Workshop Descriptions & Schedule, 2011
2011 Workshops
The Classes for MsC 2012 will be posted starting in the Spring 2012. Menawhile, below you can find the schedule and descriptions of classes of MsC 2011 to give you an idea.
Click on workshop title for class description.
Click here for a downloadable schedule of events. 
Workshops MsC 2011
Saturday 9:00 AM
Mastering Multiple slaves: The Good, the Bad and the Uppity
Master Skip Chasey
As those who engage in primary relationships based upon consensual dominance and submission have coalesced into a viable and recognizable community, one of the more interesting developments has been the burgeoning number of Masters with multiple slaves. Is this phenomenon simply a more esoteric form of polyamory? How does one effectively structure multiple D/s relationships? What are the joys and benefits a Master can derive from having more than one slave, and what are the challenges and pitfalls that undoubtedly lie in store? Drawing upon his extensive personal experience as well as the experiences of many of his peers, Master Skip will examine those questions in depth and explore the skill sets—practical and emotional—necessary for navigating such unchartered terrain. As he blows the lid off of the many myths and fantasies that abound when it comes to mastering multiple slaves, one thing will become abundantly clear: wimps need not apply. (For Masters and Dominants only)
– Kennedy Ballroom
The Anatomy of a Master/slave
Master Z
The “Anatomy of a Master and slave” presentation attempts to look at the dynamics of a Master/slave relationship and identify what is the same and what is different about this type of relationship in comparison to other Dominant/submissive arrangements.
The discussion will include the following:
- Makeup of a Master (emotional, spiritual and sexual)
- Makeup of a slave (emotional, spiritual and sexual)
- Are W/we predestined in O/our paths?
- Many different paths on the journey can lead to the final destination
- How Master/slave is different from other D/s arrangements
- How Master/slave is the same as other D/s arrangements
– Grant 1
Power Exchange and Authenticity
Master Obsidian and slave namaste
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 2
A Narrow Thorny Road: Master/Slave Relationships as a Spiritual Path
Raven Kaldera and Joshua Tenpenny
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, gurubhakti, 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.
– Potomac
Satisfying Slavery
slave justin
Every human being has needs, from the basics of food and shelter, to more inward needs for affection, for truth, for a sense of purpose.; Starting with the bare minimums and working our way up to more philosophical questions, this workshop will allow slaves to identify areas in which we feel deeply fulfilled and to investigate where we might want to explore, grow or add to our lives. This is a class with no single answers, but rather an opportunity to apply what you believe and desire to how it is that you are living.
– Spring
Positions, Protocols and Possibilities
Master J
Have you ever wished that you knew most of the submissive positions (some are hot hot hot) or how to develop household protocols? Are you ready to unlock some sexually stimulating possibilities? Then this is your class.
– Silver
Power Exchange Rituals (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Lee Harrington
Rituals are a key part of any D/S or M/S relationship, whether we acknowledge them or not. From casual kisses as the door to formal slave poses, ritual objects such as collars to slave contracts, the BDSM world is rife with concepts of ritual. As a group we will discuss our day-to-day rituals, the rituals we use for deepening our connections, those for erotic connection, and those we use to face the challenges within our relationships (as well as when they end). How do you devise your rituals... or have they devised themselves as you try desperately to hang on? How have they helped you grow, or gotten in the way?
– Jefferson Board Room
Meet the Authors: Race Bannon
Race Bannon, the author of “Learning the Ropes” meets with his readers and will sign books.
– Adams
Saturday 11:00 AM
Talking to Masters, Talking to slaves
Guy Baldwin and Patrick Mulcahey
“It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it,” Mom used to wag her finger and say, and it’s never more true than in M/s. Master knows that yelling “Why did you so royally screw that up?” is unlikely to ameliorate any situation. Just as slave knows that “Get it yourself, Sir” is a suggestion not likely to be well received.
How do we develop speech suited to the peculiar paradox of formality and intimacy that we live as Masters and slaves? We intend our relationships to last, so it must be a communication style that permits the whole range of human expression – while still maintaining the dynamic tension and consensual imbalance of authority.
Military-based speech protocols are one solution, but only one. We’ll look at the principles, assumptions and practical considerations involved in learning to speak to each other across a power dynamic, even if only a pillow’s distance away.
– Kennedy Ballroom
Powerful Slaves
slave caroline
What is a powerful slave? Can a slave be powerful? What constitutes Power? What if a slave is powerful? Can a slave be more powerful than a Master? Can a Master slave relationship exist if a slave is more powerful than a Master?
