Experience the Future of Personalization at the APA Expo
The APA Expo is the must-attend event for professionals in sublimation, laser engraving, UV printing, sandcarving, and heat transfer. Each year, hundreds of personalization business owners and industry leaders gather to discover new techniques, explore innovative equipment, and gain business insights.
Here’s a detailed look at the 2027 schedule:
Tuesday, February 23
UV Printing: Lowering the Barrier of Entry
7:30-9:00 AM
Vaughn Pollman and Michael Perrelli, DigitalPrintSupplies.com
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 101
The market has been flooded with so many equipment options, it’s hard to choose which is the right machine for you and your printing needs. How do you avoid expensive pitfalls from making the wrong decision? The answer is in the intangibles: service, supply chain, and support engineering. Advancements in UV printing have opened new markets and possibilities for awards and product personalization. Digital printing is no longer an up-and-coming print technology of the future, it is the preferred decoration method over analog processes for many decorators for its eco footprint, low MOQ, and personalization capabilities. But with that competition comes lower prices and a lower point of entry to implementing this technology in your print shop.
0.15 CEUs Business
From Prompt to Production: Turning AI Artwork into Laser-Ready and UV-Ready Files
7:30-9:00 AM
Justin Varn, Awards4U and Megan Raymond, Raymond’s Trophy & Awards
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 102
AI can generate a stunning design in seconds. But that image isn’t ready for your laser or your UV printer, not even close. The gap between “cool AI artwork” and a clean production file is where most shops lose time, burn material, and miss deadlines.
In this interactive session, Justin Varn of Awards4U and Megan Raymond of Raymond’s Trophies walk attendees through the exact workflow for turning AI-generated artwork into laser-ready and UV-ready production files. You’ll see live demos of the same AI image taken down two different paths: one for vector cleanup and engraving, one for color mode conversion and UV printing, so you understand exactly where the process diverges and why.
Walk away with a repeatable checklist for both laser and UV prep, a clear understanding of where AI genuinely saves labor versus where human expertise is non-negotiable, and a framework you can implement in your shop the day you get home.
If you’re running AI-generated art through your production floor (or want to start), this session will save you hours of trial and error.
0.15 CEUs Technical
Jewelry Engraving
7:30-9:00 AM
Lori Champagne, Champagne Engraving
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 103
It’s time to get over your fear and learn how profitable jewelry engraving can be! Students will learn three different techniques on three different machines, and three different pieces of Jewelry – a watch, an ID bracelet and a charm. learn how to test engraving without leaving a mark, and how to make the best possible mark with the machine you use.
0.15 CEUs Technical
From Design to Production: How AI Is Changing the Laser Workflow
9:30-11:00 AM
Darrell Stephens, Trotec Laser
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 111
Artificial intelligence is transforming more than just design. It is reshaping the entire laser production workflow. From artwork preparation and job setup to automation and production management, AI is helping businesses reduce repetitive tasks, improve consistency, and increase efficiency.
This session explores practical applications of AI throughout the laser workflow, including file preparation, production planning, troubleshooting, and connected manufacturing. Attendees will learn how AI assisted tools, intelligent automation, APIs, and integrated software can streamline operations, reduce manual intervention, and improve overall productivity.
Using real world production examples, this session demonstrates how businesses can begin incorporating AI into existing workflows without overhauling their entire operation. Whether you operate a single laser system or manage a larger production environment, you will leave with actionable strategies for creating smarter, more efficient laser workflows and preparing your business for the future of digital manufacturing.
0.15 CEUs Business
Still Standing: 25 Years of Hard-Won Small Business Lessons for Makers
9:30-11:00 AM
Robert Kofoed, Computer Creations
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 112
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been running your business for years, this session is packed with real lessons learned from owning and operating three different small businesses over the past 25 years. We’ll dig into pricing philosophy, the tools that make life easier when you’re wearing every hat in the business, and the customer-facing details that actually matter — even if they seem small. I’ll also share the business processes that either slow you down or speed up your workflow, and how to tell the difference.
This is a fun, honest session built on hard-won experience — plenty of stories, plenty of takeaways.
0.15 CEUs Business
Laser Engraving Tips & Tricks
9:30-11:00 AM
Braden and Alison Todd, GS2 Awards
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 113
With more than 18 years of industry experience, GS2 Awards will share proven techniques and best practices for laser engraving and cutting. Gain practical insights to improve quality, increase efficiency, and minimize common challenges when processing a wide range of materials, including acrylic, wood, leather, and glass.
