Author on topics of sexuality, relationship, and BDSM
Former ambulance medic
Former law school professor
Expert witness on BDSM matters
 

Workshops and Presentations by Jay Wiseman

I give a lot of public presentations and workshops. Please check the calendar for locations, dates, and times.

My List of Programs

Here is my list of programs that are already prepared. If you want me to present on a topic not included here let me know and we'll see what can be worked out. (Updated 07/17/09)

Program Logistics

For almost all of my programs, it would be very helpful to have the following:
  • A wall-sized clock on the rear wall or other location readily visible to me so I can keep track of time. (Having someone in the audience giving me signals has proven inadequate.)
  • A table about the size of a massage table or larger to put my books, DVDs, and other merchandise on, plus a trusted person to staff it and collect the funds while I autograph my materials.
  • A small table near where I'll be presenting on which I can place my notes, drinks, and so forth.
  • Attendees are both advised to and welcome to take notes during any of my presentations. Bringing notepads or other devices is recommended. (Any audiotaping, videotaping, or other permanent recording must be done with my advance permission.)
  • I may want to have my program videotaped, especially the non-bondage ones in which I am the only one in the picture.
PLEASE delete the information about subject overlap, models and equipment needed, suggested times, notes, and comments within brackets before publicizing the program info.

 

Bondage Programs and Classes

Note: Given that many of my books and DVDs are oriented towards rope bondage, if you want me to give more than one presentation I'd ask that at least one of my presentations be about some aspect of rope bondage.

 

Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use [this is my most popular bondage program]

Do you want to tie up your lover but aren't sure how to go about it? Have you ever attended a bondage demonstration of spectacular techniques but returned home with no idea of how to tie them yourself? Come spend some entertaining and educational time with one of the world's top BDSM educators, the author of "Jay Wiseman's Erotic Bondage Handbook" published by Greenery Press, and the producer of the excellent video "Jay Wiseman Teaches Basic Rope Bondage" to learn some simple, easy to learn, and widely usable bondage techniques.

Jay travels throughout the country teaching bondage techniques ranging from the very basic to the very advanced. In this session, he will present the who, what, where, when, and why of rope bondage, followed by a demonstration and practice session of some user-friendly yet wickedly effective techniques from his highly recommended book for tying single-limb cuffs, double-limb cuffs, spread-eagles, hogties, and arm harnesses -- and you will be able to both remember and use these techniques when you get home!

Suggested time: 90 minutes to two and one-half hours

Suggested audience: Very good for beginners. Experienced players will also likely learn some new things.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus lengths of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.)

 

Arm Harnesses for Every Body [this is my second most popular bondage program]

Rope bondage enthusiasts come in all sizes and shapes - but body size, repetitive stress injuries, muscularity, handicaps, and other issues can prevent many people from enjoying traditional bondage positions. In this program, Jay Wiseman, author of "Jay Wiseman's Erotic Bondage Handbook" published by Greenery Press, will discuss and demonstrate effective, easy to learn, methods of using rope to immobilize the arms of almost anyone.

Suggested time: one to two hours, depending on how much time is allowed for attendees to practice doing the techniques. [If we decided to make it long enough to include a practice session, then please also include this sentence: If you have them, bring along lengths of rope approximately 6 feet, 12 feet, 18 feet, and 24 feet long so you can practice the techniques.]

Note: there is substantial information overlap between this program and "Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use" - the major difference is the number of arm harnesses demonstrated.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus lengths of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of masking one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.)

 

Rope Bondage Theory and Lotsa Practice

Have you ever attended a bondage program but not been able to remember how to do the techniques that you saw? Join Jay Wiseman for an exciting time of learning how to do various ties, followed by an extensive practice period with Jay available for assistance. You'll definitely leave with some new techniques that will make doing rope bondage far more satisfying. If you have them, bring along lengths of rope approximately 6 feet, 12 feet, 18 feet, and 24 feet long so you can practice the techniques.

Suggested time: two to three hours.

Note: there is substantial information overlap between this program and "Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use" - the major difference is the amount of time devoted to in-class practice of the various techniques.

Suggested audience: Very good for beginners. Experienced players will also likely learn some new things.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus a length of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.)

 

Rough Rope: Bondage, Erotic Torture, and Predicament all in one!

Soft smooth ropes are very popular for bondage, but some people -- perverts that they are! -- actually prefer to bind or be bound with harder, rougher ropes. You're invited to join bondage guru Jay Wiseman for an educational and entertaining exploration of the rougher edge of bondage.

