Sponsorship & Contributions - Association of Professional Piercers' 29th Annual Conference & Exposition. Online registration by Cvent

NEW BENEFITS FOR 2026

Right of First Refusal on booth locations for Top, 2nd and 3rd Tier Sponsors. For details please see the Exhibitor Policies.
Brand new fancy cabanas at the pool party for our top & 2nd tier sponsors!
Opening Party Tickets are back as a benefit for the top three tiers!
10 additional free booth worker badges for tier level sponsors, as needed.
Non-Tiered Contributors can contribute $500 Silent Auction prizes (limit 2 per company); overall limit is ten $500 prizes.

The APP reminds all contributors that even if your contribution doesn’t qualify you at a Tier Level, your contribution of $500 or more is taken into account during booth location selection. See the Booth Selection Criteria information for details.

HOW TO REACH A SPONSORSHIP TIER

Contribute 1 or more Legacy Scholarships (limit 4 per Contributor)
Contribute to the Silent Auction
- Your prize amounts are credits towards purchase to an auction winner.
- Read the information below about Silent Auction contributions to fully understand how your contribution works.
Cash Contributions
- The APP now accepts cash contributions towards Tier limits - these contributions will fund Conference related expenses for the organization.

For the 2026 Conference, Sponsorship levels will be solely determined by contributions to our Silent Auction, our Legacy Scholarships (limited to 12 total in 2026), & cash contributions.

The levels of contributions support the activities and services listed and will receive benefits accordingly.

Any sponsorship submitted after the deadline of April 7th will need to be cash only.

The APP reserves the right to substitute benefits when necessary to equally beneficial services or valued items.

SPONSORSHIP RELATED POLICIES

Right of Refusal

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) reserves the right to accept or refuse sponsorship of and/or contributions to the organization, its events, or offerings, as well as the right to refuse entry to or continued participation of any exhibitor, at its sole discretion. The APP reserves the right to discontinue any sponsorship of the organization, any of its events, or offerings, and return any contributions made for any reason. However, the APP never refuses or discontinues sponsorship based on individuals’ race, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, size, age (except where legally required), disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic(s).

Sponsorship & Contribution Approval

The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) and its Board of Directors make the final decision about accepting a contribution; a declined contribution may affect your tier qualification or Sponsor standing with the APP, its events, or offerings.

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM COMPANIES WHO ARE NOT EXHIBITING

The APP welcomes contributions from Exhibitors / Companies who are not attending; and Attendees who wish to contribute to Legacy Scholarships.

Most benefits for reaching a tier level are the same for any non-attending Company or Attendee; except where the benefit doesn't apply.

Instead of the booth location benefit, Companies meeting one of the top 3 tiers will be counted in 2027 as having been a registered Exhibitor in 2026 and therefore have early registration access.

Non-attending Companies meeting the fourth tier will have their date of registration advanced by one day if registering in 2027 when it comes to booth location assignment.
Attendees will be provided some options for substitute benefit(s) for the booth location benefit if they hit a tier level.

Please choose the Contribution-Only Registration option when registering.

Conference Website Sponsor

Sponsor the Conference Website!

Logo Banner on Conference Website
Linked to your site!
Both Conference website footer and Sponsorship page placement.

Badging Sponsor

Help us provide badges for all our participants this year at the Conference

Allowed to place 2 table cover banners on badge pick up tables (Sponsor supplies tablecloths)
Allowed to distribute promotional items on badge pick up tables (must be APP approved)

