I have returned home after a very busy 8 days in Las Vegas, Nevada at the 20th annual Association of Professional Piercers conference. It was a life changing experience. I was fortunate enough to receive the Industrial Strength scholarship in Shannon Larratt’s name.  The scholarship enabled me to not only attend conference (which was long overdue) but also provided me the opportunity to volunteer my time along with some of the most amazing industry people I have met.  Had it not been for my volunteering experience I likely would have gone most of the week at conference without socializing. Instead, I wound up making such meaningful connections and friendships.  The people that I met proved to me that there are other piercers around who take their job seriously.
Conference is made an amazing experience by having classes taught by industry icons that I admire along with medical professionals. To be a student in the classroom of pioneers in my industry was overwhelming. I was astounded to find how willing each of these people was to share their experience and knowledge with other professionals. I picked up some new tips and techniques that I am excited to use once I’m back at work.
And then there was the expo floor.  Extraordinary to say the least. Beautiful body jewelry from wall to wall.  The expo was filled with jewelry from companies that i already order from alongside companies that I was looking forward to seeing their products. We were able to bring home some quality pieces and are excited to show them off and use them to decorate your piercings.  We will be back at Bound for Glory on Tuesday from 3 – 10pm.