Bill Reed

Figging: Hot Play for Hot People

No, Ginger Root is not for cooking only. Want to heat up your play a notch or two? Try figging. This type of play is hot...wickedly hot. In this class I encourage those attending to try a little hands on making your own toys for play out of ginger root. I also discuss safety and the use of ginger for play anally, urethrally, or vaginally.

Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Dungeon: When Things go Hilariously Wrong in the Lifestyle!

Ever light yourself on fire? Shock vital parts by mistake? A look at dungeon antics and laws of physics from a not so lucky perspective. This is a light, comedic look at scenes gone crazy over the years.

The Dog Park

The Dog Park will start with a review of the basics for the human pup and handler. We will go over the behaviors of a pup, communication between handler and pup, a health and safety section for caring for a pup as well as for the stray dog and the importance of gear in a classroom setting. Then we will move on to the mosh pit. The class will continue with actual paws-on experience where handlers will get to interact with the pups and learn what to watch for in a mosh pit, while the pups get in some play time. Pups should plan on bringing any gear they already have and want to use for the play time (especially knee pads and paw protection)

Lilith Grey

Scene Between the Lines: A Hands-On Guide to Kinky Sign Language (KSL)

This workshop will cover basic sign-language techniques and vocabulary from American Sign Language, with a focus on lifestyle-related concepts and signs. Kinky Sign Language can be used in a variety of ways – from community events to cruising, from private conversations to private play, this class will offer you a fresh and unique way to communicate with the people around you.

Diagnosing the DSM

Somewhere, sometime, you’ve probably heard someone in the lifestyle talking about the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). The manual is used by mental health practitioners to determine whether or not someone has a mental illness, and, not surprisingly, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the inclusion of diagnostic criteria for disorders such as masochism and fetishism, as well as diagnoses for gender-related disorders. This workshop will introduce participants to how the DSM is written (and by whom), and will explore real-life issues related to the inclusion of these controversial diagnoses. A brief introduction to basic research principles will be included to help participants become more prepared to provide their voice to the growing body of scholarly research.

Hardy Haberman

Since the late 1970’s Hardy has been active in the leather scene. He is a member of many BDSM/Fetish organizations including, Leather Rose Society, National Leather Association- Dallas, Discipline Corps and a founding member of Inquisition-Dallas. His work as a speaker and educator in the field of alternative sexuality has taken him to major conferences across the country. He is the author of four books on various aspects of BDSM including his latest, “Soul of a Second Skin - The Journey of a Gay Christian Leatherman” published by Nazca Plains Books.

Professionally he is a marketing specialist, filmmaker and writer. His documentary on the leather lifestyle "LEATHER" has won numerous awards and appeared in festivals around the world, and his video, "Out of the Darkness, The Reality of SM" is currently being used by mental health care professionals around the world. His non-leather projects include the documentary “The Big Fair” a look inside the State Fair of Texas, which is currently available from National Film Network.
He was awarded National Leather Association International's “Man of the Year” award in 1999 and the “Lifetime Achievement” award in 2007. Most recently he was the recipient of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Leather Leadership Award for 2010. He also serves as “Wisdom Keeper” on the board of National Leather Association International. Since April, 1995, he and his partner Patrick have been living together in Dallas with their Feline Mistress Elvira and troublemaker Jack-The-Cat.>br> His blog, Dungeon Diary (http://dungeondiary.blogspot.com) focuses on progressive politics and occasional forays into alternative sexuality and spirituality. Hardy is also a regular columnist for the Dallas Voice (www.dallasvoice.com) and his writing focuses on LGBT politics and progressive issues.

Ritual and Pain

Pain and ritual have been paired since the dawn of history. This class explores some of the origins of that unique partnership and ways to incorporate ritual into SM play. Rituals can be personal, spiritual or even quasi-religious and set a framework for both the Top and bottom in a scene involving intense stimulation and pain.

Soul of a Second Skin

Can a person be Christian and into BDSM? Can you have a spiritual experience in the Dungeon? Where do religion, tradition and faith fit into your play life? This workshop will be an open discussion exploring the connections between the spirit and the flesh. Come with an open mind and heart and be prepared to share in the discussion.