Expo Floor Sponsorship

Can choose any number of booths at this level.
- More than 6 booths require that you vend from a private room
Advanced booth selection
- See booth location selection criteria for details
- Right of First Refusal - retain your booth location from year to year. Detailed requirements can be found in the Exhibitor Policies
Priority move in of materials
- Exhibitor Services will drop materials first off the truck
- Sponsor will have to meet drop off/shipping deadlines
Top Tier and 2nd Tier Exhibitors have the option to have private show rooms in the Conference area.
- Able to hold showroom hours outside the typical Expo Floor hours (cannot start sales prior to first day’s opening).
- Room options based on Tier level and number of booths
- Can place additional Exhibitor provided banners in hallway (1 outside expo, 1 outside showroom, 1 as directional )
- Will receive 3 additional push notifications (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday reminding people of Exhibitor’s location
Two Free Expo Passes for Guests (must qualify as a buyer/guest must complete registration by registration deadline)
Up to 10 additional free worker badges

Signage Sponsorship

2 free-standing pop-up banners to be used throughout Conference (Sponsor supplies artwork/APP creates)
Your logo on signage at the Conference as a sponsor

Opening Party Sponsorship

Our Opening Party sets the tone for the week! We are back at the all new renovated Flamingo Go Pool. This casual event allows old friends to catch up with each other and new attendees to make new friends. Support the APP in providing this very important introduction to our Conference.

Sponsor associated with Opening Party
Banner displayed at event
One VIP Cabana at the all new Flamingo Go Pool!
5 free tickets to the opening party. Discount codes to be applied by the registrant.

APP Awards & Acknowledgements & Closing Party Sponsorship

Our Closing Events bring together new and old friends after a busy exciting week! These dynamic events let everyone relax and celebrate another successful Conference. Support the APP in providing memorable closing events.

Sponsor associated with Awards Ceremony and Closing Party.
Sponsor has ten seats reserved at the awards ceremony
Sponsor has two 5-seat or one 10-seat reserved tables at Closing Party. This includes 10 Closing Party tickets.
Banner displayed at both events
Branded table centerpieces or other decor items (shared with other top sponsors) at one of the events.

Conference promotional giveaways

The APP will order and hand out - you will prepare artwork.

Select one from the following options for give-aways:

500 Stickers (single design, 4 x 4)
500 Embroidered Patches (single design, 4 x 4)
500 Magnets (up to 3 x 3)
500 Buttons (2-3 inch depending on shape)
500 Soft Enamel Pins (1 inch, up to 5 colors)

Attendee Lounge Sponsorship

Branding at the lounge on the Mezzanine
The lounge will be referred to as the Top Tier Sponsor Lounge

Event app Sponsor

Event Ads
- One home page card ad for two days
- One Session list ad for two days
Pre-Conference Push Notifications
- 1 per week for the 3 weeks leading up to Conference
Conference Push Notifications
- 1 per day of the Conference
Listing in the Event app as a sponsor
Enhanced content in the Event app

Silent Auction Feature Sponsor

Sponsorship must include at least one Silent Auction contribution for this perk to be activated

Will have at least 2 of their items featured in the auction
Listed as tier level sponsor in the auction
Able to list photos with items (4 photos for Top & 2nd Tier; 3 photos for 3rd & 4th Tier) - must contribute to Silent Auction

Special Thank-Yous!

One round trip limo ride for up to 4 people to/from the PH Hotel and LV Airport. Riders must be traveling together.
- Can be used for you, your workers or passed to your favorite customer
Restaurant voucher of $100 for PF Chang in Planet Hollywood
A surprise gift!
Gift basket!

Conference Website Sponsor

Sponsor the Conference Website!

Logo Banner on Conference Website
Linked to your site!
Conference website footer OR Sponsorship page placement.