This workshop is about the thoughts, ideas, reflections based on a personal journey of slavery from a “powerful” slave.
– Grant 1
No job is finished until the paperwork is done!
slave raven
A look at check lists petitions, contracts and our own Leather or Lifestyle Resumes. How do we approach the different styles and forms of paperwork we all hear about in the lifestyle? What is a petition and who needs to make one? What questions should we be asking and expect to have asked of us?
– Grant 2
Ten Principles of a M/s Household
Master Don and orja
In many Master/slave households, there are beliefs and principles that encompass the behaviors and guide the actions of those in that household. In this class, Master Don and orja discuss the ten most important principles that govern Master Don's household and how both he and orja live those principles in all aspects of their lives.
– Potomac
One Household, Two Masters and Several slaves
Sir Eric Pride and Lady Christie Pride
M/s households are most often made up of one Master with one or several slaves. Households with several Masters are less common. Having more than one Master certainly poses many challenges, but it can also be very rewarding.
Over the last 10 years, we evolved from a one-on-one D/s structure to a two-Master multiple-slave household. In this workshop, we share experiences that led to our current structure, and where we are today, and how we dealt with challenges encountered along the way. We discuss how we share ownership of slaves, responsibilities and household leadership.
– Spring
Training the Slave (Educating the Master)
Master Bert and slave nadine
On the surface, once a M/s relationship has been declared, the Master trains the slave to serve in the ways the Master desires. In practice, that is not always easy. Egos can get in the way. slaves have been taught by society they either need to stand up for themselves, to be independent, or need to be meek and submissive. Masters can come from a history of needing to “be nice,” of being hesitant to take command of another’s life or can have a belief they need to be domineering to show their Mastery.
The tools to get from hot encounters to a well working M/s relationship are available both from the human potential movement and from the unique dynamics of Mastery and slavery. This presentation presents some methods of establishing and nurturing high functioning M/s dynamics, including: transparency, protocol & ritual, journaling, tasking, and discipline and closure.
– Silver
Protocols: A Discussion (Roundtable)
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
Meet the Authors: Raven Kaldera and Joshua Tenpenny
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
Saturday 2:00 PM
Once were slaves: Issues of African Americans in the Master/slave Community
Panel: Master Obsidian, Vi Johnson and Mollena Williams
Moderator: Sir Rod
As deep as the roots of Leather go, there are deeper roots that cast longer shadows for some of us who identify as Leather. For those who follow a path of Mastery and slavery, and whose ancestry reflects the brutal reality of slavery as it was practiced in the Colonies from 1619 through 1865...nominally, the culture of Master and slave relationships present a unique challenge. From the imagery of M/s to the words themselves, it can add a complex layer of emotional resonance for those who are Masters or slaves, and Black.
Join Viola Johnson, Master Obsidian and Mollena Williams for this panel discussion, moderated by Sir Rod. Sure to be a lively discussion and debate, they will explore their own personal journeys into Leather, Mastery, slavery, and the challenges and triumphs associated with the exploration of the Leather community as a “minority” within a minority.
– Kennedy Ballroom
slave Training Basics
Master David Walker
Sometimes we need to go “back to the basics”. This presentation is for both Masters and slaves, and reviews the fundamentals of slave training in a household. Topics include: establishing the Master’s needs and life vision; how the Master’s vision shapes the household and determines training objectives; examining the slave's role (often changing); discussion on the training psychology of training and specific techniques for slaves training. Also includes how to reset a slave whose has had previous training experiences. Includes handout and worksheet.
– Grant 1
Jumping the Fence: Insights and Strategies for the Active or Aspiring Versatile Master
Race Bannon
Race Bannon believes the trend within the greater BDSM, Master/slave and kink scenes is moving away from the prevalence (or perceived prevalence) of rigid top/bottom role identifications and dynamics and towards a much more malleable and self-defining position along the spectrum between Top/Master and bottom/slave. For those who choose to travel down the more versatile path, to whatever extent, this can be a challenging and often traumatic period of self-discovery, especially for Masters.
While this session is primarily for those Masters who are currently or planning to explore the bottom or submissive aspects of their erotic selves, slaves are welcome also since Race considers what we do in this realm always a mutual endeavor. Through reflections on his own personal journey, his many discussions with others walking this path, and active discussion among those attending this presentation, Race hopes to dispel some myths, explore some strategies, inspire individuality and uniqueness in each person, and empower everyone with the ability to create the sexual identity that fulfills them most.
– Grant 2
Women, Power, and Mastery
Mistress Suzan
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? We all have our own style of Mastery, and this presentation will explore the unique strengths, challenges and gifts of female Masters. This was dynamic and interesting last year! All are welcome.
