Third Annual Professional Piercers Conference

The AUPP Conference welcomes all active professional body piercers, apprentices, counter staff, studio owners and other body piercing industry professionals.

Educational seminars, networking opportunities, social occasions, and exposition!

You do not need to be an AUPP Member to attend this event. Spaces are limited and reserved for body piercing industry professionals only, (with recent employment).

Sleeps until conference

Single Day (Sydney or Auckland)
Members $75 – Non-Members $100


Full Sydney Event (Three Days)
Members $150 – Non-Members $200


Multi-Location Both Events (Four Days)
Members $200 – Non-Members $250


SYDNEY  |  20th-22nd October

Maritime Union of Australia

Unit 3/365-375 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000


AUCKLAND  |  24th October

Parkside Hotel

100 Greys Avenue, Auckland 1010


  A B C D
1
  SYDNEY
Venue: MUA
2
  MONDAY
20th Oct 2025
TUESDAY
21st Oct 2025
WEDNESDAY
22nd Oct 2025
3
9.00am Check in & Expo
(Members only early access)
Forward Nostrils aka Mantis
Jesus ¨Sala¨ Cabanas
Needles & Nervous Systems
Kel Hampson
Needles & Nervous Systems is a trauma-informed care class designed specifically for body piercers in the modern day world, exploring how to create safer, more emotionally supportive studio experiences. Through real-world tools, language shifts, and environment design, this session helps piercers protect both their clients’ nervous systems—and their own.
4
9.30am Check in & Expo
(All attendees)
5
10.00am   Event Welcome & Orientation
2025 Board of Directors
6
10.30am Entering the World of Safe Piercing
Emily Bradley & Kel Hampson
How to Only Pierce Lobes and Not Go Crazy
Adam Pemberton
The earlobe is often seen as the most basic piercing, but it offers so many ways to create unique designs and setups. Be ready to explore different techniques and ideas to reinvigorate your love of the lobe.
7
11.00am
8
11.30am Event Welcome & Orientation
2025 Board of Directors
 
9
12.00pm 90s and Noughties Flash Backs
Duncan van Luyt
Touching on the developments of piercing in Australia and hiow the interactions of these times shapes the current wave of piercings and piercing shops
The Piercing Minimalist
Eden Thomson
An in-depth examination of methods to optimize procedures in the piercing room — encompassing aspects such as room layout, supply organization, and the adoption of single-use, disposable, tool-free alternatives
Cause and Effect: The Advanced Fundamentals of Troubleshooting
Jef Saunders
Join Jef Saunders for a myth-busting session that tackles the most common—and commonly misunderstood—issues in body piercing. From overhyped aftercare products to blindly followed advice, this class cuts through the noise. Learn how to spot real problems, apply smart solutions, and confidently separate fact from fiction. Whether you’re a new piercer or a seasoned pro, you’ll leave with sharper instincts and a fresh perspective.
10
12.30pm
11
1.00pm Lunch Break   Lunch Break
12
1.30pm Annual General Meeting
For AUPP Members
13
2.00pm
14
2.30pm Needle Drift & Bevel Theory
Jef Saunders
Walk into this class curious—walk out confident. Jef Saunders breaks down the anatomy of the piercing needle and the fascinating history behind its evolution. You’ll explore needle modifications that make procedures smoother for piercers and more comfortable for clients. And yes—Bevel Theory finally makes sense. Whether you’re refining your technique or questioning everything you thought you knew, this class delivers the clarity you’ve been missing.
  Proper Application of Piercing Tools
Suzanne Hallett
Many piercers use tools daily without fully understanding their design or purpose. In this class, we’ll break down the fundamentals of tool design and application, covering how to select the right tool for each piercing and anatomy. Strong technique foundations support tissue effectively and create consistently better results.
15
3.00pm Piercing Talk Panel
Luis, Jef and Sala
Come and chat with these 3 experienced and accomplished body piercers and educators as they share tips, knowledge and stories.
16
3.30pm    
17
4.00pm Yeah, Nah – The Art of Saying No
Jess Evans
There are many times in our piercing careers where we may need to say “no” to someone! Although it is never easy, having the skills up your sleeve to professionally turn someone down in a range of different circumstances is so important. Join Jess for an in-depth look at how to approach various situations, and how saying “no” can make you a better piercer!
  Gameify Social Media
Ebs & Adam
Make social media marketing fun! This is the ultimate piercer’s guide to maximising your marketing game in a way to not make it seem like another chore. Covering everything from the basics of Instagram and TikTok to more niche avenues like Reddit and more!
18
4.30pm Bubbles and Bling
Joeltron
Join us for a fun, hands-on look at skin prep in the piercing room — complete with bubbles, banter, and a little info overload.
You’ll learn different prep techniques, the science and history behind them, and, most importantly, some truly terrible bubble puns.
19
5.00pm    
20
5.30pm Large Gauge Piercing
Luis Garcia
Septums make me sweaty
Jesus ¨Sala¨ Cabanas
21
6.00pm  
22
6.30pm   Modern Genital Piercing
Luis Garcia
 
