The theme for LLC 12 in SF is “Arouse!” How did we come to that theme?

When sitting down to decide on goals and what kind of a conference we wanted to create within the LLC structure, we came up with some key words that we could go back to at different stages in the process:

Sexy, Inspiring, Involving, Igniting, Evolving, Edgy & Fun.

The goal is to excite, involve and challenge attendees. We will be putting on presentations that will appeal to those new to the scene, to those already involved and looking for that next step, and finally, to those who’ve been there, done that and need a new spark. We’re actively appealing to those who identify as leather, kink, BSDM or fetish - hoping to cross over into those who think of their practice as something different than simply “leather.” 

One thing that is different about this LLC is that the local organizers are very conscious of the need not only for skills for new leaders, but also for “graduate level” presentations and topics. We’re asking our presenters to be creative and find ways to be interactive with attendees to make presentations even more meaningful and arousing. One of our main intentions is to really (and intentionally) light a fire under those attending.

This is all being done under the guidance and charter of Leather Leadership Conference, whose goals are stated on the main website:

"The Leather Leadership Conference is an organization dedicated to strengthening the SM/Leather/Fetish community through the development of the leadership skills of community members and fostering a greater sense of connection between and within community groups."

In terms of this conference, we really want to challenge folks, to get them excited about leadership and their potential as community members. need a good shaking

And we're quite serious about going outside traditional leather into those who identify with "kink," "fetish," BDSM/SM and other descriptors (and even those who want no label). Our advisory council is a really interesting, very diverse group.

Program Tracks

Here's what we are naming out Program Tracks, and the subject matter in each track. A full description is also on this website - click here.

• Evolve - organizational development / vision
• Involve - event planning
• Arouse - case studies / activism
• Embrace - outreach / volunteer development
• Ignite - high end / advanced track
• Transform - personal enrichment / individual skills
• Influence - media / legal / professional / branding
  
  

One concept the local organizers talked about extensively was the word "Arouse." It does have a double meaning here in that we are going to try and bring some of the sexiness and edge of what we do into the conference.

The most important point about our theme, however, is that we really want to arouse folks and challenge them as leaders and community members.

So, Why San Francisco?

To many of you, that might seem a silly question. It's often said that the San Francisco Bay Area exists in kind of a "bubble" - not only in terms of kink, leather and fetish, but so many other things that make us unique. There's a reason why the City's Convention Bureau's tagline is "Only in San Francisco."

LLC is especially poignant right here, right now.

We have a large, diverse and incredibly active BDSM/Leather/Kink/Fetish community, with leaders and organizers both new and experienced. We have a community that is large enough to be able to hold separate events and form specialized clubs, yet smart enough to know that together we are stronger and more viable.

Leather Leadership Conference 12 in 2008 will be run by folks who identify as all colors of the kink rainbow - gay, lesbian, dykes, straight, trans, genderfuck, fetish, daddys, boys, bois, girls and so much more. Our diversity is our strength. And cross-cultural mingling of the past few years have provided a platform on which to launch a national effort that speaks to all.

We're focused on two important goals:

• To put on the best conference yet.
• To strengthen the SF Bay Area BDSM/Leather/Kink/Fetish community by working together and learning from each other.

What does a "best conference yet" look like? We plan to attract and cultivate professional quality presenters, speakers and subjects. We're planning new "tracks" of programs targeting specific groups such as long-time leaders or even titleholders. In terms of attendance, we have various plans for attendance levels starting at 250 and reaching 450 or more, hotel capacity depending.

Looking back, LLC3 (1999) was held here and it's good to welcome it back.

If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area and have not yet been contacted and would like help, please email us.