Workshops (click the name of the track you want to view)
Leather/SM Track
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0 - 60 in 2.2 Seconds: Fear Play
Have trouble initiating a fear play scene? Kick it up a notch. Get a jump start for new relationships and rejuvenation for old ones. New relationships can be difficult to get started. Long term relationships can become more habitual and routine. Submissives/slaves become comfortable and it is more difficult to "shock" or "intimidate" them -- OR DOES IT? We will discuss and demonstrate ideas and techniques to renew first time feelings of apprehension and even fear. Come to this workshop prepared to leave with an enhanced view of your next scene.
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Breath/Carotid Play
Breath control includes any game involving control or restriction of oxygen to the brain, whether by interfering with the breath directly or through pressure on the carotid arteries supplying oxygenated blood to the brain.
Breath/Carotid Play is seen as one of the most dangerous scenes, but this type of play can also be very erotic. Like most types of scenes, Breath/Carotid Play requires responsiblity, trust and safety. This workshop will explore the thrill, different methods and safety considerations in a hands on workshop.
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Bridging Emotional, Spiritual and Physical Disconnects with a Play Partner
The workshop will focus using different methods of communication, both verbal and nonverbal, to earn the trust of a play partner during a scene or role play situation. Employing these methods will facilitate the pursuit of emotional, spiritual and physical connections and allow for scenes that permit the participants to let go and experience a deeper level of euphoria and pleasure.
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CBT--Cock and Ball Torture for Pleasure, Pain, and Beyond
Ever wonder just how tough the balls are? Ever wanted to know how to turn a guy on to his own torture? The way to a man's heart may or may not be through the balls, but at least you don't have to worry about his attention wandering. Roger of Shotgun Video will show techniques of how to pull, squeeze, thump (or slug!) and electrify balls safely, even at extreme levels. No matter how much or how little experience you've had, whether you're Top or bottom, man or woman, when you've got them by the balls, you've got POWER!
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Cerebral Copulation: Mind Fucks
The greatest sex organ in the human body lies between the ears. The class includes lots of Top tricks and scene illusions that can spice up the experience for a bottom. Part psychology, part magicians trick the mind fuck is still one of the most enjoyable and sometimes profound tool in the Sadist’s tool bag.
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Decorative Bloodsports
There are so many pretty things we can do! Making patterns with needles and staples. Attaching beads and other pretty adornments. Making string patterns. Making corsets. Candles. And more.
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Fettered & Shackled: Metal Bondage
Heavy, hard, cold and very real. Whether as a stimulus by itself or to facilitate a larger scene, metal bondage can enforces submission, enhance fantasy role play or make your bottom sexually available …or not. We'll cover its rich long history, modern and antique styles and how to use this equipment safely and effectively.
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Fire & Blood: The Ancient Practice of Wet Cupping
For thousands of years, fire cupping -- using fire to create a vacuum in a glass cup placed on the skin -- has been used as a therapeutic treatment for a variety of medical and physical conditions. And since the practice generates a strong sensation (and bruising!) for the recipient, the Leather/SM community long ago co-opted it and made it part of our sensation play.
But that's not all there is to cupping. Join Cougar as he demonstrates the ancient but rarely seen practice of "wet cupping," a technique that blends the skill of cutting with fire cupping. Discover how you can take fire cupping one step further and into your blood play!
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Flirting and Cruising
Coming to conferences can be fun and they can also be frustrating if you're alone and new to the conference. Join Allena as she gives you the basics on Flirting and Cruising. Come prepared to practice what she teaches.
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Home Taping Your Own Pornographic Videos
Videotaping sexual activities can be easy....if you know how to choose a location, a cast, and how to handle people who are letting you into their most private spaces. Roger of Shotgun Video discusses a number of different aspects to shooting porn, from writing, lighting, directing, editing, legal issues, and even selling your work. Please bring a question (or three!) and Roger and his friends will do their best to shed some light on what is behind that Green Door!
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Poly Families
Creating poly families isn't just as easy as asking everyone to move in together. It takes thoughtfulness and cooperation and plenty of space. Add the to the mix being in an Owner/slave relationship and it becomes even more challenging. Join Allena as she discusses creating poly families and gives you tips on how to make the household run smoothly.
