What To Expect at a Pain On The Plains Event

People attending their first MWA event... and especially people who are also new to the BDSM scene... have a lot of questions about what will happen, what they will see, how they should behave, and what in general they should expect.

The MWA Events, Demos and Play Parties are geared as 'a novice introduction to the local BDSM community. We wanted to give novices a chance to get to know the Community in a smaller setting without fear of getting lost in the crowd of a larger event. We have tried to keep it fairly small and friendly to encourage those interested but afraid to attend a larger more impersonal event. In the dungeon we have tried to keep it to the lighter play and don't allow penetration or sex scenes that would scare the newcomers while encouraging play that would entice those interested in BD/SM play. We are very open for those that just want to watch and see what it is about as well as those wanting to play.

We continue to try to make it a friendly atmosphere for newcomers as well as encouraging experienced player to come and teach, welcoming the newcomers to our community.

We have attended several BDSM events and while each one has its own flavor, here, no particular order, are some things that you may expect to experience at the MWA events.

1) Lots of friendly perverts here in your local area. Our events are a great way to meet people, to visit and learn, and to obtain many new ideas.

2) All of our events and parties are held in hotel banquet/meeting rooms located in a good part of town. The rooms are large enough to easily hold 60 people but we MAY limit the number of attendees to prevent overcrowding. The day of the event the MWA trustees arrive early to set up the Registration area & Dungeon Furniture. Here's a link that shows the furniture we will be setting up.

3) Play parties. The energy level at events is usually very relaxed, friendly and you'll get to see how different people play. (Maybe even with you!) People tend to "dress up" for the parties, and although a dress code is not enforced. Our local BDSM family is a group of really friendly and great people and they will make you feel very welcome and part of the group. It is not necessary to come with a partner and you do not have to play!

4) Come with a *very* open mind. You will see different kinds of people, hear lots of different viewpoints and opinions, see lots of different kinds of relationships and different kinds of play. It's all good, and it's all a learning experience. (Even just thinking about *why* you reacted in a certain way to something can be a valuable learning process.)

5) Come and check out all the exciting toys that people use in play. There is a large variety of toys that people love to use, everything from wooden spoons, inflatable hoods, tens units, floggers, canes and more. If you are curious about a toy or learning how to use a toy please ask the owner when they are not in a scene if they would be willing to show it to you or show you how to use it or how it feels. As long as you are polite when asking most people are happy to show of their toys.

6) Be respectful, courteous, and tolerant of others. If you're new to the lifestyle, watch a lot and try to pick up the dynamics of relationships or protocols. If you don't know how to address someone, and you make a mistake, or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, please tell the other person that you're new to the scene and you're not quite sure what's going on. They will very likely understand and explain things to you. We were all new at one time, and we remember what it was like.

7) READ THE RULES for the event and the play parties! Don't just browse them quickly and sign them at the registration desk. The rules are important, and the MWA staff enforces them very strictly for the protection of the event, the attendees, and the hotel. Look for the rules on the event web site, study them, read them again at registration, and make sure you understand them. At our events, as in the legal system, ignorance of the law is no defense!

8) Food.   As with previous years Midwest Alternatives is pleased to include lunch in the admission price of POTP. We will have sandwiches and variety of sides available for everyone to enjoy and relax while hopefully getting to know some of your fellow attendees. If you have a favorite dish you are certainly welcome to bring it but are by no means required. We will also have snacks available during the dungeon party as well.

9) If you're new to the lifestyle, it's important to know that you do not have to play at POTP. Everything that happens POTP is consensual. You are free to just watch, and you are free to play if you want to. If someone asks you to play and you're not quite ready, just say something like, "No, thanks, I'm new to the scene and I'm just watching and learning." If you are interested, don't be afraid to ask for references, and be sure to negotiate the limits of the play session. If you don't know how to do that, ask one of the MWA Dungeon Masters we will be happy to help you!