2008 hit it's mark for a remarkable Black BEAT, and we're here to thank you for contributing to it's success!

Our weekend conference began with the Watering Hole (our NCSF fundraiser). With a storm brewing, the pool party was quickly moved inside; a little rain wasn't stopping us! There were games, music, and refreshments. The Watering Hole raised $600 for the NCSF despite the weather, and we thank all that attended to support it's meaning and purpose. Glenda Rider was this years representative for the NCSF, and most gracious in offering memberships to join the NCSF, and co-chairing auction donations.

A very touching champagne toast was hosted by Vi Johnson to commemorate Indigo Blaque's first table book. Filled with the most deliciously incredibly elegant Black bondage photographs, it was a memorable moment for Darque de Sade and those present to support him. You can get a preview at Indigo Blaque. Following the toast, a welcome to all new comers was announced, followed by introductions of old timers.

Thursday & Friday nights after parties were hosted by various community organizations and individuals. The Philly Metro Black BEAT Munch Group, hosted a taste of Philly. Here you would find Philly's own cheese steaks, along with snacks and beverages. A few doors down, the Meet and Greet Saloon & Spanking Party hosted by Black BEAT opened its doors for the new and old family of attendees to get acquainted. Down the hall in a dimly lit room Mr. C hosted a Violet Wand demonstration that added a special spark to the evening. The Violet Society rounded out the evening with a Texas Hog Tie party and special demo of how to hogtie a person in 5 minutes or less!

Sir Nick was the emcee for this year's event. Incredibly talented and warm enough to bring a smile to anyone's face, he introduced the weekend's events at Friday night's dinner. Adorned (and I do mean "adorned") in Western gear that no model a-n-y-w-h-e- r-e could look better in, the vision for this years Wild West Adventure was underway. This year's theme did not fail to show the creativeness of our participants, including Cowboys, Cowgirls, Indian's, and a few extraordinarily unique and clever costumes adding creative flair to our evenings first dining experience. Dinner was blessed by Master Obsidian before chowing down on a nicely prepared western style meal. After dinner the recipient of the 2008 Black BEAT Community Achievement Award was presented to Master Zeus for his outstanding service to the Leather & BDSM community. Later that evening, it was off to the dungeon, we played and observed, marveling over ropes and cracking whips!

Workshops throughout the weekend provided by an illustrious team of presenters created two days of informative and educational round-ups for the family. The accolades were outstanding from many attendees voicing pure pleasure from their presenter(s) experience.

Friday's workshops ended as we gathered in a theater style atmosphere as Dark Connections, yet again, presented their second incredible documentary; this one titled, "KINKY" that kept their audience glued to the screen! The comic relief from a word unheard, "kinkily" induced laughter as a woman answered questions asked by the film producers. Astounding applause expressed great appreciation for their exemplary works in capturing kink as imagined by a few random bystanders, and voiced by several contributing interviews from various lifestylers offering their kinky views.

A special and heartfelt thanks to Laura Antoniou, Vi Johnson, Mistress Mir & Sir D, Goddess Lakshimi, Jill Carter, Sir Malik & slave Cathy, Master Rorie & slave suzanne, Master Obsidian & slave namaste, Max Rulz, Dean K, Arthur, and Scourge & coffee, the finest team of educators for lending time and expertise in allowing us to partake in their knowledgeable forums. We are always touched and encouraged when the old and new blend to create the magic that manifest in their teachings.

Saturday's award luncheon was scrumptious! We dined while awaiting Mistress Max Rulz' speech titled "Leather Family - Common Stock", to reinforce the family focus of Black BEAT (referred to as the "O'kinks"), to include other kink groups. She steered words with positive ammunition, that it's "okay" to be who you are and different than others, while maintaining respect for your leather family as you would your vanilla comparison. Concluding the luncheon, a very surprised Sir Cain Berlinger received the 2008 Vi Johnson Award for his contribution in the Leather and BDSM Community.

The vending areas and auction tables allowed exciting shopping opportunities! Special thanks go to Playful Fashions, PowerXchange by Nina, Leather Bob, and Aphrodite's Toy Box (straight from Atlanta), and the many auction contributors. The Playhouse donations were well received. Support is always outstanding. Every auction item sold helps to offset the rising cost associated with maintaining Black BEAT. The celebrity auction participants are to be commended for providing an up close and personal experience for their bidders.

The "Save The Tata" Campaign issued chocolates to it's donors, The NCSF issued memberships, Woodhull invited folks to learn, and a drive to collect "Tennis Shoes for Africa" collected several dozen pair. Their campaigns graced the hallways as folks mingled from table to table offering their attention and support.

The Carter - Johnson Leather Library allowed everyone to bear witness to our lengthy and exciting Leather history. The traveling library is a phenomenal resource for anyone seeking information regarding our beginnings, and also holds books relating to our current successes.

The ride to the Crucible has always been relaxed by a movie along the way. As we approached the Nations Capitol viewable from the motor coach, we realized we were closer to an evening filled with kink loveliness! The scenes are always HOTT; our own family pony Honeyjar was joined at the dungeon by International Pony 2008 - Mystic Storm! The Dom/slave auction is always a Saturday night favorite to watch or participate in. A first for our event with a winning bid of $6000 Kinky Bucks was Sir Nick (as the "Gladiator") sold to two lovely lades for a bout of nude wrestling. A resounding "Thanks" to Frazier, The Crucible staff and the BR Dungeon Monitors for the atmosphere to 'do what we do'.

The Saturday After Parties = WOW! Folks in scantily clad PJ's danced their way into the night at the Dark Connections yearly Pajama Party! A squirting demo amazed a crowded, but quiet room to witness the intimate artistry of it. Not far down the hall the Strap on party became the main attraction! Many did not go to bed until the sunrise, while some did not go to bed at all!

Sleep deprived, the breakfast gathering became the hugging depot wishing all safe travel. 21 states and our International family member from Vancouver Canada would begin their journey home. There were tears, although the emotion felt in each embrace managed to extend comfort. Some went to the After Glow Party at a private location, and others went to their beds for well deserved rest.

Essentially, it was a great event! We extend our heartfelt thanks to the committee's, volunteers, and those that traveled near and far to reach the Wild West family reunion, Black BEAT style!

Join us for next year's Black BEAT Conference in Maryland, August 13-16, 2009. January 1st, we'll unveil our updated website which will feature our brand NEW theme and presenters line-up and classes. You don't want to miss out, so SAVE the DATES. General Registration begins March 1, 2009

Black BEAT, Inc.

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