What’s a BDSMposium?

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It’s a conference for discussing BDSM and kink founded by Red (@redselfties on Fet; any pronouns). The main goal is to exchange ideas in a group discussion setting.

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Why are you running this event?

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Red and Probe both want to foster more spaces for discussion of kink that don’t focus on the teaching or practice of practical skills. In the Ottawa area, most workshops tend to be practical, and those which aren’t tend to be at the 101 level. Red has seen discussion-based events work well in polyamory-centric and fandom-centric spaces before, and she approached Probe wanting to create the same kind of event for kink and BDSM.

 

Will people be teaching skills at this event?

 

The focus of the BDSMposium is group discussions, interaction, and live feedback, rather than lecturing or teaching skills. Red’s hosting this because she wants to leave with new ideas and perspectives. Learning is a central goal for everyone involved!

 

[You can learn more about the BDSMposium’s mission here.

 

Is this a Probe Ottawa event?

 

Red is hosting this event independently, and Probe Ottawa is providing support. Probe is offering their space, their staff, support with logistics, and managing the online ticketing portal.

 

What’s the schedule for the event?

 

You can find the event schedule here.

 

Workshop titles and scheduling will be posted closer to the date of the event.

 

How much does attendance cost?

 

Tickets are on a sliding scale, to make the BDSMposium more accessible to everyone. You can buy tickets here.

 

Who’s running the workshops?

 

People from the local community who are willing to offer their time to facilitate 90-min group discussions. You can find more info about the workshops that will be offered soon!

 

Can I host a group discussion?

 

Not this year. This year is the BDSMposium’s pilot year, and everything is already in place. If the event reoccurs in future years, there will be an open call for hosting group discussions.

 

Is your goal to make money?

 

No. Red and Probe have three goals:

• Host group discussions, led by a variety of local people

• Host social events around the group discussions, to provide a space for attendees to decompress and get to know each other

• Cover the costs of the first two through ticketed attendance.

 

Probe’s Anniversary Party will also be hosted during the BDSMposium weekend, and the BDSMposium folds beautifully into the celebration of the space’s one-year anniversary!

 

Do I have to be a Probe member to attend the BDSMposium?

 

Not if you’re attending the whole event! Temporary membership to Probe is part of the full weekend symposium ticket. All attendees still need to sign Probe’s waiver, and agree to the same Code of Conduct, House Rules and Prohibited & Restricted Play List that all other members do.

 

If you’re only attending some parts of the weekend:

 

You don’t need a membership to attend the Friday Night Mixer, Saturday Workshops, Sunday Brunch Social, or Sunday Workshops.

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You need a temporary membership to attend Probe’s Anniversary Party.