expo Floor Open – All Attendees
May 6th – Thursday
12:00-6:00p.m. Expo Floor Open – All Attendees
May 7th – Friday
10:00-2:00pm Expo Floor Open – All Attendees
Please see complete calendar of important dates below!
*subject to minor changes with notice
Details provided below and in the Conference Calendar in the Orientation packet
LODGING
Where can I stay? Do we get a reduced rate at the host hotel?
The Tropicana LV is our host hotel, and the APP block of rooms for attendees of the Conference. When making your reservation, request rates for The Association of Professional Piercers. Our classroom spaces are provided based on room occupancy, this means that filling our room block allows the APP to keep prices low for Conference fees. Please support our Conference by staying at the Tropicana! If you plan to stay at the hotel the weekend before or after conference book as soon as possible, weekend rates are subject to availability.
APP Reservation link:
APP ROOM BLOCK HOTEL RESERVATIONS!
Or contact the Tropicana LV at 1-800-634-4000; make sure you request to be put in the APP room block.
Guest room Rates:
$59.00 per guest room, per night Sunday through Thursday, single or double occupancy
$99.00 per guest room, per night Friday and Saturday, single or double occupancy
$209.00 per 1 bedroom suite, per night Sunday through Thursday, single or double occupancy
$249.00 per 1 bedroom suite, per night Friday and Saturday, single or double occupancy
Please note that special requests such as non-smoking room, connecting or adjoining rooms, room location, king or double-double bed type, etc. are subject to availability at the time of check-in.
Rates are net, non-commissionable and will be subject to Clark County Room Tax, which is currently nine percent (9%) – subject to change. Additional persons in the room will be at the rate of $25.00 per person, per night, plus room tax. If additional facilities are requested for rollaway bed or crib, the charge will be at the rate in force at the HOTEL during the period of the guest stay.
EXPOSITION INFORMATION
Booth Details
Expo booth spaces are 10’ x 10’. Each booth includes one 8ft table, and two chairs. Each booth will be separated by sidewall drapes 3ft high, and backwall drape 8ft high. Basic Id signs are provided. Any additional furniture, cases, chairs, services, accessories will need to be brought by the vendor or ordered from Shepard Exposition Services or in the case of electrical, phone or data lines, obtained through the Tropicana, or its service providers.
Exhibitor Services kit: Exhibitor Service Information
Registration
Preferred Vendor* Registration opens on October 15th and to all Vendors on November 1, 2009. Deadlines have been moved up so please keep this in mind and register early.
Please note: no registration materials will be mailed out to Vendors this year. If you need the registration form and information mailed to you – please contact the office
Cost
Expo Floor Booth(s)
Registration on/before February 15, without raffle donation – Initial booth $725.00
Registration on/before February 15, with raffle donation – Initial booth $675.00
Registration after February 15, without raffle donation – Initial booth $775.00
Registration after February 15, without raffle donation – Initial booth $725.00
Any additional booths “2009 prices” still in 2010!
Registration on/before February 15, without raffle donation – additional $675.00
Registration on/before February 15, with raffle donation – additional $625.00
Registration after February 15, without raffle donation – additional $725.00
Registration after February 15, without raffle donation – additional $675.00
Cancellations
If a Vendor cancels on or before March 1st the APP will refund 50% of the contracted space. After said date, the exhibitor forfeits the entire payment.
Booth Assignments
Booths are assigned based on the following:
1. Sponsorship (paid for in full)
2. APP Membership,
3. Preferred Vendor status*,
4. Date registration completed (paid for in full).
The APP will consider all location requests and do their best to accommodate all vendors. Decisions by the APP are final. Requests for a specific location or “neighboring” vendors must be received by February 15, 2010. Booth Assignments will be announced via email. A map of the booth assignments will be available soon after booths are assigned, upon request.
Please see the Map of the Venue – this is the initial layout and may be altered, every attempt to maintain the flow and overall configuration will be made. Vendors will be notified about any significant changes. Booths marked as “sold” on this map will only be placed if the floor is full. If you have questions, please contact the office
Show Rules, Regulations, and Restrictions
The APP requests that vendors who choose to attend our Conference are mindful of the APP standards for initial piercing body jewelry and bring jewelry that meets or exceeds this standard if selling jewelry which can be used in initial piercings. The APP encourages all its vendors to be respectful of their fellow vendors and to act professionally at all times**
The APP reserves the right to refuse or rescind vending space at its discretion. During the Expo the APP reserves the right to restrict or relocate, at the exhibitor’s expense, any exhibit that because of noise, method of operation, traffic congestion, or any other reason, becomes objectionable. Exhibit demonstration must be confined within the boundaries of the respective booth(s). Companies selling products must comply with all state and local sales permits, and requirements. 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 room, however, no vending from hotel rooms will be tolerated.
