Conferences and conventions?

[theresa renee]

I've done a lot more reading and research rather than dressing in recent weeks... I picked up a book, watched some video tutorials, and even discovered a convention that takes place near my area of residence. I'm curious if anyone's been to any such organized event that promotes educational services as well as fun.

I guess I'm ready to learn more, and it seems like a neat idea... summer camp for CDers.

[Sky]

A few years ago I attended just one Tri-Ess meeting in Chicago (they now call themselves Chi-Chapter). It wasn't too great. They have a definite hetero policy, and I happen to be bi. Although most people in the group were nice, a few made clear the kind of members they expected, and that made me uncomfortable. Moreover, the speaker -a graceful, mature cd- delivered a speech on how to achieve a "successful hetero marriage", which sounded unnecessarily preachy to me. I summary, it was not the group for me.

So make sure the conference you plan to attend is aligned with your personal views. Just because we all wear girl clothes does not mean we all think the same way.

[Adriana Moretti]

They are fun, educational, a great place to meet people, and learn you are not alone. I attended 2 big ones this year First Event in Boston and Keystone in Harrisburg. Both pretty much the same kinda thing, they have guest speakers, and seminars you can attend, activities, etc....I enjoyed both I attended.

[Sarah Doepner]

If you get involved in a local support group there should be some members who are aware of events and opportunities nearby. I've been happy with the feedback and education I've gotten from my local group. I can't speak about conventions, haven't been to any of those, but I have been a regular at Diva Las Vegas every spring. It's "A vacation not a convention" and is mostly a social week. However there is usually a wig session and at least twice during the week someone reserves a block of time for makeovers at a high end makeup counter.

[theresa renee]

i've been attempting to find a local group, but it's proven to be more difficult than one would assume considering where i live.

[Veronica27]

A few years ago I attended just one Tri-Ess meeting in Chicago (they now call themselves Chi-Chapter). It wasn't too great. They have a definite hetero policy, and I happen to be bi. Although most people in the group were nice, a few made clear the kind of members they expected, and that made me uncomfortable. Moreover, the speaker -a graceful, mature cd- delivered a speech on how to achieve a "successful hetero marriage", which sounded unnecessarily preachy to me. I summary, it was not the group for me.

So make sure the conference you plan to attend is aligned with your personal views. Just because we all wear girl clothes does not mean we all think the same way.

Your comment was of interest to me, because I have encountered a similar sense of discomfort, but from the opposite point of view. As a married, hetero crossdresser, I looked into Tri-ess back in the early 1990's for a source of info and support. As there were no chapters near me, I joined the National organization, but quit when I went online because it offered far more information and opportunities to discuss issues. Also, online you could find discussions about the entire range of the CD experience.

Eventually, my wife and I began attending an annual event held locally, and enjoyed ourselves and the opportunity to get out, while meeting some terrific people. However, each year the overall tone of the events began moving more and more toward the TG end of the spectrum, and eventually all the seminars, and much of the discussion was about issues relating to transition. We began attending only some of the social functions, but as the event grew, these were becoming ventures farther into the mainstream and somewhat beyond the comfort zone of my wife and me. I check the program listed on their website each year to see if I want to attend again, but so far have seen no change in the direction.

I have been searching for events that stress the social aspects of being a crossdresser, and meeting people who share my general approach to crossdressing, but have not met with much success finding anything within a reasonable distance from my home.

Your closing paragraph is very pertinent.

[Kate Simmons]

You need a lot of money to attend those things if you want to do anything. I'm on a fixed retirement income so just stay local and go to the local LGBT resort for the most part.:battingeyelashes::)

[Sometimes Steffi]

I've been to Keystone 4 years running, and I have my hotel room reserved for March.

Adriana and about a dozen other CD.com girls were there, in addition to about 30 from my local DC group.

[steftoday]

You need a lot of money to attend those things if you want to do anything. I'm on a fixed retirement income so just stay local and go to the local LGBT resort for the most part.:battingeyelashes::)

Keystone was actually much less expensive than I expected. But I'm also within a short drive of the location.

[theresa renee]

esprit is really close, and while i wouldn't be able to attend in 2016 (both from a financial and presentation standpoint), i'm excited at the notion... at least on paper.

[jenniferinsf]

as you are from the pacific northwest i thought thought there was an annual CD cruise (no not that kind....a real ship) that i had read about it sounded real interesting

[Anne K]

What is "Keystone"? I can't find it defined in this thread.

Never mind. Found it oin the web:

http://www.keystone-conference.org/

[Sky]

Your comment was of interest to me, because I have encountered a similar sense of discomfort, but from the opposite point of view. As a married, hetero crossdresser, I looked into Tri-ess back in the early 1990's for a source of info and support. As there were no chapters near me, I joined the National organization, but quit when I went online because it offered far more information and opportunities to discuss issues. Also, online you could find discussions about the entire range of the CD experience.

Eventually, my wife and I began attending an annual event held locally, and enjoyed ourselves and the opportunity to get out, while meeting some terrific people. However, each year the overall tone of the events began moving more and more toward the TG end of the spectrum, and eventually all the seminars, and much of the discussion was about issues relating to transition. We began attending only some of the social functions, but as the event grew, these were becoming ventures farther into the mainstream and somewhat beyond the comfort zone of my wife and me. I check the program listed on their website each year to see if I want to attend again, but so far have seen no change in the direction.

I have been searching for events that stress the social aspects of being a crossdresser, and meeting people who share my general approach to crossdressing, but have not met with much success finding anything within a reasonable distance from my home.

Your closing paragraph is very pertinent.

Veronica, your response is also very interesting.

I'm not involved in the politics of any organization, but I do know that Tri-Ess went through some stormy arguments as to what profile they wanted. Initially they focused on the hetero married cds, and that was the image projected by some people at the one meeting I attended. But I'm also aware that some people wanted to open the organization to gay/bi cds, and indeed some were very keen to mention it to me. I am also aware that people like me -I mean with my sexual orientation- might make you and your wife feel uncomfortable if we were to meet (although if I knew in advance I would do all I can to avoid rubbing you the wrong way). In summary, as I think we both agree, what matters is making sure you are comfortable with the people you meet.

:love:

[docrobbysherry]

Our local TriEss folded years ago. Shortly after they informed me I wasn't welcome. That they were: "Couples only. Trans but no CD's".

If money is no object, Theresa? I can recommend the SCC now in Florida. Been to 5. Very educational with top notch speakers in their fields. And, with 700+ girls in one hotel, there's plenty of partying, shopping, and make overs going on, too!:devil:

[DanaR]

............................... and even discovered a convention that takes place near my area of residence. I'm curious if anyone's been to any such organized event that promotes educational services as well as fun...........................

If you are talking about Esprit, in Port Angeles, you would have a great time. I haven't been for several years, but attended regularly over about 14 years.

[JenniferZ]

Thanks everyone. It would be nice to have all information on conferences/conventions in one place. I've been wanting to go to one but difficult to find the best one for me.

Jennifer

[Allison Chaynes]

Great subject. I was hoping to attend SCC but when it left Atlanta that might have ruled it out for me. Might be able to put away money to do Diva Las Vegas in a couple years hopefully!