Any I missed? Fixes needed?
Write me at alan7388 (at) gmail.com
—Alan M., Polyamory in the News
Some events are reopening in hopes
that the pandemic is subsiding.
Inquire about Covid precautions.
I'm updating this list as you send me news.
—alan7388 (at) gmail.com
April 6–9, 2023
Bastrop State Park, near Austin, Texas
After missing several years, Poly Big Fun came back for 2022 and is gearing up again for 2023.
"Poly Big Fun (PBF), the longest running polyamory event in Texas, is a community-organized retreat open to all families. Unlike most events it is 100% community run. Everyone pays the same amount and their are no paid speakers. Workshops are given by members of our community on topics that they are knowledgeable and passionate about. Board game and other geek enthusiasts abound. There will be a Polyamory 101 class and ice-breaking events, so whether you have been practicing polyamory for 2 weeks or 25 years, you will find opportunities to connect with your community HERE!
Previous events have featured dancing, board games, crafts, hiking, bike riding and other events! Bring your passion, volunteer to teach, help make our shared experience better! Facebook page.
April 14–16, 2023
Tucson, AZ
Pre-pandemic this was the largest and fastest-growing polycon, with over 400 people in 2019. In 2022 it was split between a limited-size live con and an online virtual con. The workshops and speakers for both. This year the organizers say, "We are returning to our former grand scale of 200-400 attendees with workshops and entertainment from Friday to Sunday. Local food trucks will be onsite for mealtimes along with community vendors to shop at. Friday will be a half day of social themed workshops and events so that attendees can start to get to know each other along with non-monogamy/polyamory 101 intro workshops for beginners. Saturday will be three tracks of different workshops offered all day with evening entertainment. Two of the Saturday tracks will be info-based workshops with the third track to be other ways of learning & connecting such as somatic or art based workshops. On Sunday there will be integration focused workshops, ending with our traditional town hall to close at midday."
My description of the live convention from previous years: "The first Southwest Love Fest in 2018 sold out with over 225 attendees, and the second in 2019 had over 400. (The only polyamory/CNM convention to beat that record was the one-time OpenSF in SanFrancisco in 2012, with 500.) I was at SW Love Fest in 2018 and found the vibe exuberant and excited, the attendees (80% from Arizona) great-hearted and significantly diverse, and the presenters I saw were mostly excellent. The Saturday-night social events included, simultaneously, a treasure hunt, an EDM dance party with costuming available, and a cuddle puddle in a big pop-up gazebo under the stars. There was a CEU track for psychology professionals to earn continuing-education credits. Child care was offered onsite both years.
"Conference organizers Kate Kincaid and Sara Bachmann-Williams recruited many volunteers from the Tucson and Phoenix poly and kink communities, and the success of the event seems to have come largely from word of mouth. Heavy early involvement by the local community seems to make the difference for the success of a polycon.
"Kate says that she and Sara will help advise anyone who wants to start a hotel polycon in their own city; write to southwestlovefest AT gmail.com."
Spring 2023?
Portland, Oregon
Description for 2020, the last Polytopia before it was suspended for Covid: "Sex-Positive Portland will host the city's sixth annual polyamory and open relationship symposium and celebration. Join us for three days of radical love, relationships and sustainability." Slogan: "Revolution through radical loving."
"Polytopia offers workshops for those who are relatively new to navigating the joys and pitfalls of loving more and workshops for those who are already well-experienced with polyamory who are looking for ways to better live the life they love. Workshops will be in a variety of formats ranging from lecture and discussion to experiential and embodied activities in dyads, triads and more. We will also offer lunchtime discussion panels and affinity groups to choose from each day to deepen our knowledge and connections with each other." Facebook page.
"A multi-day experiment in loving community and cultural change. Each year we choose a new theme, an aspect of life that we want to explore."