Mera Tucker

Playing With Fire & Wax

Mera is going to have a party and light some lucky participant up from head to toe just like a birthday cake. She will also give instructions for making your own home made candles that are safer for wax play. Her technique can be hot and sexy, or a bit milder and a total relaxing spa treatment.

Class participation will be involved in both the waxing and wax removal process. Bring your ideas for removing wax off of a body with you to class... and you can help demonstrate.

Sean Grey

In the Eye of the Beholder... Kinky Photography 101

One way to heat up your kinky life is document it with photography. Anyone can take a picture, and anyone can take a better picture, just by following a few simple principles. If you are interested in taking better photos, this class will help. We will discuss some of the basics of photography and then we will discuss strategies to set up your very own photoshoot. There will also be a photography on a budget section. Would you belive that you can acquire the materials to achieve pro level results for less than $100? I'll show you how.

Defying Gravity- The Process and Journey of Rope Bondage Suspension

Thrills, Chills, and Titillation! The purpose of this class is to begin the journey towards rope bondage suspension for the curious. We will explore the motivations, rewards, prerequisites, and most of all the journey of Rope suspension. The purpose of this class is not to teach you to suspend someone in rope, rather this class is to teach you what you should learn on your journey towards full suspension, and to help you evaluate where you are on that journey. If you have ever dubiously eyed those pics on the internet or stared enviously at rope suspension in the dungeon, then this class is for you.

koneko

Rituals and Protocols

What's the difference? What are they for? What do they mean to those of us in the lifestyle? Come join us as we explore this topic and it's various aspects!

Mason Alexander

Things That Go Thud in the Night

This class is a discussion on the different types of impact toys and the fun you can have with them. We'll be talking about everything from the belt you wear to the meat tenderizer in the kitchen, and all kinds of things in between. We will also cover various safety and precautionary items.

Stomp & Grind

Ever want to know what your boot imprint looks like, on flesh? Or how if feels to have that intense pressure that only a boot can give? Mason and princess will guide you through some of the Do’s and Don’ts of stomping, kicking and grinding. These boots aren’t just made for walking! Slip on you most rugged footwear and come join the fun!!!

Master Malik and Slave Cathy

Hidden Prejudices Against Extreme SM Scenes - Acceptance and Tolerance

It takes no effort to enjoy the activities we feel comfortable with, be they vanilla or kinky. That is the path of least resistance. We, BDSM and/or Leather folks who are on the fringes of society, who are rebels by nature, who chart their own journeys, must not take this path of least resistance. Many of us preach and make statements of tolerating and accepting of other people's kink, but the real test is when we actually come face to face to witness those acts which lie outside of our zone of comfort. It is important to step outside of one's own zone of comfort not only to test our resolve but also showing support to those who engage in them. After all, we are all linked by this desire to express ourselves with the acceptance of our tribe. There are hidden or subconscious prejudices against some of the SM plays by many of us. They are steeped in ignorance, lack of understanding, pre conceived notions, arbitrary thinking or just being judgmental. Playing with blood could be one of those activities. Incorporating guns in our scenes by some could be another. Extra (subjective) harsh beating or kicking or choking or degrading or humiliating or whipping could raise eye brows of many without that person's realization. Playing with religious, cultural, racial or ethnic symbols could also be one of those. A demo of either heavy cutting or extreme whipping can follow or even crucifixion.

Cathartic Flogging: Cleansing the Spirit and Soul

Catharsis, as defined by dictionary, is purifying or relieving of the emotions. Cathartic Flogging is one of many ways to help a person to try to achieve this. The dam which holds the emotions and create pressure on body, mind and soul must be broken in a controlled manner to feel closer to oneself, thus feeling closer to others. Body is experiencing the impacts of the flogger, thus encouraging the mind to stay in present and enabling the soul to fly free of burdens of emotional baggage. Tears, sobs, cries and/or laughter may follow. Heightened awareness may be achieved by this process once the interaction is settled on a balanced base. Even as we say that the topic of this class is Cathartic Flogging, implying that there is a goal for this, we must emphasize that best results may be experienced when no expectation is envisioned. This idea frees the mind to experience what it shall. The bond between top and bottom becomes strong because of this powerful energy exchange. We shall discuss and share our experiences about this phenomenon. Please know that, for some, this could be very spiritual and/or euphoric. We shall also discuss the negotiation and after care proceses for this intense interaction.

