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Expo Education and Training Opportunities

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Tuesday, February 6

CorelDRAW for Vector & Digital

7:30-9:00 AM

Clay Barbera, CorelTRAINER
Session Code 101

Starting with the first (& most important) part of every job, the artwork, let's learn the basics of CorelDRAW. Then let’s learn some proven methods for getting excellent vector results from random images off the internet. Lastly, we'll learn to work with digital images to control & impress your clients.
0.15 CEUs Technical

Let's get Jiggy

7:30-9:00 AM

Steve Utick, Rocky Mountain Laser Arts LLC
Session Code 102

An introductory guide on utilizing LightBurn and CorelDRAW for the purpose of crafting jigs tailored to meet the requirements of your laser engraver and UV printer. By employing these software tools, you can establish precise placements for your products within the machinery, enabling enhanced production capabilities in the realms of engraving and UV printing.
0.15 CEUs Technical

How to Grow your Laser Engraving Business

7:30-9:00 AM

Sumita and Anuj Patel, Home Bound Custom Decor
Session Code 103

Get tips and tricks from a retailer who grew their laser business to six figure revenue status in 12 months. This session will cover strategies to organically grow your laser business. Learn how to leverage unique social media strategies, use influencer marketing, build Realtor® relationships, grow wholesale partnerships, and more. Find out one retailer’s top selling personalized products and the profit potential that complimentary equipment can add to your existing laser business.
0.15 CEUs Business and Marketing/Sales

Examining the Properties and Possibilities of Fiber Laser Marking Systems

epilog laser logo9:30-11:00 AM

Bob Henry, Epilog Laser
Session Code 111



Fiber laser systems and applications are becoming increasingly popular in the awards and personalization industries. Though they are more specialized than CO2 laser systems in terms of compatible substrates, engravers who have a diverse range of customers and applications can benefit from having this more industrial type of machinery. Likewise, engravers who are looking to expand their service offerings can allow them to quickly and efficiently tackle jobs that are not well suited for their CO2 laser equipment.

This informative lecture will cover the principles of how fiber laser systems work, how it’s different from CO2 laser systems, and common applications ideally suited for this type of technology. We’ll also offer live demonstrations of two types of fiber-based laser systems including flatbed and galvo systems. Participants will leave the session better educated about the exciting possibilities of fiber laser technology, and whether this type of equipment is a fit for their business.
0.15 CEUs Technical

The Importance of Content Creation In Your Business

9:30-11:00 AM

Trevor Wanamaker, Maker Experiment
Session Code 112

In this session, you will learn how important content can be for your business. Whether it’s social media posts, product listings, or blogs, creating evergreen content is a great way for your business to grow.
0.15 CEUs Marketing/Sales

Know what you have in your Product

9:30-11:00 AM

Pamela Deats Connaly, Custom Built Awards
Session Code 113

To achieve profitability in your company, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the components that make up your product. The expenses related to overhead, and staff are significant factors that contribute to the "hard cost" of each job. Once I discovered the solution to properly manage these costs, my company experienced significant growth. This seminar will explain a simple formula for calculating overhead costs, including the cost of current and future employees.
0.15 CEUs Business

CorelDRAW: Review, Photographs & Productivity

12:30-2:00 PM

Randy Allen, Engraving Concepts
Session Code 121

In this session, we aim to give users a concise overview of powerful tools, artwork, and features. We will focus on using CorelDRAW to produce laser-engraved photographs and provide both basic and advanced tips to boost productivity in the shop.
0.15 CEUs Technical

Company Culture and Sincere Management: A Recipe for Hiring and Retaining Talent

12:30-2:00 PM

Melissa Swander, AWARDS4U
Session Code 122

Recruiting and retaining talent can be challenging. Discovering new ways to adapt to the current employee market is essential for successful onboarding and low turnover. This session aims to demystify the process with a focus on leadership and company culture as the backbone of retention.
0.15 CEUs Business

Unlocking Business Growth with AI: Harnessing Innovation in Awards and Personalization

12:30-2:00 PM

Dan Bencsik, Bux-Mont Awards
Session Code 123

Discover the power of AI in customer engagement for awards and personalization. Learn practical strategies and insights to improve experiences and gain a competitive edge. Embrace AI as a powerful tool for business growth.
0.15 CEUs Marketing/Sales

Open an Etsy Shop

2:30-4:00 PM

Lauren Kilgore, Handmade Seller University
Session Code 131

If you've ever thought about expanding your reach and taking advantage of the 90 million built in buyers on Etsy's marketplace, this class will guide you on how to open an Etsy shop! Together we'll walk through the beginning steps of opening a shop and you'll learn how to list your first item on the platform.
0.15 CEUs Business