Description for 2020, the last Polytopia before it was suspended for Covid: "Sex-Positive Portland will host the city's sixth annual polyamory and open relationship symposium and celebration. Join us for three days of radical love, relationships and sustainability." Slogan: "Revolution through radical loving."
"Polytopia offers workshops for those who are relatively new to navigating the joys and pitfalls of loving more and workshops for those who are already well-experienced with polyamory who are looking for ways to better live the life they love. Workshops will be in a variety of formats ranging from lecture and discussion to experiential and embodied activities in dyads, triads and more. We will also offer lunchtime discussion panels and affinity groups to choose from each day to deepen our knowledge and connections with each other." Facebook page.
May 5 – 10, 2023
Abrams Creek Retreat Center, Mt. Storm, WV
For spring 2023:
"Theme: Joy and Resilience. We'll dive into joyful, loving connection and practice skills for healthy resilient relating in service of human liberation!
"Registration opens March 1, 2023. This event will be alcohol and drug free; welcoming to humans of all races, genders, and sexual orientations; financially accessible; and COVID cautious.
"Website not yet updated for 2023 -- More info coming soon."
In my experience, New Culture events draw about 70% polyfolks and are super poly-friendly. From the description for 2020, the first canceled by Covid: "Along with New Culture community and intimacy-building practices, like connection games, Going Deeper, and daily community Forums, mornings will feature workshops that help us find our creative voice and vision; every afternoon we’ll break into creativity focus groups (music, drawing, dance, singing, poetry, ritual, innovation, etc.); evenings and the last day will have space for sharing our creations. All in a supportive community, with plenty of time for cuddles (if you want them), conversations, and connections!"
● Rocky Mountain Poly Living
Spring 2023? TBD.
Spring 2023? TBD.
Denver, CO
 |
| The 2022 banner |
Rocky Mountain Poly Living came back in 2022 after a two-year pandemic hiatus; plans for 2023 are currently uncertain. It's run by Loving More (based in Colorado), which also puts on Poly Living East in Philadelphia. As in Philly: Talks, workshops, socializing, sharing, dance party, warmth, and fun. In 2022 scholarship funds for low-income/DEI attendees and presenters were provided by The Polyamory Foundation.
"Rocky Mountain Poly Living has an amazing mix of workshops, playshops, and entertainment. Poly Living is a place to learn relationship skills, workshops are focused on polyamorous relating, intimacy and living, and opportunities to meet like minded people."
Here were the Denver 2022 talks and workshops and their presenters. In 2016 I gave the keynote speech.
Loving More, "supporting polyamory and relationship choice since 1985," is the original poly organization of the modern era and played a central role in getting the whole movement going.
June 6 – 11, 2023
Rittergut Lützensömmern, Germany
The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.de, runs transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)
The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.de, runs transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)
June 16 – 19, 2023
Galliners, Catalonia, Spain
This will be OpenCon Catalonia's tenth year. It runs by a self-generated unconference program. "IOCC is an opportunity to get together in a friendly environment and share our experiences, our questions, the lessons we’ve learned, and the joys we’ve experienced in this new territory of polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships. We’ll be about 40 people, and the basic plan is to combine workshops with plenty of opportunities for relaxing and socialising. Check the what will happen page to get an idea of how it could be, and don’t forget to read our Code of Conduct. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be provided from Friday dinner to Monday lunch." The working language is English. Over 18 only (infants OK). Sells out quickly.
This will be OpenCon Catalonia's tenth year. It runs by a self-generated unconference program. "IOCC is an opportunity to get together in a friendly environment and share our experiences, our questions, the lessons we’ve learned, and the joys we’ve experienced in this new territory of polyamory/non-monogamy/open relationships. We’ll be about 40 people, and the basic plan is to combine workshops with plenty of opportunities for relaxing and socialising. Check the what will happen page to get an idea of how it could be, and don’t forget to read our Code of Conduct. Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) will be provided from Friday dinner to Monday lunch." The working language is English. Over 18 only (infants OK). Sells out quickly.