The APP requires that its vendors remain open during the hours of the Exposition. Leaving early on the closing day or failure to adequately “man” your booth during the Exposition can result in a $100.00 fine per booth space. If a vendor must leave due to illness/family emergency, they must discuss this matter with a Board Member prior to departure in order to avoid potential fines.
Violation of the regulations as set out may result in eviction from the Conference, the expo floor, the hotel and/or restriction from future Conferences. In the event of vendor restriction or eviction, the APP is not liable for any damages, nor will it refund exhibit fees or expenses.
Badges
No one will be allowed on the Exhibit Floor without a badge. Vendors receive (3) three free badges for the initial booth space. Vendors are allowed (2) two additional free badges for each additional booth space. Vendors are allowed to purchase (1) one additional badge per booth space at the rate of $15.00 per badge. If a Vendor is also a Speaker, they are allowed one additional free badge.
Only those with Vendor Badges will be allowed on the floor during set-up or breakdown. Vendor Badges are NOT transferable. Vendors caught transferring badges may be evicted from the expo floor. All booths must be staffed when the Expo is open to attendees. Vendor badges do not allow you access into classes, those tickets/badges must be purchased separately.
Security
The APP hires security to guard the Exhibit Hall after the floor has closed. Once the hall closes no one is allowed back in. Vendors are responsible for making sure all necessary belongings are taken with them when the hall closes for the night.
Shipping
Shepard Exposition Services will be in charge of shipped materials. They will provide a kit which has information regarding shipping, storage and additional services (electric, computer lines, and AV information will be provided by them but are contracted through the Tropicana). The Tropicana LV will not provide storage for materials.
Onsite Labor
All work involved in the erection, touch-up painting, dismantling, and repair of all exhibits when done by persons other than your full-time company personnel will fall under union jurisdiction. This work is to include wall coverings, floor coverings, pipe and drape, painting, hanging of signs and/or decorative materials from the ceiling, placement of all signs, and the erection of platforms used for the exhibit purpose.
Freight Handling
All work involved in loading and unloading of all trucks, trailers, and common & contract carriers as well as the handling of empty crates and the operation of material handling equipment is under union jurisdiction. The Union also has the jurisdiction of the unloading, uncrating, unskidding, leveling, painting, and assembly of machinery and equipment as well as the reverse process. An exhibitor may “hand-carry” material provided they do not use material handling equipment (nothing with wheels). When exhibitors do choose to hand carry they may not be permitted access to the loading dock/freight door areas. Another entrance will be assigned. All exhibitors are expected to comply with any union requirements in effect. Further information can be found in the Exhibitor Service Kit.
Cart fee: Shepard will enforce a mandatory cartload service for each 10’ x 10’ booth due to the high number of front door deliveries. Each booth will be charged a minimum of $50.00 per 10’ x 10’ booth for up to 250.00 lbs. Any thing over 250 lbs will convert to the published drayage rate.
If you have questions about how best to package, ship, and/or manage your materials – we urge you to discuss this with Shepard PRIOR to your arrival onsite. Often times they can assist Vendors so that costs are maintained at a manageable level, and shipments are handled with ease on-site.
Exhibitor Services Kit: Exhibitor Service Information
ORIENTATION
Orientation packets will be sent to all registered vendors with additional information regarding the schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, advertising specs, NEW raffle policies and procedures, and updated information regarding the innovators award process etc. You will be sent a separate packet from Shepard Exposition Services on shipping/receiving/handling; electric, phone, & computer lines; furniture, etc. If you have not received your Exhibit Service Provider packet within 10 days after registering, please contact the APP office.
PROMOTING YOUR COMPANY AT THE APP!
Sponsorship allows the Vendor to show their support of the Conference and the APP through sponsorship of events/benefits found at the Conference. All sponsorships are available to multiple parties. No benefits will be provided until sponsorships are paid in full.
Vendors receive the following for their support:
$1,500.00: The Banquet Dinner
Sponsor(s) receive full page ad in the program, a banner hung at the sponsored event and in the Expo Hall, 4 tickets to the Banquet, and first choice of booth location, in order received.
$1,000.00: The Opening Party
Sponsor(s) receive a ½ page ad in the program, a banner hung at the sponsored event and in the Expo Hall, and second choice of booth location, in order received.
$500.00: Exposition Food & Beverage
Sponsor(s) receive a quarter page ad in the program, a banner hung above the table, and third choice of booth location, in order received.