– Potomac
Ask the Master, Ask the slave
Master Rick and slave Tina, Patrick Mulcahey and slave patrick
Have you ever wanted to ask people on “the other side” of the M/s dynamic those really tough questions? You know, the “Why do you do it, how do you???,,, what do you say/do if,,, how did you know, difficult topic or “hard ball” questions to people living your side of the dynamic, or get a perspective from both sides? The facilitators will endeavor to bring between two to four additional M/s identified attendees to join them as “open books”, willing to bare all and take an honest unedited shot at questions, topics, or issues the audience want to throw at them.
Our goal is to facilitate an interactive panel/workshop, audience participation environment that, by having different people invited to join the panel each time, will change complexion of the seminar every time it is presented, hopefully making each presentation both new, and valuable.
– Spring
Seamless Service
Lady Catherine Gross
Have you ever wished you could take back something you’ve said? Would you have preferred to have said something less defensive? We’re going to discuss service interruptions, the possibilities and skill sets that may lessen those unwelcome incidents. Come and explore understatement and deliberate response that may allow you to serve seamlessly. This class is for Masters and slaves.
– Silver
Advance Health Care Directives and Wills (Roundtable)
Facilitator: slave amelia
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
Meet the Authors: Justin Tanis
Please join author Justin Tanis as he discusses and reads from the forthcoming The Book of Discipline: The Philosophies and Teachings of Jack McGeorge. Based on Master Jack McGeorge's extensive outlines, teachings, and writings, the book discusses the practical realities of Mastery and slavery, as well as explores the philosophical ideas that inform and support our way of living. Be one of the first the details about this project and hear some of the writings.
– Adams
Saturday 4:00 PM
Lessons from the Animal World and Beyond
Liza and jody
Using lessons learned from the animal world and elsewhere, Liza and Jody (and you) will explore ideas for training slaves in M/s relationships. What works, what doesn’t work and what works under certain circumstances? How can Masters get more of what they want from their slaves? What can slaves do to assist their Masters in creating a more satisfying M/s dynamic? The answers to these questions and more will be developed in this class. If you don’t think you have an interest in M/s, this class may provide you with some insight into the heat and fun that fuel the dynamic.
– Grant 1
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.
– Grant 2
Regularly Evaluating Your M/s or D/s Relationship and Roles
Ms Khiki
In every relationship, problems can and do arise. While vanilla tactics (communication, honesty, transparency, etc) are critical for a successful relationship, M/s or D/s relationships really do require tactics and strategies specific to hierarchical relationships.
Identifying, resolving and avoiding problems in structured relationships requires regular evaluation and re-evaluation of O/our roles and responsibilities. During this class we will discuss how to determine what is and is not working, and how to deal with and implement that information.
– Potomac
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.
– Spring
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.
– Silver
Long Distance Relationships (Roundtable)
Facilitators: Sir Paul and Master RT
Long distance relationships can be particularly challenging. Rituals and protocols are key to the development of M/s relationships. This roundtable will focus on maintaining long distance M/s relationships using rituals and protocols. Sir Paul and Master RT will lead a discussion in which participants will explore different strategies to overcome distance.
– Jefferson Board Room
Our History, Our Archives: A Conversation with Rick Storer
Master Rick Storer. Leather Archives and Museum
An informal conversation with Master Rick Storer, currently Executive Director of the Leather Archives & Museum. At the Carter Johnson Leather 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, as well as what the Leather Archives is doing to preserve that history.
– Blair Room
Sunday 9 AM
Put it in Perspective: Quality Service for the Not-So-Great Days
slave justin
Your Master's flight got cancelled, you spilled a bag of potting soil on the carpet, and while rushing for the vacuum cleaner, totally screwed up a protocol. Days like this happen; what matters is how we get ourselves and our service back on track. In this workshop we'll explore ways to adjust our attitudes and our environment to help solve the problems that come up along the way. We'll consider how to respond when we are the ones at fault and how to let go of the things (including our guilt and distractions) that take our focus away from the ones we are serving. Every life has those moments when things that looked so good on the drawing board don't quite turn out the way we'd planned ... exemplary service includes our abilities to get it back on track.
– Kennedy Ballroom
Emotional Intelligence in Master/slave Relationships
Master David Walker
This presentation explores the role emotions play in M/s relationships and introduces the idea of being "heart smart", not just "book smart" or "lifestyle experienced". Our lives are often shaped by our emotional reactions. Recognizing your own emotional state and the emotional states of others help us engage with others in ways that strengthens bonds. Topics covered includes: the definition of emotional intelligence and how we use it in M/s relationships, recognizing and recovering from an emotional hijacking and practical applications. Includes handout and worksheet.
