Workshop Descriptions & Schedule, 2010
Click here to download a two-page, printable schedule.
Workshop Descriptions & Schedule
Saturday, September 4, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Monogamy in M/s
Patrick Mulcahey
In kink, it can seem like polyamorous is the default relationship style -- but poly is not what some of us want, at least some of the time, and we may feel misunderstood, sometimes even mocked for our choice. On the other extreme, and just as judgmental, are the More Monogamous Than Thou, who really can make an exclusive relationship *sound* like prison for life, without parole.
How do you define "monogamy"? Is it strictly sexual? Is it part of your identity, are you born that way, or it is a feature of certain relationships you enter into and not of others? Can it be situational or must it be a commitment? Does a slave get to insist on monogamy, or is a Master who allows it being topped from the bottom? And what if one of you changes their mind?
– Kennedy Ballroom
The Role of Correction, Punishment and Penance in M/s Relationships
Master Jim & slave marsha
International Master & slave 2001
"Spank me, Sir -- i've been bad!" -- how often have we heard this, or something like it, at a dungeon party? But what about real punishment in the context of a Master/slave relationship -- punishment that is not for fun or erotic sensation, but is designed to strengthen both the slave and the Master? In this seminar, Master Jim and slave marsha address the role of punishment and the related, but different, concepts of correction and penance as tools for growing and developing a Master/slave relationship.
– Grant Room 1
The Journal
Master Steve & slave tami
Northease Master/slave 2009
This class is open forum, it revolves around slave tami’s journal as slave to Master Steve (the journal of their eight+ years together). Inside the journal she writes of fears, joys, doubts, triumphs, trust, rape, death, illness, insecurities, love and her life day to day. It's more of a discussion, question and answer class. There will be a discussion about the benefits of journaling, as well as the pitfalls, and what parameters we have used. Handouts will be provided listing the various topics covered within the journal. Attendees can choose a topic to be read and then discussed. The objective is to provide a view into the lives of a 24/7 Master/slave couple throughout an eight-year journey. The topics covered and discussed could be endless.
– Grant Room 2
How to form a MAsT Chapter
Master Bob Blount
Executive Director, MAsT International
Master Bob, the new Executive Director of MAsT International, will assist those interested in forming a MAsT Chapter in their communities.
– Adams Room
Mental Dominance
Master David Walker
Dominants define themselves. However, self-definition can take years of trial and error as mistakes translate into lessons learned. This how-to presentation provides short cuts for nurturing the dominant spirit, techniques for determining your personal and family vision, and methods for staying on track to fulfill personal goals.
– Potomac Room
Milestones for Masters
Sir Stephen
International Master 2005
This Workshop explores the notion that while each Master/slave relationship is unique, each also contains elements that we experience in common.
Can we identify those areas of commonality? If we can, is there any benefit to be derived from having done so? Many Masters, both new and experienced, have been heard to wonder – “Am I doing this right?” Having identified that which is typically common to our joint experience can we then use this information to provide markers along the path of Mastery that help the newcomer find their footing as well as assist experienced Masters in identifying aspects of their roles and responsibilities that might benefit from additional attention?
The Workshop will address these questions and is designed to encourage discussion and audience participation is welcome. The Workshop is open both Masters and slaves.
– Spring Room
A Higher Authority: Ten Principles for slaves
slave justin
Many of us were taught that the Prime Directive is to protect the property, but what comes after that? This workshop proposes ten principles for a slave's life that empower us to meet a Master's desires, stay true to ourselves and enlivened in our service. Those principles can inform us in those times when our path seems unclear to use or when our Masters are unavailable to guide us. We'll look at our personal principles and consider whether there are principles that are more universal to the institution of consensual slavery.
– Silver Room
TNGs: Getting Ready for MsC (Roundtable)
Facilitators: Sir Ross and Master Jake
Sometimes, TNGs get intimidated when attending new events. As a way to assist TNG attendees to MsC, Sir Ross and Master Jake will lead a discussion on the issues faced by TNGs and will discuss tips for them to enjoy the event to its fullest.
– Jefferson Board Room
Saturday, September 4, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Sacred Cows Make the Best Hamburgers (Part 2)
Guy Baldwin, M.S.
An uncomfortable look into the subversions of our perversions: authority, surrender, dominance and submission. When 'use' becomes abuse, and exploration becomes exploitation. Guy Baldwin drags some of our dirty little secrets out into the open with his observations and commentary. Q & A as time permits. Strong stomachs recommended.
