FOYER
Newcomers

Labeling: The Good, the Bad and The Pigeonholed ~ Sir Dale

Labeling is a fact of life/society. Our community is no exception. On the positive side it helps shorthand communications and makes for easier social intercourse if everybody knows where they stand in relation to one another. On the negative side is pigeonholing. This becomes especially problematic for new people trying to find themselves and their own sometimes shifting place in the community. What are the different labels and what do they mean?

LIBRARY
Organizational

Building Blocks: Growing a Local Munch ~ Master Sgt Heinz & Darkstorm

Getting started, locating members, developing a mission statement, finding guest speakers, protecting your members, keeping things drama free, leading by example, starting a chapter of a larger group, to do’s and not to do’s, organizing events, volunteering and fund raising as a group. This class should give you all the tools you need to start and manage a successful group within the community. Bring your questions and ideas!

PARLOR
Outreach

Revising the Paraphilias in the DSM ~ Susan Wright

In this power point presentation, the DSM Paraphilias section will be examined according to the APA's own guidelines to adhere to scientific research rather than political bias. Key statements currently within the DSM will be contrasted with the scientific evidence from peer-reviewed research. As of now, there is no data to support the Paraphilias as the cause of the distress and dysfunction in individuals. It is discrimination and societal pressure that causes significant distress for a great number of people, in which the societal stigma is the cause rather than the sexual behavior itself.

NCSF's DSM Revision Petition will be discussed and to gather 10,000 signatures to send to the APA calling on them to adhere to scientific research rather than political bias.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Organizing & Producing Events ~ Mistress Cyan

In this class, Mistress Cyan will discuss what it takes to organize and produce a successful BDSM/Leather event. Topics will include a discussion on types of events, organization, funding, promotion, and production of the event. A Q&A session and open forum will follow the presentation.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/Presenters

Visions that Inspire ~ Mr Luis

In this introductory seminar, you’ll learn: The Formula For Success – what they never taught you in school. A simple 7 step process to reach all of your business (and personal) goals. How you can learn more effectively and teach others for maximum retention.

In this introductory seminar, you’ll learn: How to exploit change for maximum growth. The 4 reasons why people resist change and how to overcome them. 5 strategies for organizational change.

KITCHEN
Electives

BDSM & Therapy: Getting Good Help When You Need It ~ Richard Sprott

What counts as good therapy? What should you expect from a counselor or therapist when you disclose that you are kinky? How can you avoid a horrible or even degrading experience? This presentation discusses the issues that come up when kinky people go for mental health services or explore their growth potential through talk therapy. Knowing how to advocate for yourself and your community is a key step in developing well-being and practicing safe, sane and consensual kink.

FOYER
Newcomers

The Mechanics of Effective Communication ~ Ms Angela

One of the essential components of good BDSM practice is communication. This is a class that will benefit you in the workplace, with family and lifestyle partners, and in leadership capacities. How do you handle those sensitive conversations, especially if you’ve been holding it in for too long? The exercises are designed to help you practice the skills needed to tackle more delicate discussions. The mechanics of how to communicate with understanding will help you establish realistic goals and boundaries, manage timing, and clearly manage healthy conflict resolution.

LIBRARY
Organizational

Ethical Leadership (while being “immoral”) ~ KJPS Howe

Groups are often established with one thought – commonality and play. This sets an organization toward failure unless clearer dynamics take reign in the leadership of the group and guide it. What is required for longevity? What planning must take place beyond “ what lecture should we have next week”? Planning your leadership’s future and holding yourself to the “higher standard” needed for effective and responsible leadership.

PARLOR
Outreach

Do We Really Taste Better with Catsup? ~ Allena Gabosch

There has been an increase of "eating our own" in our community. Event planners do not support each other and even at times sabotage other events. Allena believes that this is not a zero sum game and is also indicative of greater problems in our community. Join Allena for a round-table discussion about how we can avoid this (no matter how tasty we are) and work together to promote each other.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Creating Cultural Competency ~ Sassy

Cultural competency refers to the ability to understand unique or new cultures – and the skills needed to navigate new cultures. As a group, we will define cultural differences, the skills needed to navigate unknown waters, and define an agenda which communities could use to help build cultural competency at home!