TBD, 2023
Alborache, València, Spain
"Un esdeveniment per a compartir experiències sobre les relacions afectives ètiques no normatives: Poliamor, Anarquia Relacional, Xarxes Afectives, etc. Un cap de setmana de debats, tallers i activitats lúdiques que ens brindaran l'oportunitat de conèixer gent amb idees i actituds obertes entorn a les relacions afectives. Un espai on compartir experiències i inquietuds sobre models de vincles entre les persones, des d'una perspectiva feminista, solidària i basada en el respecte. El contingut de l'OpenCon el proporcionen les persones assistents, per la qual cosa cada convocatòria és una sorpresa i una experiència única." Poliamor Valencia Facebook page.
Alborache, València, Spain
"Un esdeveniment per a compartir experiències sobre les relacions afectives ètiques no normatives: Poliamor, Anarquia Relacional, Xarxes Afectives, etc. Un cap de setmana de debats, tallers i activitats lúdiques que ens brindaran l'oportunitat de conèixer gent amb idees i actituds obertes entorn a les relacions afectives. Un espai on compartir experiències i inquietuds sobre models de vincles entre les persones, des d'una perspectiva feminista, solidària i basada en el respecte. El contingut de l'OpenCon el proporcionen les persones assistents, per la qual cosa cada convocatòria és una sorpresa i una experiència única." Poliamor Valencia Facebook page.
● Black Poly Pride
Summer 2023? Other events continue online.
Washington, DC?
If the 2023 conference happens, it will be the second for this event and its first in DC. From the 2020 description before the pandemic cancellation: "Co-founders @calicoeyez215 and @therealchanee are already hard at work with the help of the leaders of the black polyamorous community on the ground in D.C. and Nation wide! ... The theme for #blackpolypride2020, 'Black Polyamory: A Revolutionary Act,' will honor our past and highlight the many ways black polyamory enriches the ways in which we love, live and shape our futures." Facebook page.
Summer 2023? Sign up at site for announcements.
Columbus, Ohio
A one-day event. "Polyamory Unconference is an event that is run by you, the participants! Attendees get to propose, vote on, and run sessions themselves. You’ll set the agenda and create an environment of innovation and productive discussion! Request topics and workshops on issues that you want to hear about, or present something — a facilitated discussion, a workshop on a specific skill, or a lecture on a topic you are familiar with. Advantages of the unconference format include: a focus on topics that are relevant to the attendees, an opportunity for teamwork development, flexibility of schedule, and an emphasis on contributions from every participant. The relationships built during an unconference often continue well past the event."
Columbus, Ohio
July 15 – 24, 2023
Abrams Creek Retreat Center, Mount Storm, WV
I've attended this interesting, powerful, ten-day event for many years. Network for a New Culture explores building intimate sustainable community through practices of curiosity, transparency, self-exploration, and self-responsibility. The days are structured around ZEGG Forum, various self-improvement and human-potential presenters visiting to offer their stuff, and sharing life, work, and play in the West Virginia mountain woods.
“While not exclusively a poly event,” says co-founder Michael Rios, “Summer Camp East is about 70% polyfolk, and 100% poly-friendly.” Here are my impressions from my first year. Here's a bit more from my fourth (last two paragraphs).
“While not exclusively a poly event,” says co-founder Michael Rios, “Summer Camp East is about 70% polyfolk, and 100% poly-friendly.” Here are my impressions from my first year. Here's a bit more from my fourth (last two paragraphs).
From the description: "A 10-day experimental community for emotional intimacy, radical love, and global change. Experience what we’ve learned in our 25 years of exploration – the compassion, communication, and intimate connection that make a new world possible. Connect in the ways you’ve always wanted, learn skills to transform your daily life, and dive into the challenges of creating a world that works for all beings."
