What To Expect At Your First Event
Attending your first kink event, especially if you‘re new to the broader Leather, BDSM, fetish, or alternative lifestyle communities, can feel both exciting and overwhelming. It’s totally normal to have questions about what you’ll see, how things work, and how to engage respectfully. This guide is here to help you feel welcome, informed, and empowered.
Community, Education, and Connection
You’ll meet hundreds of kindred spirits from across the country (and beyond!) who come together to learn, play, connect, and celebrate.
Our schedule is packed with educational opportunities led by some of the most knowledgeable and respected educators in the scene. Classes cover a wide range of topics, skill levels, and perspectives, so whether you’re brand new or more experienced, you’ll find something that sparks your curiosity.
It’s totally normal to experience “schedule stress” when you want to attend multiple classes at the same time!
Shopping and Events
Our vendor area features a wide array of gear, apparel, handmade toys, and more! Support small businesses, discover something new, and maybe find that perfect piece you didn’t know you needed. If you see something you love, don’t wait; popular items often sell out fast!
Evening dungeon time is also available on Friday and Saturday nights for registered attendees. These are welcoming spaces to explore, observe, or participate, always based on your comfort and consent. You’re never required to play, and you’re always encouraged to ask questions, talk to staff, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Cash vs. Card
Most vendors take cards, but not all. Bring some cash just in case!
Dress and Comfort
Behind the privacy curtains of the event, you’ll see a wide variety of styles at Kinky Kollege: from leather to latex to cozy daywear. While there’s no dress code, many attendees enjoy dressing up for evening events in ways that reflect their personal kink aesthetics. During the day, wear what makes you comfortable; you’ll be attending workshops, walking the vendor floor, and likely doing a lot of moving around. Bring supportive shoes, hydration, and any accessibility aids you need to enjoy your weekend.
While you are outside of the convention space, please make sure to wear “street legal” clothing. Please do not wear fetish gear outside of the event. Kinky Kollege is not a hotel takeover. We are sharing this space with families, kids, and folks who didn’t sign up for KK. They didn’t consent to hearing about dungeon antics over breakfast, overhearing your plans for tonight’s scenes at the smoking section, or seeing more than they bargained for at the elevator.
Our goal is not to be “in your face” with our kink to other guests. Dress sexy, dress provocative; that’s fine. But keep it respectful outside of our secure space. That means no leashes, no cuffs, and definitely no surprise anatomy peeking out from under a kilt. The elevators are glass; people can and do look up. This also means no visible toys hanging from your belt or out of your back pocket.
Self-Care, Food & Con Drop
This weekend can be intense (in the best ways!) but that means taking care of yourself is essential. You’ll be learning, feeling, connecting, and possibly experiencing things you’ve never encountered before. It’s exciting… but it can also be draining.
Eat real meals. Stay hydrated. Get enough sleep.
We can’t say this enough: pack snacks, drink water regularly, and try to get something substantial in your stomach even during the busiest moments. The hotel restaurant and nearby food options can get slammed at peak hours, so planning ahead can prevent low blood sugar crashes (and crankiness).
Con Drop is Real.
After the event ends, you may experience what’s called “con drop” which may present as a wave of sadness, fatigue, loneliness, or emotional whiplash when you return to everyday life. It happens to many of us! This is a common response to intense connection and stimulation. You’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean something went wrong.
To support yourself during or after the event:
- Take breaks. Step away if you’re overstimulated. It’s okay to miss a class or skip a scene.
- Find a quiet spot to decompress or connect with someone for a chat.
- Go back to your room, watch TV, journal, stretch; whatever helps regulate your nervous system.
- After the weekend, give yourself time to rest and reflect. Reach out to friends you made here, or talk to someone you trust.
You don’t have to do everything. You just have to take care of yourself.
Respect and Consent
Our community is built on mutual respect and enthusiastic consent. You’ll encounter many different relationship dynamics, identities, bodies, and play styles.If you’re unsure how to address someone or interpret a situation, just ask! We’ve all been there; most classmates are very open (and even excited!) to share what they’re doing. Please be mindful of a scene and do not interrupt during. Ask questions later, and don’t interrupt!
Please also take time to read and understand our event and dungeon rules. They’re there to keep everyone safe and respected. Ignorance of the rules isn’t an excuse! If you have questions, our volunteers are happy to help.
Plan Ahead
If your schedule and budget allow, consider arriving Thursday and leaving Monday. Giving yourself extra time to settle in and decompress can make a huge difference. You’ll avoid travel stress, and also be able to give yourself space to process before returning to the vanilla world.
You’re in Control
Remember: attending doesn’t mean you have to play. Watching, learning, and soaking in the experience are all perfectly valid ways to engage. If you’re invited to play and aren’t ready, a simple, “Thanks, I’m just observing for now” is completely acceptable. If you are interested, take time to negotiate clearly, check in with yourself, and ask questions. Enthusiastic, informed consent is the foundation of everything we do. Consent and negotiation are key. There’s always someone around who can help if you’re unsure how to start.
Most Importantly… Have Fun!
Come with an open mind, an open heart, and a sense of adventure. Kinky Kollege is a space where you can explore, learn, laugh, and be exactly who you are. We’re excited to see you there!