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/Presenters

Presenting Effective Lectures/Demos ~ Jack McGeorge

Got something to say? Want to actually contribute to your club or organization? It's simple! Show off what you know by presenting a lecture or demonstration. It's really not that hard if you know how to organize your stuff and how to present it. Join us for an in-depth discussion of how to present lectures, demonstrations and panel discussions that grab and hold the audience’s attention.

KITCHEN
Electives

The Healthy Head – Guide to Self-Exploration ~ The Duchess, Lady D, Joe Turner

Integrating BDSM with your life calls for self-exploration – knowing yourself. Self-exploration is the key to adding the embroidery of BDSM fantasy to the reality of your life. If you’re an experienced player, you have probably already done some self-exploration. This panel will discuss sources of mentoring and support that can bridge the gap between what you know and what you want to know.

FOYER
Newcomers

The Torch Has Been Passed ~ Alexander Henryk Wisniowski

Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote, "The old order changeth, yielding place to new." Young people are transforming the leather community. How will the influx of youth change the face of leather? What will remain of our old traditions? How can we facilitate change instead of standing in the way? This seminar will cover ways of welcoming change, while making sure the past is remembered, and the leather community remains vibrant.

LIBRARY
Organizational

Fundraising for Non-Profits ~ Mercury

Disappointed in the results of your last fund-raising event? Did you set a monetary goal beforehand? Did you tell folks EXACTLY how their hard-earned dollars would be spent? Did you report the results promptly and act quickly to implement your stated goal? There are many tried and true ways to make your fund raisers more effective and create the giving base needed to make long-term goals a reality. Learn very easy, almost common sense strategies and tactics used by professionals to make your non-profit organization successful.

PARLOR
Outreach

The CENA Project/Community Education ~ Richard Sprott

In 2008, CARAS presented on a new project: the Community Educational Needs Assessment (the CENA Project). The idea was to conduct the first ever national documentation of BDSM educational events, and to explore the needs of the community. This presentation presents the preliminary results of the needs assessment. The information is intended to help presenters and producers of BDSM educational events to improve their effectiveness and success, and to contribute to a conversation about educational standards in the community.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Building Vendor/Producer Relations ~ Amisia

This presentation is aimed to help bridge the gap between the vending community and event coordinators of any event or con as to what will help both sides: What venders need and want and run an event smoother with less bumps in the road. Learn tips on how to create win/win situations for both vendors and events.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/Presenters

What you need to know about SEX ~ Gloria Brame & Ricci Levy

Affirming sexual freedom as a fundamental human right. Address sexual freedom advocacy and ways for the beds community to be successful in advocating for equal rights in the broader national movements, how to identify allies, and how to elevate the more narrow advocacy of BDSM to a human rights issue without giving up that more narrow focus.

KITCHEN
Electives

Gay Skinheads – Who Are They? ~ Herr Rudi

This topic will deal with t he history, music, politics, sexuality & Kink. We deal with the many types of skinheads. Yes, there is more than one type. What makes a skinhead? This presentation gives a true look at this fetish culture that is very much a part of the BDSM community.

FOYER
Newcomers

Advanced Disciplines & Disabilities ~ Ms Angela

BDSM is known for its tolerance and yet, groups may not have a comfort level, or even a basic facility meeting the needs and mastering the etiquette that accompanies participation by individuals with disabilities. Now that the new ADA Amendments Act restores and expands the definition of disability and is active as of 1/1/09, groups need to be more aware of welcoming of individuals with disabilities, as well as asking for their participation. Learn the ins and outs of disability etiquette (how do you relate to someone who has is hard of hearing, has a non-visible disability, or who is blind?), as well as the more practical aspects, like scene negotiation and safe dungeon monitoring. Share, stretch, grow, and think outside of the box with this interactive discussion.

LIBRARY
Organizational

Bulletproofing Your Organization ~ NCMaster

Local Leather Lifestyle groups are usually dependant on volunteers to run the organization and make the meetings and events happen. This presentation addresses some of the pitfalls and problems the group may have to face. If we understand some of the problems, we can put in place practices and procedures to reduce or eliminate many of the problems. By being aware before hand, we can prevent melt downs that all too often cause groups to fail.

