MsC will have Panels presented by a diverse group of national, international, regional and local presenters.
Below is a partial list of the approved panels. More will be posted as we receive and approve them.
(click titles to open for presenter bios and full class descriptions)
Panelists:
Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey, Dr. Richard Sprott, and Dr. Brad Sagarin
In this panel, three psychologists share their personal and professional perspectives on the factors that promote the positive growth of Master/slave relationships and the ways that Master/slave relationships promote positive growth. Drawing on decades of research and clinical experience, Lori Beth, Richard, and Brad discuss the benefits of a mindful and intentional approach to relationship formation and maintenance, the best practices of long-term M/s relationships, and the challenges of pursuing a relationship form that still faces stigma from outside (and within) the kink community.
Panelists:
Sir Guy, Master Taino, Pulse and Bastet
All too often, non-BIPOC folks look in the program book and see a discussion by or about M/s and Black or any BIPOC folk and say, "Oh, that's not for me." But it IS for you. And we're extending an open invitation! No, it's not meant to bash you, or to make you feel uncomfortable. It IS meant to open up a dialogue, stimulate discussion and share insight. Perhaps you could even ask those questions that have been milling around in your mind, but were apprehensive to ask us. Here's your invitation to the table. And if all goes well, you might get an invitation to the barbecue too.
Panelists:
Master D, Master S’ango, Sir Spyder and mrs phoenix
Moderator:
slave Passion
Crafting relationships can be hard and they can be even more so when one is considering one that is authority-based. It can be even more difficult when that relationship is interracial. No matter what anyone says, creating relationships outside of societal norms automatically introduces some difficulties, and when we deal with issues of race, nationality, culture, and ethnicity into the mix, we may find that we have a few hurdles to jump. This panel discusses the differences and how to overcome them and helps us look within ourselves at prejudices and misconceptions we may not have known that we have.
Panelists:
Master Toni, Ms DDom, Master Lola Smiles
Moderator:
Mistress Susan
In our traditional American society, most of us were raised with a male head of the household. As this is what our model is, what happens when we become female Masters? What personal challenges do we need to overcome? How do we do that? How does our mindset change? What advantages do we have? This panel is not about misogyny or being misandrists, but it is about exploring women’s experiences as Masters and answering some common questions. All are welcome. Come and join us!
Panelists:
Master Dante, slave Gaia, slave Coco, Raven Kaldera, Joshua Tenpenny, Sir Ross
Some authority topics are controversial even within M/s circles. What right and realistic capacity does an owner possess to deeply change their property? What happens when a slave wishes to give up more control than many deem safe or sane even with enthusiastic consent? Some of the areas this panel will touch upon are internal enslavement, objectification, dehumanization, psychological conditioning, surrendering body autonomy, limits, and legal rights, as well the ethical questions, communal fears, and judgements these polarizing topics can bring up. Please come with an open mind as we wade into the deep end of the authority differential dynamic pool.
Panelists:
Sir Guy, Master Taino
All of our experiences in this lifestyle are valid, whether we've been practicing authority-based dynamics for months or for years. This discussion is an opportunity for us to share our experiences, whether TNG (the next generation) or TOG (the older generation), to ask and answer questions, no matter where you fall on the timeline. We can all learn from each other. Here's a great opportunity to ask those nagging questions, share experiences and get to know each other better in a relaxed setting.
Panelists:
Lady O, Sir Edgar & Master D
Moderator:
Sir Guy
This panel discussion will be dealing with the emotional health of the Dominant/Master specifically tied to self-care. It seems we always talk about what we do or are supposed to do for those in our charge, but we rarely speak about how the big letter side of the slash deals with their emotional needs and issues. Come join us as we delve into this aspect of Mastery.
Panelists:
Master Ian and laurel, Master Matt and Ghirl Michelle
Master Ian Rose and Ghirl Michelle have shared a home since 2008 as part of a polyamorous relationship with their two additional partners, who have their own power exchange dynamic. Ian and Michelle have been in different levels of romantic and power dynamic relationships together and with Ian's slave laurel, who lives outside of the house. Master Matt is Michelle's current Master, and for 17 years was part of a different polyamorous household, with various authority exchange dynamics among his former house-mates.
Come join Ian, laurel, Michelle and Matt as they talk about life in Complicated Households of partners, children, shifting relationships, and power dynamics.
Panelists:
Master S'ango
The ideal of a Master is usually associated with wisdom and knowledge that can only come through age and experience. However, with the wide range of groups, resources, and educational opportunities available today, doesn’t it stand to reason that a younger generation could discover the Master’s path at an earlier age? Similar to the Today’s Young Masters panel first sponsored by MAsT New York City in 2002, this discussion focuses on the unique challenges and difficult obstacles that a new generation of Masters faces. Our young panelists will share their experiences and answer questions about their journeys.
Panelists:
Master Fyre, Master E, Master Lola Smiles
Moderator:
Master Mason
An open forum for the audience to ask questions of a panel of Masters of diverse genders and sexual orientations, who will share their stories and encourage discussion.
Panelists:
Miss Wendy, 705, slave Tom, Akasha
Moderator:
slave Megan
This will be an open forum for the audience to ask questions to a diverse panel of experienced slaves. The presenters will share their stories and will encourage discussion from the attendees.