Expo Floor Sponsorship

Can choose any number of booths at this level.
- More than 6 booths require that you vend from a private room
Advanced booth selection
- See booth location selection criteria for details
- Right of First Refusal - retain your booth location from year to year. Detailed requirements can be found in the Exhibitor Policies
Priority move in of materials
- Exhibitor Services will drop materials first off the truck
- Sponsor will have to meet drop off/shipping deadlines
Top Tier and 2nd Tier Exhibitors have the option to have private show rooms in the Conference area.
- Able to hold showroom hours outside the typical Expo Floor hours (cannot start sales prior to first day’s opening).
- Room options based on Tier level and number of booths
- Can place additional Exhibitor provided banners in hallway (1 outside expo, 1 outside showroom, 1 as directional )
- Will receive 3 additional push notifications (Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday reminding people of Exhibitor’s location
One Free Expo Pass for Guest (must qualify as a buyer/guest must complete registration by registration deadline)
Up to 10 additional free worker badges

Signage Sponsorship

1 free-standing pop-up banner to be used throughout Conference (Sponsor supplies artwork/APP creates)
Your logo on signage at the Conference as a sponsor

Opening Party Sponsorship

Our Opening Party sets the tone for the week! We are back at the all new renovated Flamingo Go Pool. This casual event allows old friends to catch up with each other and new attendees to make new friends. Support the APP in providing this very important introduction to our Conference.

Sponsor associated with Opening Party
Banner displayed at event
One VIP Cabana at the all new Flamingo Go Pool!
5 free tickets to the opening party. Discount codes to be applied by the registrant.

Awards & Acknowledgements Ceremony & Closing Party Sponsorship

Our Closing Events bring together new and old friends after a busy exciting week! These dynamic events let everyone relax and celebrate another successful Conference. Support the APP in providing memorable closing events.

Sponsor associated with Awards Ceremony and Closing Party.
Sponsor has five reserved seats at the awards ceremony
Sponsor has one 5-seat reserved table at the Closing Party. This includes 5 Closing Party Tickets.
Banner displayed at both events

Event app Sponsor

Event Ads
- One home page card ad for one day.
- One session list ad for one day
Conference Push Notifications
- 1 per day of the Conference
Listing in the Event app as a sponsor
Enhanced content in the Event app

Silent Auction Feature Sponsor

Sponsorship must include at least one Silent Auction contribution for this perk to be activated

Will have at least 2 of their items featured in the auction
Listed as tier level sponsor in the auction
Able to list photos with items (4 photos for Top & 2nd Tier; 3 photos for 3rd & 4th Tier) - must contribute to Silent Auction

Special Thank-Yous!

Restaurant voucher of $50 for PF Chang in Planet Hollywood
A surprise gift!
Gift basket!

Conference Website Sponsor

Sponsor the Conference Website!

Logo Banner displayed on Conference Website
Linked to your site!
Sponsorship page placement.

Expo Floor Sponsorship

Can have up to 4 booths
Advanced booth selection
- See booth location selection criteria for details
Right of First Refusal - retain your booth location from year to year. Detailed requirements can be found in the Exhibitor Policies
Up to 10 additional free worker badges

Opening Party Sponsorship

Our Opening Party sets the tone for the week! We are back at the all new renovated Flamingo Go Pool. This casual event allows old friends to catch up with each other and new attendees to make new friends. Support the APP in providing this very important introduction to our Conference.

2 Opening Party Tickets for free. Discount codes to be applied by the registrant.
Option for Closing Party tickets instead of Opening Party - if preferred.

Event app Sponsor

Event Ad: One session list ad for one day
Enhanced listing in the Event app or 1 push notification during Conference week.
Listed as a sponsor in the Event app

Silent Auction Sponsor

Sponsorship must include at least one Silent Auction contribution for this perk to be activated

Listed as tier level sponsor in the auction
Able to list photos with items (4 photos for Top & 2nd Tier; 3 photos for 3rd & 4th Tier) - must contribute to Silent Auction

Conference Website Sponsor

Sponsor the Conference Website!

Logo Banner displayed on Conference Website
Linked to your site!
Sponsorship page placement.

Expo Floor Sponsorship

Can have up to 3 booths
Advanced booth selection
- See booth location selection criteria for details
Up to 10 additional free worker badges

Event app Sponsor

Listed as a sponsor in the Event app

Silent Auction Sponsor

Sponsorship must include at least one Silent Auction contribution for this perk to be activated

Listed as tier level sponsor in the auction
Able to list photos with items (4 photos for Top & 2nd Tier; 3 photos for 3rd & 4th Tier) - must contribute to Silent Auction

WORKSHOP SUPPLY CONTRIBUTION: UP TO $5000

This is a non-tiered sponsorship. This amount does not count towards any tier level.