– Grant 1
When Emotion and Intellect Collide
Sir Stephen
We are all human, and as humans we are blessed with many attributes…some are physical…some are intellectual…some are spiritual…some are emotional. M/s relationships are hierarchical in nature and constructed in a deliberate and conscious fashion…mental discipline for both the Master and the slave is expected… rules, rituals, protocols are created…and clearly defined processes for training (including interpersonal discipline, correction, punishment, and atonement) are elucidated.
This body of work, this intellectual edifice, appeals to us as Masters and as slaves, if not, we must ask why bother to create and/or submit to such structures? This work of the intellect contributes to the likelihood of success in a M/s relationship. But so too do the reinforcing bonds of positive, shared emotional experiences.
But what happens when the intellectual framework is assaulted by powerful emotional storms. Can we sustain the intellectual foundation of our relationships while enduring, and hopefully surviving, emotional upheavals? How do we reconcile and maintain both our intellectual frameworks and our emotional needs when they come into conflict?
This Workshop will explore these questions. It is open to all.
– Grant 2
Graceful Exits: How to Minimize Breakup Douchebaggery
Mollena Williams
It is likely that you’ve dumped or been dumped at some point in your life. Often, we look back ruefully on our past relationships and ex-loves and wish we’d behaved better…or that they’d been less of a douchebag. Add to this the complication of the insularity of the typical BDSM and Leather community and you have a potential Smörgåsbord of disaster. From running into your former beloved at a Munch to having to grin-and-bear it when they are canoodling next to you in the Dungeon with their newest sweetie, there are many pitfalls to navigate within the fallout of even the more amicable breakups.
How can you minimize damage? Contain fallout? Avoid unnecessary gossip and trash-talking? And what do you do when you step right the hell in it? We are all human (usually) and as such, no matter how hard we try and how well we communicate, there will come the day you wind up dealing with or becoming the “crazy ex” in someone’s life.
This class takes a look at the thorny problems and possible solutions to Breakup Douchebaggery. We’ll examine ways to handle our emotional and how they might impact others, and vice versa. Turning an awkward painful breakup towards positive outcome or opportunity to grow. Bring your stories, both successful and wince-inducing, and let’s hash this out! From the silly to the serious, we’ll take a look at how we can manage ourselves, our expectations, and our reactions to shakeups and breakups.
– Potomac
Magic Carpet Ride
Dirk and sarah
“Close your eyes…look inside…fantasy will set you free…” (from the Steppenwolf song)
Every M/s relationship is a “magic carpet ride” that can take us to fabulous places. But what happens when you start living that dream. How do activities in our everyday world affect the M/s relationship?
In this session, Dirk and sarah explore their own “Magic Carpet Ride” over 15 years together. From the initial years of fantasy and exploration, to learning about early-stage minefields, to our evolution of a D/s relationship in M/s, to the challenges of keeping the magic alive when things are no longer new. What can happen as committed relationships evolve and new needs compete for time and attention? The impacts are more subtle than just the vanilla issues that come up.
We share our stumbles, and the factors that have created challenges for us over the years. Along the way, we discuss the relationship traps we have found – communications methods that cause confusion, and things that might work for others but don’t work for us, such as how “anticipatory service” can erode the M/s dynamic.
We also invite the participants to share what they have experienced, what they have learned, and how their experiences may have been different than ours. Finally, we share the things that work for us, and what we have discovered about keeping the magic alive.
– Spring
Northeast Master/slave Contest Interviews (Part 1)
The panel of seven judges will conduct interviews with the contestants for the Northeast Master/slave 2011 Contest. Interviews are open to all attendees.
– Silver
Female Masters Together (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Lady Lynette
Master. slave. The words are non-gender specific. The issues we encounter, the problems we face as Masters, our joys, tribulations, and triumphs are non-gender specific. So why a roundtable for Female Identified Masters only? Not everyone is blessed to live in a community where there are several other Female Masters; often we are one of perhaps two or three in a given community. Female Masters are generally in the minority in their home communities. And even Masters need a support system.
– Jefferson Board Room
TNG Gathering at the Library
Mama 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.
– Blair
Meet the Authors: Master John Weal
Master John Weal is the author of “The Leatherman’s Protocol Handbook” and “Smoke, Ash and Burning Embers a Handbook on Cigar Play”. He will be talking about his books, selling and signing them as well.