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Putting the Sex Back in SM
How many times have you heard someone say that “BDSM isn’t about sex”. That’s because they are doing it wrong. To miss the erotic aspects of SM is to lose the full impact of the experience. The class will discuss ways to create a more erotic experience from SM play and ways to enhance sexual aspects of the scene. Additionally the class will explore why sex doesn’t have to be “Part A” into “Part B” to be enjoyable!
Not for the shy or easily embarrassed.
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Shadowplay with Cultural Trauma
Exploration of deep shadow personae in the world of playing with cultural trauma - why do we like it, how does it work, how is this healing? Role-play included.
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Stick to This: “Sensual Sadistic Play” Part 1 of the Tactile Sensory Series
Sadism and sensual play come in many exotic tactile “flavors.” Some are tickling or tearing, some are wet or dry and some are hard or mushy. But one is always binding – stickiness. “Stick to This” will explore different facets of the sticky tactile sensation, examining the basics of various adhesive substances, such as tapes, glues, and even food items, up to the more creative, elaborate and out-of-the-ordinary pervertables.
We will also investigate how these “sticky situations” can be incorporated into other scenes, such as bondage, smush, cbt, tt, etc., up to and including practical every day kinky and vanilla applications. This is a class which will pique the curiosities of the beginner and titillate the cravings of the advanced player. Bridging together fetishes in unusual sadomasochistic ways…
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SURVIVING CORPORAL 101 -- How to Handle the Physical and Emotional Effects
Pain is a very complicated thing, and creates a myriad of responses in the body. There is the physical side (Ow, fuck! Jeez, how can he take that!) Then there are the emotional effects; the multitude of emotions and thoughts that go through one's head through pain. Processing pain, while so simply stated in this world, is actually quite difficult at times. In this class we will talk about how to handle the pain both inside and out. We will explore why we endure it, where it takes us and what we can get out of it.
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The Art of the Bite
Odaxelagnia – The fetish of biting or being bitten. A sometimes misunderstood but widely practiced fetish. We will explore the historical evolution of biting as it has appeared in religious text, folklore and literature.
The majority of the class will be spent in a rountable demonstration format, discussing technique, practice, application and safety. There will be plenty of opportunity to learn and share your ideas about this fetish, from its simplest forms to more complex and animistic/ritualistic concepts.
With today’s restrictions on travel, this is an “Unarmed” fetish play that can be applied with little or no extraneous tools or toys, making it very easy and fun to explore the more wild and animal needs of your partner(s) or playmate.
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The Dynamics of Co-Topping
One of the most common pick-up scenes around is co-topping. Two (or more) tops standing around, one (or more) victims prime for the hunt... game on right? Sometimes it can lead to the most exciting and satisfying scenes around... and other times they can be absolute disasters. Lolita and Boymeat have been co-topping together for years, and as switches have bottomed to many a dynamic duo. With years of study and thought, they have learned first hand what works when co-topping... and what doesn't. It's not as simple as it looks... and they'll share with you why and how to pull it off successfully. Then they'll turn their attention to a lovely victim... er... volunteer, for a co-topping demo of deliciousness.
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The Perverted Ethical Slut
A discussion group facilitated by Dossie-the-therapist with the aim to provide a space in which to deal with whatever poly adventures you may be having at South Plains!
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Master/slave Track
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A Muslim Master and A Pagan Slave -- A Journey Across Religions, Race and Cultures
We are a Muslim Master and a Pagan Slave. In cultural realms this reality would be Taboo. In religious sectors these doctrines are incompatible. I am dark skinned and she is fair. Many would call it Taboo to cross racial divisions. Today's world is more forgiving when it comes to transcending these boundaries. In modern society this relationship is considered with a raised eyebrow. In our dynamics we have to address these differences on an everyday scale. However, in the Master/slave community we have had to uproot many of the traditional standards held by our peers as "norms" to fit into our lifestyle of "One Size Does Not Fit All". Thus we could say that some long time conformists consider our M/s conception....Taboo. This course is designed to be a model that can be used for all situations. We hope to use our personal examples to show how you can overcome and adapt to unique problems that can exist between Master and slave. Join us in our journey across religion, race and cultures in your desire to build and achieve a successful M/s dynamics despite unique ideologies, spiritual and emotional conflicts.