- Kennedy Ballroom
Mentoring
Mistress Khiki
International Master 1999
We spend much of our lives being socialized to prepare for certain types of relationships. Friendships, relationships with family, and vanilla relationships. No one prepares us for Ms, and we need to be prepared and knowledgeable for this very complicated type of relationship dynamic.
– Grant Room 1
The Monastic Model of M/s Relationships:
Slavery as a spiritual path
slave Rick
Although every Master/slave relationship has at least a few characteristics in common, there is no one “right way” to be Master and slave. The models for such relationships are as varied as the individuals who comprise them and include, but are by no means limited to, the militaristic model, the monarchistic model and the monastic model.
In the monastic model, which is the model that most strongly resonates with the presenter and his Master, there are striking parallels between the Master/slave relationship and that of the disciple and his/her Guru. For some, these similarities—from the slave’s or disciple’s first sense of their calling, to the vow of obedience to the Master’s protocol or the Guru’s teachings, to the safety and grounding found in presenting at the Master’s boots or in prostration at the Guru’s lotus feet—make the path of slavery much more than sexual pleasure or fantasy fulfillment. When approached from this consciousness, slavery is nothing less than a sacred path to union with the Divine.
Join slave Rick, lifelong spiritual seeker and licensed psychotherapist within the BDSM community, and discover how the longing of your loins may hold the potential for leading you Home (www.KinkTherapistLosAngeles.com).
– Grant Room 2
Boot Black Training
slave raven
Northeast slave 2005
You do not have to be a boot black to care for leather items and we all want to keep everything cared for between visits to a black. This is a hands on practical class for anyone where we look at ways we can care for our leather as well as that of our Master/Mistress/Dominant/Top's leathers. Bring any items you are wanting to luster up. We will have a good time getting all of us ready to shine!
– Adams Room
The Care and Feeding of the Master/slave
Master Z
International Master 2004
This workshop is designed to highlight different twists on a Master/slave relationship and what helps to keep a Master/slave dynamic healthy, vibrant and in good working order. Discussion also encompasses how to avoid some pitfalls that endanger this special type of D/s relationship. This workshop functions best with group participation so come prepared to share.
– Potomac Room
Standing Naked: Becoming your Authentic Self
Master Bob Blount & slave jan
Northwest Master/slave 2006
Do you experience both the yearning and the fear of being seen? This workshop will explore the nature of this approach-avoidance dance, which is often an aspect of learning to stand naked and be transparent on all levels. We will briefly touch on our own struggle and experience with revealing the self and how our exploration of M/s has supported our commitment to this process. The rest of the workshop will be devoted to an open discussion where we will explore how to nurture greater transparency, and deepen our awareness of our hidden selves. We will also discuss the benefits and possible downsides of opening to this process.
– Spring Room
Hands-on Butler Service
Master J
This class will take the slave beyond table service and household service to a higher plane. Can you as a Master train your Major Domo? Can you as a slave become the household Major Domo? Is this the role of the alpha slave? What exactly makes a household or slave family run smoothly? If this is your dream or you just wonder about Butler Service, this is the training for you.
- Silver Room
Intro to Novice Master/Mistresses (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Lady Sabrina
Being a Master/Mistress is more than knowing how to throw a whip or wield a paddle. Physical skills may have played a large part in your D/s lifestyle but now your focus is more on understanding the mental and emotional pitfalls inherent in a successful M/s relationship. Lady Sabrina will facilitate a discussion on the importance of superior communication skills and the qualities and responsibilities necessary to be a good Master/Mistress.
-Masters Only- – Jefferson Board Room
Saturday, September 4, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The Servant Master: From Control to Compassion
Master Skip Chasey
The archetype of the Servant Master is found in every major spiritual tradition, from the shamanic Native American medicine man who acts as the conduit between the tribe and the spirits of its ancestors, to Buddhist bodhisattvas who postpone their entrance into Nirvana in order to facilitate the enlightenment of others, to Jesus’ Last Supper revelation that, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave to all.” This profound and paradoxical teaching provokes a challenging question to those who claim the dominant role in a D/s relationship: “How am I called to be of service to those who serve me?” Join Master Skip as he shares his insights into what it means to be a Servant Master and the alchemy that transforms dominance and submission into devotion and surrender.
(This presentation, which is appropriate for both Dominants and submissives, will conclude with the audience participating in a moving, sacred ritual. A short break will be taken prior to the ritual to allow those who do not wish to participate to take their leave. Once the door to the meeting room has been closed, no one will be permitted to enter until the ritual has concluded.)