Whether you’re new to laser engraving or looking to optimize your existing workflow, you’ll leave with practical, actionable techniques to produce cleaner, faster, and more professional results. Join us to accelerate your learning curve and maximize the potential of your laser system.
0.15 CEUs Technical
Advanced Artwork Engineering for Engraving & Personalization
12:30-2:00 PM
Megan Raymond, Raymond’s Trophy & Awards
Course level: Advanced
Session Code 121
Most industry professionals understand the difference between vector and raster artwork. But understanding the difference and truly mastering production artwork are two very different things. This isn’t a beginner class about file formats. This advanced session dives into the hidden issues that separate average artwork from professional production files.
Participants will learn how engraving equipment interprets vector data, why some vectors run efficiently while others create production bottlenecks, and how to optimize artwork for lasers, rotary engraving, sandcarving, and UV printing. Through real-world examples from the awards and personalization industry, attendees will discover techniques that
reduce machine time, eliminate production errors, improve artwork quality, and increase profitability. Enjoy this masterclass in creating artwork that manufactures flawlessly.
0.15 CEUs Technical
Marketing 101 and Beyond
12:30-2:00 PM
Pamela Deats-Connaly, Custom Built Awards
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 122
I chose Marketing 101 and Beyond because a lot of people do not know how to market effectively. In this session, I will try and show how any shop can market their specific items that they wish to sell and do it with a greater profit. I will go into detail about simple avenues and ways of advertising as well as how to find your way into different companies and groups that need awards. I will tell of my own experiences of what worked and what didn’t work. I will also show how one can market their goods and it not cost hundreds of dollars.
0.15 CEUs Marketing
Stop Guessing, Start Growing: How to Use Your Business Data to Make Better Decisions
12:30-2:00 PM
Alisha Pate, Pate Ranch Creations
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 123
Most makers collect more business data than they realize — sales history, customer requests, product performance, material usage, profit margins, website traffic, social media engagement, repeat orders, abandoned carts, and even the questions customers ask before they buy. The problem is not a lack of data. The problem is knowing what to look at, what it means, and how to use it to make better decisions.
In this session, Alisha Pate of Pate Ranch Creations will break down how makers and small business owners can use simple, practical data to improve pricing, product selection, marketing, inventory, customer experience, and overall profitability. This is not a technical spreadsheet class. It is a real-world business session focused on helping makers stop guessing, identify patterns, and make smarter decisions based on what their business is already telling them.
0.15 CEUs Business
Should You Add Embroidery? A Real Talk for Awards, Trophy & Laser Shops
2:30-4:00 PM
Hope Yoder, Designs By Hope Yoder, Inc.
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 131
If you already run an awards, trophy, laser engraving, or UV printing business, you’re closer to adding embroidery than you think. In this session, 30-year industry veteran Hope Yoder — founder of the Embroidery Profit Academy and host of the Embroidery Profit Podcast — walks through the real questions to ask before adding embroidery: what equipment fits your space and goals, how single-head vs. multi-head machines affect your production, and how to find embroidery opportunities inside the client base you’ve already built. Walk away with a practical, no-fluff roadmap for deciding if — and how — embroidery belongs in your shop, with dedicated time at the end for your specific questions.
0.15 CEUs Business
The Dark Side of eCommerce No One Talks About
2:30-4:00 PM
Christine Barkley, Queen Key Creative LLC.
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 132
Since the 2018 South Dakota v. Wayfair Supreme Court decision, the rules surrounding interstate sales tax have changed dramatically, creating new responsibilities for businesses selling products and services across state lines. This session will provide an overview of how sales tax laws have evolved since 2018, key legislative developments impacting e-commerce sellers today, and what organizations need to know to remain compliant.
Participants will learn how to determine where they have sales tax obligations, practical considerations for registering and filing returns in multiple states, and strategies for maintaining accurate records and avoiding costly mistakes. We’ll also explore the growing influence of social media and online marketplaces, highlighting potential compliance pitfalls associated with apps and platforms that may not provide adequate reporting or documentation. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what to watch for, questions to ask, and resources to help navigate the increasingly complex world of interstate sales tax.
0.15 CEUs Business
Adobe Illustrator Help Desk
2:30-4:00 PM
Kelly Vaughn, Varina Goods Co.