Laser Engraving Photographs - The Next Steps

2:30-4:00 PM

Jason & Deanna Ramm, Centex Laser Engraving & Embroidery
Session Code 132

Learn the latest trends in photograph engraving with Jason and Deanna. They'll share tips on processing and conversions.
0.15 CEUs Technical

The Magic of Customer Service

2:30-4:00 PM

Justin Varn, Awards4U
Session Code 133

Have you ever wondered what separates Disney©, Ritz-Carlton©, Chick-fil-A© or Apple© from their respective competition? It's simple customer service. In this seminar you will learn everything you need to set yourself apart in the personalization industry. We will cover the framework needed to go from good to great when dealing with customers of all sizes. No matter if you are a one-person show or a company that employs several customer service reps, join us as we go over tips and tricks that will be sure to elevate your customer service to the next level.

0.15 CEUs Marketing/Sales

101 Ways to Grow Your Business with Heat Transfer Vinyl

JDS sign supply logo4:30-6:00 PM

Colin Van Lint, JDS Sign Supply (Co-speaker: Dave Haan)
Session Code 141

Many people associate Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) with apparel only, but it can actually be used on a variety of surfaces. This class will provide hands-on demonstrations of the various substrates that can be used with HTV, and show how the creative application of HTV can benefit your business.
0.15 CEUs Technical

High Impact, Common Sense Hiring & Retention

4:30-6:00 PM

Bill Collier, Arch Engraving
Session Code 142

2023 Speaker of the Year Bill Collier presents common-sense, easy-to-implement approaches to attracting and finding candidates, selecting and hiring the best available people, and building a low turnover culture.
0.15 CEUs Business

Roundtable Discussions

4:30-6:00 PM

Moderators - Dennis Wilkinson, CRM, D&S Awards
Eddie Hill, CRM, Award Masters Inc.
Mark Case, The Finer Line, Inc.
Session Code 143

Pull your seat up to a table and join engaging conversations with your colleagues. The Roundtable Discussion is intended to provide you with direct access to industry experts. This is your opportunity to ask questions and share ideas on a trending topic that impacts your business.
There are three round table discussions that will explore:

  • Marketing & Social Media
  • Business Life Cycle & Exit Strategies
  • Workflow Development & Production

Our moderators are geared up to share their best practices and provide you with tangible steps that you can execute right away into your day-to-day operations.

0.15 CEUs Business

Wednesday, February 7

Colorfill: Hands-On Session

rayzist logo7:30-10 AM

Liz Haas, Rayzist
Session Code 401

During this hand-on session, you will paint a wine bottle, wine glass, and rock as well as sandcarve one project for a highly unique textured (relief carve) appearance.
.25 CEU Technical
Price - $125 Members/$150 Non Member

CorelDRAW: All About Wood and Adding Bling to Your Engraving

7:30-10 AM

Doug Green, Express Yourself
Session Code 402

CorelDRAW expert, Doug Green will show you how to get more and better results from engraving wood and how to add “bling” with a variety of inlays including wood, Epoxy, Mother of Pearl and more.
.25 CEU Technical
Price - $125 Member/$150 Non Member

PROSPER Formula for Personalization Businesses

7:30-8:30 AM

Eddie Hill, CRM, Award Masters Inc.
Session Code 201

Einstein once said, "Compounding is the most powerful thing in the universe". The "PROSPER Formula" is comprised of seven powerful tactical marketing and operations ingredients you can immediately implement in your business. Each ingredient builds upon the other to create a massive compounding increase in your profit. Join APA Speaker of the Year, Eddie Hill to realign your thinking, improve your skillset, and grow your business!
0.1 CEUs Business

UV Printing: From Production to Profitability

logojet logo7:30-8:30 AM

Evan Reutling, LogoJET
Session Code 202

UV printing has opened the doors for full color when it comes to items in the awards and promotions space. By implementing higher efficiency in both technology and production methods, you can boost your profits. Evan Reutling, Applications Specialist at LogoJET, will walk through the steps from printing to production to profitability.
0.1 CEUs Business

PANEL DISCUSSION: AI Technology

7:30-8:30 AM

Moderator - Megan Raymond
Panelist - Dan Bencsik
Panelist - Mike Westbrook
Session Code 203

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the world of business, a panel of industry experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges this transformative technology presents. The discussion will delve into the practical applications of AI across various sectors, from automating tasks to enhancing customer experiences, and provide valuable insights for business owners seeking to navigate the AI revolution and harness its power to drive growth and success.
0.1 CEUs Technical

