Who has been to a crossdressing conference?

[S. Lisa Smith]

I've been to two Keystone Conferences in Harrisburg, PA and one "meet up" in DC at Freddies' Beach Bar. Where have you been? It was soooo much fun to meet other girls who I know online. We all share a unique bond. I think it would be wonderful for all of you to be able to get out and meet your sisters. I know that it's not possible for some , but everyone should try and take the opportunity to do it at least once. For example there is First Event in Boston in January and the Keystone Conference in Harrisburg, March 22-26th. I can't go to FE, but I will go to Keystone. By the way, I negotiated a really good room rate in a nearby motel (just PM me for the details).

[Exris]

This is quite a coincidence.

I was watching some youtube content just tonight with a title a bit like "Pagents without Women". Something like that anyway... you catch the drift.

I couldnt help it but think to myself Id love to do that as well. Id need an over 40 category for myself... but I wouldnt enter to win. I wouldnt win lol... Id get a "participation certificate" and be pleased with that! Id just like to do it.

I dont think I want to travel all the way stateside just for that. And I visit the USA very infrequently. Tho the company I work for have recently merged with a US company so that might change. Keeping options open!

To anyone else that does enter tho. Kill it and win it!!!

[S. Lisa Smith]

Actually, these are not beauty pageants. At Keystone and other conferences there are seminars on makeup, clothing, transition for those interested, spousal relationships, history, etc. It's both fun and educational. The "meet up" was to celebrate a birthday and Veterans' Day, there were about 30 of us.

[Rachael Leigh]

I've been wanting to go but have never done it, thought about Diva Vegas for next year but changed my mind.
I have to plan my vacations a year in advance because of my job and it's hard to find all the dates for the next years events

[Dana44]

I go to the Diva Las Vegas every year and it is a week long gig. Very nice and you will meet a lot of CD's there.

[Suzie Petersen]

I agree with you Lisa, going to a conference or to a social gathering is great!

I have been to SCC (Southern Comfort Conference) several times while it was still in Atlanta and have always had a wonderful time. I have also been to a number of get-togethers with other CD/TG/TS both in public places such as restaurants for an evening or at private homes for a weekend. All have been fun, wonderful and a learning experiences every time.

For my first SCC I was nervous, but not exactly terrified, though I met some who were! I went through all sorts of scenarios and planned for every conceivable situation, but as it turned out, I had not needed to worry nearly as much as I did.
I knew a few people from an online chatroom I had been part of for a while, and had agreed to pick up one of the other's at the airport. So we arrived at the hotel together, still in male mode, and kinda' supported each other through the awkwardness of walking into this event for the first time. After changing to Suzie mode, it was all just great and fun, both just mingling and meeting new people, and also the more formal gatherings for dinner etc.
At following SCC's it was almost like a reunion and was a lot of fun.

After 3 to 4 days in girl mode, I would feel very upbeat, happy .. and totally exhausted!

Other times have been meeting with 1 or more friends for a lunch or a dinner out on the town which has been fun, and some times have been for a girls weekend, sometimes with SO's too, at someones home somewhere in the country, and even some times in other countries. That has also been tremendous fun and I got to meet some wonderful, creative and very diverse people during those events.

I also do understand that it is not something everybody can do, or even think they would want to do, but I would say this: If you do have the dream of spending a little time in girl mode, but are too concerned about going out in the vanilla world, then going to a conference for a long weekend is absolutely great. Nobody will judge you there, you will get to meet people from all over and you will have a great opportunity to make friends who also have this desire to be in girl mode now and then.
Some of the conferences have presentations and opportunities to learn about relevant topics, and some have vendors offering some of the products a CD often desire to own to aide in the dressing experience. At an event like that, you dont have to feel nervous about buying these items since everybody else is there for the same reason you are.

Then, with the extra confidence you will gain from being at such an event, you will find it much easier to venture out in the real world later on.

One more thing: if you are concerned about going out because you dont feel you "pass", then I can pretty much promise you that at any of the conferences, you will realize that first of all, nobody cares if you "pass", and second, you will probably find that there are others who struggle much more than you thought you do!


- Suzie

[Genny B]

Now we must talk Lisa! I have not been to Keystone but am thinking about it. I have also attended the support group in Richmond once, very different , but still very productive! I know I will go there again! Hope to see you on the 17th? Maybe we can arrange a car pool up!

Genny B

[Michelle Crossfire]

I went to Keystone last year. It was my first and only conference to date. We met there after the bingo game. i am tentatively planning on Keystone again in March

[Vickie_CDTV]

I have been to many of them over the years (some that are now long defunct.) Keystone has the best and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[docrobbysherry]

5 SCC's when it was in Atlanta.

5 Diva Las Vegas's.

3 RWR fetish conventions in Minneapolis.

2 Wild Sides in Vegas.

There is NOTHING like being out in a crowd of T girls! I'm always aprehensive going out to vanilla venues alone or with a couple of other T's. (Altho, I've done it a lot far from home). But, in a big group of girls? I'm fearless!:D

[Princess Chantal]

I have been to Edmonton Illusions Winterfest. It was fun, however just not my cup of tea to crossdress more than a couple of days consecutively.