Master Oliver and Pup Sparky

Master Oliver Pratt

Olivier originally hails from Nancy, France and moved stateside in the mid 70's. He was introduced to the Leather lifestyle 15 years ago and since then he has traveled that path learning and experiencing all that he can. He celebrates and lives his life with his partner John, his pup Sparky, and boy and girl mike and carrie , and boy Elena.  He is a founding and active member of the Oklahoma Leather Guard, member and past Co-Chair of NLA-OKC and Associate member of T.U.L.S.A.. He has produced and promoted numerous contests, benefits and runs throughout the state of Oklahoma. He has held the titles of: International LeatherSIR 2007, South Central Leather SIR 07, Oklahoma Leather SIR 06/07, Tulsa Mr. Leather 05 and Mr. Playmor Leather 05.

Olivier is a Dominant Pig Top with switch interests on certain occasions. His interests lie in Pup Play & Handling, Duct Tape, Spanking, Bondage, Flogging, Biting, Pits, Smells, Wax Play, Electricity, WS, CBT, TT, Interrogation, Domination/Humiliation, Vampirism, Cigars, Caning, Bondage, Abduction, Ritualism, Spirituality and the Lifestyle and more. His education and accreditations include; BA’s in Philosopy/
Comparative Religions & Psychology from the University of Hawai’i, Ordained Deacon for the Roman Catholic Church and is a practicing eclectic Trinitarian Wiccan.
He has presented & hosted classes/seminars/talks at; Thunder in the Mountains, Spring Iniquity, WOOLF, Tribal Fire, Tulsa Mr. Leather, Oklahoma Mr. Leather, KCLU, Heart of America, Rio Grande Leather, Beyond Leather, Leather in the Woods, Gathering of the Clans, Southplains Leatherfest, Great Lakes Leather Alliance, Bearadise, Leather Camp, HalloBearfest, TDS, MAL and many more. He is part of Mama’s family as Mama’s “Olivier Twisted” and has been nominated in the past for the Pantheon of Leather Awards for, the South Central Region, Forbearer and Man of the year. He was the recipient of the Pantheon award for the South Central region in 2008.

All things aside, he believes that a Leather person is someone who has a deeply ingrained passion for all things in life, willing to test their own limitations with respect, dignity and insatiable curiosity. His desire is to help lead other people in our lifestyle to a better understanding of their own innate Leather heart in a journey of kinky self discovery.

Pup Sparky

Pup Sparky came into the Leather lifestyle 7 years ago. With the love and support of his Leather family he has been able to learn and grow both as a leather person
and human being. Pup play, biting and duct tape are but a few of his passions.

Sparky has held the titles of International Leather boy 2007, South Central Leather boy 2007 and Oklahoma Leather boy 2007. He has presented & hosted classes/seminars/talks at Tribal Fire, Tulsa Mr. Leather, Oklahoma Mr. Leather, KCLU, Heart of America, Rio Grande Leather, Beyond Leather, Leather in the Woods, Gathering of the Clans, Southplains Leatherfest, Great Lakes Leather Alliance, Bearadise, Beyond Vanilla, Leather Camp, HalloBearfest, Thunder in the Mountains, Spring Inequity, TDS and MAL. He is part of Mama’s family as Mama’s pup Sparky and the newest member of the Oklahoma Leather Guard.

Whenever in doubt, Sparky lets his own innate pup guide him through the mosh pit that is life. He believes that a boy’s mission is service both to his Sir and community. Both should always be done with the passion and playfulness that is innate to the spirit of a boy. While finishing his culinary arts degree, Sparky has opened his own business with the help from his Sir, Master Olivier, called Sparky’s Cheesecake Doghouse.

Hotel Room Kink – Finding a Toy in Every Corner

Drummer to the Pansexual Movement
Inclusivity & Exclusivity in the Modern Leather Tribe
Presented by: Master Olivier & pup Sparky

An open roundtable discussion about the evolution of the modern Leather Tribe. How do
we guarantee the future of our lifestyle while acknowledging and protecting those traditions
from the past that sets us apart from others. In the delicate social environments and rules
of “Political Correctiveness,” Inclusivity and Pansexuality, is it possible to find a place at
the table for everyone while holding true to the protocols and values of what Leather was or
what it has become. Frank and open discussion will be encouraged!