About 60 to 80 people usually attend. Vegetarian and vegan group meals; cabins and campsites in the woods (no vehicle hookups); bathhouse with sinks and hot showers. Conditions are mostly rustic, but some indoor accommodations are available onsite (priority goes to those with special needs), and a camp-owned motel is 3 miles away. Inquire whether there's a kids' program this year. A beautiful, and accurate, promo video (I'm in it!). Another camper speaks.
Covid protocols to be decided closer to the date. In 2022 proof of full Covid vaccination including booster was required, a negative PCR test no more than 48 hours before arriving, an onsite rapid antigen test on arriving, and daily rapid tests for the first several days. I was there; not one positive Covid test showed up in some 360 rapid tests onsite, nor was anyone symptomatic, nor was there any reported case post-camp. IMO, it was also one of the best Summer Camps I've been to. Was the strong filtering against Covid beneficial in other ways?
● Minnesota PolyCon
July 15, 2023Shoreview, MN, next to Minneapolis
In 2018 this new one-day event drew 86 people, and 2019 "was a big success with an attendance of 171," wrote MNPoly organizer Randy Frehse. For 2020 he wrote "We are hoping for 200 - 250," but then it was cancelled by the pandemic. Ditto 2021. But the con was back in 2022, recovering with financial aid from The Polyamory Foundation. It's got a new location for 2023.
In 2018 this new one-day event drew 86 people, and 2019 "was a big success with an attendance of 171," wrote MNPoly organizer Randy Frehse. For 2020 he wrote "We are hoping for 200 - 250," but then it was cancelled by the pandemic. Ditto 2021. But the con was back in 2022, recovering with financial aid from The Polyamory Foundation. It's got a new location for 2023.
Sessions have included sex positivity & consent, anatomy of arousal, solo poly, polyamory & mental health, poly & parenting, poly & religion, deconstructing jealousy, being out & poly, and fundamentals of good communication in your polycule. Organized and run by the 1500-member MNPoly Meetup group.
● Colorado Poly Weekend Retreat – Summer
August 3 – 7, 2023
Breckenridge, CO
This gathering is now being held twice a year, in January and August. "Relaxing vacation time with poly friends. The Colorado Polyamory Weekend is a long weekend retreat hosted in a beautiful mountain lodge with all meals provided. The retreat is for polyamorous people and people in poly-relationships to hang out together in a poly-normative, accepting environment. The weekend goes from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning and is held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Come relax, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies!"
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| On the dock at Polycamp Northeast |
August 9 – 13, 2023
East-central New Hampshire
This 3½-day event began with a smashing success in August 2016 (I was there) and has been running since, skipping 2020 during the pandemic. I attended three of the first four, and what a collection of loving hearts this has been each time. Attendance in 2021 and 2022 sold out at 100 people (full vaccination required) after reaching about 65 in previous years. People have self-organized a variety of talks and activities: nonviolent communication techniques, general poly discussion, genderqueer topics, yoga, nightly campfire, board games, crafts, a kayak race, cuddle party, dance. The venue is a well-equipped old New England summer camp (the group cabins each have a full bath) in the New Hampshire lakes region north of Boston. Waterfront with paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, water trampoline. Three meals a day included.
"At PolyCamp Northeast, we support each other in the full spectrum of relationship structures, sexual orientations, and gender identities. This is a space of love, inclusion and acceptance. It is a culture of respect, safety, communication and healthy boundaries. We bring our best selves together to form a community where we can all thrive. Thank you for co-creating this community with us!"
August 11 – 13, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
About previous years' campouts: "A kid-friendly poly camping weekend. Join us at Polywood this year to laugh, learn, and community build under the stars. Meet fellow like-minded poly people around the large communal bonfire; take part in various relationship building and strengthening discussions; share your poly knowledge and experiences over wine and cheese. We have limited scholarship funds available; email us at polywood.camping@gmail.com for more information."
August 23 – 28, 2023
Carbondale, Colorado
(Not to be confused with the Colorado Polyamory Weekend Retreat August 3 – 7 above, which is in a building with services.)