$300: Al D. Scholarship
Sponsor(s) receive two banquet dinner tickets, honorable mention in the program, and fourth choice of booth location in order received.
All banners must be received by the set deadline to guarantee their being placed. All ad copy for the Program must be received by set deadline to guarantee being placed.
Advertisement provides a visual reminder of your presence at the Conference, and can be used as a reference for attendees after the show. Vendors are encouraged to advertise both in the Conference Point Journal and the Conference Program. Details will be in your orientation packet from the APP.
Point Ads: 2009Point_AdRates
Program Ads:
Full Color Cover: 2 Color Interior:
Full Page*: $300.00 Full Page: $200.00
Half Page*: $150.00 Half Page: $100.00
¼ Page*: $75.00 ¼ Page: $50.00
*as available; first come, first serve; if sponsoring will need to pay the difference to upgrade
Raffle Donation shows you care. The Raffle is the APP’s second biggest financial support after Conference class sales. Crucial to our annual budget, and the best gamble in Vegas – attendees buy 1000’s of raffle tickets because of our Vendors’ generous donations. Promote your Company’s support of the industry, name, and products by supporting this event!
Vendors who register at the discount Raffle donation price will be sent forms to fill out listing their donation(s).
We are refreshing our dearest fundraiser! We have added two additional raffles on Tuesday Afternoon and Wednesday Night. Attendees will have to choose which raffle they want their tickets to go towards – raffle prizes in earlier raffles will include raffle tickets for the Banquet Dinner Raffle (top ten prizes –approx.).
We hope this will encourage more participation – and assist in providing even more chances to win!
In order for this to work Vendors MUST turn in their raffle prize forms (or provide information) no later than April 1, 2010.
Innovators Award
The APP has made some adjustments to the Innovator of the Year Award for the 2010 Conference. There will be two categories – Creative Innovation and Technical Innovation. And at the request of the Vendors – the items will be placed in a silent auction with all funds being donated in support of the APP.
As a part of the registered vendor’s orientation packet you will receive the invitation to participate in this program.
The vendor who wins the Innovator of the Year award, in addition to the formal recognition of their contribution will be given an interview in the Point.
Vendors will need to fill out a descriptive form which will be displayed with the item(s) donated. The submission of this form will be the confirmation of the vendor’s participation. This form will include materials used, name of design or piece, and assigned value – but not the vendor’s name/company. The confirmation must be received by April 15th. The forms will be numbered and placed on a table to be used for the auction. Items will be numbered in the cases which match the form.
A display case with all donated items will be located at the new Raffle and Auction APP booth on the Exposition Floor. Ballots will be issued at the time of registration with the individual’s badge. Voting will be allowed by anyone who is issued a badge. A ballot box will be located by the display and the ballots tallied on Thursday afternoon at 3p.m..
Submissions for the Innovator of the Year award do not satisfy the booth discount raffle submission.
BEYOND THE EXPOSITION
Educational Opportunities
Click here to register as an Attendee (for classes) or to get more details about the Conference overall – 2010 Conference Information
As a Vendor we encourage you to attend the many class and roundtable selections if possible. We believe that educating our vendors is part of the mission of the APP Conference. In support of that, the APP will provide each Vending Company with a free class ticket to the class of their choosing. Additional class tickets/passes can be purchased – see the registration link above. Please note there are classes held the Monday before the Exposition opens, and some evening classes will be available.
APP Membership
The APP’s Associate Corporate membership is ever evolving. As the APP attempts to revise this membership category to bring it up to date, they are still accepting applications. The APP reminds vendors that this category traditionally has been made up of the best of the best of our industry’s jewelry/product manufacturers, educators, and service providers. Many of these Companies have been longtime supporters of our organization, and cornerstones of our industry. The APP’s mission and jewelry standards should be taken into account prior to submission of your application.
The Point: the Quarterly Journal of the APP
With its new format, and high-gloss color cover, the Point is even more valuable for every piercer and company to have as a professional resource. Subscriptions can be purchased for $20.00/4 issues – larger donations are always welcomed. APP members receive a free subscription with membership.
CONFERENCE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
Can I get pierced at the Conference or do piercings in my hotel room?
Absolutely not! To maintain space in our host hotel and comply with insurance requirements, absolutely no piercing, scarification, branding or implants; or any other form of body modification from hotel rooms 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.
Smoking Policy: Important News!
The Tropicana LV in accordance with the Clear Air Act now prohibits smoking in all public spaces except for the casino proper, bars in the casino area, and designated outdoor smoking areas by the pool. No smoking is allowed in any of the Convention areas, or any of the corridors, lobbies, restaurants, special meeting rooms in the Hotel. The APP supports this change and encourages all attendees to comply with the new regulations.
