A fixture now in the kinkdom calendar of events, ShibariCon is an annual festival of rope bondage – a rope-a-palooza of sorts. Held each year over Memorial Day Weekend at the Chicago O’Hare airport Hyatt, it draws over 700 people passionate about rope bondage.
ShibariCon was founded in 2004 by a tall, lankily handsome, be-Mohawked man called MorTis. I remember meeting him sometime around 2002 at a rope class I taught in Chicago, where he talked to me about hoping to organize a proper conference for like-minded people. I thought it a cool idea, but had no inkling as to what that burgeoning idea would become.
The event is an international draw, attracting presenters and attendees from Israel, Germany, UK, France, UK, Australia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Of course Canada and the USA were well represented at the event, now in its seventh year.
Today ShibariCon is produced and directed by Diana. She originally came on board as the administrative assistant in 2003. Over time she took over creating the programming and schedule, then becoming programming coordinator. Eventually, she became the sole producer and director in 2007.
ShibariCon has continued to evolve under Diana’s direction. With positive changes such as moving the event to a posh location, expanding the vendor area and honing the education track, she’s increased the quality of the event. She’s also actively reached out to the gay men’s leather community — which happens to be all over Chicago that same weekend each year, while International Mr. Leather happens across town.
The continued growth and popularity of this event lies in two factors; the adherence to its mission of education, and the development of a dedicated group of advisors, staff and volunteers.
Like a handful of other kinky events, ShibariCon is doggedly focused on its mission of education and community connection for the attendees. The event tag line is “Learn/Experience/Share” and they take that seriously. Walking through the event, at any given moment you’ll likely see small groups of people huddled and teaching one another some cool new skill they developed or picked up in a class. The event encourages individuals to learn and take what they learn back to their home community.
ShibariCon was founded in 2004 by a tall, lankily handsome, be-Mohawked man called MorTis. I remember meeting him sometime around 2002 at a rope class I taught in Chicago, where he talked to me about hoping to organize a proper conference for like-minded people. I thought it a cool idea, but had no inkling as to what that burgeoning idea would become.
The event is an international draw, attracting presenters and attendees from Israel, Germany, UK, France, UK, Australia, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Of course Canada and the USA were well represented at the event, now in its seventh year.
Kumi — © Midori 2005
ShibariCon has continued to evolve under Diana’s direction. With positive changes such as moving the event to a posh location, expanding the vendor area and honing the education track, she’s increased the quality of the event. She’s also actively reached out to the gay men’s leather community — which happens to be all over Chicago that same weekend each year, while International Mr. Leather happens across town.
The continued growth and popularity of this event lies in two factors; the adherence to its mission of education, and the development of a dedicated group of advisors, staff and volunteers.
Like a handful of other kinky events, ShibariCon is doggedly focused on its mission of education and community connection for the attendees. The event tag line is “Learn/Experience/Share” and they take that seriously. Walking through the event, at any given moment you’ll likely see small groups of people huddled and teaching one another some cool new skill they developed or picked up in a class. The event encourages individuals to learn and take what they learn back to their home community.
What you’ll find at ShibariCon:
- Classes and presentations on rope bondage, of every style, not just Japanese style, taught by really amazing instructors.
- Classes for all levels from the “can’t tie my shoe laces” novice to the deeply experienced.
- Lots of play at their huge nightly play parties, with ropes flying everywhere until all hours of the night.
- Lots of rope vendors and related toy and gear merchants.
- Lots of socializing.
- A casual and friendly atmosphere. You have to try very hard to not make friends there, as people tend to come up and start chatting with those who seem lonely or new.
Gym Rope — © Midori 2005
- Classes for all levels from the “can’t tie my shoe laces” novice to the deeply experienced.
- Lots of play at their huge nightly play parties, with ropes flying everywhere until all hours of the night.
- Lots of rope vendors and related toy and gear merchants.
- Lots of socializing.
- A casual and friendly atmosphere. You have to try very hard to not make friends there, as people tend to come up and start chatting with those who seem lonely or new.
Gym Rope — © Midori 2005
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