Robyn Trask and Jesus Garcia of Loving More have held this informal family-friendly campout nearly every year for 19 years. Lately about 30 people usually attend. "Come spend a weekend in the amazing White River National Forest near Carbondale, CO. This area boasts abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history. Join us for hiking, exploring ghost towns, fishing, campfire cooking, conversations, and hanging out with other polyamorous families from the Rocky Mountain Region and beyond."
Robyn writes, "I started hosting this event in 2003 at the earnest request of my children who loved going to the group camp each year and meeting other kids who had weird polyamorous parents. This event was the place my kids could have fun and gave them lifelong friends.
"Now twenty years later my daughter is bringing her own child and it fills me with happiness!"
Robyn writes, "I started hosting this event in 2003 at the earnest request of my children who loved going to the group camp each year and meeting other kids who had weird polyamorous parents. This event was the place my kids could have fun and gave them lifelong friends.
"My kids are grown and I still love hosting this event each year and the opportunity to share my passion for the beauty of the Rocky Mountains with my extended family, the polyamory community.
Aug. 27 – Sept. 4, 2023
Nevada desert
Nevada desert
Village of PolyParadise has been running at Burning Man since 1999. This is a large theme-camp cluster, typically 350 x 440 feet, usually with 250 - 300 campers. Generally about half are repeats from previous years, half are new. Workshops and events in 2022 included Poly High Tea, the famous Human Carcass Wash, Poly Friendly Social/Mixer, Ethical Slut Meet & Greet, Fire Flow Yoga, Therapeutic Photography Session, and the Twisted Swan Celtic pub. Writes Benevolent Dictator Scotto, "The Village of PolyParadise was absolutely incredible and our best effort yet at creating this amazing On-Playa home. Each year there are many challenges and together we find a way to make things right, together we build an amazing space within the gates of BRC, a place to really call home in the desert." History.
September 2023 (dates to be decided)
Ávila, Spain
Ávila, Spain
City to be decided?
Fall 2023?
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| Solo poly symbol |
Past description: "Are you new to polyamory and exploring the many possible configurations, or been practicing honest non-monogamy for decades? Regardless of where you are on the experience spectrum, you’ll appreciate the support, community, camaraderie, hospitality, and awesome keynote speakers we’re assembling for your enjoyment, learning, and growth." In past years SoPoCo sold out in advance.
Fall 2023?
Cedar Ridge Retreat & Conference Center, Vernonia, OR
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| Upper Lodge House, Cedar Ridge Retreat & Conference Center |
From the 2022 description: "This weekend-long retreat is an open-forum, highly interactive and participant-driven weekend of community, connection and opportunities to learn. You, the attendee, will co-create the agenda and schedule with fellow attendees and facilitators. We feel the best way to learn is to share with each other, so we offer a safe space for creative discourse, ideas and spontaneous workshops and playshops. The natural venue and smaller group allow an opportunity for deep connections." The site is about 30 miles north of Portland .
Fall 2022; Dates to de decided.
Miami, FL
"RelateFest is for people who love exploring relationships, questioning relationship norms, learning new skills, and connecting with others. RelateFest brings the principles of curiosity and conscious relating to a safe space for learning, connection, and play. The event will feature relationship experts holding interactive workshops, small group discussions, and immersive experiences. Produced by Esther Perel Discussion Group, Leveled Up Love, and WeDeepen" (a for-profit company).
Last I knew registration was $497+ per person. Hotel options range from pricy (onsite) to basic (offsite). This is one of many wellness/ growth/ relationship/ spiritual events put on by the Deepen company, "the most raved about Social & Transformational Experiences."