– Kennedy Ballroom
The Anatomy of Trust
Mistress Suzan and slave ziggy
International Master & slave 2006
Trust is an important component in the Master slave dynamic. Therefore, developing and maintaining trust is crucial to the health and viability of these relationships. Most often we hear about the trust that a slave must have in a Master. However, it is important to remember that the Master must also develop trust within the slave.
During this session Mistress Suzan and slave ziggy will address the elements that make up a trusting Master/slave relationship. They will share their approach to developing and maintaining trust and how to overcome trust that has been damaged. They will also address what role a slave has in the area of trust. Please join us and share your own life’s lessons in trust, as we celebrate the wonderful dynamic that is Master and slave.
– Grant Room 1
Reflections on a Master/slave Household
Master Alex Keppeler
The design, development, care and feeding of a leather family. Master Alex talks about his Household Keppeler, which has existed since 1996, about how it came into being, and how it has progressed.
– Grant Room 2
Meet the Authors: The ODS Manual
slave justinand Alex McGeorge
slave justin and Alex McGeorge will present, sell and sign the ODS Manual created by Master Jack McGeorge, an icon in our community who passed in 2009.
– Adams Room
The Calling for Mastery and slavery
Master Taíno
Particularly at the beginning of our journeys, we usually question our calling for Mastery or slavery. How do we know who we are? How do we know our true path? How can we be sure and comfortable about it? Through an exciting exercise, Master Taíno will lead attendees to go all the way to the start of their journeys that may bring the peace of mind that we all need and accept our journey as our reality.
– Potomac Room
Love and the M/s Dynamic
Master Steve & slave tami
Northeast Master/slave 2009
Does love have a place in a M/s relationship? Can a Master/Mistress love their slave, can a slave love their Owner? What is the difference between love and being in-love? Join us, as we take time to discuss this controversial topic.
– Spring Room
Anatomy of a Lie
Lady Lynette & slave llamb
Northeast Master & slave 2007
In this workshop we will discuss and explore the many faces of lies, how they disguise themselves, how we allow them to flourish, and how we can deal with them.
– Silver Room
Dealing with Depression (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Master David Cook, Ph D
This Room in the Round format will allow those with depression or those with depression in their household to exchange ideas for living with and perhaps even managing the affects of this common disability. How do you deal with daily activities? How does it impact your Mastery or slavery? What actions have you found helpful to contribute to your M/s relationship in positive or productive ways.
This discussion in the round will be facilitated by Master David who recently retired after almost 30-years as a Psychologist.
– Jefferson Board Room
Saturday, September 4, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The Master's Touch
Master David Walker
Often M/s relationships slip, breakdown and go awry due to unintentional neglect by the Master. This presentation explores the Master's role and responsibilities in the M/s relationship.
Topics include: 1) strategies and techniques for developing visionary leadership for the M/s family, 2) understanding the benefits and pitfalls of being on “cruise control” instead of “in control” and finding a balanced approach for successful M/s relationship management 3) how to create emotional content and connectivity to strengthen the M/s relationship, and 4) M/s Estate planning. Program includes hands-on exercises and a checklist for aligning the family structure.
– Grant Room 1
Power Exchange and Authenticity
Master Obsidian & slave namaste
International Master/slave 2010
For many of us, our initial discovery of the world of BDSM felt like ‘coming home’. Unfortunately for too many in our community this feeling of liberation eventually fades, replaced with a unique sort of prison as we struggle with personal authenticity. As we become aware of individuals in our local scene who exhibit skills and qualities that we lack, many feel the pressure to: adopt affectations & attitudes inconsistent with who we really are inside, avoid uncomfortable truths about ourselves, and invent histories and experiences in order to be more comfortable around our peers
Master Obsidian and slave namaste explore the six dimensions of truthfulness that form the foundations of authenticity and explain how we can utilize the power of sincerity to unify our inward and outward selves to reclaim and energize our experience of this lifestyle.
– Grant Room 2
Meet the Authors: Guy Baldwin
Gay Leather Icon Guy Baldwin – the author of Ties That Bind and SlaveCraft – will be selling and signing his books as well as greeting his readers.
– Adams Room
Jealousy and Envy in M/s Dynamics
slave Caroline
Yes. The feelings of jealousy and/or envy exist in Master slave relationships. It shows up, not just in poly leather families with multiples but also in one on one dynamics. Through all time, jealousy and envy are age old primal issues for human dynamics often driven by deep fears which can result in destructive or dysfunctional relationship dynamics. In vanilla relationships based on power equality, both parties are ultimately entitled to resolve the conflict by walking away from the relationship. However, in relationships based on power inequality, dealing with jealousy is often one of the most difficult issues Masters and slaves face in their dynamics. Can one avoid jealousy in Master slave dynamics? What are the implications for constructively structuring Master slave dynamics? Is it possible, (morally, ethically or spiritually) to use jealousy and envy as tools for growth? How can it be effectively dealt with?