– Adams
Sunday 11 AM
D/s Alchemy: Transforming Dominance & Submission Into Devotion & Surrender
Master Skip Chasey & slave Rick
For many years there has been an ongoing debate in our community as to whether or not it’s necessary—or even appropriate—for love to be a part of a Master/slave relationship. This debate continues because, even though our lives are spent continually searching for love, our understanding of what love is has been so culturally diminished that today mere romance and sentimentalism pass for love and that type of “love” undermines a D/s dynamic. Paradoxically, when the Master’s and slave’s inner journey results in the transmutation of the D/s dynamic, their search for love at long last ends and their relationship is strengthened. In this exceptionally personal presentation Master Skip and slave Rick will open an intimate window into the dynamics of their own relationship and reveal how, when a Master and slave are willing to venture beyond the illusory boundaries of identity and ego, love is discovered to be not a feeling but the very essence of one’s true nature.
– Kennedy Ballroom
You are not Alone: Dealing with Depression
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 effects 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.
– Grant 1
Are you my Master? Are you my Dominant?
slave namaste
This class is an integrated exploration and exercise in the stages that a submissive/slave can go through when seeking a Dominant or Master. Come learn tips, techniques and tools to help recognize the one who is, may be, or is definitely not the Dominant or Master for you. This class is interactive and discussion style so bring your ideas, stories and questions to share in a safe environment (submissives and slaves only)
– Grant 2
Integrative Protocols/rituals
Mistress Suzan and slave ziggy
This is about establishing and maintaining workable M/s protocols and rituals for real life. Most of us interact as Master and slave in a wide variety of situations, with various people. From family to coworkers and Sunday dinner at moms, Mistress Susan and slave ziggy will address the idea of integrative protocols and rituals as a way to maintain your M/s dynamic within every interaction is just about every situation Come and join us as we share protocols that are integrated into everyday life.
– Potomac
Masters in Service
Master Taíno
More often than not, we hear that Master/slave relationships are about slaves serving their Masters. But Masters are also in service. The concept may sound strange to many, but Master Taíno will explain the many ways in which Masters are in service. Participation from the attendees is encouraged.
– Spring
Service in M/s
Master Don and orja
In many M/s relationships, service is one of the primary components. In some M/s relationships, it IS the primary component. BDSM may take a back seat to those whose idea of service is what drives their relationships. How many ways are there to serve? How can service be kept fresh in long term relationships? What are the driving factors for those who serve? What is it that those they serve find so appealing? In this class, Master Don and orja will explore service and what role it takes in their relationship.
– Silver
The Aging slave (Roundtable)
Facilitator: slave rene
You must have heard the old saying: "Old soldiers never die; they simply fade away." What happens to the old slave in service to the Master? Long before they die or fade away, aging slaves have lots of service mileage left to provide the lucky Master who owns them. What are the challenges the Master/slave relationship faces as the slave grows older? What will happen to the slave if the Master leaves planet earth before the slave? Would a young Master be open to and benefit from owning an older slave? These questions and many more will be discussed as we explore the service a seasoned slave can provide. This discussion is rated G as suitable for general audiences: participants of all ages are welcome.
– Jefferson Board Room
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
Sunday 2 PM
D/S Disasters: Diagnosis, Prevention, Recovery
Guy Baldwin, Master Skip Chasey, and Patrick Mulcahey
Masters: You’ve got the boots. The slave is collared. She’s got her orders. How come she’s so surly? slaves: You’ve got your slave heart, your high and low protocol, your Sir yes Sir thank you Sir! How come Master doesn’t appreciate anything you do? You come together to discuss it and without warning you’re looking at the end of everything. How did that happen? Is there a way back?
Nothing can be more rewarding than the D/s – M/s relationship, but there’s no operating manual to consult 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; when a 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, when it can be done. Alas, sometimes the ship sinks. Since pain is perhaps the greatest teacher, we may also look at the shipwrecks we’ve learned from and never want to repeat.
– Kennedy Ballroom
How to Capture a Master
Lady Lynette and slave llamb
There are many things a slave can do to enhance their "marketability". What to do, how to do it, as well as how to avoid some common pitfalls will be discussed. Come with an open mind and leave with a plan of action and a better understanding of what it takes to capture that most elusive of creatures, a Master.
– Grant 1
Managing the Power Slave
Liza & jody
Most of know that slaves are rarely doormats. As the adage goes: “if you want something done well and fast, ask an experienced slave.” This class, open to Masters and slaves, owners and property alike, will explore the joys and challenges of dealing with a powerful slave. We will talk about techniques for attaining obedience while encouraging creativity and self-direction. Audience participation is greatly encouraged and appreciated.