Sir Evan

Evan is honored to be International Community Bootblack 2009, Gulf Coast Community Bootblack 2009 and Dallas Community Bootblack 2009. He has been doing leather care for over 14 years on a small ranch in Central Oklahoma. Prior military experience taught him his love for bootblacking. After the military, Evan moved to Texas spending his day’s bootblacking at home and at the local leather bar.

Evan is a part of the local community fundraisers. As well as an ordained minister for the last 8 years and is a two time black belt in the traditions of Taekwondo and Judo. He is partnered with Lady Minx his Dominant for 4 years. Evan spends his spare time teaching self defense for free at the local community centers and shelters. He presents on workshops and presentations around the country on various bootblacking techniques and restoration. Evan has been honored to judge across the country at numerous events. He is a member of DFW Leather Corps, HRC - Human Rights Campaign, and Texas representative for Transgending Leather Corps.

Erotic Bootblacking

A crackling fire, lingerie, satin sheets…and boots? The art of erotic bootblacking is incredibly sexy. Let Sir Evan, International Community Bootblack 2009, help you transform your bootblacking skills into a seductively intimate experience for both you and the owner of the boots you’re blacking, while you still create an amazing shine. This class promises to be positively orgasmic!

Leather Care and Bootblacking Products

Join your tour guide Sir Evan (International Community Bootblack 2009) as he shows you the wonderful world of leather care and bootblacking products. You’ll visit some of your old favorites and see some new things that may become the future essentials in your kit. Be sure to bring your questions and your sense of adventure – this will be a whirlwind journey!

JlubeJack

JLubeJack has been in the leather/BDSM scene for 22 years. He’s a Founding Member and Past President of the Chicago Leather Club, past president of Leather United Chicago, and an associate member of 11 other leather clubs including NLA-Dallas and NLA-I. He's been a judge for leather contests and is a voracious reader of all books related to BDSM and Leather. He is Creative Editor for the NLA-I LINK newsletter and was a 1-on-1 Mentor for the year-long Dallas Mentor Program for aspiring Dominants and a presenter for the Dallas sub Mentor Program on Emotional Unavailability.

An enthusiastic and lively presenter, he's given more than 100 seminars on a wide variety of scene topics & kinks. He's presented at: International LeatherSIR & Leatherboy, Beyond Vanilla, Kinky Kollege (Chicago), DASH (Chicago Leather Club), Tournament (Knights of Leather-Minnesota), and to numerous Chicago and Texas groups. In addition to his presentations here at Beyond Vanilla, his 2010 presentations include: SINsations in Leather (Chicago), Tribal Fire (Oklahoma City), DarkFyre (TCC Camp, Texas), Thunder in the Mountains (Denver), and WyldeFyre (TCC Camp, Texas) - as well as at many local groups.

JLJ is head of the the Leather Heart Clan, comprised of Mistress Malicia, Knotty Janee and slave robin. He is now publishing a book on fisting this fall, was a columnist for AssPig.com and will be Issue Coordinator for an anal fisting book for Nazca Plains. His fiction writing has appeared in several scene magazines and Web sites including Black Sheets, NLA-I LINK and Powerfist.com.

Leather: What Was It? What Is It? And The Politics of Change

There is a renewed interest in learning about the Leather lifestyle – and, perhaps, in adopting it. This influx of new blood creates unnecessary friction between elders and newsters. This seminar will examine the birth, evolution, and codification of Leather and its many protocol variations… and look at ways in which the old can integrate with the new to create a meaningful New Leather for the future of our culture.

Mind Fucks; Tweak Their Little Heads

What to pack in your toy bag when you have no room. This seminar will give you techniques for making your sub squirm, sweat and swoon. Using every sensation known to man, we will look at no-work ways to turn their imaginations back on themselves. From simple words over dinner to elaborate, out-in-the-wild mind-twisters, you’ll learn the full breadth of mind-fucking. Evil? Yes. Fun? HELL YES!