Jay will discuss and demonstrate the theory, practice, and special challenges of using relatively rough ropes for bondage. Depending on which ropes are chosen and how they are applied, the resulting experience can range from merely attention-getting to very intense. He will cover ropes whose abrasiveness ranges from mild to harsh, and will compare the risks and benefits of using several different natural or synthetic fibers.

Suggested time: 45 to 75 minutes.

Suggested audience: Not recommended for beginners. Good for experienced players.

Models needed: At least one female model who can easily cross her wrists behind her back and who is both highly exhibitionistic and masochistic. This presentation usually involves genital bondage so full nudity is preferred. Also, being tied in these ropes can be somewhat painful, so it really helps if she is distinctly masochistic.

Equipment needed: one 50-foot roll of sisal or manila rope, plus some masking tape.

 

Hogtie Seminar

The hogtie can be an extremely immobilizing form of bondage. Depending on how it is applied, its intensity can range from very mild to very edgy. Jay Wiseman will present a program on various hogtie techniques, ranging from the most tame to extreme. Jay will cover the bondage techniques, the risks and safety practices, and perform a demonstration of the various types of hogties. This will be followed by ample practice time under Jay's guidance. If you have them, bring along lengths of rope approximately 6 feet, 12 feet, 18 feet, and 24 feet long so you can practice the techniques.

Suggested time: two to four hours.

Note: there is substantial information overlap between this program and "Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use" - the major difference is the amount of time devoted to in-class practice of hogties.

Suggested audience: Acceptable for beginners but better for experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus lengths of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.)

 

Thin Cord Nasty Bondage

Many bondage experts recommend using rope that ranges from one quarter of an inch to three-eighths of an inch in thickness, and for general use such thickness is just fine.

Jay Wiseman, whose books and video on bondage are very widely recommended, will discuss and demonstrate the perils and pleasures of using especially thin rope for bondage. Such rope, particularly especially prepared parachute cord, "clings" to the skin in a unique way, offering special opportunities for security, sensation, and predicament. Jay will also discuss the myths and realities of assessing tightness (there are many such myths out there), how to prepare and care for ropes used for thin cord bondage, and other aspects of this playfully wicked form of bondage.

Suggested time: 45 to 75 minutes.

Suggested audience: Acceptable for beginners but better for experienced players.

Models needed: One female model comfortable with at least partial nudity who can easily cross her wrists behind her back. A plus-size model can additionally be used.

Equipment needed: 50 to 100 feet of parachute cord, which I will provide.

 

One Minute Bondage[Note: there is a lot of information overlap between this program and my Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use program]

"Doing all that tying takes too long!" is a common lament of BDSMers. Join Jay Wiseman, one of the nation's leading experts in rope bondage, to learn how to accomplish almost any bondage effect you want by using techniques that take less than one minute to apply. If you have them, bring along lengths of rope approximately 6 feet, 12 feet, 18 feet, and 24 feet long so you can practice the techniques.

Suggested time: one to two hours, depending on how much time is allowed for attendees to practice doing the techniques.

Suggested audience: Acceptable for beginners but better for experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus a length of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.)

 

Tie Him Up!

A class devoted entirely to the binding of the male body, including body and genital harnesses especially for men.

Suggested time: 90 to 120 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic males comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind and touch his fingertips to his elbows, and one plus-size model who does not have this range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus a length of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.) Also needed are lengths of rope in the 12 to 18 foot range for the participants to practice some of the techniques.

 

Tie Her Up!

A class devoted entirely to the binding of the female body, includes breast bondage and body and genital harnesses especially for women.

Suggested time: 90 to 120 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus a length of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.) Also needed are lengths of rope in the 12 to 18 foot range for the participants to practice some of the techniques.

 

Tying With Authority: A women-only bondage class. [Note: there is a lot of information overlap between this program and my Rope Bondage You Can Actually Use program.]

A relaxed and informal introduction to basic rope bondage in a class just for women.

Suggested time: 90 minutes to 2 & ½ hours.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players. Women-only attendees strongly recommended.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus a length of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.) Also needed are lengths of rope in the 12 to 18 foot range for the participants to practice some of the techniques.

 

Predicament Topping: Predicament Bondage and Beyond.

What is the essence of a predicament? What are the four basic types of predicaments? How does motivational psychology apply to predicament bondage? How else can the special psychology of "predicament topping" be integrated into your scenes? What are the unique hazards and benefits? Come learn the principles and techniques of both predicament bondage and the greater scope of predicament topping, including live demonstrations!

Suggested time: 90 to 120 minutes

Suggested audience: Not recommended for beginners. Good for experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion.

Equipment needed: 200 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me. Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.)

 

All About Gags.