Relationships are never easy to maintain. Master/slave dynamics are no exception. It requires a lot of work to stay on the path of Mastery and slavery. There are always obstacles and bumps along the way. Now add the diversity of religion, race and culture can inject. Islam is the most misunderstood religion in present day America. What obligations and duties according to this belief is a modern day Master expected to uphold in a M/s relationship? Paganism is often confused with witchcraft instead of recognized as a polytheistic religion. We will discuss the ideas of slavery in this set of beliefs versus Biblical standards of obedience. Now add a dash or two of cultural heritage. Is a slave chattel in his culture? Must a slave wear burqas and veil under his charge? What rights as his slave does she possess? What ethics are respected by the Pagan slave in her religion? Can she serve in good character to her own beliefs while upholding her Master's honor? How did we bridge the rift of cultural differences to make our lives fulfilling? History's report of slavery and race instills apprehension in the vanilla world. The controversy does not end with a M/s union. How do you deal with your racial profile and the stigma of M/s dynamics? You will be surprised to hear the answers to these and many more questions. It was and is a journey which needs constant feedback and education on both sides. We shall explain some of the scenery across our journey of more than 6 years containing the thorns of religion, weeds of race and allergens of culture.
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Arts & Crafts! Of Rituals, That Is
From brushing your teeth to greeting your slave, our lives in M/s and D/s relationships are filled with ritual. Discover how Master Larry and slave barb craft their rituals, from the small day to day rituals to the large scale rituals that re-affirm their connection and commitment to one another other. This class will include some deep discussion that will unveil some very special and private rituals between Master Larry and slave barb. Hopefully you, the attendees, will share your rituals with us. Lets gather the tools to craft your own unique rituals to fit your own unique relationships.
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Celebrating M/s and D/s
Healthy consented M/s relationships are wonderful and fulfilling life experiences for those lucky enough to find them. To keep these relationships strong we need to celebrate them. In doing so we remind ourselves and others why we need this. By recalling “why” it is easier to maintain our vision and priorities. This class will help maintain a positive attitude about M/s which can facilitate positive growth in these relationships.
Come share your passion with us as we share our journey into M/s. We want to hear your stories as well.
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Challenges in D/s and M/s
Challenges in a D/s relationship are inevitable. If we want healthy relationships we must be honest about these challenges and confront them. This class will present some tools and concepts for overcoming the issues before they become major problems. We will cover many relationship issues like communication, reciprocity, and trust. Additionally we will discuss the “unlearning” of vanilla defense mechanisms and values replacing them useful new concepts like transparency and quality vs. equality. We will share some of our experiences and challenges in maintaining the relationship we desire. In the end we hope you will be better prepared to handle your own challenges.
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Creating the Construct
The nature and form of personal relationships have evolved over time and within cultures. They have been defined and redefined. The notion of consensual slavery in M/s relationships is one such definition.
Each M/s relationship is based upon a matrix of personal, historical, and cultural influences, including the mix of fact and fiction that have been absorbed since childhood by the Master(s) and slave(s) who now work together to create their relationship.
This workshop asks for the active participant of all those attending in the examination of the historical and cultural influences that we draw upon as references for what we do; the cultural influences that seek to undermine what we do; and how we draw upon our inner resources of creativity and power to construct strong relationships that are capable of enduring and enabling us to succeed in the attainment of our personal goals.
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Finding and Loving the Slave Within
An open discussion on just exactly what being a slave means to each of us personally. Slave Tina will talk honestly about her own struggles and growth process and share how she came to love herself for the slave soul that she is. The goal of this class is exploring personal beliefs and perceptions and how they influence how we feel about ourselves as slaves, submissives and people in general. Things we will explore:
How being a slave may not feel “natural” at first, even when it is something we deeply desire. How does culture effect our perceptions about consensual slavery?
What does the “perfect image” of a slave look like inside our head?