Master Bob and slave Allison

Master Bob

Master Bob of Texas began his Leather journey in 1990. He has been active in leadership, volunteerism, and activism since the mid to late 1990’s. He served in several leadership positions within NLA-Dallas culminating with his election as Male Co-Chair. He is the founding Commander of NLA-Dallas’ Leather Honor Guard and retired to assume the Male Co-Chair position. Bob also served on the Board of NLA–International. He founded his leather family in the late 90's, the family and Master Bob identify as Emerging Guard . He is Mr. Texas Leather Pride 2000. In 2000 Master Bob was recruited by NCSF to be a staff presenter for the Law Enforcement Outreach Program. (LEOP) and eventually served as the Director of the Education Outreach Program for NCSF, and continues to present across the country, educating lifestylers about their rights and how to protect themselves. He has also presented on a long list of topics, from interrogation and take-downs to erotic shaving at events from coast to coast. In January 2005, the Dallas Leather community bestowed its highest honor to Master Bob – that of his Master’s Cover. Master Bob continues to participate in the Leather and BDSM communities, and has been a Mentor with the Dallas Mentor Program since it's inception. In 2007, after approx 10 years of continuous Leather community service, Master Bob passed on many of his community responsibilities to others and dedicated more time to his wives, Miss Trixie and slave Allison. Master Bob continues to live his Leather in honor of the traditional ways, and those that have preceded him. He accepts a limited number of presentation and speaking engagements each year to share his Leather Experiences and Traditions.

slave Allison

slave Allison has been in the lifestyle over 5 years. She is a member of Tulsa Dungeon Society, currently serving as the Education Director. Allison met Master Bob early on in her Leather journey and has been with him since July 2005. Allison is a firm believer in the importance of education in our community and has presented on service, polyamory and relationships.

Real World M/s: Going The Distance - Long Distance M/s, Keeping It Going

This presentation is the culmination of more than five years of experiences that Master Bob and slave Allison have had together. Keeping an M/s relationship going long term is difficult enough on its own, but creating a long-term, long-distance relationship can be beyond difficult, with its additional complications. We will discuss everything from daily ritual and keeping connected to emotional impact and achieving happiness. Make no mistake; Long Distance M/s is no bed of roses, but it can be done! Join Master Bob and slave Allison and feel free to share your questions, concerns and experience.

Cigars: Their History, Production, Etiquette and Fetish Play

Do you prefer a 40ga torpedo or a Nuleaf Backwoods cigarillo or do you simply “get off” being “ashed? Come learn about the history of tobacco and cigars; how to select and store them; the finer points of lighting up and cigar etiquette; and some of the various forms of cigar play. Whether you’ve been smokin’ stogies at your favorite fishin’ hole since you were a kid or you’re a newly minted cigar aficionado you will find this workshop entertaining as well as informative.

Master Ces

Fears

For submissives, slaves, and bottoms only. No Dominants allowed!!

This class is on fears, both rational and irrational. From the beginner to the advanced it is a chance to learn from each other and discover that we all have fears, some we talk about and others we keep hidden and that in itself is a fear. We will be discussing how fears play into relationships. Some of the fears we will be discussing are trust, failure, communication, accidents, and death.

Talk the Talk but can you Walk the Walk

This is a frank open discussion regarding Leather and how we as a community try to live up to our tenants’ of Honor, Integrity, Family, Loyalty, Respect, and Honoring the past while moving into the future. Some of things we will be discussing are titles, earning leather, are you really who you say you are, gossip, and vetting.

Ms. Boots

“It takes a strong man to know himself well enough to get on his knees before me.” This is the basic principle that Ms Boots follows in her interaction with male submissives. Ms Boots has been involved in the BDSM lifestyle for well over 25 years, and started her journey as a submissive, or as she later learned the distinction, a bottom. It was this start that gives Ms Boots a greater insight into the different perspective of the submissive/ bottom mindset. Ms Boots feels that one needs a strong mind and perhaps a few wicked thoughts to successfully lead a submissive on a wonderful journey.

Ms Boots is very active in the DFW area Leather and BDSM community. She is Ms. South Central Leather Woman 2007 and also NLA-International Woman of the Year 2008. She served on the Executive Committee of NLA-Dallas for several years, and was Co-Director for Beyond Vanilla 15 and 16. Ms Boots founded The Bound Rose Society, which has evolved into a hands-on educational organization. She also serves as a mentor with the Dallas Mentors Group.