– Grant 2
The Blessings of Our Desires
Presenter: Master Bert Cutler and slave Nadine
Many of us grew up knowing we were different. We didn’t fit the mold given to us by our families and society. As we began to explore ourselves, we found and became part of the BDSM/Leather community. The very fetishes and desires that initially set us apart became a vehicle for enhancing the quality of our lives -- via opportunities to examine ourselves and make conscious choices on the path we walk.
Some of us called to Mastery or slavery, or to intense Dominant/submissive relationships, have experienced being in the kinky community yet feeling outside the mainstream of the kinky subculture. While others were doing scenes on the weekend, we were daily engaged in power dynamics as a way of life. As we were willing to continue our exploration outside the norms of others, at some point in our lives, our feelings of not-quite-belonging shifted. We found we were blessed again with a commitment to profoundly connect with another – a need to be authentic in ourselves while being mindful of our partner. From our needs we learned the dance of power, obedience, service, responsibility… and joy.
The focus of this gathering is on celebrating our specialness as part of the Master/slave community, and on the blessings of our desires.
– Potomac
Building a M/s Household: Finding, Interviewing and Selecting Members
Sir Eric Pride
In this workshop we focus on the “recruiting process” of household members, from where to meet the right people to how to interview and evaluate potential candidates. We share our own observations and experiences, which shaped the process we use in our household today.
We also offer tips and suggestions on how submissives and slaves should prepare for their search for the “right” Master and Household. Time permitting; we discuss on boarding of a new member.
– Spring
Love or Respect?
slave Caroline
The archetypal tension continues to exist . . . “I couldn’t “submit”, or “surrender” to him/her if I didn’t love him/her!” or “I can't punish him/her because he/she will hate me” is at the heart of the tension about love in Mastery and slavery. . .
Does it really take “love” for slaves to surrender to their Masters? What is the role of respect in Master slave relationships? Can Masters “love” their slaves without being weakened or softened by their feelings? Power without love is brutality; Love without power is weak.
Come explore this topic with slave Caroline as she gently provides a mirror through her own experiences to provide some provocative thoughts or perhaps, insights into your own heart.
– Silver
A representative for MAsT International, will assist those interested in forming a MAsT Chapter in their communities.
– Jefferson Board Room
Learning Leather History:
An informal conversation with Vi Johnson
Mama Vi Johnson
An informal conversation with our historian and librarian, Vi Johnson. At the Leather Library, Mama Vi will sit down, talk and answer questions from those interested in knowing more about the history of BDSM, Master/slave and Leather.
– Blair Room
Sunday 4 PM
Slave Mentorship/ Coaching and other Leadership roles
slave ziggy
Masters have long had access to peer mentorship as they progress along their journey as Masters. During this presentation slave ziggy will address peer mentorship for the slave. He will address the various forms of mentorship from skills coaching to more formal styles of mentorship. Slave ziggy believes that through peer mentorship we help to create greater service skill sets and more confidence and knowledge in our ability to surrender. Slave ziggy will also address other leadership roles and how to balance community leadership and surrender to Master. He invites his fellow slaves to join him in this presentation.
– Grant 1
Young Masters Today
Panel: Sir Ross, Master Jake, Mr. Ellen, Madam Tarantuladoll
Moderator: Master JW
The ideal of a Master is usually associated with wisdom and knowledge that can only come through age and experience. However, with the wide range of groups, resources and educational opportunities available today, doesn’t it stand to reason that a younger generation could discover the Master’s path at an earlier age? Similar to the Today’s Young Masters panel first sponsored by MAsT New York City in 2002, this discussion focuses on the unique challenges and difficult obstacles that a new generation of Masters face. Our young panelists will share their experiences and answer questions about their journeys.
– Grant 2
Cyber Security for the M/s Community
Alex McGeorge
This class will discuss the privacy concerns of lifestyle websites frequented by the M/s community. What are the practical implications of maintaining a profile on FetLife? Of having a photo available showing your face? The goal of the class is not to pass judgment on if keeping a FetLife profile is good or bad, but rather what risks are inherent.
We will discuss practical aspects of computer security and anonymity for perverts and ruffians. We will tackle a lot of the myths of computer security as they relate to the home user. This includes: what is 'exploitation', types of exploitation, anti-virus software, personal firewalls, common attacks against a user, staying anonymous, pitfalls of the major browsers, common sense suggestions, what is 'the most secure' platform, virtualization and much more. This will not be a strictly technical lecture, come to learn, enjoy jokes, porn and anecdotes.