PARLOR
Outreach

The Kinky Rainbow Coalition ~ Lady D

This will be a roundtable discussion with class participation discussing the challenges facing minorities in the lifestyle. We will discuss why there seems to be so few minorities at public affairs and what can be done to encourage minorities of all races to come out and participate more in activities.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Advanced Media Training ~ Susan Wright

Every club and group should have a trained media spokesperson who is prepared to speak to reporters, and every board member or club owner should understand basic media relations and how to deal with reporters if they come calling. You'll learn how to develop a media plan based on proven strategies and tactics, while hearing behind-the-scenes information about recent news stories involving BDSM as well as notorious incidents in the past. Interview tips and soundbites about BDSM will also be provided.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/ Presenters

Press Packages for Event & Self Promotion ~ Mistress Musette

A well-written press release along with a professional press kit will allow you to set yourself apart. Learn how to create a press package that will get you noticed. It isn’t just enough to have a killer press package. Knowing how to distribute the package, follow-up will help you make the most of this powerful publicity tool.

KITCHEN
Electives

Know the Difference – Domestic Violence Program ~ Gloria Brame

Beginning with a review of NLA guidelines on domestic violence, this session will help leaders better understand critical differences between consensual BDSM and master/slave relationships and abuse or domestic violence parading as consensual BDSM. In addition to NLA materials, attendees will get Dr. Brame's quick guide to assessing whether a relationship is SSC or abusive, based on her clinical experience and counseling techniques.

FOYER
Newcomers

You Are Responsible For Your Self Esteem ~ Lilith sub

As a bottom/sub/slave we are responsible for our mental health and self esteem. This presentation focuses on tools available to ensure healthy lifestyle choices. Group and individual activities, as well as a lecture, will offer the attendee information and a checklist of activities to strengthen their own self esteem. Group leaders will find tools to identify and assist positive role modeling.

LIBRARY
Organizational

Grow Your Organization Beyond Your Wildest Dreams ~ Allena Gabosch

The Center for Sex Positive Culture has been around for almost a decade. In that time we've had over 11,000 people join our organization and currently hold about 100 individual support, education or social/play events a month. We do this as a nonprofit with 2 paid staff and 100+ volunteers. Allena will show you how we've got this far and how you can get there too (if you're willing to do the work)

PARLOR
Outreach

HALT! You Forgot Something – Have a Seat! ~ Insatiable Amazon

Have we forgotten our usage of ethic's among our peers, groups, events and communities? Oh and what are they again you ask? This class is about why our ethic's are important individually, in our communities and in our personal growth. You want to know how, what they are.... well come on in and have a seat.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Rebuilding Communities w/ Mentoring Programs ~ Master David Walker

This program teaches how to create and run set a substantial Mentors program. Topics include: How Mentors programs re-establish positive communities, who runs such a program, how to choose Mentors, and the nuts and bolts of putting such a program together. Participants should come prepared to take notes.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/ Presenters

When More is Better: Building an Education Pgm ~ Jack Rinella & Pat Baillie

Creating a workshop is one thing but what about an entire program for your event or organization. What do you need to know about training needs, interests and designing a comprehensive quality program? Find out how using analysis, design and evaluation as part of the training development cycle can “wow” your attendees and help you step up to the next level!

KITCHEN
Electives

Passion Isn’t Enough ~ Auburn Goddess

Rule Number One: Always have passion for your topic! Yet enthusiasm + expertise do not necessarily equal a great presenter. Learn the organizational skills of designing high quality workshops – Planning, structuring content and managing flow, as well as effectively using demos and visuals. Tips and techniques for improving your facilitation skills and engaging attendees interactively will also be discussed. This workshop will maximize learning with a hands-on case study to create a sample presentation.

FOYER
Newcomers

Be Your Own Cartographer – Personal Map Making ~ CC

You can’t get where you’re going if you don’t know where you are. Introspective discussion so you can discover some of the tools that can be utilized when you plot your own course.

LIBRARY
Organizational

Bottoms Up – A Power Submissive's Perspective ~ David N

This course explores the possibilities for submissives as community leaders and not just community property. Many bias and misconceptions exist regarding the role of submissives in the community with many newcomers accepting those views without question or full understanding of the subtleties. The class will explore those ideas and their fallacies along with presenting viable alternatives and possibilities for the submissive that yearns to serve the community as a leader. A power submissive is not an embarrassment or liability for a group or community, but should be a prized member to be treasured.

