CD Conventions?

[Danielle S]

Lately, for some reason, I've been thinking alot about someday attending one of the CD conventions I've heard about - like Esprit, Be-All, Southern Comfort, etc. This despite the fact that I don't come close to passing, don't own a wig (yet), have very little experience with makeup, and have never been out en femme! So my questions to all are:
-have you ever been to one? if so, how was it?
-do you think that I could go and be accepted as I struggle to evolve during the conference?
-are there things that I should accomplish or achieve before I consider attending one?

From what I've seen of the programs, I think I could learn so much and really break through, not to mention meet others and make some friends.

Any thoughts?

thanks so much
Danielle S

[Kimberly Kael]

Lately, for some reason, I've been thinking alot about someday attending one of the CD conventions I've heard about ...

You have quite the variety to choose from so it's well worth reading write-ups from people who have attended different gatherings to get a feel for the differences. Some are more focused on convention center-based "safe" environments, others emphasize getting out and mingling with the general public. Some cover the entire spectrum including fetishes, others are more narrowly focused.

I've invariably heard great things about Esprit though I've never been myself (and it's held just a few hours' drive from me!) Southern Comfort seems to be more polarizing. Some people love it, others not so much. I found Diva Las Vegas to be exactly what I was looking for, but then I was looking for a lot of public exposure and I was deliberately avoiding the convention center experience.

This despite the fact that I don't come close to passing, don't own a wig (yet), have very little experience with makeup, and have never been out en femme!

I think that's pretty common. A lot of CDers never set foot outside in their home towns because it seems like an unacceptable risk. Certainly at DLV I've seen people getting basic makeup tips and there's a "big sister" program to pair newcomers with someone who has more experience.

So my questions to all are:
-have you ever been to one? if so, how was it?

It was exactly what I was looking for! An amazing experience that I wrote up in a fair amount of detail on my (now dormant) blog at http://homepage.mac.com/kimberlykael/DLV2008.html.

-do you think that I could go and be accepted as I struggle to evolve during the conference?

Absolutely. There may be exceptions, but most of the conferences are quite used to newcomers and will provide you help and support so long as you're willing to ask for it.

-are there things that I should accomplish or achieve before I consider attending one?

There's no pre-requisite that's an absolute must, but building as much confidence and experience as possible ahead of time will help you get the most out of it. Time you spend in your hotel room fumbling with your makeup or trying to build up the nerve to leave your room is time you don't have to mingle with others!

[Carolynn]

I went to BE-ALL Chicago in June of 2009. I found it relatively enjoyable. I mainly went to have access to appointments with Dr. Osterhout and Dr. Speigle for facial surgery evaluation, but went to a lot of other sessions, hung out at the hospitality suite where soft drink and cocktails and beer were available, along with snacks often as well. There were out of the hotel events, including a reception at a friendly club sponsored by (I believe, Dr. Zukowski, which lasted until the wee hours. I met many people and browsed vendors who included folks like Jamie Austin- (check him out on the web) and Rory of Chicago, that would do your makeup (and did good jobs, though possibly using a little too much makeup for my taste) and of course there was shopping in groups in the nearby malls. We had signed up for most of the lunches and some of the dinners, but also went out locally for food fare.

There were people there who were out of the house for the first time, and old hands as well. They were all friendly and most were really helpful. The hotel is a Doubletree and the rooms were really comfortable, and reasonable, especially with the double chocolate chip cookies on the pillow and in the room!

If you do intend to dress, you might get a wig before you go, and then again you might see about renting one for the duration and take advantage of professionals selecting the perfect one for your face shape. Take any clothes you might have, but you can also rent fancy evening dress for the wind-up dinner and entertainment where everyone gussies up for the pretty good meal. I was too close to the band and had to move away when it started as it was quite loud. The fireworks display was nice and fun.

There are many other things you can do in Chicago, in drab or enfemme. The Field Museum of Natural History is not too far away and you can get a train or bus to just across the street/highway from it and there is pedestrian crossing. Or you can drive. On certain days of the week, parking at the museum is free. There are other museums, including an Auto Musem and Art Museums, just about anything for everyone.

The shopping was OK but I did not take enough money to take advantage of it. Next time......

If you let the organizers know when you register, they will have a buddy waiting for you to help shepard you along until you are comfortable, and make sure you are included. As far as dressing goes, sometimes folks were dressed, sometimes not. Most took advantage of the opportunity. They do have sessions on how to choose clothes, what colors are good for different faces and skin tones, and even useful jewelry. Make up consultations among the vendors can help you learn what to buy for yourself and a lot about how to apply it, though practice makes perfect. Clothes, shoes and other apparel are among the vendor's shops.

If you go, I think you will have fun. Spouses are very welcome and there will be plenty of folks for them to feel comfortable with too, though CDs outnumber spouses by a good deal.

Go if you can, and check your preconceptions at the door, and you will have a great time, I think.
Carolynn

[Davita]

I haven't been to any, but if you visit the web site for them, I bet you will find they are excellent for girls like you. Be All, for example has "classes" if I'm not mistaken, and they have services to help you get ready. I know the photographer of the Be All in Chicago area.

If you have any doubts, why don't you simply talk to the convention folks? They have no reason to lie to you particularly in this age of the Internet. They want you to have a positive experience because they want you back and any negative criticism spread all over the Internet helps no one.

I vote go for it and have your own experience.