More than 1,000 piercers, apprentices, counter staff, studio owners, vendors, and health inspectors are headed to Las Vegas for a week of education and peer-to-peer sharing.

Organization: Association of Professional Piercers

Conference: APP 24th Annual Conference & Exposition

Venue: Planet Hollywood

City: Las Vegas

The APP Annual Conference & Exposition will open next week with classes and workshops that cover a wide range of topics, including how to sterilize piercing equipment, microbiology for piercers, and ergonomics in the piercing room. Also on the agenda:

Helping hands. The conference offers a mentor program to help new attendees get the most out of their experience. APP assembled a team of conference veterans to help newbies go over their schedule and pick classes, as well as give advice on things like sticking to a travel budget. Mentors will also help first-timers meet new people and make professional contacts.

Evening fun. For attendees not wanting to head to the casinos or participate in other traditional Vegas activities, APP is hosting extracurricular evening events it calls “Alternatives to the Bar.” Tuesday night will feature interactive discussions and demonstrations, and Wednesday is board game night.

Say cheese. APP will have a dedicated portrait photographer available on both Wednesday and Thursday near the registration booth. Attendees can purchase a time slot for $20, which will guarantee them one or more professionally shot and edited photos for private use.

Visit Facebook , Instagram, and Twitter (#APP2019) for other details.

(Handout photo)