Questions are highly encouraged and welcome! If you've ever used a computer, you have enough knowledge to get something out of this class.
– Potomac
What are the Responsibilities of a Master? – Multiple Answers
Robert Rubel, Ph. D.
Internet searches for responsibilities of a Master range from the silly to the profound. Some lists seem to be for Internet “Masters” and others are compilations by serious Leatherfolk. While many of Masters’ responsibilities are pretty obvious to those of us that live a M/s life, many other responsibilities are far less obvious – yet are very important. This interactive workshop presents a wide range of responsibilities for consideration. (NOTE: you might wish to bring pen and paper.)
– Spring
Northeast Master/slave Contest Presentations
The contestants for the Northeast Master/slave 2011 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
24/7 in a Vanilla World (Roundtable)
Facilitators: Master Rob and slave lori
Children can be a factor but, even if you don't have children in the house, what about your parents, in-laws, vanilla friends, religious affiliations, neighbors, jobs, and other "outside" activities. This open discussion will give everyone an opportunity to share their questions, concerns, dilemmas, and ways that some have found to successfully encompass their Mastery/slavery around their day-to-day activities.
– Jefferson Board Room
Telling Tales of Sex and Surrender: The Literature of Master and slavery
slave justin
We are fond of telling people that they shouldn’t base their relationships on fiction and, of course, that’s good common sense. But, it is also true that stories are a foundational part of human culture. Books written about Mastery and slavery inspire us, arouse us, and encourage us. It helps to read about “people like us.” This workshop will look at the ways in which Mastery and slavery have been portrayed in erotic fiction over the last 100 years and consider what truths there are in the fiction written about us. We’ll include some hot readings and opportunities to discuss how these stories have impacted our individual lives, our concepts of Master and slavery and our community.
– Blair
Monday 10:30 AM
“Boy, didn’t you hear what I thought I said?”
The Importance of Functional Communication in D/s Relationships
slave Rick
Although everyone wants to feel loved and accepted, a lack of healthy communication skills often undermines one’s chances for a happy and successful relationship. And that’s especially true for those of U/us whose sexual identity is rooted in BDSM. Because the consensual imbalance of authority in D/s affords ample opportunity for projection and power struggles, we sometimes have difficulty achieving and sustaining healthy, long-term D/s relationships. But this same dynamic can also provide us with a tremendous opportunity to identify and heal a myriad of unresolved issues from our past, thereby paving the way for an enduring, mutually satisfying relationship. And sound, functional communication between all of the parties in the relationship holds the key.
Join slave Rick, a licensed psychotherapist (www.KinkTherapistLosAngeles.com), as he draws upon experiences from both his counseling practice and his 12 year relationship with his Master to assist Y/you in navigating the sometimes treacherous waters of these most unconventional relationships.
– Grant 1
Realities of Service
Lady Catherine Gross
This comprehensive class discusses the realities of service from both perspectives. We are going to explore what's possible, the difference between reality vs. fantasy, how one acquires seamless skills, manages new or well-seasoned slaves, and makes service a viable reality.
– Grant 2
Q&A with Race Bannon
This session will begin with a few short opening comments from Race and then be quickly opened up for questions. Race is the first to say he doesn't know it all, but the extent and breadth of his experience in the BDSM, Master/slave and kink scene have given him a unique perspective from which to analyze and comment on what it is we do erotically. Kink it its many forms has been a passion for Race as a practitioner, organizer, educator, writer, commentator, activist and leader since his first explorations of the leather world starting in 1973. Since that time Race has ardently explored his own sexuality and encouraged others to do the same. You can reference Race's bio for more details about Race's background. Come chat with Race and ask him any question you want. If appropriate to the topic, Race will also facilitate brief discussions among those attending.
– Potomac
Beautiful Intention, Gracious Focus: Bringing Service to Life
Mollena Williams
Many people aspire to or consider themselves to be “Service Oriented.” But if you ask them what being “In Service” means, you may be in for a rather unfocused response. Ask them precisely what services they bring to the table and often the intention becomes even foggier and more diffuse. On the other side, it is a rare dominant or top who knows what it means to graciously accept service, and exactly what in their life requires the dedication and focus that a submissive or slave can bring to the equation. One of the most basic aspects of service, being reactive to the physical and emotional cues that are an integral part of dominant and submissive relationships, is something often overlooked.