Putting a gag in someone's mouth can greatly increase how helpless they are, adding an extra dimension of spice to an already intense situation. Bondage guru Jay Wiseman (he even looks the part) will discuss and demonstrate the theory and practice of how and when to integrate gags into your BDSM play, including recommended and not recommended materials, anatomy of the head and mouth, safety aspects, and a comparison of home-made vs. commercial gags.

Suggested time: 45 to 60 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Models needed: At least one model, preferably female, who is comfortable being gagged.

Equipment needed: I will provide all needed equipment.

 

Tight, Immobilizing Bondage

The more they can move, the more likely they are to get loose, and that's bad! This presentation covers the use of specific knots and tying techniques to render a bottom almost completely unable to move. Bottoms can be tied into positions that range from very comfortable to very stressful.

Suggested time: 75 to 90 minutes.

Suggested audience: Not recommended for beginners. Good for experienced players.

Models needed: At least one female model comfortable with at least partial nudity who can easily cross her wrists behind her back. A plus-size model can additionally be used.

Equipment needed: 100 feet of ¼" or 5/16" rope for me, plus a length of rope about five to six feet long for about three-quarters of the audience. (Couples can share a rope.) Also needed: a roll of one-inch or wider masking tape to seal the rope ends. (Burning this many ends takes too long and smells up the place.) Also needed are lengths of rope in the 12 to 18 foot range for the participants to practice some of the tying techniques.

 

Elastic Predicament Bondage

A demonstration of a particular form of predicament bondage involving the diabolical uses of both elastic and non-elastic materials. Bottoms will be tied into a number of no-win positions

Suggested time: 45 to 75 minutes.

Suggested audience: Not recommended for beginners. Good for experienced players. Especially recommended for couples. Singles may be paired with someone of their own gender.

Models needed: At least one female model comfortable with at least partial nudity who can easily cross her wrists behind her back. A plus-size model can additionally be used.

Equipment needed: Rope, bungi cords, rubber bands, and other elastic materials. I will provide all of these.

 

Jay Wiseman's Erotic Rope Weekend

A selection of six bondage workshops given over a two-day period. This workshop covers very practical, highly usable rope bondage techniques that can be widely used by the average couple doing rope bondage in the average home. This starts with a beginning bondage workshop and then builds into various arm harnesses, hogties, spread-eagles, predicament techniques, and ways to make the bondage especially tight and/or difficult. Also includes modules specifically on tying male bodies and on tying female bodies. (Note: suspension is not covered.) This intensive workshop involves substantial hands-on practice.

Suggested time: Twenty hours over two days - ten hours a day including lunch and breaks.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Models needed: two models, preferably exhibitionistic females comfortable with at least partial nudity, one of whom must be able to easily reach behind herself and touch her fingertips to her opposite elbows, and one of whom is a plus-size model who does not have this much range of motion. Also one male model.

Equipment needed: Substantial amounts of rope. Recommended is at least three ropes in each of the following lengths: 6 feet, 12 feet, 15 feet, 18 feet, 24 feet, 30 feet.

 

Non-Bondage Programs and Classes

 

SM 101: A Realistic Introduction

It's known by a number of names: SM, BDSM, sadomasochism, B&D, and several more. What is it, exactly? What's involved? How can somebody enjoy pain? Don't those who do it get hurt? Were these people abused as children? Jay Wiseman, author of one of the best selling "how to" books on the subject, will talk about the myths and realities of this intense form of eroticism. Topics covered will include an overview of what is (and what is not) involved, consent and negotiation, basic techniques, psychological aspects, safety measures, commonly used items of equipment, and aftercare. He will even give you a few tips on how you might start doing your own explorations.

Suggested time: one to two hours.

Suggested audience: Very good for beginners. Experienced players will also likely learn some new things.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Wait Til I Get My Hands On Him

A women-only workshop on how to give a man a truly excellent hand job. Covers male sexual anatomy and physiology, several different stroking techniques, different types of lubricants, and masturbation goals. Also covers hygiene and safer sex issues, aftercare, timing, tempo, and advanced techniques. Includes a section on fiendish masturbation games.

Suggested time: 90 to 120 minutes.

Suggested audience: Women only. Very good for beginners. Experienced players will also likely learn some new things.

Equipment needed: Attendees will need something penis-shaped to practice on.

Models needed: none

 

BDSM Social Games [this is my most popular non-bondage program]

Interactive social games can be an excellent way to grow, to learn more about others, and to create a sense of group and community. Jay Wiseman will discuss, and attendees will have a chance to participate in, demonstrations of a number of social games that can range from very mild to very edgy. Games to be discussed and/or demonstrated will include Fishbowl, The Dom/sub Dating Game, I've Got a Secret, and the potentially edgy Truth or Dare (featuring Jay's infamous "wuss" rules).