As a member of Mama’s Family, Ms Boots is a crusader of getting more lifestyle/ leather people involved in their local communities. Ms Boots feels that if we don’t give something back to our community everything our elders have worked for will fade away. This community was available for you when you began your journey, you need to do your part to help sustain it for others to enjoy in the future. “We must share our knowledge with those coming into the lifestyle so that this way of life will continue to grow.” With this thought in mind, Ms Boots has shared her knowledge and expertise through numerous demos and classes on a variety of topics. She has personally mentored many to help them gain a better understanding of their place in the culture.

Ms Boots resides in Addison, Texas with her personal, 4-legged hairy, dominant Kitty Kat. Her favorite play toy is the violet wand, followed close by mind fucks and sensory deprivation. When all three components come together in one scene it is a hot time in the city.

Perverted Penny Pinching

This class is for you!
So, you didn’t win the lottery, and no rich relative lurking in the wings to bestow millions on you then this class is for you. Everyday items that can be used for our kinky play are called “pervertables”. We will explore the various pervertables that can enhance our play, without spending a lot of money. We will build a toy bag for under $75.00 that is a good foundation for some great play. If you are new to the lifestyle, on a budget, just starting a toy bag or even just not sure if this kinky stuff is your cup of tea then this is the class for you. If you are an experienced kinkster with years of experience or even just a few month and simply want to add some new elements of play without breaking the bank, then this class is for you. Or, if you have some great pervertable ideas and want to just come and share, then this class is for you. Your role matters not be it Dominant, Top, submissive, slave, bottom, or just kinskter, this class is for you. Everyone should have a set of personal toys in their own private bag. Everyone plays from time to time with toys that are one user items, and this is a great place to learn inexpensive alternatives that when soiled can just be tossed out and replace. Bottom line, did you get the message? This class is for YOU!

Master Nightmare

JEALOUSY — The Green Eyed Monster

Jealousy is defined as an emotion that refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipate loss of something that the person values, such as a relationship, friendship or love. In multi-partner, M/s & D/s, and poly households, we find the biggest problem to be one that has typically occurred since the beginning of time…. jealousy. In this class, we will learn to deal with jealousy in healthy and constructive ways. We will identify the feelings and the underlying behaviors that stem from it but more importantly, we will learn how to deal with and get past it.
In this intimate and closed class, we will share our feelings & fears and try to draw from others experiences and find new information to make those jealous feelings disappear. Please note this is a closed class and that once you are here, you’re in and what is said in class, stays in class. It’s hard to share your feelings about this topic if you can’t feel comfortable speaking freely. So please respect one another and yourself.

Sea

Sea has done his share to help, as they like to say there, keep Austin weird. His contributions to the Austin scene include hosting and promoting a fetish night for three years, during which time he wrote and directed, performed in, and arranged music for multiple fetish shows. BDSM influences his artistic expression, which has occurred in the form of fetish photography, DJing music for scene events, dance, and writings. He has also done stand-up comedy at multiple BDSM events.

Sea regularly presents at BDSM events across the country with a focus on communication and psychology, especially the psychology of submissives. He was recently invited to join the Advisory Board for weekend conventions DomCon Los Angeles and DomCon Atlanta. His current projects include speaking at college human sexuality class, visiting vanilla forums and taking a tactful stand for BDSM as needed, and providing information to those seeking out BDSM or ambivalent about their interest. His past contributions include chairing the Austin chapter of The Next Generation BDSM group for four years.

Does hearing the word humiliation make you uncomfortable? Are you puzzled why someone would find humiliation erotic? Do you enjoy humiliation and want to learn how to take it further?

We begin by discussing the difference between embarrassment, humiliation, and degradation. Then we discuss two broad forms of humiliation play: D/s humiliation and SM humiliation. Next we talk about common themes and risks associated with each type of humiliation play, and how identifying these themes can allow one to use creativity for other areas to explore. Lastly, we discuss ideas for responsible public humiliation.

Helpful to:

* Those who wish to understand why someone would enjoy humiliation.
* Those who wish to do humiliation play but must overcome personal conflict.
* Those who wish to know what are the different types of humiliation play, what are their themes and risks, how identifying themes can help devise other types of play, and how to do responsible public play.