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 133
Whether you’re new to Adobe Illustrator or an experienced user, you’ll be sure to learn something new about to most efficiently and effectively use Illustrator in your production workflow. I will share tips on things such as the pen tool, artboards, layers, symbols, and transform effects, commenting, and whatever else people need help with. Bring your real-world questions to be answered on the spot by Adobe Certified Expert, Kelly Vaughn.
0.15 CEUs Technical
CorelDRAW: Master Hot Keys and Macros to Work Faster
4:30-6:00 PM
Doug Green, EXPRESS YOURSELF
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 141
Ready to streamline your workflow and get more done in less time? This hands-on session will help CorelDRAW users unlock powerful productivity tools by mastering hot keys and macros.
Discover the built-in shortcut keys that can dramatically speed up your design process, learn how to create custom hot keys tailored to your workflow, and explore time-saving shortcuts developed through years of real-world experience. You’ll also gain practical insight into using, creating, and sourcing macros, including free and paid options that can automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
Whether you’re new to macros or looking to take your CorelDRAW skills to the next level, you’ll leave with actionable techniques you can immediately apply to work smarter and faster. Bring your questions, because this interactive session includes extended Q&A time to ensure you get the most from the experience.
0.15 CEUs Technical
Sandcarving Beyond the Basics
4:30-6:00 PM
Liz Haas, Rayzist Photomask
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 142
Discover how to produce stunning, professional-quality Sandcarved products while improving efficiency and profitability. This class is designed for beginners through intermediate engravers and covers everything from selecting the photoresist films or laserable film to preparing artwork, choosing blasting materials, and achieving clean, consistent results. Learn how to sandcarve glass, crystal, wood, stone, and curved surfaces while avoiding common production mistakes. You’ll also explore artwork preparation, font selection, shading techniques, color fill applications, and production planning for large projects. Whether you’re adding Sandcarving to your business or refining your current workflow, this session provides practical techniques you can immediately apply in your shop.
0.15 CEUs Technical
Panel: DTF & UV DTF: Unlocking New Markets, New Products, and New Revenue
4:30-6:00 PM
Moderator: Craig Mertens, Taivo
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 143
Direct to Film (DTF) and UV DTF are changing how awards and personalization businesses grow. With little more than a heat press and an outsourcing partner, shops can expand into apparel, promotional products, personalized hard goods, and more—without a major equipment investment.
Join a panel of industry experts as we explore what DTF and UV DTF are, where each technology fits, and how successful businesses are using them to create new revenue opportunities. We’ll discuss market trends, outsourcing versus in-house production, and the factors to consider before investing in equipment. Whether you’re just getting started or planning your next stage of growth, you’ll leave with practical strategies for using these technologies to expand your capabilities and better serve your customers.
0.15 CEUs Business
Wednesday, February 24
Proven, Practical & Profitable: From Commodity to Custom Using UV Printing and Laser Engraving
7:30-8:30 AM
Susan Cox, LogoJET
Course level: Advanced
Session Code 201
The personalization industry is evolving. Customers are no longer satisfied with simple decoration—they increasingly expect products with color, depth, texture, and dimensional finishes. Shops relying only on flat logos often compete on price, while businesses combining UV printing and laser engraving technologies are creating premium products that stand apart.
In this session, attendees will discover proven, practical, and profitable ways to transform everyday blanks into higher-value products by combining the strengths of both technologies. Through real-world examples inspired by successful customer applications across the personalization industry, this presentation demonstrates how layered finishes, tactile effects, and mixed-process decoration can elevate ordinary items into products customers immediately perceive as more valuable.
The session will also explore workflow strategies and production techniques that help businesses move beyond commodity decoration and into higher-value personalization.
Whether attendees already use both technologies or are considering adding the second, they will leave with practical ideas to increase product value, differentiate their offerings, and get more from the equipment they already own.
0.1 CEUs Technical
DTF Fundamentals
7:30-8:30 AM
Jared Truman and Chris Pueppke, JDS Industries
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 202
DTF Fundamentals will provide a comprehensive overview of the Direct-to-Film printing workflow, from initial design to final garment application. The course covers how the technology works, compares its small-batch efficiency and fabric versatility against DTG, screen printing, vinyl, and outlines critical file preparation requirements.
0.1 CEUs Technical
Business Basics Panel
7:30-8:30 AM
Moderator: Sam Varn, CRM
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 203
Every successful business starts with a strong foundation. Whether you’re launching a new shop, refining your business model, or looking for ways to increase profitability, this panel brings together industry leaders who have built, scaled, and sustained successful personalization businesses.