23
7.00pm Studio Boundaries
Krista Krespo
“Breaking the Chain: Boundaries, Burnout & Better Habits” Let’s explore helpful tools to stop normalizing toxic behavior—whether it comes from you or me. Here we’ll look at blueprints in understanding our job and where you fit. Boundaries are growing pains. Let’s detect early traits, focus on self-awareness, and how to have ‘the talk’ that boundaries are just about being clear.
24
7.30pm
25
8.00pm   AUPP Afterparty
(For all attendees)
26
8.30pm
27
9.00pm
28
9.30pm
  A B
1
  AUCKLAND
Venue: Parkside
2
  FRIDAY
24th Oct 2025
3
9.00am  
4
9.30am  
5
10.00am Needle Drift & Bevel Theory
Jef Saunders
Walk into this class curious—walk out confident. Jef Saunders breaks down the anatomy of the piercing needle and the fascinating history behind its evolution. You’ll explore needle modifications that make procedures smoother for piercers and more comfortable for clients. And yes—Bevel Theory finally makes sense. Whether you’re refining your technique or questioning everything you thought you knew, this class delivers the clarity you’ve been missing.
6
10.30am
7
11.00am  
8
11.30am Efficient Reprocessing
Suzanne Hallett & Bree Montgomery
Join us for an insightful session on the often-overlooked details of instrument reprocessing. Gain the knowledge and tools you need to enhance your reprocessing practices with precision and confidence, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
9
12.00pm
10
12.30pm Lunch Break
11
1.00pm
12
1.30pm
13
2.00pm Ears: The Beauty In Simplicity
Luis Garcia
14
2.30pm
15
3.00pm  
16
3.30pm Gender Affirming Piercing Practises
Rochelle Montagne
A discussion on how to create an inclusive space and considerations for piercings that may be affected by Gender Affirming healthcare.
17
4.00pm
18
4.30pm  
19
5.00pm Bubbles and Bling
Joeltron
Join us for a fun, hands-on look at skin prep in the piercing room — complete with bubbles, banter, and a little info overload.
You’ll learn different prep techniques, the science and history behind them, and, most importantly, some truly terrible bubble puns.
20
5.30pm
21
6.00pm Dinner Break
22
6.30pm
23
7.00pm
24
7.30pm Open Piercing Workshop
Jesus ¨Sala¨ Cabanas
25
8.00pm
26
8.30pm
27
9.00pm

Australasian Presenters

International Presenters

Sydney Exhibitors

  • Clickerino
  • Anatometal Australia
  • Hive Displays
  • Industrial Strength Australia
  • Stiletto Australia
  • Goldy Luxe
  • Marta
  • Mushroom
Sydney Expo Hours
Members Only First Access
Mon: 9.00am – 9.45am
All attendees
Mon: 9.45am – 8.00pm
Tue: 9.00am – 8.00pm
Wed: 9.00am – 5.00pm

Auckland Exhibitors

  • Stiletto Australia
  • Industrial Strength Australia
  • Goldy Luxe
Auckland Expo* Hours
9.0am – 5.00pm

*our Auckland conference will feature a small number of vendor booths

Looking to get involved?

Any attendee can volunteer to help out at the conference! Volunteers enjoy enriched social connections and a complimentary conference pass.
More information and expressions of interest.

Piercer Pals

Attending the AUPP Conference alone or looking to meet new people? The Piercer Pals program is the perfect way to connect! You’ll be paired with a small group of fellow attendees, giving you the chance to make new friends and enjoy the event together. Engage in a fun group task, where teamwork and creativity will be key, and compete for a chance for your group to win a $500 (USD) Gorilla Glass voucher. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your conference experience!

Join the Piercer Pals experience by selecting to be part of the program when purchasing your ticket
To participate in the program you must attend the initial meetup held from 11.00 – 11.30am on Monday 20/10 (before event orientation)

(Piercer Pals is only available in Sydney)

Social Events

Sunday 19th October | 6.00pm onwards | Hyde Park
Casual pre-event meet up to see old friend and make new ones, the perfect way to break the ice and ease into the week.

Monday 20th October | 9.00am – 11.30am | Conference area
Attendee meet and greet, mingle, expo browsing and catered breakfast after event check-in

Tuesday 21st October | 1.30pm – 2.30pm | TBD
AUPP Members Annual General Meeting and catered lunch

Tuesday 21st October | 8.00pm – onwards | 3 Wise Monkeys
Food, drinks and a place to hang out after a busy day. Special deals for event attendees!

Wednesday 22nd October | 8.00pm – 11.00pm | Conference area
Unwind after a packed few days with a fully catered dinner party, with food options available for everyone

Thursday 23rd October | 6.00pm onwards | Ponsonby Central
Casual pre-event meet up to see old friends and make new ones, the perfect way to break the ice before a packed out educational day

Friday 24th October | 12.30pm – 2.00pm | Conference area
Enjoy a catered lunch with options for all dietary needs.

Friday 24th October | 10pm – Late | Ponsonby Central
Dinner and unofficial hang outs at Ponsby central and .

Event Policies

  • Event information is supplied as is and subject to change and alteration.
  • All attendees must register to participate in the conference.
  • Each attendee must provide valid identification during check-in.
  • The conference strictly prohibits the use, possession, distribution, or promotion of illegal drugs or any controlled substances on the conference premises.
  • Attendees found violating this policy will be immediately reported to local authorities and subject to expulsion from the event.
  • All participants must adhere to the conference’s code of conduct, promoting a respectful and inclusive environment.
  • Harassment, discrimination, and inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in immediate expulsion from the event.
  • Conference badges are required to enter all conference activities, including sessions, workshops, and networking events.
  • Badges must be visibly worn at all times within the conference venue.
  • Distribution of materials or promotional items must be confined to the designated areas.
  • Participants must familiarise themselves with the venue’s emergency exits and procedures.
  • The conference organisers and venue shall not be held liable for any loss, injury, or damage to personal property during the event.
  • The conference organisers reserve the right to make changes to the event program, including speakers, sessions, and timings, if necessary.