The APP is excited to bring back workshops to its education formats in 2026. The APP will be holding workshops throughout the week.

This sponsorship is for supplies. This is not a cash sponsorship. The contributing company can select what supplies it’s willing to contribute (jewelry or other piercing related supplies) and the APP will accept or decline the offer based on if the supply need has already been fulfilled. The APP can select up to $5000 worth of the item(s).

Because of the variable amount of the end resulting contribution - no booth selection benefit comes with this sponsorship. It will not count in any way towards the order in which you are placed for booth location selection or in the number of booths you are allowed to select.

Benefits:

Event Ad (in the phone app): One session list ad for one day
Enhanced listing in the Event app or 1 push notification during Conference week.
Listed as a sponsor in the Event app
2 free-standing pop-up banners to be placed in the workshop room (Sponsor supplies artwork/APP creates)

This is a non-tiered sponsorship. This amount does not count towards any tier level.

Our Scholars are our core group of volunteers. This program continues to support piercers experiencing financial hardship - providing a Conference Pass, Hotel Room, tickets to Parties and support in exchange for work at the Conference. Scholars receive a transformational experience, making connections which last long after the event.

Partial Scholarship: $1250

Sponsors receive the following:

Website recognition - sponsor’s logo and a link to their website will be listed on our Scholarship sponsor section of our Conference website.
Event app recognition - sponsors will be recognized within the new Event app for their contribution.

Full Scholarship: $2500

Sponsors receive the following:

The ability to name the scholarship (see detailed policy on naming) for this year.
Website recognition - sponsor’s logo and a link to their website will be listed on our Scholarship sponsor section of our Conference site.
Event app recognition - sponsors will be recognized within the Event app for their contribution.

The Silent Auction commitment deadline is prior to April 7.
Each Exhibitor may make as many Silent Auction contributions as they want to the Silent Auction. The aggregated contribution amount for all Silent Auction winnings will be advertised and ranked accordingly.
Silent Auction certificates:
- are available in the following wholesale value denominations only: $5000, $4000, $3000, $2000, $1000, and $500 (limitations below)
- $500 prizes are limited to non-tiered contributors and to two per company. There will be no more than 10 total $500 prizes, available on a first come, first served basis.
- are redeemable for credit towards wholesale purchase. Specific product/jewelry cannot be a Silent Auction winnings.
- may have restricted claim dates that occur prior to 2027’s Conference (June 27, 2027. For example: “This winnings is valid only for orders placed during October, 2026.”
- cannot require an additional purchase to redeem credit. For example: a credit of $1000 cannot require the purchase of $2000 worth of product.
- values stand alone; promotions and/or discounts cannot be applied or combined with the Silent Auction winnings.
Any Silent Auction certificates that do not receive a qualified minimum bid will default back to the Contributor. Certificates do not rollover. The contributor's sponsorship tier level will not be affected by unpaid and returned Auction items.
Top Tier contributors will have feature listings on the 32auctions website and all tier contributors will be listed as sponsors with links to their websites on the auction site’s home page.
All contributors, whether or not they meet a tier level, will receive item listings which include images, descriptions, instructions to claim, the contributor’s logo and a link to their site.
Companies have 30 days to fulfill or reach an agreement on delayed fulfillment with the winner from the winner’s documented date of contact. 31 days or later, if it is determined the contributing company is in default, the APP will fully refund the auction amount to the winner. Once refunds have been issued, the defaulting companies will not be able to vend at Conference or sponsor any APP events for a minimum of one year. Future participation in APP events after the one-year suspension will depend on a requested review and decided on a case-by-case basis.