Suggested time: 90 minutes to four hours. (This can either be done as a "smörgåsbord" introduction to all the games or by playing one of them in its entirety - with the latter being more popular, especially as regards the fishbowl game.)

[Note: Fishbowl goes over especially well and is an easy and fun way to spend an afternoon or an evening. At events such as leather conferences, it can make an excellent "mixer" event to put on relatively early in the conference.]

Suggested time: one to two hours.

Suggested audience: Fishbowl and Dom/sub Dating Game can work well for all audiences. I've Got A Secret is better for more experienced players. Truth or Dare is recommended ONLY for a group of people who already know each other to a certain degree; it is NOT recommended for beginners or for people who do not already know each other at least somewhat.

Equipment needed: none are essential. Two notepads are needed for the fishbowl game.

Models needed: none

 

Negotiation as Foreplay[this one is also very popular and highly useful]

Good pre-scene negotiations help lay the foundation for a wonderful scene. Rushed or inadequate pre-scene negotiations lay the foundation for a disaster. Self-confessed "negotiation fetishist" Jay Wiseman will present an approach to pre-scene negotiation, in-scene communication, and post-scene feedback that is easy to remember, comprehensive, effective, and "keeps the fun in it."

Suggested time: 90 to 120 minutes.

Suggested audience: Very good for beginners. Experienced players will also likely learn some new things.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

BDSM Bloopers, Blunders, and Disasters. [This one is really good, it's a program about BDSM-related risks that first makes people laugh and then makes them think]

The nature of unexpected occurrences during BDSM play and how to deal with them.

BDSM play is, by its nature, always at least somewhat unpredictable. From time to time, unexpected events will occur during our play, and their effects can range from the hilarious to the tragic. Join BDSM educator Jay Wiseman as he discusses ways to increase the chances that your scenes will go as planned and that you will obtain the desired results. Jay will discuss the various types of such unexpected events, why they happen, how they can be prevented, and what to do if one happens anyway. Numerous actual events will be described in the words of the people who were there.

Suggested time: 60 to 90 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none

Models needed: none

 

Nonviolent Communication.

Nonviolent Communication is a powerful approach to resolving conflicts peacefully, without having to compromise one's principles or one's personal integrity. The approach can break patterns of acting that lead to escalating arguments, anger, and depression. It can also help free people from self-defeating behaviors engaged in as a result of past experiences or cultural conditioning. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, the approach can be applied to conflicts between two people, between one person and a group, between two or more groups, and even to internal conflicts.

Suggested time: 90 minutes to three hours.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Conflict Resolution.

Our community attracts an above-average percentage of people who have very strong views on how things should be done, and these views frequently come into conflict. Conflict is a normal and even healthy part of life, but if not approached intelligently it can lead to great destruction and estrangement. Because of political feuding and personality conflicts, we are often much harder upon our own community members than the external societal forces are. "SM 101" author Jay Wiseman did special study in mediation and dispute resolution while he was in law school and is a certified mediator. Please come and listen to what he has to share regarding how we can avoid being our own worst enemy, including a demonstration of practical techniques.

Suggested time: two to four hours.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Anatomy and Physiology for BDSMers

What's the real story about cutting off circulation? Where are those nerves and blood vessels? When do you "really" have to worry if a limb turns cold? Has the bottom actually gone into shock or is it something much less serious? What is positional asphyxia? What are the carotid sinus bodies? What is commotio cordis? Come join Jay Wiseman, author of "Dungeon Emergencies and Supplies", former director of training for an ambulance service, and a former instructor in advanced cardiac life support as he presents a BDSM-oriented overview of how a body is built, how it works, how to prevent problems, what can go wrong, what to look for, when to worry, and what do.

Suggested time: 60 to 90 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: one, preferably female

 

First Aid and CPR/AED Training.

The length and comprehensiveness of this class can vary, depending on the number of students, whether or not certification is wanted, and so forth. This is usually taught as a "for real" course whose graduates receive OSHA-recognized certification.

Suggested time: Four to twelve hours. Seven hours minimum for a First Aid/CPR class.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: All essential equipment will be provided by me. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Search and Seizure for Sadomasochists.

The cops have stopped you while driving and want to look in your trunk, or stopped you on the street and want to look in your toybag, or have shown up at your front door and want to come in. What are your rights? What are their rights? When do they need your consent? When do they not? Can a cop order you to step out of your car for no reason at all? Exactly when are the police required to read you your "Miranda" rights, if at all? Former law school professor Jay Wiseman will go over these points and more.

