Yesterday I had the honor of meeting with a person in our community who is the vendor coordinator for multiple large people events. 1200 people and up.
I wrote down every word. I tried to soak in as much as I could. Multiple times I slumped back in my chair with my mouth hanging open while trying to take in the wisdom of this person.
I have been honored enough that they've agreed to come with me to contract a a hotel for next year's Through the Looking Glass.
A hotel.
Seriously a hotel...
They have dealt with big events for so long that they were very easily able to spot my deficiencies and both my planning process and how I'm thinking.
I was able to ask questions that I had always wanted answers two.
Do big events split up dungeon event dungeon space by gender? How do you handle photography? When do you need door monitors? How do you handle the need for barriers in the dungeon ? How do you even begin to negotiate a BDSM event that allows sex in a hotel? How do you afford and finance everything? How do you appeal to the best vendors and speakers? How do you grow?
I've done small events and day events since 2007. But my vision for Through the Lookin Glass is so much bigger than anything I've ever done. I am out of my depth. I have my energy, effort, desire, and drive. But I am deeply lacking in knowledge.
This event for the 18th is already a done deal. Now we just sit back and have fun.
Next year however it's a whole other ballgame.
I'm going to keep core aspects of Through the Looking Glass. Who we represent, how we represent, and our core values.
What I have to legitimately look at is doing the entire thing on donations. There are always people who can't afford. We will do scholarships. I want to keep that.
But since I am serious about growth I'm going to have to critcally look at our bottom line.
Where I'm most blown away is in the idea that we can go to a hotel within our second year.
That I have somebody who can legitimately teach me next steps.
I am still trying to take in everything that this person shared. I want to honor this learning so deeply.
We have so much growing to do! And I am deeply deeply ready.
Today is a day of gratitude and fulfillment and being able to be in awe.
Thank you for reading my dear cage friends!
