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First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 8:57:13 AM

SassySarijane

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In my writing here, I posted about the wonderful opportunity recently offered to me in the form of getting to go to Tribal Fire this year. I am very excited about this as well as somewhat nervous since this will be my first ever national bdsm event, plus wanting to do a good job in helping my friends vend there.

This is something that is at least a little outside my comfort zone at the moment, but not enough for me to not go. I am a very shy person, especially in new, unfamiliar situations and surroundings and around unfamiliar people. It took me time and work to overcome it for the groups and small local events I attend and it has been very much worth it in the friends I have made. I am now very comfortable at the local parties and such I choose to attend, so I know I can do this and am determined to and really wanting to do this.

So, for those who have attended such major events, how was the first one you attended for you? How did you feel prior to going to it? How did you feel during it? Was it a wonderful experience? Was it bad? Have you attended any more since? Did/Do you want to attend more such events?

For those who regularly or semi-so attend such events, has each first time experience at a new event been like the first time you ever attended any major event, or was it easier after your major/national event cherry was initially popped?

What are some of the differences, good or bad, you noticed between localized events and play parties and the national ones?

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 12:14:12 PM

Mercnbeth

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We have been to a few.

some of the presenters were phenomenal...others a real turn off, however, there always seems to be plenty of variety as far as workshops and presentations are concerned.

the vendors have fascinating, handmade stuff this slave hasn't seen offered in retail shops in our local area. some of them are a bunch of fun, too!

the dungeon party...HUGE play space with furniture and whatnot for every conceivable scene.

there were abundant opportunities to volunteer time in exchange for reduced rates and also lots of opportunties to socialize and meet people.

best wishes and have tons of fun!!!

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 12:54:12 PM

Rover

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National events (really, they're primarily regional events that have a sprinkling of folks from across the country) are pretty much like anything else in that some will interest you, and some will not. Pick and choose what works for you.

I can't say that I've ever been to a "bad" event, though some were more enjoyable than others. Individuals tend to impact my perception of the value, rather than the size, equipment, or event itself. Seek out those that will enhance your experience, and enjoy their company.

John

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 3:20:02 PM

SassySarijane

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Thanks beth! I so plan on it!

Oh and depending on how the vending is set up, I may get a lot of opportunity to check out the venders there as I will actually be helping my friends vend there.

< Message edited by SassySarijane -- 4/3/2009 3:32:44 PM >

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 3:29:58 PM

SassySarijane

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John, this actually was literally handed to me, when an extra opening was made available due to a change in rsvp status, by a couple of good friends of mine. I've not been able to pick and choose on such events because the travel and lodging expenses on top of the event cost always put them out of my price range. This is literally a fluke. A very happy fluke. As it turns out I do actually know some of the organizers of the event which makes it even better. I never really aspired to attend any big name event beyond a daydream or two because I accepted that likely they would always be beyond my ability to do. I will say that there are specific one's I'd like to be able to attend at least once someday if ever the way is there.

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 3:31:57 PM

Rover

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Sarah, my reference was to suggest seeking out individual people at the event in order to make it memorable. It wasn't a suggestion to seek out individual events.

Sounds like a great opportunity. Enjoy. :)

John

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 3:34:42 PM

SassySarijane

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Thanks and I am actually planning on spending time with some specific people as well as just mingling and seeing who I meet.

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/3/2009 9:05:23 PM

chellekitty

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for me the worst thing about a national event is going home and leaving bdsm land where (almost) everyone understands wiitwd...

other than what has already been mentioned -- great presenters, not so interesting topics, cool vendors and interesting people...all i can say is to grab every bit of sleep you can because you will get exhausted by the end of the weekend if you don't...

chelle kitty - who is going to Thunder in the Mountains this year -woohoo

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/4/2009 6:48:03 AM

SassySarijane

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Thanks, chelle kitty. Have fun at Thunder!!! I do envy you getting to go.

Thanks for the advice on sleep. Definitely appreciate it. I hadn't yet gotten to the point of worrying about dropping after, but your first sentence brought that to mind. I know the huge let down after one of our group's campouts and the drop that hits and will be making sure to take a few certain precautions to minimize it as I try to for the campouts.

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/8/2009 4:43:54 PM

PhlossophurDomme

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The best advice I can give you about going to a big event is to make sure you take care of yourself. Bring snacks, water, and your favorite jammies for sleep. Eating every meal at the hotel restaurant can get quite expensive. It is an immersion experience, but you don't have to do everything. Take it at the pace right for you. If you are in a class or discussion group and you are not clicking with the room, it is ok to step out and wander into another class.

Most people wear causual fetish during the day and high fetish for the evening events. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. If you a re participating in the vending, be friendly and chat openly with others...that is a great way to meet people and assist your friends in selling their wares. Most of all, follow your heart to the activities you find most dear and you will meet others of like mind. Also, if you have pre-printed contact information it helps in networking and assisting your friends in their vending.

Here on the west coast where I have attended many weekend events, there is a habit among FemDommes to bring small gifts to give to each other. Homemade toys or inexpensive pervertibles are very fun to give away to others as souvenirs of the experience. Also, be sure to read the rules and the program completely so you know what is ok and not ok...for example, photography is prohibited in some events. Have a change of shoes that are comfortable. Smile and let your soul shine out.

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/10/2009 9:10:37 PM

LPslittleclip

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my first big event was domcon in Atlanta. if you can volunteer to help set up and you will get to meet many of the folks setting up and see the cool toys. for the day during the classes i would very much suggest comfy clothes and shoes, also bring snacks and drinks to have during the day. try to plan out the day before hand but remember the party afterwords goes late. theres so many new folks and things it took me another domcon to see most of it. don't be frightened its like a local get together with more folks and more fun

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RE: First National BDSM Event - 4/11/2009 6:21:28 AM

MarsBonfire

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I've been to Thunder in the Mountains several times, and Beat Me in St. Louis once... (I hope, one of these days, to make it out to Camp Crucible, and spend a few days as a pony... but we'll see.I have the growing feeling I may be beyond doing so, age wise.)

My impression is that they are a sexualized version of a science fiction convention. You show up, get registrered, settle into your hotel room, and go through the schedule of events and find those that you want to attend. You stand in lines, you avoid the hotel food, and above all, you go to meet people and learn. You also become part of the great mass of partiers on Friday and Saturday nights (at least you do at Thunder) and you see things that you can never tell anyone about... because even if you did... they'd never believe you.

They are fun. They are exhausting (be sure to schedule an extra day from work, just to sleep and recover.) and they are ver worthwhile. They teach you that not only are you not alone in your passions, but there is a whole wide world of BDSM out there that far surpasses your wildest dreams.

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