Suggested time: 60 to 90 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Jury Nullification: A Community Safeguard or a Denial of Due Process?

The legal doctrine of Jury Nullification - in which jurors vote to acquit a person who is guilty of a crime because the people on the jury feel that either the law itself is unjust or that the defendant is being singled out for unfair prosecution, is an extremely controversial topic, yet it played an important role in the founding of this country and before that in protecting people in England from persecution for practicing an illegal religion (Quakerism). Supporters call it a community safeguard against runaway prosecutors. Detractors call it a dangerous breach of legal due process. Former law school professor Jay Wiseman will discuss the arguments for and against this very controversial practice.

Suggested time: 45 to 75 minutes.

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Erotic Asphyxiation

The various forms of erotic asphyxiation, more commonly known in the BDSM community as breath control play, are among the very most controversial of practices, and are banned in many play spaces. Unlike almost all other BDSM-related practices, erotic asphyxiation holds a risk of sudden death. What is breath control play? Who does it? Why? How? What is the risk model and how does it differ from the risk model of other BDSM-related practices? Are there meaningful precautions that can be taken? What are the legal aspects? Former law school professor Jay Wiseman, author of, among other books, "SM 101" and "Dungeon Emergencies and Supplies," is a court-qualified expert witness in BDSM in general and in breath control play in particular. He does expert witness work in homicide prosecutions and other legal cases in which breath control play may have been involved. His years as director of training for an ambulance service and as an instructor in advanced cardiac life support have given him an extensive knowledge of cardiopulmonary physiology. (He currently teaches both basic and advanced classes in emergency medical care.) Come hear what he has to say about this very controversial topic. Note: this is not a how-to class and does not involve demonstrations.

Suggested time: 60 to 90 minutes

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none

 

Creating and Administering an Effective Dungeon Monitor Training Program

Dungeon Monitors (DMs) are people authorized by those in overall charge of a play party who monitor the BDSM play and other activities at the party to make sure that behavior at the event is both reasonably safe and complies with the party rules. Just like lifeguards, DMs are prepared to take action if necessary to preserve safety, to facilitate everybody's having a good time, and to intervene in an emergency. Jay Wiseman has given (and been a dungeon monitor at) over 100 play parties and is highly familiar with all aspects of play parties, including drafting clear, workable party rules, effective waivers, and overall policies. He was a charter member of the Board of Directors of the original Dungeon Monitor Association. In this "train the trainer" program, Jay will cover basic DM training, recruiting, legal aspects, emergency interventions, continuing education for DMs, and how to administer a DM program.

Suggested time: Four hours

Suggested audience: Not recommended for beginners. Good for experienced players. This program designed for people with significant BDSM experience, including at least a year's worth of attending both educational programs and play parties.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: some people will be needed to demonstrate various types of play. Gender irrelevant.

 

Legal Paperwork for Alternative Relationships - Making It Real and Preparing for Crisis

You and your master lived together in his house for years, then one day he suddenly dies. Can you still live there? He was somewhat wealthy are you most definitely are not. Will you inherit any of his estate? If your slave is hospitalized, will you be allowed to visit her or can her "real" family viciously freeze you out? If your three-way relationship of ten years should end, how will the property be divided? Does your state recognize common-law marriage? If so, will you have to go through a "real" divorce to end your relationship? Do you need a will? If so, what's required for a will to be judged "legal" by the courts? Getting the proper legal paperwork into place is actually not that difficult, and absolutely essential in helping to prevent an already awful situation from turning into an outright catastrophe. Come hear what former law school professor Jay Wiseman has to say about wills, advance healthcare directives, durable powers of attorney, property ownership agreements, and other documents essential to easing the passage through some of life's toughest periods.

Suggested time: 60 to 90 minutes

Suggested audience: Good for both beginners and experienced players.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: None

 

Listening Skills for Better D/s.

BDSM is a highly intimate activity, and some people regard D/s as the most intimate form of BDSM. Given this intimacy, good communication is absolutely essential, and listening is an excellent "start here" point in establishing and maintaining this intimacy. Unfortunately, our culture does not particularly value listening. Listening skills are not highly prized and to listen is often to be seen as being put in a diminished position. Jay Wiseman will present some tips and guidelines for improving one's listening skills, then conduct some practice exercises. No matter which side of the D/s slash you're on, you'll come away better equipped to communicate effectively.

Suggested time: 90 to 120 minutes.

Suggested audience: Very good for beginners. Experienced players will also likely learn some new things.

Equipment needed: none are essential. A whiteboard or flipchart is highly useful.

Models needed: none