Press Release

ONTARIO, Calif., April 7, 2005 – What's buzzing in Ontario? The Inland Empire Tattoo Convention makes its mark at the Ontario Convention Center on April 16 and 17 as more than 200 artists will be on-site for tattooing and piercing. For those less inclined to needles, the show will also feature live music, custom motorcycles and a live burlesque show.

"The Inland Empire Tattoo Convention is a unique event that will have an assortment of entertainment for tattooing enthusiasts," said Amita Patel, OCVB's director of sales and marketing. "Already, we are expecting an attendance of 6,000 people for the weekend's festivities." Patel estimates the show will bring $90,000 in economic impact for the city of Ontario.

As the first tattoo convention in the Inland region, more than 60 booths are dedicated to artists primarily from the Inland Empire. The show is also a venue to purchase tattoo-related products as well as clothing, accessories and body jewelry.

In addition to live seminars by leaders in the tattoo industry, a variety of contests will be showcased throughout the weekend including a kids' drawing contest. Other contests include:

Saturday, April 16th
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Best Sleeve
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Best Portrait
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Best Back Piece
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Best Traditional

Sunday, April 17th
1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Best Color
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Best Black & Grey
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Best Neck Tattoo
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Best of Show

The Inland Empire Tattoo Convention is scheduled for Saturday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ontario Convention Center, located at 2000 Convention Center Way. Admission is $15 and parking is $5. Children under 10 are free with a paying adult. For more information on the Tattoo Convention, please call 714-226-9420 or visit www.ietattooconvention.com.