This class will involve exploring exercises in service, attentiveness and non-verbal communication. How clear a communicator are you? How gracefully can you provide service? How artfully can you accept service? You may well be surprised, you definitely will step outside of your accustomed roles, and you most certainly will have an opportunity to reconsider exactly what active service means to you. We’ll look at the poise and beauty of the most simple d/s interaction, and see how even a glass of water can be an emotional journey.
– Spring
Broken Masters, Broken slaves
Master David Cook, Ph. D.
The Master/slave relationship is among the most powerful and rewarding forms of personal association primarily because we deliberately focus on the values and needs of that bond. But just as with any relationship, M/s is dynamic. We will experience significant changes that could range from a layoff or sickness to separation or death. The hurt and sadness one feels during these times of loss are known as grieving. This highly interactive workshop will discuss the feelings associated with and tools to work through the grieving process.
– Silver
Aging in a Master/slave Relationship (Roundtable)
Facilitator: Master Don
Master Don 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
Monday 12:30 PM
MAsT Regional Meeting
The directors of the Northeast Region for MAsT, Master David Cook and Master Xev will conduct the annual MAsT meeting at MsC. Leaders and members of all the chapters are welcome to attend as well as anyone interested in MAsT.
– Kennedy Ballroom
Everything I know About O/p, I Learned from My Horse
Human Property: A Working Animal Owner's Perspective
Mr. Ellen
A common (and often heated!) topic of discussion among Master/slave or Owner/property practitioners is the care, maintenance, and general treatment of the property. People constantly draw comparisons between human property and inanimate objects that an owner must keep in good working order - i.e. "I have to change the oil in my car if I want it to run smoothly." But these comparisons only get us so far and have so many shortcomings we may not find them useful models at all. Fortunately, everything I need to know about O/p relationships, I learned from my horse! From dealing with disobedience, miscommunication, and battles of will to successfully convincing another living being that my way is always the right way, I will share the lessons I have learned from 16 years of horse ownership that make my O/p relationship run smoothly and successfully. The class will be interactive and participation is encouraged.
– Grant 1
Polyamory in a Power Dynamic
Raven Kaldera and Joshua Tenpenny
The practice of polyamory – multiple honest nonmonogamous relationships, especially long-term ones – has its own community, proponents, and theories, some of which are incompatible with deliberately inegalitarian relationships. On the other hand, people in power dynamics often try to leap directly into polyamory with no concept of how to make it work … and we’ve all seen their failures littering the Internet forums. How can we combine these relationship styles in ways that are functional and sustainable, and not become just another statistic? What can we learn from the decades of polyamory research, and how do we adapt it in a way that is right for us as masters and slaves? Come with your questions and talk to people who have been doing this for years.
– Grant 2
The World of Service
slave lara
Welcome to a comfy cozy discussion/presentation related to the world of "Service". Oftentimes, when entering relationships, no matter what your experience level, the "getting to know you" energy tends to revolve around the world of Play, Negotiating, Safety Nets and the "Limits Checklist". slave lara will walk you through the ins and outs of adding additional flavor of fostering discussions related to "Service" and the "Service Checklist". As much as play has its hard and soft limits, Service does as well. Every servant, slave, submissive, or bottom is truly individually unique and different with your own personality, history, life experience and some may not even be interested in "Service". This class will help you recognize activities not normally thought to be service. We will review the many acts, exchanges and everyday occurrences one would never have considered to be service to your Master, Owner, household or family members. Know that this presentation is open to all identities no matter your experience or interest level.
– Potomac
The Role of Punishment and Discipline in M/s Relationships
Ms Khiki
There are many perspectives on punishment and discipline in M/s relationships. This class will deal with punishment and discipline as related, rather than exclusive concepts. The type of discipline used to "keep a slave in line" is very different from "discipline play" or role playing with "discipline." For the purposes of this discussion, discipline means disciplinary action. The basis of this class is rooted in the foundation that for long term relationships to work, the relationship must be disciplined and structured all the way around. slaves must know what is expected of them, and that it is not ok to be remiss with duty, language, protocols, etc. Join us as we discuss the role punishment and discipline play in M/s relationships.
– Spring
Training
Master J
We will be examining the principles of training, slave training in particular. A recent study has shown that only about 10 per cent of training is actually practiced by the people who have been trained. In other words, people who attend training events learn new skills or information, and then go back to home and carry on as they did before, using very little of their new skills or knowledge. Old habits die hard, and the most difficult part about learning new habits is not so much learning the new habits as getting rid of the old ones. We like to live in our comfort zone, Taking on new skills and knowledge requires overcoming the hurdle of natural resistance to change, which in turn comes down to a fear of the unknown.
– Silver
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 his female slave and a gay male slave in service.
– Jefferson Board Room