Come join slave Caroline In this workshop in which she will share her personal experiences about jealousy and envy as well as her thoughts about how to use these human emotions constructively.
– Potomac Room
M/s Relationship Traps
slave david stein,
Author
Every relationship takes work and can be derailed by mistakes or bad luck. But full-time Master/slave relationships seem to be especially fragile — the vast majority last for only a few months or at most a couple of years. Experience with my own short-lived collarings (three of them!) and talking with many others involved in these relationships — particularly in successful, long-term pairings and ménages like those portrayed in my book Ask the Man Who Owns Him (2009) — suggest that there are two main kinds of “trap” especially destructive to Master/slave relationships. On one hand, too many of us try to combine an unrealistic fantasy about M/s with real life, and on the other, we may fail to deal effectively with the real-life issues that can challenge any committed M/s relationship. This workshop will examine concrete examples of both kinds of trap along with suggestions for how to avoid them.
– Spring Room
A Narrow Thorny Road:
Master/slave Relationships as a Spiritual Path
Raven Kaldera & boy Joshua
There's using D/s and M/s to add a spiritual dimension to a relationship ... and then there's dedicating yourself to this work as a spiritual path in and of itself. This workshop will explore the latter condition. We'll compare spiritual power exchange to monasticism, noblesse oblige, asceticism, liege-fealty, and other similar roads. We'll also dive into difficult questions: Should the Master be the slave's spiritual superior? What if they're on different paths? What happens when the slave's spiritual path interferes with the Master's desires? How does one keep a balance between humility and hubris? This is a difficult road, and we need to talk about the thorns.
– Silver Room
Disabilities in M/s (Roundtable)
Facilitators: Ms Khiki and slave ziggy
Mistress Khiki, International Master 1999, and slave ziggy, International slave 2006, will facilitate a discussion on issues regarding disabilities in Master/slave relationships from both the Master and the slave perspective.
– Jefferson Board Room
Learning Leather History:
An informal conversation with Vi Johnson
Vi Johnson
An informal conversation with our historian and librarian Vi Johnson. At the Leather History Library, Vi will sit down, talk and answer questions from those interested on knowing more about the history of BDSM, Master/slave and Leather.
– Blair Room
Sunday, September 5, 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Broken Collars, Broken Hearts:
Resolving Relationship Loss & Grief as a Master or slave
Master Skip Chasey
The most off-limits topic of conversation in our contemporary society is grief—the normal and natural response to loss. And while grief can arise in all aspects of our lives, it provides some extraordinary complications for those attempting to resolve the loss—whether through death or “divorce”—of a M/s or D/s relationship. Indeed, for many of us working through such grief is tantamount to emotional edge play.
Join Master Skip, a certified Grief Recovery™ counselor, as he examines the toll that unresolved grief takes on us, the many myths about grief, the grief and loss issues unique to M/s and D/s, and each of the actions that must take place for resolution and healing to occur.
Note: In order to facilitate a environment conducive for supportive discussion, no one will be admitted into the room once the door has been closed.
– Kennedy Ballroom
Adjusting the Internal Rheostat:
Compliance versus Obedience
slave raven
Northeast slave 2005
We talk about being obeyed or obedient. Getting to this point is a series of steps. We do not always begin with obedience but we can get there with time and effort. We will discuss how one goes from compliance to obedience by "resetting our internal rheostat" to align ourselves with another's will.
– Grant Room 1
Dr. Bob Rubel, Author
Topics include: Obedience, service, protocols, magic, trust, balance; acknowledging good service, affirming the relationship, celebrating success. In this seminar, I’ll work with participants to tease apart some of the key elements of an M/s relationship in an effort to get at the core values and core needs required to develop and sustain such a structure.
– Grant Room 2
Meet the authors: Raven Kaldera and boy Joshua
Raven Kaldera and his boy Joshua Tenpenny are the authors of "Dear Raven and Joshua" will spend time with their readers and those who want to know about this and their other books.