How does our personality “fit” or “not fit” with this image?
Defining and incorporating the “real” us with the vision we have for our slave self.
Accepting and embracing the “complete slave”
Asking for what we need as a slave.
Identifying realistic expectations within a Master/slave dynamic.
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Leadership and Obedience
Leadership and obedience are critical skills for M/s or D/s relationships. They must be developed through mindful practice, self-awareness, and training. Your relationship will benefit from improved leadership or obedience even if these abilities come more naturally to you.
This class will explore how leadership and obedience can be developed. For obedience we will address making the adjustment from independent thinking to dependent thinking. We will also cover the importance of will, ego, and commitment. For leadership we will discuss the necessity for self discipline and trust in good leaders. Additionally we will touch on vision, priorities and influence.
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Leadership Under Fire
What happens when a Master, as Leader of his or her Household, finds himself on rough terrain and under fire from the circumstances of life? What happens when illness strikes, or the economy tanks, and the Master suddenly finds himself in danger of failing to fulfill the commitments he has made?
What happens when due to circumstances beyond his or her control the Master feels uncertain and fearful? In short…human.
How does the Master react? How does the slave react? What can be done to reaffirm the Master's sense of Leadership and what can be done to reassure the slave?
Sir Stephen and slave catherine invite Masters and slaves alike to attend this Workshop and contribute their experiences with such issues in support of us all.
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Listen Up, Masters! What Your Slave May Not Say, But Really Wants You to He
A Masters/Owners-only class led by a slave? Yes! In her 12 years of service and teaching in the Leather/SM community, slave marsha has had a unique opportunity to hear from slaves all across the country about their M/s relationships – their joys, sorrows and frustrations. And too often, she’s also heard those slaves say, “I wish I could say this to my Master.” If you’ve ever wondered, even for a moment, what goes on in your slave’s head, join slave marsha for this frank, safe and supportive discussion designed to help Masters/Owners understand their slaves just a little bit better. [Please note: this class is limited to those of any gender or sexual orientation who identify as Master, Mistress, Owner, Daddy, Dominant, etc.]
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MASTER SKIP & SLAVE RICK EXPLAIN IT ALL FOR YOU! A BDSM Satsang
For nearly a decade, at numerous conferences and community events across the country, Master Skip and slave Rick have shared the insights and wisdom they’ve gleaned on their journey as Master and slave. From D/s Alchemy to The Mana of Fetish, Shadow Tango, Refining Fire, The Servant Master, Transparent D/s, Thunder Kiss, When the Going Gets Tough, Cathartic Flogging, Beyond Catharsis, Symbolism & Meaning, Servant to the World, Priest in Black Leather, Submission, Seduction & Surrender, and Leather, Sex & Spirit, their presentations have common themes and elements, e.g., each focuses on the intersection of spirituality and BDSM sexuality and, like the tongue-in-cheek title of this presentation, each contains an abundance of humor. All of these presentations have had something else in common as well: there has rarely been enough time to answer all of the questions from the audience. Well, that won’t be a problem with this presentation, as it is devoted entirely to your questions. If there’s anything you’ve ever wanted to ask Master Skip or slave Rick about their previous talks, the psycho-spiritual dynamics of D/s and SM, or even their own personal Master/slave relationship, this is your opportunity to do so. Those of you who may feel too shy to speak are invited to email your questions in advance to Master Skip and slave Rick at bdsm_satsang@sbcglobal.net (your identity will be kept confidential, if you wish). Bring your questions, an open heart and the wisdom of your own experience, and join this leather sangha.
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Master/slave Protocols for the Vanilla World
Ever hear someone claim to be on high protocol? Want to know what mysterious thing these protocols depict? Curious how to live 24/7 when the in-laws are around? Wondering how to maintain a 24/7 Master/slave relationship when the vanilla world intrudes? Master Konrad and Melissa help you figure out what a protocol is, and how to establish them, and make them work as tools to strengthen your Master/slave dynamic in the face of the pressures of the mundane world. Learn how to balance parenting with power exchange, Master/slave with mediocre, and how to use those protocols while still not freaking out the natives.