PARLOR
Outreach

Trials & Tribulations for TG Leatherfolk ~ Mistress Cyan

In this class, Mistress Cyan will discus her experiences, both positive and negative, about being a transgender woman in the BDSM and Leather Communities. Topics to be discussed include Defining and Understanding Transgender People, Transitioning, Enjoying Acceptance and Dealing With Rejection, and Ways to Educate Others In Your Community About Transgender Folk. A Q&A session and open forum will follow the presentation.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Passion in the Pitch ~ Sassy

Asking people for money sounds painful, but asking people to share in your passion is a lot easier. Learn how to frame the passion that drives you and your organization, and then turn it into support for commonly held values. This novice to intermediate discussion will offer attendees the chance to share their situation with others in class and develop ‘passionate pitches’ to use when the presentation is over.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/ Presenters

Weathering the Storm of Controversy ~ Jack McGeorge

Being the focus of a public controversy is a frustrating, frightening and anxiety filled experience. Our speaker experienced first-hand the effects of an international media blitz intended to discredit both him and his employer. Jack will share with us what happened, how it affected him and what you can and should do if you are the target of public controversy.

KITCHEN
Electives

Kink in your 50s, 60s & Beyond ~ Ms Angela

When the kinky bug bites, it lasts for a lifetime. That said, our lifestyle demographic is moving upward, and as a community, we need to respond to the specific needs of this population demographic. Discover how our peers enjoy their kinky expressions, where their tastes have taken them, and what their priorities are as their insight as deepens. How can clubs support the needs of this demographic and how can the individuals in this age bracket add to the roots of the club? Bring your questions, offer your insights, and interact as we learn together.

FOYER
Newcomers

Going Dutch – Intl views ~ Pieter Claeys

Multimedia ‘storytelling presentation’ about the Amsterdam gay men’s leather tribe. From the opening of the Argos pension in 1956 to the present day battle to keep the city’s leather spirit alive. Special attention will be paid to inspirational leather icons Rob Meijer and Jim Holmes, the impact of HIV and the changing character of the community throughout the years. Get inspired by what the Old Guard did for BDSM and leather back then and how the New Guard deals with issues of leather brotherhood nowadays.

LIBRARY
Organizational

So You Want to Open a Playspace? (Tales of a Dungeon Keeper) ~ Mercury

In 2005 a group of dedicated people came together to open a true BDSM community center in Nashville and eight months later, The Mark opened its doors. That’s the simple story that hides all the planning, codes, zoning, leasing, utilities, landlords, legal, corporate, non-profit, public relations, advertising, accounting, janitorial, maintenance, educations, safety, scheduling, staffing, hospitality, event planning,...and all the other efforts required to open(and keep open) a space where the local community could meet and interact. This presentation provides our lessons learned through a practical narrative interlaced with the humor inevitable in dungeon keeping!

PARLOR
Outreach

The Community Health Assessment ~ Rob Bienvenu, Ph.D.

One of the most common, pervasive attitudes about BDSM/kink is that those who play this way are sick – mentally ill in some way. A few studies in the past have tried to test this idea, and have found little evidence for illness – but those studies are small and are not widely known. This presentation introduces a new study that will be larger and more definitive – a study that absolutely needs community support.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Meet the Board ~ Sheryl Dee, Pat Baillie, Jack Rinella, Alan L., Keiki Weigle, Lee Asplund, Stephanie “Sassy” Lynn, Wendell, Warren Williams

Do you or your group or organization want to host and LLC? Come and find out what it takes.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/ Presenters

Post-Burn Activism ~ Alan L

Let's face it: you're tired of your group's infighting, you hate going to social events because you're always “on duty”, and the lifestyle which once gave you so much joy and passion is now an emotional and mental drain.

KITCHEN
Electives

Follow the Yellow Brick Road ~ Deborah Isadora

Networking, Coordination, Collaboration, OH MY. We will look at the definitions and types of working together to form viable leather communities. Author of Partners In Change: Building Collaborations, Deborah Isadora will walk you down a yellow brick road to organizational Oz. Putting on those ruby slippers or boots has its responsibilities including, guiding our visions, our capacity and our way back home. Dorothy you are not in Kansas anymore, come learn about how to grow your community.

FOYER
Newcomers

7 Stages of Healing – A Spiritual Journey ~ Wayne Brawner

This seminar will show you how to use the 7 stages of healing to create a shift in your thinking and help facilitate a change in your life. This can be achieved through many beliefs and practices.
Come join us and share your thoughts and beliefs.