[dee4127]

Would like to go to Eureka Springs or that area sometime.

[Julie Gaum]

Went to a Southern Comfort meet in southern Florida last year at the suggestion of another member of this Forum. Frankly it wasn't for me. True, it's nice to see hundreds of other CDs enjoying themselves and feeling comfortable out and about but 9 out of 10 seminars were run by doctors promoting their particular specialty. If I were considering transitioning it would have been a valuable resource to have been there but I didn't find one hetero subject. That was a downer for me. There were booths selling clothing and jewelry - that was of interest. Perhaps many of the other conferences do a better job representing other colors of our TG spectrum --- I can't answer that.
Just one observation
Julie

[Jodi]

Have been to Lake Erie Gala 15 of the last 17 years. A worthwhile event, well organized, not overly expensive, and a lot of fun.

Went to Chicago Be-All about 10 years ago. It was nice.

jodi

[AKADonna]

Have been to Southern Comfort and found it to be just too big, too long, and dominated by a couple of cliques of women who knew each other pretty well. I have considerably more comfort and enjoyment at the local Tri-Ess meetings where there are only 15-25 girls and where nobody is being bossy or domineering.

[wanda66]

I would love to attend Keystone but my wardrobe consist of jeans and sweaters..it's beenon my mind since last march .
Lisa we my have had a conversation on this subject.

[Rogina B]

Went to a Southern Comfort meet in southern Florida last year at the suggestion of another member of this Forum.

I dragged her there ! Seminars weren't all that different from First Event but I always find some of the surgical discussions interesting. First Event is better for me as it is my home area and I enjoy seeing the changes in the full time and transitioned women. I do think the socializing at night could be more interesting if more trans admirers were to get the courage to attend.

[Jocee]

Nothing like getting out to these events. I started to go for the information in the workshops, but now for friends, party, and getting out and about.

1 Texas T in San Antonio (my first, and now defunct)
5 Southern Comfort in Atlanta
5 First Events in Boston
4 Fantasia Fairs in P-Town
1 California Dream in San Francisco (now defunct)
1 Keystone (which was next to my hometown, and quite the trip :)

Bucket List:
Sparkle in Birmingham UK
Diva in Las Vegas
Wildside in Vegas

Joanna

[Julie MA]

Ladies, thanks for the info on how many conferences there are. I was counting down the minutes until Fantasia, in Oct, thinking it was the only one near me. Now I see the First Event in Jan is closer. Anyone going? Julie

[Jilmac]

I attended five BeAll conferences in Chicago until the staff decided to end it's 30 year run in 2013

[Adriana Moretti]

I have been to First Event twice, and Keystone once.

I like First Event, it is alot of fun, and both the day time workshops and seminars , and the nightlife has been great. This year they have moved it to a new hotel so...guess we will see how it is. I may go this year and do a guest DJ set on Sat night , depends on my new work schedule and if I can get the time off.

Been to Keystone too...I found Keystone to be a sleeper . The seminars are very good, the nighttime activities are way borring though IMO. It is a very good conference though, it just isnt for me, I like a bit more of an active nightlife.

Also dont know if it was mentioned, they wont be doing SCC anymore.

If you were looking for something without seminars and just fun social activities check out

Raven Events thrown by MATC in New Hope PA ( 6 times a year )
The Detroit Invasion in MI thrown by our own Samantha Rogers ( 4 times a year )
Viva Wildside in Vegas ( May )

[Heather Anne]

I first attended the Southern Comfort Conference in Atlanta in 2004. My last was a couple of years ago. It got to the point it seemed to be the same thing every year. Only once do I remember the seminars, etc were more for the crossdresser than those living full time / transitioning. I usually spent the entire time at the hotel. That was interesting. My first time there in 2004 after being en femme from Wednesday through Saturday I was ready to be my guy self. All said and done most of the time I had a good time meeting new people and old friends, etc. Was sort of disappointed when SCC moved to Florida. I am not driving down there to attend.

[MissEllie]

Im all extremely new to all of this, but thanks to this thread, I now know that CD Conferences exist. Im going to look into it more for the future as its something I can see myself doing as it'll give me so much confidence being amongst likeminded sisters. I live in the UK and I didn't even know there is one thats relatively close to me with Sparkle in Birmingham.

[Heidi Stevens]

Conference meet ups are a great way to gain your confidence, spend more than just a few hours dressed, get to know others and just have some fun being yourself! I have been to 2 Lake Erie Galas and planning is under way for my second Keystone. I do have other gathings on my radar like Diva Las Vegas, First Event (Boston) and Esprit (Washington State).
A lot of these gatherings have scholarships if you can't afford the fees. They also have Big Sister Programs for new attendees or daily gatherings to help you learn yourself and meet others. Bottom line is JUST GO TO ONE! You'll be looking for more if you do!