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Masters in Service
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 Taino will explain the many ways in which Masters are in service. Participation from the attendees is encouraged.
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Milestones for Masters
This workshop is open to Masters and slave alike (as well as those who identify themselves by any other terms).
Each life journey is unique. It starts from a unique place and ends in a unique place, but along the way we may share many common experiences with fellow travelers.
We are born; we are raised up by parents or by proxies; we are educated; we follow careers; we form relationships; we age; we die. These are the common milestones of our lives, and yet, within the commonality of these milestones we manage to develop the billions of unique stories of each individual life.
Is there an analog for Masters? Is there a common structure to our journeys, a common set of Milestones that each Master will touch upon while treading their own unique path?
Your active participation in discussing these questions is requested.
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Mindful Mastery
Part of being Master is accepting service from, and authority over, someone who willingly gives that service, and grants that authority. Mindful Mastery is understanding that for each measure of authority accepted, an equal measure of responsibility is attached. It is knowing that services rendered to fulfill Master’s needs deserve recognition, and that those who serve Master also have needs. It is being “present with intent”, understanding that slaves crave, and deserve, validation of who they are and the place they hold. Here we see the great contradiction to the fantasy novel image of the Master/slave dynamic, that in real life the slave is a vital, vibrant being who also has needs, and to keep both the slave and the relationship healthy. It is the Master’s responsibility to provide for, to “serve” those needs. A Master who fails their slave, fails themselves.
In this seminar we will discuss the Master’s responsibilities for keeping the dynamic and relationship healthy and fulfilling for all involved, the hierarchy of needs and how it applies to the Master/slave relationship, and discuss the concept of “The Master’s Call to Service” and that role in maintaining the dynamic.
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Obedience & Sacrifice
Much has been discussed in this community regarding obedience and the struggles that ensue regarding absolute obedience. Even the simple requests can be difficult; "Boy, fetch me this." "Girl do that." sound so easy, but many a slave and thus Master have struggled with issuing the orders, following the orders, and the ensuing fallout. As we struggle with the little things in life, we realize just how minor the struggle can be when faced with obedience that requires ultimate sacrifices during losses, particularly the ultimate loss - death.
Imagine you, as a Master, are told you have 6 months to live and decide that it is in the best interest of you and your longtime slave for the slave to vacate the household during this time, leaving your end-of-life care in the hands of fellow masters and their slaves. Image you, as a slave, are told to vacate the premises and your only contact with your Master can be via phone until death do you part. Imagine a society that screams how wrong this is; from your biological family, to well-meaning friends, to community, to mental health professionals. Would you, as a Master or as a slave, do it?
What does it take to command and surrender that level of obedience? What must be in place that ensures that level of trust, love, obedience, and sacrifice, on both the Master's and slave's part. Come hear the tale, consider the possibilities, and share the insight of Celeste's little known story.
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REFINING FIRE: The Role of SM in Master/slave Relationships
While engaging in SM is not a prerequisite for a Master/slave relationship, the judicious incorporation of SM into the relationship can be a powerful tool for the growth of both slave and the Master alike. However, contrary to the stereotype SM need not—and in most cases should not—be used as a form of punishment. What, then, must be a Master’s primary intention for using SM in this context? Which SM practices have the greatest potential for deepening a slave’s submission and obedience? How does “safe, sane and consensual” factor into the equation? In this “encore” presentation (first presented at SPLF 2004) Master Skip will address the many issues that arise when, in consensual Mastery and slavery, SM shifts from being a radical sexual practice to a legitimate developmental practice.
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Tales Out of School... The Life & Times Of A Leather Dyke (c) -- Leather Families
Taken from her life and incorporated into her current book project, this class; part history lesson, part blueprint, examines the history of a few large extended families that have been in existence since the 1960s and 1970s, and amazingly continue to this day. How can these families do for over 40 years that most of us struggle with and can't seem to make last in the short-term?
We'll exam two families in particular that have been in existence for more than 30 years; examining their structure, protocol, expectations, and power dynamics and how these simple yet important aspects can make or break a family structure.
What aspects in community and society during those eras ensured these social outlaws endured in their familial structures, and would you (or even could you successfully) incorporate their lessons into your current day M/s life?