- Adams Room
M/s and D/s Conversation
Lady Catherine Gross and slave nic
Join us for an intimate, engaged conversation on M/s and D/s relationships. Come play with the concepts and notions which move beyond the first few years of settling into the relationship. Let us engage each other sharing our collective wisdom. Lady Catherine and slave nic are bringing a framework of a multitude of subjects. Do not expect the same protocol, structure and authority conversation. This conversation is for those who have been, or currently are, in a Master/slave or Dominant/submissive relationship. Suggested experience is an on-going dynamic within one sustained relationship for at least three years. (Three hour session)
– Potomac Room
Overcoming Years of Abuse
slave david, Master Taíno and Master David Cook, Ph.D.
This class will be an open discussion about the real experiences of a slave that endured an extremely abusive Master for 20 years; and his carefully planned 5 year path back to a safe, nurtured and respected service slave. Besides the testimony from slave david, the class will include how Master Taíno, as his Owner for the past five years, and Master David, as a psychologist friend of the family, worked together to help him.
– Spring Room
Northeast Master/slave Contestant Interviews
The panel of seven judges will conduct interviews with the contestants for the Northeast Master/slave 2010 Contest. Interviews are open to all attendees.
– Silver Room
Masters and Masters Together (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Lady Lynette
Many Masters and slaves experience dissolution of their relationships. As Masters, we ensure our slaves have a support network to help them through the tough times but we rarely do the same for ourselves. How do we, as Masters, deal with our own issues surrounding relationship problems? This discussion is to help Masters reach out to other Masters, especially when dealing with the severing of a relationship.
- Jefferson Board Room
Sunday, September 5, 11:00 AM to 12:30 AM
D/s Disasters: Diagnosis, Prevention, Recovery
Guy Baldwin, Patrick Mulcahey and Master Skip Chasey
Masters: You’ve got the boots. You’ve got him/her collared. She’s got her orders. How come it’s not happening? Why’s she so surly?
slaves: You’ve got your slave heart. You can recite your protocols in your sleep. You can kneel on rice for thirty minutes. How come Master’s paying no attention?
You come together to discuss it and without warning you’re looking at the end of everything. How did that happen? How do you get back? Is there a way back?
Nothing’s more rewarding or more maddeningly complex than the D/s – M/s relationship. Unlike vanilla partners, you can’t retreat to your separate corners of the house for a few weeks or years: if you don’t remain intimately engaged, the dynamic languishes, maybe irreparably. And then there are the crises: when somebody lies; when somebody’s sick; when a scene goes terribly wrong; when the household is uprooted, or enlarged; when Master can’t seem to be bothered and when slave says No, or worse.
Join us for a discussion of our relationship disasters and yours, and together we’ll look at practical strategies for setting ourselves right again – if it can be done. Alas, sometimes the ship sinks. And since pain is perhaps the greatest teacher, we’ll also look at mistakes we’ve learned from – and learned how not to repeat.
– Kennedy Ballroom
slave ziggy
International slave 2006
No doubt there is something unique about the slave spirit. Culling our life’s skills and experiences for the Master’s purpose and pleasure ignites the blue flame within. When the conditions are optimal, the flame burns strong but how do we keep the flame burning against the elements of life? How do we feed those passions when we are single or when life gets in the way? In a class designed for slaves, we will address recognizing the divide between wants and needs, the sustainable elements of surrender by making doable promises to self and Master. We will cover finding balance with the stress and pressures of the day to day while maintaining and tending to our passionate spirits. Please join me in a circle of your fellow slaves as we discover new ways to nurture the blue flame within.
– Grant Room 1
Spirituality and Sexuality in a Master/slave Relationship
Master Bob Blount and slave jan
Northwest Master/slave 2006
The erotic is about feeling deeply with all of our being--it's about living from our creative center and acting from the source of life itself; spirituality is the path we choose, the way we live day-to-day, to fulfill our desire for wholeness and connection. A healthy eroticism and a strong spiritual path will lead us to deeper and richer levels of wholeness within ourselves, and to life-giving connections on many levels with other people and the rest of nature. Come and join us in this workshop on Spirituality and Sexuality and discover ways to develop this richness.
– Grant Room 2
Meet the Authors: slave david stein
slave david stein published in 2009 Ask the Man Who Owns Him and now you have the chance to buy the book and have it signed by the author. Stein is also the author of Carried Away. This is a great opportunity to talk with slave david and ask him questions.
- Adams Room
The Dungeon, the Master, and the slave
Major
Can any of these exist in a M/s context without the others? Can a Master be a Master in the dungeon if there is no slave? What happens to a slaves’ slavery, if there is no Master? Can a slave or a Master really exist without their counterpart and what role does the dungeon play in the M/s dynamic? These questions will lead us to examine the nature of our Mastery, our slavery and the role our dungeon play has in our M/s lives. Opinions vary and the answers might not be a simple as they at first appear. Come bring your experience, your ears and lets sort out how the Dungeon, the Master and the slave fit together.
