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  • Tuesday
    12
    May

    Call for Proposals | 2027 International Personalization Expo

    May 12 - Jul 27, (PT)
    2027 APA Expo Call for Proposals Submit a Proposal to Speak at the International Personalization Expo Horseshoe Las Vegas | February 23–26, 2027 The Awards and Personalization Association (APA) is now accepting education proposals for the 2027 International Personalization Expo, taking place February 23–26, 2027 at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. The APA Expo is the personalization industry’s must-attend event, bringing together retailers, suppliers, and vendors focused on small‑format personalization. The Call for Proposals invites industry professionals to share practical knowledge, real‑world experience, and proven techniques with a highly engaged audience. Submit a Proposal The deadline to submit a proposal is Monday, July 27. Call for Proposals Overview APA is seeking education sessions that focus on the “how‑to” of what personalization professionals do best. The 2027 Call for Proposals emphasizes actionable learning, skill‑building, and real‑world application. Proposals may include: Back‑to‑basics techniques and foundational skills Practical shop applications and workflows Software and equipment deep dives Sales and business strategy sessions Marketing approaches for personalization businesses Emerging tools and technologies valued by today’s maker community and trophy shops Sessions should provide attendees with insights they can apply immediately in their businesses. Who Should Submit a Proposal APA encourages proposals from professionals across the personalization and awards industry, including: Retailers and shop owners Suppliers and manufacturers Industry vendors and service providers Makers and customization specialists Business, sales, marketing, and production leaders Whether you are new to presenting or a returning APA Expo speaker, your perspective can help strengthen education and connection across the industry. Session Levels and Focus Proposals may be designed for: Beginner audiences building core skills Intermediate audiences looking to refine processes Advanced audiences ready for deeper technical or strategic exploration All sessions should prioritize: Meaningful skill‑building Practical, real‑world problem solving Fostering connection and shared learning within the personalization industry Submit Your Proposal Education proposals for the 2027 APA Expo in Las Vegas are now open . If you have any questions, please contact Alisha Coplin, Education Manager, at acoplin@personalizationpros.org

  • Thursday
    23
    July

    Basics of Editing Vector Paths in Adobe Illustrator

    Jul 23, 13:00 - 14:00 (CST)
    Would you like to learn more about what's under the hood in your vector files? This webinar will teach you the fundamentals of Illustrator, and why it's important to have a baseline understanding of how to make the paths do what you what. We'll cover how to create and manipulate vector paths and Bezier curves using such tools as the Pen tool, the Reshape tool, Shape Builder, how to convert anchor points, round corners, and manipulate point handles. We'll also touch on the Appearance panel, when to work in Outline Mode, and how and when to expand shapes.

  • Thursday
    6
    August

    Systems Before Square Footage: The Roadmap from Home Laser to a Profitable Storefront

    Aug 6, 13:00 - 14:00 (CT)
    Many laser entrepreneurs dream of expanding into a storefront, but growth without the right systems can quickly turn excitement into overwhelm. In this webinar, Cheyenne McPherson, founder of Paisley Co Design and the Laser Branding Collective, shares the real roadmap behind her transition from a home-based laser business to a profitable storefront. Rather than focusing on equipment or space first, Cheyenne walks through the foundational systems that must be in place before expanding — from workflow and pricing to B2B partnerships and repeatable revenue streams. Attendees will gain practical insight into how to build structure before scaling so their business can grow sustainably and profitably. During this session, attendees will learn: The real cost of expanding too soon and why many laser businesses struggle after opening a storefront How to build structure before you scale, including operational systems that support growth How to move from one-off transactions to repeatable revenue, including B2B partnerships How a physical location can become a strategic advantage, not just an added expense How to know when your business is truly ready to expand

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