[April Showers]

Have not been to one yet but hope to go to the Lake Erie Gala next year with another forum member and our wives.

[Jessicajane]

Going to one next May in Sydney.....going on a road trip there and back ...with 2-3 friends ...its time away with them I look forward to more than the conference itself...but it all should be good fun

[janeycdbbw]

I'm a bit suprised that Esprit in Port Angeles, WA hasn't been mentioned yet ...however it does happen in the NW corner of the U.S...lol
I haven't been able to do it yet ,but it looks like a great time ,and has been embraced by the community there. Also it has seemed to grow in events and participation too.
Definitely on my bucket list.

[PretzelGirl]

While I identified as a crossdresser, I went to Diva Las Vegas. It isn't a conference and is straight up a vacation. For those who don't want to go and listen to a seminar that doesn't apply to you, maybe this is a good option. It was pretty eye opening for me the first time and may have been a part of decision path to transition. But even for those who don't plan on transitioning, it is a great time. About the only part i don't like is there is always a group that wants to complain about how some other person looks. If you can't be with everyone at one of these events, think twice about going. Our community has a lot of variety.

The last DLV i went to had about 160 people which included three transitioned ladies (that I know of), a couple of admirers, one drag queen, and a handful or two of spouses. I missed this last year because of surgery and am debating this year. I want to go, but have to balance different parts of life.

[Annette_boy]

Hi I used to attend the Freddie's Beach Bar meetup's each month Till I moved to Wheeling a bit of a commute now :D
Not much CD/ TG activity out here nearest is Pittsburgh

Hugs Annette

[Alice B]

I have been to DLV three times. Great fun and very safe.

[Vintage4sarah]

I have been to three First Events over the last four years, each time spending a little more time there until this year when I will be there for the better part of three days. I just love everything about it from the socializing, the shopping, the workshops and the opportunity to help out by volunteering. But the best part is being Sarah for all that time and completely putting aside my male side while being with friends, old and new.

p.s. My wife accepts and approves that I am going to these events as she agrees that it is an outlet for my need to be enfemme with friends.

[Redjezika]

How do you find out about these conferences?

- - - Updated - - -

How and where do you find these conferences?

[Vintage4sarah]

Redjezika,

One source of information would be the "Events" section of this forum. It is a good starting point from which you can go further with the organizers websites. An example would be First Event which has its own website with most of the details you would need.

[S. Lisa Smith]

A wonderful event for first timers and more experienced girls is The Keystone Conference in Harrisburg,PA March 22-26 and registration has just opened. A group of us from this forum went last year and even more of us are going this year. In fact a number of us are staying off site a a smaller, but nicer (I think) motel. I worked out a deal on rooms and it is much cheaper than the Sheraton and pretty close by. Sign up for Keystone and PM me if you are interested. It's fun and affirming!!!!

[Heidi Stevens]

Even if you can't make Keystone, go to their website and you can see a table with other gatherings thru out the year. You may find one you can go to and have a life changing experience.

[steftoday]

I'm in the process of signing up for the various events...I'm still working on the dinner nights.
I'm one of the folks trying the new place with Lisa and Heidi. The price for the rooms was pretty hard to beat.

This will be my third year; I can't tell you how affirming it can be to be with others of a like mind.

[S. Lisa Smith]

Yes, if you want to come out of your shell, go to a conference. Keystone made Steftoday into a superstar!!!! She has really blossomed!!!!!

[GretchenJ]

All signed up, it will be my 3rd year as well and looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful friends from both prior conferences as well as from this site.

[DeeDeeB]

Went to Southern Comfort 8 years ago and while it was generally a positive experience, it was a real eye opener. The hotel was good, but I felt the outside trips were uncomfortable. Since then, I've been to 7 Fantasia Fairs. While SCC was pretty much confined to the hotel, the city of Provincetown, where Fantasia Fair is held, is accepting of trans folk all over town. I would bring one male outfit just in case, but never needed it. If you are looking for a great group of trans ladies, trans men, spouses and friends, I highly recommend Fantasia. Even the police speak at the orientation brunch to let you know they fully support you. It can be a bit expensive, but they do have scholarships to help out.

Dee
:fairy1:

[chris80]

at one now in Chesterfield UK

[Linda E. Woodworth]

I've been to SCC three times and Loved It!

Funny, unlike some girls here, I thought most of the presentations were for those transitioning and not for just the run of the mill CD. I do remember speaking to one of the wives who worked the conference. She'd spoken about her husband getting hit on at a club. I thought it was a great idea, especially when I got hit on myself that night. Talk about frightened. One aspect of going out I'd never thought of or experienced.

I am looking to get out more, and not locally, and have been thinking of Fantasia Fair. DeeDee, thank you for the suggestion. It helps to reinforce my thoughts on that venue. Then again, I hadn't even thought of Keystone next month and I'll be home from work....