– Potomac Room
Mastering Beyond Sexual Orientation
Panel: Master Z, Master Jim and Master David Walker
A panel of Masters will address issues related to owning and mastering slaves who have a different sexual orientation. All panelists currently own slaves who do not match their own sexual orientation.
– Spring Room
Northeast Master/slave Contestant Presentation
The contestants for the Northeast Master/slave 2010 title will offer a 10 minute presentation on their chosen topic. This is open to all attendees who will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentations are over. The panel of seven judges will be present to conduct their judging but will not be asking questions.
– Silver Room
Advance Health Care Directives and Wills
Facilitator: slave amelia (Roundtable)
Everyone over the age of 18 years needs an advanced healthcare directive and a Will. What specific concerns do you have as a Master or slave regarding who to choose to make medical decisions in your behalf and what the documents should contain? This is an open roundtable to discuss your questions on these topics.
- Jefferson Board Room
TNG Gathering at the Library
Vi Johnson
Our historian Vi Johnson will welcome the next generation (TNGs) to talk about history and about what they are bringing to the table. "I love to see what is in their minds and what they are bringing to our community," said Vi when asked to do this session. "I want to sit down with them".
– Blair Room
Sunday, September 5, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Leather Icon, author and Psychologist, Guy Baldwin, will answer your questions. Come and take advantage of this unique opportunity to ask your questions to one of the most prominent elders of our Master/slave and Leather communities.
– Kennedy Ballroom
Role Call
Mistress Khiki
International Master 1999
OMG - not this discussion again! Is it even possible (and why would we even want to) to pursue a clear, agreed upon definitions of Master, Dominant, Top, slave, submissive, bottom, boy/boi, girl/grrl? Actually there are some very good reasons for wanting to define these terms - chief among them a better understanding of ourselves, our roles and our expectations. The journey may never end, but is it a progression (from Top to Dominant to Master - from bottom to submissive to slave) or is it the case that each of these roles runs parallel or is it some combination of a progressive parallel? Come get semantically involved as we discuss it - again.
– Grant Room 1
Masters Only
Master Z
International Master 2004
This discussion group is exactly what the title suggests. Master Z gives an opportunity for Masters, Mistresses, Daddies, Sirs, ladies and Tops of all flavors to gather and share their thoughts with each other.
– Grant Room 2
A Master from our local community will lead the AA meeting for those on 12-step programs.
– Adams Room
40 years in a Master/slave Relationship
Master Alexander Von Hapsburg and slave kitt
International Master/slave 1993
How to give what you can and get what you need, including laying the groundwork, setting parameters, ironing out the wrinkles, debugging, and dealing with crises.
So, how do we define and prepare for our roles? How do we become Masters and slaves, proper? In the past, we were taught by someone who knew. The appearance of "the internet" has opened the floodgates and information now flows unfettered and un-vetted into every kinkster's living room. M/s, BDSM, and fetish events are abundant and have, without intention or guidance, almost completely replaced the traditional mentor's role. The ease of information access has opened many doors but the need for individual attention and vetted information has not disappeared. During this class we will discuss the history of the mentoring relationship as well as its role in today's M/s and Leather cultures. We'll discuss how to know when you need a mentor vs. when you just need a friend, how to know if you can or should become a mentor and how negotiate the mentor/mentee relationship - what to expect and what to offer, no matter which side you're on.
– Potomac Room
slaves only
Vi Johnson
A huge favorite time for all-slaves, boys and girls. This is an opportunity for slaves to share what is in their hearts with each other. “Mama Vi” kicks out the Owners to give the slaves an opportunity to laugh, cry, yell and sigh.
– Spring Room
Parenthood and M/s: A Field Report
Alex McGeorge
This class is aimed at parents or those who wish to become parents who are involved in the M/s lifestyle. The speaker grew up in the household of a Master and will be sharing his experiences, stories and lessons learned from observing the lifestyle as a child and an adult. The lecture portion of the class will focus on strategies for coming out to your child and explaining the M/s lifestyle in a coherent and easily relatable manner. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions; anonymous questions can be submitted during the class. Any questions attendees wish to be covered during the class can be addressed to alex.p.mcgeorge@hushmail.com.
– Silver Room
Aging in M/s (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Master J
Master J will lead a discussion that delves into the problems and benefits of aging in an M/s relationship. Topics include sickness, physical ability, knowledge, mentorship, and community value.
