Don't miss out on the exceptional educational opportunities available at the International Personalization Expo. Our comprehensive schedule features over 30 sessions covering a wide range of topics to help you enhance your skills and scale your business in the personalization industry.
Whether you're just starting your business or are a long-time, family-owned business, there is something for everyone to learn. Familiar favorites will return this year along with some exciting new offerings.
Thank you to our 2024 education program sponsors!
General Education Sessions
General sessions are classroom-style workshops that promote active discussion amongst attending makers and personalization professionals. These workshops cover key topics in personalization including laser engraving, sublimation, UV printing, heat transfer, and software such as CorelDRAW, Adobe, LightBurn. Sessions also highlight the most current ideas and best practices in business, technical, and marketing.
See the Full Education Schedule
Learning Lounge
These 30-minute sessions offer high-level takeaways to grow your personalization business. All Learning Lounge sessions are free to attend on the show floor, and no registration is required.
Explore Learning Lounge Sessions
Hands On Sessions
During these intensive training courses, you will have the opportunity to practice your skills while receiving personal attention and guidance from expert instructors. Past sessions have highlighted blazering—combining laser engraving and sandcarving, CorelDRAW, UV printing, and more.
See All Hands On Sessions
Here's a detailed look at the 2024 schedule:
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
9:30-11:00 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
4:30-6:00 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
7:30-10 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
7:30-8:30 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
David 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
7:30-10:30 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
Liz 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
Take Your Expo Learning Experience to the Next Level
Attendees can take part in additional educational opportunities such as our Learning Lounge sessions, which offer quick, expert advice right on the show floor. In addition, Special Presentations offer a hands-on learning experience on specific topics.
How to Register
Visit the expo registration page for details on how to sign up.
Steps to Register