Sadie: Ooo, that’s a really good question, and I have a really loaded answer for it, lol…this is going to be a chunk of an answer, but I’m going to try and cover it as best as I can.
Back in June, I participated in large, spanking-based convention in Texas: TASSP. It was my very first convention ever, of either fetish or vanilla variety, and I was a bit nervous (I don’t do well in large crowds, fyi).
I went with my boss (yes, you heard right) and a mutual friend of ours, the latter of which I roomed with for the entire 4 day spread. We got to the hotel, registered, then mingled for a bit. We had color-coded lanyards with our nametags (most people used their fetlife name): blue for Top, yellow for switch, and red for bottom, which made for great conversations starters. There were several get-to-know-the-newbie parties going on in several suites, which really helped a lot of the first-timers (like me) get some face-to-face time and ease the general tension among everyone. There was play going on (a LOT of play, actually) in every room, even with people milling about, and it ranged from over clothes to thongs, panties, bare bottom, and in quite a few cases, fully nude (it’s one of those variable things that you just have to negotiate with people; it just depends on what you and who you’re playing with are comfortable with).
Over those four days, several demo’s would be lined up for the day (with topics like sensual spanking, scolding, BDSM, roleplaying, etc.) that you could attend, and during the evening there would be parties: Naughty schoolgirls, The Littles Party, Naughty Boys, The Dark Party (that one was for heavier, more adult-oriented activity…more sexual themed play was allowed), and even a vending fair (there were TONS of paddles and floggers for sale; I’m thinking of getting a space next year for my duct-tape floggers), so there was always something going on…not to mention any private play going on in people’s hotel rooms.
As for implements, I think I handled and used just about everything you could possibly imagine…everyone brought their own (there was one gentleman who brought a HUGE dufflebag with like, 50 different paddles with him everywhere), and I really recommend bringing along a set of baby wipes so you can sanitize everything in between uses.
Overall, I made some wonderful friends (even the ones I met face down 😉 ) and I would really encourage anyone who might be considering it to bite the bullet and go…yes, it’s nervewracking, and yes, it’s scary as hell for someone new…but chances are, you are NOT the only newcomer there, and everyone has been in your place at some point…you will be taken care of. They understand. And they’re willing to help. So, if you’re kinda maybe sorta possibly on the fence about it…go. 🙂
Sadie & Mo's Boutique 