EVENTS
Sunday Night “Meet and Greet” for Staff (Open to Members, Vendors, & Volunteers only)
A casual event for those working the Conference to get to know each other. Food and a Cash Bar provided.
Opening Party: A Pool party – and what a beautiful pool it is! Please join us on Monday evening for the opening social event of the Conference. Food and a Cash Bar provided.
Banquet Dinner: Be prepared to be entertained, eat, and mingle! Entertainment is still pending for this year…but our theme is a Masquerade! The Conference’s awards presentation, open meeting, and top prize raffle selection will be held after 10pm, and the hall will open to non-ticket holders at that time.
Yoga – Available daily to all attendees free of charge.
Members Annual Meeting
Open to APP Members only. Members who attend will receive a special gift!
International Attendees Meeting
Open to all international attendees and those interested in international issues.
Vendors Annual Meeting
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.
2009/2010 CONFERENCE CALENDER FOR VENDORS
October 15, 2009 Early Registration Opens: Preferred Vendors*
November 1, 2009 Full Conference Registration Opens Attendees
November 15, 2009 ALL Vendor Registration opens
December 1, 2009 Deadline for Point Ad – Winter Issue
December 15, 2009 Individual Class Registration Opens Attendees
February 15, 2010 Deadline to Register and be included in Program
February 15, 2010 Deadline for early Registration Discount
February 15, 2010 Deadline for Program Ad Submission
February 15, 2010 Deadline for Booth Location requests
Week of Feb 15th Expo Floor Layout
March 1, 2010 Deadline for Point Ad – Spring (Conference Issue)
March 1, 2010 Deadline to get a 50% refund if canceling
April 1, 2010 Deadline for Raffle prize submission
April 7, 2010 Deadline to submit Badge names
April 15, 2010 Deadline: Innovator’s Award form submission
SUNDAY
May 2, 2010 6:00-8:00pm Registration /Check In Opens
May 2, 2010 8:00-Midnight Meet and Greet: Vendors, Members, Staff
MONDAY
May 3, 2010 5:00 p.m. Deadline for delivery of Banners
May 3, 2010 6:00 a.m.-1p.m. Shepard (Exhibitor Services) Set up
May 3, 2010 9:00 a.m. Orientation / Classes Start
May 3, 2010 Morning /time pend. Vendors Meeting
May 3, 2010 1p.m.-5p.m. Vendor Move in – Shepard onsite
May 3, 2010 5:00 p.m.-8:00p.m. Vendor Set up – MUST have already moved in all materials etc.
May 3, 2010 8:00-Midnight Opening Party: at the Pool
TUESDAY
May 4, 2010 8:00a.m.- 11:00a.m. Vendor Move in and Final Set up
May 4, 2010 12:00p.m.-1:00p.m Expo Floor opens – Members Only
May 4, 2010 2:00p.m. Deadline for ticket puchase Tuesday Raffle
May 4, 2010 Tuesday Afternoon First Raffle Draw
May 4, 2010 1:00p.m.- 8:00p.m Expo Floor opens – All Attendees
May 4, 2010 8:00p.m. Expo Floor closes
WEDNESDAY
May 5, 2010 11:00a.m. Expo Floor opens to Vendors
May 5, 2010 12:00p.m Expo Floor opens to Attendees
May 5, 2010 1:30-4:00pm (includes lunch) Members Meeting
May 5, 2010 8p.m. Expo Floor closes
May 5, 2010 8p.m.- 2nd Raffle Draw
THURSDAY
May 6, 2010 11:00a.m. Expo Floor opens to Vendors
May 6, 2010 12:00p.m. Expo Floor opens to Attendees
May 6, 2010 6:00p.m. Expo Floor closes
May 6, 2010 8:00p.m. Banquet Dinner
May 6, 2010 10:00p.m. Deadline for ticket purchase for Grand Prizes
May 6, 2010 10:00p.m. Open Meeting and Final Raffle Draw
FRIDAY
May 9, 2010 10:00a.m. Expo Opens to Vendors and Attendees
May 9, 2010 2:00p.m. Expo Floor closes
May 9, 2010 2:00p.m.-6:00p.m. Breakdown/Move out Expo Floor
All deadlines /dates subject to minor changes with notice
*Preferred Vendor Status is given to all the Vendors who participated in the 2008 Conference & Exposition.
**Please see the Vendor Statement of Conduct in your orientation packet. The APP is more concerned than ever that all our participants act in a professional and respectful way while at the Conference, and during their stay in Las Vegas.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Caitlin McDiarmid, Administrator
888-888-1277
785-841-6060
info @ safepiercing.org