LIBRARY
Organizational

When The Pink Bunny's Batteries Wear Out! ~ Sir Tri

Community leaders, their partners as well as supporters, both men and women, in the D/s-M/s lifestyle often feel that they are Atlas, holding up the world, refusing to admit they are human too. They go and go until the battery dies, like the famous pink bunny, then suffer a complete shutdown. These type of people forget how to take care of themselves and those that they serve or serve them. That's Lifestyle Burn Out. Sooner or later this insidious side effect catches up with almost everyone. Come and talk about the signs, symptoms and care/aftercare when we crash. This discussion is for those whose batteries are charged and those in need of recharging regardless of label or orientation.

PARLOR
Outreach

Leadership Skills for Community Leaders ~ Jack McGeorge

Leadership is more than just winning an election or contest. It means determining what should be done, inspiring people to help get it done and clearly communicating a vision of where your community should be going. This session will explore both what is expected of you as a leader and the attributes and skills you need for effective leather community leadership.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Beyond Compromise ~ Intensity

Individuals and organizations will learn how to gain real understanding of the other: as a person (versus personality), their perspective, and disposition regarding a dispute. This enhances open communication, effectively leading to the resolution of inevitable disputes.

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/ Presenters

Transforming Personal Experience ~ Nina Love

Explores training and public speaking tools for creating exceptional learning experiences. Whether you are giving a rope demo or a flogging class; you are a new presenter or a seasoned public speaker; you despise public speaking or love being the center of attention; this workshop has something for you.

KITCHEN
Electives

"Euro Trash" – European Kink ~ International Views ~ Herr Rudi

This presentation focuses on the differences between the USA scene and what is going on in Europe today. What’s it like in London, Amsterdam and Berlin. Why is it that way?

FOYER
Newcomers

Bridging the Gap W/ Social Service Providers ~ Rex aka LdBeast

There is a huge perceived gap between those in and outside the lifestyle. For the past decade I have strived to help future social workers understand that the members of our community are not freaks, but are their neighbors with similar attitudes on many issues. Using a professional presentations, common sense and real world examples, it is possible to bridge this gap.

PARLOR
Outreach

Covering Your Bases – Legally Speaking ~ Alan L

This presentation will be devoted to giving an overview of today’s current criminal and civil laws and how they affect the rights of organizations and groups within the S/m, Leather, Poly and Transgender communities. This interactive workshop will discuss potential legal concerns and pitfalls for those who wish to form and run Alt/Sex organizations. We will discuss how groups can identify problems and issues ranging from taxes, incorporation to obscenity regulations. Further, we will deal with strategies to avoid such problems, or if unavoidable, how to deal with them.

BALLROOM
Event Planning

Strategic Planning – Like Good Sex… ~ Sassy

Good strategic planning is like good sex! It requires ANTICIPATION! In this session we will use some of the principles of great sex to mirror what defines great strategic planning. We will explore mandates, internal realities and external pressures, as well as ‘what does it mean to get there’. If your organization or community is at a turning point, this interactive session is designed to help you figure out ‘where do we go from here, and how are we going to get there!’

DRAWING ROOM
Presenting/ Presenters

Selling Yourself as a Presenter ~ Master Pam

Networking, Business Cards, Negotiating Your Perks, Blowing Your Own Horn, Web Design, How to Create a Bio, Making Yourself Desirable by Groups, How to get on those presentation schedules, Creating Interest so people will want to book you, Creating a Presenters Image, Right Place at the Right Time, Marketing Yourself Online, Marketing Yourself on Paper, Marketing Yourself in Person, Networking Groups, Networking Individuals, Materials you will need to sell yourself and how to design them: Presentation List and Description, Biography, and handouts. How to market yourself during and after the presentation and using follow-up as a self selling tool.

KITCHEN
Electives

Raising The Bar On Raising Funds ~ Elegant

Fund development is not a financial transaction. Donors are not ATMs. Securing sponsors is not about the money – it’s about relationships. This is even more the case during a faltering economy, a recession and today’s economic crisis. This workshop will take a look at sponsorship and fundraising for events and organizations: fundraising strategies, working with potential sponsors, fulfillment, and other issues related to financing your event or organization. The workshop presenter, Elegant, has a professional background in successful non-profit organization fundraising and volunteer experience in strong fundraising for leather/fetish/kink events and organizations.