Drawing from real-world experiences, panelists will share practical strategies for establishing sound business practices, identifying your niche, building profitable UV and DTF operations, improving financial performance, and overcoming the challenges that come with business ownership. From startup lessons and profitability frameworks to preventing burnout and maintaining long-term growth, attendees will gain actionable insights to help them build a stronger, more sustainable business.
akers, small business owners, and engravers looking to expand their services beyond the studio. Come learn how to turn your craft into a profitable, mobile experience that brands and clients love.
0.1 CEUs Business
Buying a Legacy Business: What We Learned Acquiring and Integrating Three Awards Shops
9:00-10:00 AM
Christina Ross, Blue Pineapple Trophy and Gifts
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 211
Expanding your business doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. In this session, I’ll share the real-world experience of purchasing three established awards and personalization businesses from retiring owners and successfully bringing them together under one company.
Attendees will learn how we standardized workflows, managed production between two locations, organized inventory, and created systems that allow our team to operate more efficiently while maintaining the customer relationships each business had built over decades. I’ll discuss the successes, the mistakes, and the lessons learned along the way—including what I would do differently if given the opportunity again.
Whether you’re considering purchasing another business, preparing your own business for future growth, or simply looking for ways to improve your shop’s workflow, this session will provide practical ideas that can be implemented immediately. Rather than focusing on theory, this presentation offers honest, experience-based solutions to the everyday challenges of running and growing an awards and personalization business.
0.1 CEUs Business
Lightburn & CorelDRAW: Design Smarter, Laser Better
9:00-10:00 AM
Randy Allen, CRM, Engraving Concepts
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 212
Explore the fundamentals of LightBurn and CorelDRAW in this practical comparison session. We’ll introduce the background, core features, and strengths of each program, then compare their design tools, laser workflow, ease of use, and ideal applications. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of which software—or combination of both—best fits your laser business and production needs.
0.1 CEUs Technical
Beyond Awards: Growing Your Business Through Diversification
9:00-10:00 AM
Craig Mertens, Taivo
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 213
The awards and personalization industry is evolving, and the shops seeing the strongest growth are expanding beyond traditional awards and engraving. Apparel decoration, promotional products, signage, banners, fundraising programs, and online company stores create opportunities to increase revenue from customers you already serve while attracting entirely new markets.
In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies for diversifying your business without taking on unnecessary risk. We’ll explore how modern shop management tools, e-commerce, and customer-specific online stores make it easier to sell, fulfill, and scale across multiple product categories. Whether you’re adding apparel, promo products, or large-format graphics, you’ll leave with a roadmap for building new revenue streams while creating a more convenient buying experience for your customers.
0.1 CEUs Marketing
Ambassador Program
7:30AM-10:00AM
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 401
The APA Expo Ambassador Program is designed to help new attendees navigate their first APA Expo experience with confidence. Through facilitated introductions, guided networking, and personalized support, experienced industry professionals will serve as ambassadors to help attendees understand the value of APA membership, maximize their time at Expo, build meaningful industry connections, and receive guidance on personalization business experts.
0.25 CEUs Business
Thursday, February 25
From Side Hustle to B2B: Scaling a Laser Business
7:30-8:30 AM
Isha Gandhi, Elegantly Personalized Gifts
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 301
EPG has grown from a Cricut machine into a laser and UV engraving business serving Charlotte’s top B2B clients — including COMPASS Realty, Belk, MAC Cosmetics, and the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce — all while operating out of a detached garage and now planning a move to a commercial storefront. In this session, EPG founder [Isha] breaks down the strategy behind that growth, including the marketing moves that worked, the mistakes that cost time and money, and what she’d do differently.
Attendees will learn practical, low-cost marketing approaches that helped build a loyal B2B client base, and how to position a business to become a preferred vendor for corporate clients. This session also digs into real missteps along the way — from equipment decisions to client management — so attendees can skip the expensive lessons and move straight to what works.
Bonus takeaway: how to confidently accept client-provided items for engraving as an added service — and turn it into another revenue stream.
0.1 CEU Business
How To Build Websites In The Age of AI
7:30-8:30 AM
Srishti Jain and Arpit Jain, Esenay Digital
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 302
The way people discover and interact with websites is changing rapidly. Learn how to build modern websites that are optimized not only for users but also for AI-powered search, chat assistants, and answer engines focusing on speed, structure, trust, and seamless user experiences that drive more leads and sales.
