Get Hands On Experience at the Expo
Looking to sharpen your engraving, sublimation, or sandcarving skills with expert guidance? Our hands-on training sessions provide a unique opportunity to work directly with industry professionals and practice techniques in real time.
These interactive workshops are designed for laser engravers, personalization business owners, trophy and awards makers, sign and promotional product professionals, and anyone looking to enhance their customization expertise.
Pricing & Registration
Hands-on sessions require an additional registration fee. If you have purchased an education pass, you will still need to buy a separate ticket for each hands-on session.
- Member Rate: $125 per hands on session
- Non-Member Rate: $150 per hands on session
2027 Hands On Session Schedule
Wednesday, February 24
Ambassador Program
7:30-10 AM
Learning Lounge
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.
.25 CEU Business
Thursday, February 26
Hands-On Embroidery School: From Blank to Branded
7:30-10:00 AM
Hope Yoder, Designs By Hope Yoder, Inc.with Ricoma as Sponsor
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.
.25 CEU Technical
Color Fill Techniques: Hands-On Workshop for Sandcarved Products
7:30-10:00 AM
Liz Haas, Rayzist Photomask
Session Code 403
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.
.25 CEU Technical
Explore General Education Sessions
Explore common topics in personalization and engage in active discussion with other personalization professionals during our General Education sessions.