APA: Where Personalization Pros Connect

APA: Where Personalization Pros Connect A network of professionals that create, distribute, or sell recognition and personalized products.
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APA is where retailers and suppliers of personalized and customized items connect. By providing industry-relevant education, trade shows, and access to a vibrant network of professionals, APA is the place to ensure the growth of your talent, your business, and your professional network. We invite you to explore and join our close community of personalization professionals for all of your business needs.

Switching design software does not have to slow you down. With LightBurn and MillMage, aligning your workflow can be mor...
06/04/2026

Switching design software does not have to slow you down. With LightBurn and MillMage, aligning your workflow can be more seamless than you think.

The latest issue of explores practical ways to speed up your process using keyboard shortcuts, selection tools, and workspace customization. From mastering quick-selection techniques to setting up one-key shortcuts and custom hotkeys, small changes can make a big impact on efficiency.

If you are working across lasers and CNC routers, these tips can help you create a more consistent, streamlined experience from start to finish.

Read the full article: https://ow.ly/6LLv50Z7cz5

Happening Tomorrow: Make Shopify Feel SimpleThis practical session, led by Heather Bennett of Paisley Grace Makery, will...
06/03/2026

Happening Tomorrow: Make Shopify Feel Simple

This practical session, led by Heather Bennett of Paisley Grace Makery, will help attendees break down how to set up a Shopify store, improve product visibility with SEO, and create a more seamless customer experience. Whether you are launching or refining your Shopify site, you will walk away with strategies you can apply right away.

đź”— Register now: https://ow.ly/1ZPz50Z7ce3

About Our Speaker:
Heather Bennett is the founder of Paisley Grace Makery, a thriving DIY workshop studio and creative retail business based in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Since launching her business in 2015, Heather has helped thousands of customers discover their creativity through hands-on workshops, DIY kits, and handcrafted products.

In addition to running her own studio, Heather coaches makers and creative entrepreneurs through her Raising Makers Mastermind and The Maker’s Blueprint programs, where she teaches practical systems for building sustainable and profitable DIY workshop businesses. Her trainings focus on simplifying the business side of creativity—from marketing and workshop planning to product development and ecommerce systems.

Heather is passionate about helping makers turn their skills into thriving businesses by sharing real-world strategies that make running a creative business both successful and enjoyable.

Paisley Grace Makery: DIY Workshop and Gift Boutique Heather Bennett - Paisley Grace Makery

06/03/2026

“The industry is solid, and the energy at the 2026 APA EXPO is really positive and optimistic.”

During last month’s APA EXPO, we chatted with Mike May of to new technologies and trends for the awards and personalization industry.

Be sure to follow us to see more interviews with the industry’s most trusted brands!

The APA Board of Directors is charged with stewarding the association through thoughtful governance and collaborative le...
06/02/2026

The APA Board of Directors is charged with stewarding the association through thoughtful governance and collaborative leadership. As part of this responsibility, we recognize Joshua Perelman, CRS, (Trophy-Mart) for his service and ongoing commitment to APA and its members.

Follow APA on social media to stay connected with industry updates and leadership highlights.

Please join us in congratulating John Calcote of PDU CAT, the final Gold Obelisk recipient and Hall of Fame inductee.Fro...
06/01/2026

Please join us in congratulating John Calcote of PDU CAT, the final Gold Obelisk recipient and Hall of Fame inductee.

From opening The Trophy Shop in Natchez, Mississippi in the late 1960s to helping redefine the wholesale model for our industry, John’s career reflects resilience, innovation, and an enduring commitment to serving retailers. His guiding principle, “We want to be your warehouse, not your competitor,” continues to shape how suppliers support personalization professionals nationwide.

We are proud to recognize John for his lasting impact on the industry and the APA community.

Follow APA: Where Personalization Pros Connect to stay connected with industry news, including this year’s Gold Obelisk recipients.

In an industry built on precision, having the right answer at the right time matters. That’s where the APA Member2Member...
05/28/2026

In an industry built on precision, having the right answer at the right time matters. That’s where the APA Member2Member (M2M) Forum comes in.

M2M is an online, trusted space where retailers and suppliers connect with peers who understand the real-world challenges of running a personalization business.

Moderated by APA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, David Takes, M2M helps members solve production challenges; find reliable suppliers and solutions; and share ideas that support business growth. In the end, the more you participate, the more value you gain.

Explore this member benefit and see how M2M can support your business at https://ow.ly/8jXY50Z4SMS

05/27/2026

Every year, the APA Expo is a great opportunity to connected with the industry’s most trusted suppliers across equipment, supplies, materials, and more. In our latest video, meet Cesar Orozco of , a supplier of acrylic awards in the personalization industry. During our time together, we talk about changes in the industry, namely the growing implementation of UV printing in the industry.

If you’re exploring UV printing for your business this year, we’d love to hear your experience. What successes or opportunities are you exploring in 2026?

Volunteer leaders on the APA Board of Directors contribute time, expertise, and insight to help move the association for...
05/26/2026

Volunteer leaders on the APA Board of Directors contribute time, expertise, and insight to help move the association forward on behalf of its members. Through this service, we’re proud to recognize Nicole Orozco (RB Fabrication Acrylic Awards) whose leadership supports APA’s mission and board initiatives.

Join us in congratulating Nicole on her continued service.

This week, we begin recognizing the 2026 APA Hall of Fame inductees, an honor reserved for individuals whose contributio...
05/25/2026

This week, we begin recognizing the 2026 APA Hall of Fame inductees, an honor reserved for individuals whose contributions have created a lasting tradition of excellence across the personalization industry.

The Hall of Fame award recognizes leaders whose vision, craftsmanship, and influence have helped shape how recognition is designed, valued, and experienced. Inductees represent a wide range of impact, from transformative industry contributions to enduring leadership and mentorship.
Our first Hall of Fame honoree is Barry Dyas of J Charles Inc.

Through creativity, balance, and thoughtful design, Barry helped elevate recognition from a simple token into enduring art. His work set a higher standard for craftsmanship and reshaped how awards are perceived and presented across the industry. Just as important as the work itself is the character behind it. Members consistently point to integrity, professionalism, and genuine respect as defining qualities that earn trust and build strong relationships.

As a connector and mentor, Barry invested not only in product but in people, strengthening the community through generosity and care. As stewardship transitions to the next generation, his legacy remains firmly woven into the fabric of the industry, continuing to influence how excellence is recognized and celebrated.

Please join us in celebrating Barry Dyas, inductee into the 2026 APA Hall of Fame. 👏

Follow APA: Where Personalization Pros Connect to stay connected with industry news, including this year’s Gold Obelisk recipients.

Address

Schaumburg, IL

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+18473754800

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