0.1 CEU Marketing
Design for Depth
7:30-8:30AM
Chelsea Sauder, Houston Acrylic
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 303
Take that project from flat to fab! Learn how to create multi-dimensional pieces from your two-dimensional materials with Chelsea from Houston Acrylic. From working with resin to creating 3D effects discover how to create laser cut looks that really pop.
0.1 CEUs Technical
Your Store’s New Assistant: 3 Ways to Use Claude AI to Improve Your Shopify Site
9:00AM-10:30AM
Heather Bennett, Raising Makers Coaching/Paisley Grace Makery
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 311
Running a Shopify store means wearing every hat at once: copywriter, merchandiser, and shopkeeper. This session shows small-business owners and makers how to hand off the busywork to Claude, an AI assistant that works in plain English — no code, no complicated setup.
We’ll walk through three practical ways to put Claude to work on your store. First, writing and updating product listings that actually sound like you, without retyping the same details a hundred times. Second, getting found — tuning your product pages for both Google and the AI assistants shoppers increasingly ask for recommendations, so your shop shows up in both places. Third, keeping your storefront organized, from building collections to tagging products in bulk to spinning up a discount for a sale, all by simply describing what you want. Think of it as adding a capable assistant to your team — one who never tires of the repetitive tasks and frees you up to focus on making and growing.
You’ll leave with concrete examples you can try the same day, a realistic sense of what AI can and can’t do for a small store, and simple habits to make it a dependable part of your routine. No technical background required — if you can describe what you want, you can do this.
0.15 CEUs Marketing
Glass 101: Realistic Expectations
9:00AM-10:30AM
Joshua Perry, CRS, Perry Design
Course level: Beginner
Session Code 312
Glass is one of the most requested and misunderstood materials in the personalization industry. In this session, you’ll learn what truly works on glass and what doesn’t using today’s most popular decorating methods, including UV printing, UV lasers, CO₂ lasers, diode lasers, and sandcarving.
Through honest discussions about common challenges, you’ll gain a clear understanding of each process’s strengths, limitations, and ideal applications. We’ll cover everything from selecting the right glass and setting customer expectations to avoiding costly mistakes and producing consistently professional results.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your existing glass offerings, you’ll leave with practical, actionable knowledge that will help you reduce costly trial and error, produce more consistent results, increase customer satisfaction, and ultimately build a more profitable glass business.
0.15 CEUs Marketing
Personalization Pros Roundtable Discussion
9:00AM-10:30AM
Session Code 313
Join fellow Personalization Pros in a dynamic roundtable discussion moderated by seasoned experts from the personalization industry. This session will allow for peer discussion on four components of business success to be determined by member survey. Whether you’re a small shop looking to grow or an established company seeking innovation, this interactive format will allow you to share insights, ask questions, and learn from peers navigating similar challenges. Bring your experiences, ideas, and curiosity to explore how technology and strategy can elevate your operations.
0.15 CEUs Business
Hands-On Embroidery School: From Blank to Branded
7:30AM-10:00AM
Hope Yoder, Designs By Hope Yoder, Inc
Sponsor: Ricoma
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 403
Get real, hands-on experience in this beginner-friendly session — perfect for new shop owners or anyone considering adding embroidery to their business. Taught by 30-year industry veteran Hope Yoder, founder of the Embroidery Profit Academy and host of the Embroidery Profit Podcast, this class brings core techniques from her full Academy directly to APA. Working on commercial embroidery machines in a team-style setting, students will practice the essential skills every shop needs — including left-chest polos, pocket shirts, patches, and more — so you leave with real skills and real confidence to start (or grow) your embroidery business.
0.25 CEUs Technical
Color Fill Techniques: Hands-On Workshop for Sandcarved Products
7:30AM-10:00AM
Liz Haas, Rayzist Photomask
Sponsor: Ricoma
Course level: Intermediate
Session Code 404
Take your Sandcarved products to the next level by learning color fill techniques that add contrast, depth, and value. In this hands-on workshop, every attendee will complete two projects—a wine bottle and a natural stone—while learning how to select and apply the right paint for each material. Students will also Sandcarve one project featuring a textured relief carve to understand how carving depth affects paint application. You’ll discover paint selection, surface preparation, application methods, and finishing techniques that produce durable, vibrant results on glass, stone, wood, and metal. Whether you’re creating awards, gifts, décor, or personalized products, color fill is an easy way to increase the perceived value of your work and expand your product offerings.
0.25 CEUs Technical