– Jefferson Board Room
Sunday, September 5, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Out of order comes chaos:
Dealing with catastrophe in a Master/slave relationship
Master Jim & slave marsha
International Master & slave 2001
Frederich Nietzsche once wrote, “Out of chaos comes order” – but clearly, he was never in a Master/slave relationship! Without a doubt, the only constant we can be certain of in M/s relationships is that over time they change. But this discussion isn’t about “normal” change or event the day-to-day difficulties of living in a M/s relationship. Not at all. Instead, it’s about the calamities, the disasters, the life-changing events that knock you down hard -- and make you wonder, whether you are the Master or the slave, if you can ever get up again.
If your M/s relationship lasts long enough, chances are something will happen in your life that will give birth to a period of chaos so deep and strong, your entire relationship will hang by a thread. It happened to Master Jim and slave marsha. And this seminar is their story – what happened, how it impacted them, and what they did to help their relationship survive. Join them as they share with you their ride into the hell and their path back out again.
– Grant 1
The Four Circles
Master David Walker
We need to be able to build healthy relationships beyond our partnered relationships. Our Leather community grows larger every year, and with it are greater challenges of dealing with different types of people. Our reference systems are no longer in place, and we are often faced with surprising toxicity and problematic people.
The Four Circles is a Native American strategy for building lasting and healthy relationships, and provides practical ways to navigate difficult situations and create circles of supportive people. Topics include: finding partners, determining the structure of your relationships, training strategies, building close friendships and allies within the communities, identifying and dealing with killer tops and bottoms, problematic people, toxic people, and more.
– Grant 2
Therapy versus Therapeutic
slave Caroline
In a culture glorifying “personal development” in which self help books pervasively teach us psychological jargon, where identity politics and “psycho babble” primarily based on ego psychology are “hot” items peddled through the media, everyone feels they are knowledgeable pop psychologists. These attitudes have crept into Master slave language and belief constructs. Increasingly more of us intuitively understand that at times what we do in Master slave dynamics is ‘therapeutic’ for both slaves and Masters. Some in our community seek out these relationships to act out or contain their psychological problems. Others further the belief this therapeutic factor is a beneficial and sometimes necessary structure for Master slave dynamics. Is it? If so, when do we know when ‘therapeutic’ is not ‘therapy’? Is popular psycho babble a valid screen for identifying real psychological problems in Masters or slaves or their dynamic? Is being a ‘pseudo’ therapist a realistic or even healthy role for a Master to take?
Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, slave Caroline invites you to examine the intrinsic value and danger of this “therapeutic” function in Master slave relationships.
– Potomac Room
Leather Families and Households
Panel: Sir Stephen, Master David Cook and Ms. Jan
Members of several Master/slave families will discuss how their respective households work including the joy and the challenges that these multi-member relationship brings. This is a great opportunity for attendees to learn the different ways to put together these households.
– Spring Room
Kinkus Interruptus: When Life Alters Your Leather Path
Slave Pug
Slave Pug had been very active in the Leather and BDSM communities when her mother became extremely ill and needed full-time care. Care giving became Slave Pug’s focus for almost three years, bringing her social life and involvement in the leather community to a screeching halt.
Slave Pug will share some of the key aspects of her care giving experience, how it impacted her life and threw a curve into her leather path. She will discuss some of the challenges faced and lessons learned from serving the needs of an ill loved one. Find out how she maintained her slave heart and how being a slave and kinky leatherwoman actually helped Pug navigate through the care giving experience to find moments of humor and grace.
– Silver Room
Protocols: A Discussion (Round table)
Facilitator: Bob Rubel, Ph.D.
Dr. Rubel - the author of "Protocol: Handbook for the Leather slave" - will facilitate a discussion of the use of protocols on Master/slave relationships. Attendees are encouraged to share their protocols, what works and what has not.
– Jefferson Board Room
Our History, Our Archives: A Conversation with Rick Storer
Master Rick Storer
An informal conversation with Master Rick Storer, currently Executive Director of the Leather Archives & Museum. At the Leather History Library, Master Rick will sit down, talk and answer questions from those interested on knowing more about the history of BDSM, Master/slave and Leather.
– Blair Room
Monday, September 6, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Building your collaring ceremony
Patrick Mulcahey
Common elements of a collaring ceremony, and adapting them to your own commitments and religious/spiritual beliefs, with favored readings, including Scriptural ones. The role and obligations of those witnessing.