Come join us for this entertaining and thought-provoking examination of leather and gay histories, and see if you are willing to live as (some of) those before us have chosen to live, and continue to live to this day.
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The Absentee Master
In fantasy, the Master is all-powerful, in control of every situation and always on top of things, particularly when it comes to the slave. But life happens, and the reality is that Masters are human and can find themselves distracted, despondent and even depressed when facing such major life challenges as serious illness, the death of a loved one or the loss of a job. During these times it may be all but impossible for the Master to provide the level of dominance and control to which the slave is accustomed and, as a result, the slave may find it equally difficult to refrain from complaining and to not feel resentful when they perceive that their needs are going unmet.
But it needn't be such a dire state of affairs. Join slave Rick, a practicing psychotherapist within the BDSM community, as he shares, with his Master's full support and encouragement, the insights he's gleaned from a similar set of circumstances in their own M/s relationship. Allow the wisdom born of his experience to better prepare you for navigating these rough waters yourself. Most importantly, discover how such trials and tribulations can be an opportunity for the slave to step up and provide a level of service to the Master that goes far beyond doing the laundry.
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The Master slave Playground
The power exchange teeter-totter. The polyamory swing set. It's my sandbox, you're going to play in it MY way or I'm taking my ball and going home!
M/s relationships are not a game but you need to learn how to play well with others. Learn and share tips on creating healthy expanded relationships, so the world can really be your playground.
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The Winter of O/our Discontent
The pain of serious relationship conflict can motivate us to seek relief in ways that are inadequate or even harmful to the fundamental needs of the M/s dynamic. When faced with discord many M/s relationships implode under the weight of discussion, or suffer in silence through chronic conflict avoidance. Frequently, explosive confrontations are the damaging result of frustration on both sides. We believe that there are alternative ways for both Master and slave to communicate serious concerns through a process that is designed to respect, strengthen and perpetuate the M/s relationship, instead of temporarily abandoning the M/s structure to use an 'equality' based model of problem solving. Join Master Obsidian and slave namaste on an exploration of practical conflict resolution methods based upon ancient principles. Both Master and slave will be equipped with tools to assist in tackling tough relationship issues without sacrificing the M/s relationship in the process.
The most critical 30 seconds of any important discussion between Master and slave.
Three things that slaves can do to get their Master's attention...and two things to avoid saying.
The three levels of conflict - how to recognize them and tools to keep them from escalating.
Six essential ingredients that must be present - and don’t cost anything.
You can win the argument by saying this...but end up losing your relationship.
Two fundamental reasons why Masters and slaves self-destruct during conflict.
Timing is everything - the best time of day to have a serious discussion.
Distracted, frustrated? Feeling rushed? Use this centuries old technique to calm and focus.
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Transition from BDSM to Master/slave
Most kinky folks started their journeys by practicing BDSM. Everything was about S&M play. But one day many realize there was something missing. There may be more than just dungeon play on a Saturday night. And they discover that many of their friends are getting into the Master/slave dynamic.
In this workshop, Master Taino will address the issues related to the transition from BDSM to Mastery and slavery and how to figure out where exactly we belong.
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Walking the Edge
Even when life’s path is wide and firm, a 24/7 Master/slave relationship isn’t easy. But what happens to your dynamic when everyday life gives way to crisis, when a loss or tragedy occurs?
In this group participation seminar we will explore ways to keep the M/s dynamic alive in the face of crisis, how roles may change or behaviors be adjusted. What do we do when the “family” faces a loss, one partner becomes ill or disabled, or when life’s vagaries cause someone’s needs, or their ability to provide for their partner’s needs, to change. What does Master’s role become when loss or illness leaves their slave in need of nurturing and care, and less able to serve? What does a slave do when disability or illness makes Master less able? Rather than having tragedy damage the relationship, can we turn it around and use the M/s dynamic to help us deal with crisis, help us get through difficult times, and use crisis to further empower the M/s dynamic so we come out even stronger after? What can we do when life’s firm and smooth path crumbles underfoot and leaves us having to “Walk the Edge.”
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