The Bottom Line of Happy Employees: How Company Culture Drives Success

9:00-10:00 AM

Lexi Boyd, B&A Metal Graphics
Session Code 211

Join this session for an engaging discussion about how your company culture and leadership qualities can minimize turnover and increase profit and longevity. We aim for attendees to leave with fresh ideas and actionable steps on how to cultivate a positive and successful workforce.
0.1 CEUs Business

Community Marketing: Leveraging local events and networking

9:00-10:00 AM

Crystal Evans, Conejo Awards
Session Code 212

Learn about effective ways to market your business to your local community. There are various events that local businesses participate in and a variety of ways to increase brand recognition without breaking your marketing budget.
0.1 CEUs Marketing/Sales

Laser Hacks to Expand Business and Increase Productivity

9:00-10:00 AM

trotec logoDavid Stevens, Trotec Laser
Session Code 213

This session will provide new insight into ways you can grow your business and generate more revenue with your laser. Instruction will include processing techniques that will boost efficiency and increase the value and selling prices of your finished goods. Attendees will also gain insight into ways to broaden market reach and win new customers.
0.1 CEUs Technical

Thursday, February 8

Blazering – Lasering with Sandcarving

trotec logo ikonics logo7:30-10:30 AM

Darin Jones, IKONICS and Dave Stephens, Trotec
Session Code 403

This hands-on technical session explores the innovative fusion of two distinct but complementary technologies, laser engraving and sandcarving. Seminar participants gain insight on how to upsell to glass customers by transitioning from their laser's shallow etch to the smooth-sanded, deep-carve capabilities of a sandcarver. In addition, participants will work with substrates that were traditionally difficult with lasers, such as polished metals and hard ceramic glazes. Instructors, Dave Stephens of Trotec and Darin Jones of IKONICS Imaging, are experts in their respective technologies. John and Darin will empower participants with a working knowledge to combine laser with sandcarving in one process to enhance offerings.
.25 CEU Technical
Price - $75 Member/$100 Non Member

Laser Engraving and Sandcarving: Working Together to Increase Profit

7:30-9:00 AM

rayzist logoLiz Haas, Rayzist
Dennis Wilkinson, D&S Awards
Session Code 301

When laser profits aren’t enough, utilize Sandcarving to capitalize on higher profits with glass and stone. Industry expert Dennis Wilkinson will be a co-speaker with Liz Haas to discuss strategies, benefits, and pitfalls of Lasering and Sandcarving based on years of practical knowledge. Learn how these two processes work together to increase quality and profit.
0.15 CEUs Business

CorelDRAW for Beginners and Advanced Users

7:30-9:00 AM

Doug Green, Express Yourself
Session Code 302

Join CorelDRAW expert, Doug Green to learn tips and tricks to help you better utilize CorelDRAW!  You'll learn how to turn clipart into a vector object, hot keys and Macros to help you draw faster, and more. This session is for all CorelDRAW users, from beginners to advanced users. 
0.15 CEUs Technical

Strategies for Hiring and Developing People: Developing a Workforce to Support our Partners

9:30-10:30 AM

Lindsey Moellers, Gemini
Session Code 311

This session will be filled with stories, tips, and missteps that have helped Gemini reduce turnover, increase employee engagement, and foster a culture where people feel valued all while being challenged with COVID-19, the great resignation, and rapid growth. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on how Gemini supports our partners and how these strategies can be translated into action with their own teams.
0.1 CEUs Business

Social Influencing Panel Discussion

9:30 - 10:30 AM

Moderator - Bill Collier, Arch Engraving
Panelist - Sumita Patel, Home Bound Custom Decor
Panelist- Michael Mullins, Sonoma Laser Engraving
Panelist - Trevor Wanamaker, Maker Experiment
Session Code 312

As social media continues to reshape the world of business, a panel of industry experts will discuss the opportunities and challenges of leveraging social media for your business. We've invited social media influencers to share their tips, tricks, and best practices to get your customers engaged on various social media platforms.
0.1 CEUs Business

Streamline Production

9:30-10:30 AM

Megan Raymond, Raymond's Trophy & Awards
Session Code 313

Time is Money - streamline your business for better productivity and multi-tasking in order taking, design, proofs, production, and pick-up. We'll cover how to make your workspace more productive, how to help your designers manage jobs in a more productive manner, and tips for following through ensure attention to details. Learn to make every single movement/action count.
0.1 CEUs Technical

 

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