September 20–24, 2023
Gut Frohberg, Germany
The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.de, runs transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are (translated) "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. The working language is German. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)
The German organization PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V., at Polyamory.de, runs transregional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are (translated) "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities. The programme is self organized by the participants." Minimum age 18. The working language is German. In past years the meetings have sold out within days of being announced. (Also see Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)
Fall 2023? TBD
Abrams Creek Retreat Center, Mt. Storm, WV
This is a smaller, more intimate version of New Culture Summer Camp held in July at the Abrams Creek Retreat Center in the mountains of West Virginia (see July here for description). These events draw about 70% polyfolks; the focus is on building practices of transparency, self-understanding, communication skills, and intimacy to create radically better relationships of any type. The aim to build, over several days, an enduring network of like-minded people who don't necessarily fall out of touch as happens after most events. "The point is building tribe," says co-organizer Michael Rios.
I've gone to the larger New Culture Summer Camp for many years and can't recommend Center for a New Culture events highly enough. From the website: “Here is where you can meet people at a deeper level, learn the skills needed to handle your relationships, and become a part of a supportive network of people who share your relationship values.... Spend up to 5 days in a rustic woods-and-water setting, hang out around a bonfire, enjoy a song circle, cuddle up at a snuggle party, learn to take your relationships to the next level, and build connections with others that last all year long!”
Explains Michael, "We are exploring the questions: What does it mean to be there for each other? What would it take to be solidly present in each others’ lives, responding flexibly and with love to the needs that emerge? What might we do right now to be there for each other? What role does commitment play? The deep truth is that each person is fundamentally alone. Yet at the same time, there is beauty and skillfulness in interdependence.... And beyond merely meeting needs, we can find delight in co-creation, and in the many ways we can support each other in greater joy. At this community journey, we will open these explorations in a field of love, curiosity, and compassion." Video. Also, a camper's video.
In its past years pre-covid, Polyday was drawing a total of 200-plus people. The 2018 Polyday got a nice writeup in Vice UK. From the website: "Polyday is an annual day for ethically non-monogamous people and our allies to get together and share our knowledge and experiences -- the questions we've encountered, the lessons we've learned, and the joys and sorrows we've experienced. It is a day for responsible non-monogamous people to experience a comfortable, non-judgmental environment with their fellow poly people and their families. Children of all ages are welcome. Polyday provides an educational and community support network for people who are involved in ethically non-monogamous loving relationships, or who would like to be allies. We promote mutual, collaborative encouragement, solace, and exploration." Facebook page. In past years Polyday has sold out in advance.
2024
● Love Is Love (Germany)
Winter 2024; dates to be decidedGermany
The German organizations PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V. (Polyamory.de), and Bisexuelles Netzwerk e.V. (BiNe.net) created this new conference in 2022 as the region emerged from the pandemic disruptions. The working language is German. The limit in 2022 was 60 people.
PolyAmores Netzwerk normally runs trans-regional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities." (Also, see the Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)
● Colorado Poly Weekend Retreat – WinterWinter 2024; dates to be decidedBreckenridge, CO
This gathering is now being held twice a year, in January and August. "Relaxing vacation time with poly friends. The Colorado Polyamory Weekend is a long weekend retreat hosted in a beautiful mountain lodge with all meals provided. The retreat is for polyamorous people and people in poly-relationships to hang out together in a poly-normative, accepting environment. The weekend goes from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning and is held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Come relax, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies!"
Winter 2024? Dates uncertainPhiladelphia, PA?
Poly Living has long been put on in February by the Loving More nonprofit group in a hotel near the Philadelphia airport. But with a post-covid rush of corporate conventions making up for lost time, the hotel and others in the area priced themselves out of reach. Watch for news of 2024.
2023 would have been Poly Living's 16th year, the 14th under Loving More's management. Before the Covid shutdown it drew a lively, increasingly diverse crowd of about 200 interesting people for talks, workshops, socializing, sharing, party and fun. Here were the 2020 sessions and presenters. Here's my writeup of the first Poly Living I attended (2006). In 2012 I gave the keynote speech. Hope to meet you there when they return.
Loving More, "supporting polyamory and relationship choice since 1985," is the original poly organization of the modern era and played a central role in getting the whole movement going.