– Grant Room 1
Final orders, lessons learned from the passing of a Master
Alex McGeorge and slave justin
This class will present lessons learned in the wake of Jack McGeorge’s death. Topics will include: things we wished we had planned for, things we didn’t know to plan for, what worked and didn’t work, harnessing community involvement, morbid (yet helpful) hints from slave heloise, complications with biological family, the lifestyle’s impact on the grieving process and others.
– Grant Room 2
Faith: Masters Lead the Way
Lady Catherine Gross
Master, will you step off the edge? Will you place full faith in your slave, Master? Explore the faith of a Master – from creation to completion as a component of advanced mastery. Examine this possible path for seasoned relationships in their fourth or fifth year. The payoffs of this transition generate raw emotion, stretch the M/s bond, deepen devotion, and create a deliberately interdependent dynamic. This class is ideally for Masters and slaves who have between three to six years of continuous relationship experience.
– Potomac Room
Personal Assistant
slave lara
This will be a comfy cozy forum/presentation on tips, tools, and most importantly the psyche behind the slave mindset of being a "Personal Assistant" for your Master, Mistress, or Household. All identities are welcome, as this class is not just for slaves and submissive's.
The world of incorporating the service of being a Personal Assistant can be one of the most humbling and intense skill-sets in a slave's service. Being a Master's Personal Assistant is not about the slave, recognition, or about being a slave of strength; but rather, 100% about seamlessly and gracefully being in the background of one's Master or Mistress for their benefit and comfort.
Protocols, Vocalizations, Obedience, Communication, Transparency and Code of slave ethics are concepts that will be explored and discussed in this class. This class will further incorporate tips related to providing Personal Assistant skills to one's Master or Mistress while also in a Household, Poly and/or open relationship dynamic.
– Spring Room
Woman, Power and Mastery
Mistress Suzan
International Master 2006
Like it or not, gender does play a role in all aspects of our lives. It’s inevitable, unavoidable, and it can be a good thing! So does our gender affect our Mastery; if so, how? Do women have different relationships with power than men? How does being raised in a patriarchal society affect our behavior? Do we handle authority, leadership, training, discipline, or trust differently? While we all have our own style of Mastery, this class will explore the unique strengths, challenges and gifts of female Masters. All are welcome in this session.
– Silver Room
Leather Families (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Master Taíno
Master Taíno will facilitate a discussion about our unique families and households. Currently his household consists of two live-in gay male slaves. His Leather Family also includes a straight Junior Master and a gay male slave in service.
– Jefferson Board Room
Monday, September 6, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Contracts and Negotiation
Mistress Khiki
International Master 1999
Contracts can be useful tools in M/s relationships but there are a wide variety of contract types and it can be hard to navigate the choices. This class will examine the reasons for creating a contract, contract negotiations, what should and should not be included in your contract, and how to proceed if you don't want to use a contract but are worried you might need one. If you have a copy of your contract that you want to discuss or if you are developing a contract, please feel free to bring your in progress or completed documents for discussion.
– Grant Room 1
Real Service
Raven Kaldera & boy joshua
For the service-oriented slave and their various owners! This workshop will discuss the day-to-day practicalities of real, down-to-earth service, designed not for the fetishy turn-on of the slave but for the actual comfort of the owner. We'll explore different types and areas of service - proactive and reactive, protocol-heavy or casual, flashy or subtle - and what different sorts of owners want. Is your owner the parental type or the rock star type when it comes to service? How can you serve them better in boring everyday life? And for owners … there are probably hundreds of things that your slave could be making easier for you, if it occurred to you what they were. Come and get ideas!
– Grant Room 2
Meet the Authors: slavette Parker
Christina “slavette” Parker, International slave 2002, will sell and sign her books The Path of Service and Where I am Led. This is a great opportunity to not only acquire the books, but to talk with the author and ask her questions.
- Adams Room
slaves only (second session)
slave catherine and slave Rick
A panel of slaves will facilitate a discussion for slaves only to wrap up the Conference. Another opportunity to share, cry and laugh. Last year, the slaves asked for it. This year, we scheduled it.
– Spring Room
The Issue of Consent in M/s Relationships
Lolita Wolf
Can consent be irrevocable? What are the limits, if any? What are the acceptable norms in our community? What are the legalities? Please join the discussion.
– Silver Room
Limits and Limitations (Roundtable)
Master Ivoree
Everyone has both limits and limitations. It is important to understand both what these are, and how they are different. Master Ivoree will facilitate a discussion on these concepts. The initial discussion will focus on the following definitions: a "limit" is something that a person is physically capable of doing, but is unwilling to do, and a "limitation" is something that a person is not capable of doing no matter how much they want to.
- Jefferson Board Room