Good Communication in Negotiations and Beyond

Negotiation is so much more than simply filling out a checklist. In this seminar we discuss communication tools that allow more effective negotiations. We discuss what types of questions to ask, how to ask, when to ask, more. We examine the broader question of what types of communication should occur and ideas for communicating on an ongoing basis. We also discuss approaches for how to handle difficult or awkward conversations.

Helpful to:

* Those new to negotiations.
* Experienced players who wish to apply effective communication techniques to negotiations, general communication, and difficult conversations in their relationships.

Dan is a native Texan and glad to call Dallas his home. Dan is the owner of Phoenix Risen Gear custom leather and Eagle Leather by Dan. Having been active in the Leather BDSM community for many years, Dan is glad to be one of the men of Discipline Corps and an ex officer. Dan is also glad to be a member of Delta International and to have served on the board of directors of Delta and as its secretary. Dan is also active in other national and local clubs such as NLA-Dallas, NLA-I, GMSMA, NCSF, LA&M. As well Dan is also an associate member of several clubs in Dallas and around the country. In 2007 Dan was selected as Man of the Year by Flesh and Fantasy Committee. In 2009 Dan was named Miss Leo.
Dan is well versed in many areas of BDSM play but bondage, mummification, wax, and percussion are his most favorites. Dan has taught and presented at several public and private events over the years.

Dan has been blessed to have many friends in the BDSM Leather Community in Dallas and across the country and is thankful for those friends and mentors. They have been the ones that have taught Dan along the way and show Dan his place in the community. Dan enjoys teaching and helping others in their quest for information. Dan believes we all have a duty to give back to community and others what has been given to us. Like the saying goes “Pay IT Forward”.

Dan is an associate of Firebirds, Milwaukee, Kew West Wreckers and Bone Island Bears, Key West, along with Lone Star Highwaymen, T Bears, Leather Knights, SLUTS (Southern Ladies Under Tremendous Stress), Dallas Eagle Bears, United Court of the Lone Star Empire and Fire Dancers, Dallas

How Did That Happen?

A discussion of practices and structure of you community and where they come from.

Robert Rubel

Robert Rubel (Dr. Bob), is an educational sociologist and researcher by training. He has ten books currently in print (four on Master/slave topics, two on advanced sex techniques, one on fire play, and three erotic art photo books).

Recipient of the 2008 Pantheon of Leather's Community Choice Award, Robert (Bob) Rubel has been involved in the BDSM scene since the summer of 2001, throwing himself into the literature of the field as though it were an academic study. He presents, judges, and sells his books at weekend kink conferences throughout the year.

Structuring the Structured Relationship

Avoiding Crises and Building Stability Long-term Master/slave relationships are not accidental; they require ongoing hard work. To a large extent, people get along better with one another when they openly discuss their expectations and wishes with regard to their own growth and the growth of their partner. There are certain tips and techniques - some borrowed from the world of business - that can be helpful before you enter into a relationship, during the development of the relationship, and to keep it running smoothly after it’s established. (NOTE: you might wish to bring pen and paper.)

Crow

My name is Lance and I am known by many within the local community as Crow. I have been interested in sharpies for a very long time as evidenced by the scar on my left thumb gained at the tender age of six when I tried to push a razor blade into a stick to make a crude weed-whacker sword. Since that time I have grown in my knowledge perhaps due to simple self preservation.

I have previously lived in Lagos Nigeria and then Singapore. Living in these countries fed my sharpie fascination thru many channels, such as daily use knives, historic weapons, and bizarre depictions of torture devices. Little did I know at the time that I was going to meet people that had similar interests and inclinations. I have been an active member of the DFW Community for the last 10 years. I have been honored to present at Beyond Vanilla once before and feel honored to do so again.

Knife Play

This class is aimed at answering some of the questions that might arise when one wants to introduce a knife to a scene. I will be taking questions and talking about what I look, or hope for with knife play. I ask that you bring your questions, your knives and your curiosity to the class. I intend to cover “no cutting play” as well as slight/light cutting techniques in this demo (please note; there might be some body fluid however unless things go awfully awry we are not talking bloodbath here). I will talk about the various good and bad aspects of playing with a knife and cover some of the things I have run into which you should watch out for.