Friday

Learn how to clean, disinfect or dispose of all manner of kink tools and toys from floggers and paddles to needles and knives from a certified sanitation specialist 

 Learn fun and interesting lacing styles that can be used in stand. 

 The Con of your dreams has asked you to be the Bootblack Coordinator, and you enthusiastically said yes! But how do you wrangle a gaggle of Bootblacks? How do you ensure everyone gets a shift that works for them and makes it accessible? This class is to share tips and tricks on making coordinating a room of Bootblacks fun and less stressful on the day the convention of your dreams starts! 

 Join us for an innovative class exploring the connection between Korean skincare and bootblacking! This hands-on session simplifies bootblacking using familiar skincare steps. Bring a clean face and a dirty boot, and learn techniques while enjoying the process. Samples and basic supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own bootblacking and skincare kits. Let's get ready together, combining self-care and craftsmanship for a unique experience! No bootblacking experience, necessary. 

 Why We Bootblack is an interactive class where bootblacks discuss, interact, share skills and knowledge to help each other grow and fellowship. 

 In part one of this two part workshop, we start in the classroom. Amanda will share her bootblack origins and passions, and explore some of the motivations and purpose behind the practice. We'll cover topics like assessment of self, client, target objects, and spaces; what kind of gear we might encounter; negotiating for bootblacking, and special treatment considerations. Attendees of all skill levels will leave with an expanded mental toolbox to use when sharing our craft with others.  

Everything you need to know to get started caring for sneakers! 

 A panel discussion about the place bootblacks hold in caring for our communities. From mutual aid, emotional support, physical needs, and more. Part panel discussion part open forum. 

 In part two of this two part workshop, we move into the Lab. Bring your kit and your projects, of any kind. We'll talk about products, tools and application methods. We'll drill down on Amanda's best practices, look at some unusual objects together, and get our damn hands dirty! 

 Much of bootblacking focuses on providing an experience in a bootblack stand. Let's explore ways to create a bootblack scenes if you or the venue don't have a stand or you just wish to enjoy an organic experience at home or private play space. Students will learn various ways of using their body, positioning and "furniture" to provide professional and/or more intimate service while the receiver is standing, sitting, prone, bound, and more! 

 Bootblacking doesn’t have to stop at polishing boots, and sitting in the stand can be so much more than passively enjoying attention on your leathers. In this class, we’ll explore ways to turn bootblacking into a deeply erotic, interactive experience.

From seductive techniques that coax out an irresistible shine to playful, distracting, and intimate methods of washing and conditioning leather garments, this class dives into how to blend kinky and sexual energy seamlessly.

Whether you’re a bootblack looking to spice up your craft or a bottom who loves the ritual of the stand, you’ll learn creative ways to bring heat, flirtation, and power exchange into every step of the process. 

 Pet players are one of the fastest growing demographics in the leather and kink communities, and pet play scenes range from light and playful to dark and intimidating. In this lecture/discussion, we will discuss how to create the best experience in shining your favorite pets without being bitten or scratched (unless that’s your thing!). Topics covered will include the role of Bootblack as either pet or handler, scene negotiation involving pets at the bootblack stand, commonly encountered pet-specific gear and its care, and helpful tips and tricks for creating a memorable experience at the stand with your pet friends. 

 We will discuss and demonstrate how to adapt your shine style to all abilities and make shines inclusive. 

 Students will explore various types of bootblack stands and their design and construction. We will discuss storage, portability, stability, work-flow, accessibility for both patron and bootblack, cost, ease of build, tools needed and sources for plans and parts. 

An exciting adventure for littles to learn new skills and spend some quality time in a safe space. This year we will be doing Stuffie repair and piercings. Our little Bootblacks will learn a new skill that will help them care and maintain their best friends and leather gear. Simple sewing skills and an option to do piercings on our stuffies will be demoed and then littles will be helped to do simple stiches on their own. Smaller littles will be given plastic needles to practice. Bootblack coloring pages and other activities will also be available if you just want to enjoy the space. All littles are welcome, Bigs are also welcome if they bring candy.

 When preparing to run for International Ms. Bootblack, the thought of the tech boot was enough to give me a tummy ache. Since then, it's become one of my favorite portions of any bootblacking contest. We will go over general expectations and things to consider before doing a 30 min tech boot. Those who would like to participate can put their boot up for feedback. Whether you are thinking about running for a title or just want to experience it, come to this class and join us in demystifying the tech boot! 

Let's Build a Stand! Watch and participate in the construction of a simple bootblack stand.