This year, we’ve introduced two separate conference events with the goal of improving accessibility and providing greater opportunities for education to piercers across Australia and New Zealand. While we understand the convenience and appeal of a single, unified event, this format aims to better accommodate the needs of our growing community in Australia and New Zealand. By offering educational content at both locations, we hope to make it easier for attendees to choose the event that works best for them, whether due to location, timing, or financial considerations.
While details are still being finalised, we’re excited about the prospect of having international speakers at both events and repeating some of the educational content to ensure attendees can benefit from similar learning opportunities regardless of the location they choose.
Sydney, Australia
| Dates (3 Days) | • 20th Oct 2025 • 21st Oct 2025 • 22nd Oct 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Maritime Union of Australia Unit 3/365-375 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000 |
Auckland, New Zealand
| Date (1 Day) | • 24th Oct 2025 |
|---|---|
| Location | Parkside Hotel 100 Greys Avenue Auckland 1010 |
Prices
| AUPP Member | Non-Member | |
|---|---|---|
| One day pass (for Sydney or Auckland) | $75 AUD | $100 AUD |
| Full Sydney Event | $150 AUD | $200 AUD |
| Both Events | $200 AUD | $250 AUD |
Timetable
Sydney 2025 – Flagship Event
Our primary AUPP Conference returns to Sydney with a full program designed for professionals at all stages of their journey. With a broad mix of classes, discussions, and networking opportunities, this event is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge, connect with peers, and engage with the wider professional community.
Auckland 2025 – Regional Event
Auckland offers a more intimate, community-focused version of our conference, tailored especially for those in Aotearoa who haven’t yet had the chance to experience the AUPP in Sydney. With selected core classes and a strong focus on local connection, this event offers a welcoming and approachable way to access valuable education and explore what being part of the AUPP is all about.
Explore the full 2025 list of class offerings below. Hover over a class to view a full description!
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1
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SYDNEY Venue: MUA |
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2
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MONDAY 20th Oct 2025 |
TUESDAY 21st Oct 2025 |
WEDNESDAY 22nd Oct 2025 |
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3
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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. |
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4
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9.30am | Check in & Expo (All attendees) |
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5
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10.00am | |||
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6
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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. |
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7
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11.00am | |||
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8
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11.30am | Event Welcome & Orientation 2025 Board of Directors |
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9
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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. |
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10
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12.30pm | |||
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11
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1.00pm | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | |
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12
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1.30pm | Annual General Meeting For AUPP Members |
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13
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2.00pm | |||
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14
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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. |
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15
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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. |
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16
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3.30pm | |||
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17
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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! |
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18
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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. |
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19
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5.00pm | |||
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20
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5.30pm | Large Gauge Piercing Luis Garcia |
Septums make me sweaty Jesus ¨Sala¨ Cabanas |
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21
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6.00pm | |||
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22
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6.30pm | Modern Genital Piercing Luis Garcia |
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23
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7.00pm | Studio Boundaries Krista Crespo “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. |
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24
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7.30pm | |||
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25
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8.00pm | AUPP Afterparty (For all attendees) |
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26
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8.30pm | |||
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27
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9.00pm | |||
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28
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9.30pm | |||
| A | B | |
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1
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AUCKLAND Venue: Parkside |
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2
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FRIDAY 24th Oct 2025 |
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3
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9.00am | |
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4
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9.30am | |
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5
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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. |
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6
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10.30am | |
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7
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11.00am | |
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8
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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. |
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9
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12.00pm | |
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10
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12.30pm | Lunch Break |
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11
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1.00pm | |
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12
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1.30pm | |
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13
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2.00pm | Ears: The Beauty In Simplicity Luis Garcia |
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14
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2.30pm | |
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15
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3.00pm | |
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16
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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. |
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17
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4.00pm | |
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18
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4.30pm | |
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19
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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. |
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20
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5.30pm | |
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21
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6.00pm | Dinner Break |
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22
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6.30pm | |
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23
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7.00pm | |
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24
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7.30pm | Open Piercing Workshop Jesus ¨Sala¨ Cabanas |
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25
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8.00pm | |
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26
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8.30pm | |
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27
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9.00pm |