Late winter 2024? TBAMiami, FL
"RelateFest is for people who love exploring relationships, questioning relationship norms, learning new skills, and connecting with others.
"RelateFest brings the principles of curiosity and conscious relating to a safe space for learning, connection, and play. The event will feature relationship experts holding interactive workshops, small group discussions, and immersive experiences. Produced by Esther Perel Discussion Group, Leveled Up Love and WeDeepen."
Tickets in 2023 were $497+ per person. Hotel options ranged from pricy (onsite) to basic (offsite). This is one of several wellness/ growth/ relationship/ spiritual events put on by the for-profit Deepen company, "the most raved about Social & Transformational Experiences."
_____________________________________________________________________
● Love Is Love (Germany)
Winter 2024; dates to be decided
Winter 2024; dates to be decided
Germany
The German organizations PolyAmores Netzwerk (PAN) e.V. (Polyamory.de), and Bisexuelles Netzwerk e.V. (BiNe.net) created this new conference in 2022 as the region emerged from the pandemic disruptions. The working language is German. The limit in 2022 was 60 people.
PolyAmores Netzwerk normally runs trans-regional "Poly Meetings" for German-speaking polyfolks in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The organizers say the gatherings are "a platform for networking and for the exchange of experiences and practical knowhow. Also theoretical discussions and the planning of cultural and political activities." (Also, see the Poly-Kalender of local and regional German-speaking events.)
● Colorado Poly Weekend Retreat – Winter
Winter 2024; dates to be decided
Breckenridge, CO
This gathering is now being held twice a year, in January and August. "Relaxing vacation time with poly friends. The Colorado Polyamory Weekend is a long weekend retreat hosted in a beautiful mountain lodge with all meals provided. The retreat is for polyamorous people and people in poly-relationships to hang out together in a poly-normative, accepting environment. The weekend goes from Thursday afternoon to Monday morning and is held in the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Come relax, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the Rockies!"
Winter 2024? Dates uncertain
Philadelphia, PA?
Poly Living has long been put on in February by the Loving More nonprofit group in a hotel near the Philadelphia airport. But with a post-covid rush of corporate conventions making up for lost time, the hotel and others in the area priced themselves out of reach. Watch for news of 2024.
2023 would have been Poly Living's 16th year, the 14th under Loving More's management. Before the Covid shutdown it drew a lively, increasingly diverse crowd of about 200 interesting people for talks, workshops, socializing, sharing, party and fun. Here were the 2020 sessions and presenters. Here's my writeup of the first Poly Living I attended (2006). In 2012 I gave the keynote speech. Hope to meet you there when they return.
Loving More, "supporting polyamory and relationship choice since 1985," is the original poly organization of the modern era and played a central role in getting the whole movement going.
Late winter 2024? TBA
Miami, FL
"RelateFest is for people who love exploring relationships, questioning relationship norms, learning new skills, and connecting with others.
"RelateFest brings the principles of curiosity and conscious relating to a safe space for learning, connection, and play. The event will feature relationship experts holding interactive workshops, small group discussions, and immersive experiences. Produced by Esther Perel Discussion Group, Leveled Up Love and WeDeepen."
Tickets in 2023 were $497+ per person. Hotel options ranged from pricy (onsite) to basic (offsite). This is one of several wellness/ growth/ relationship/ spiritual events put on by the for-profit Deepen company, "the most raved about Social & Transformational Experiences."
To add an event (of wide geographic interest, please) email it to me at alan7388 {at} gmail.com.
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| Kimchi Cuddles is based the cartoonist's real life. See her followup strip. And yes, she, "Rajeev" and "Terra" all made it to the Beyond the Love polycon in Ohio that year. |
How to find your LOCAL POLY COMMUNITIES and their get-togethers!
For socials, potlucks, discussions, support, etc. near you, find and join your local poly group(s). You can:
● Try googling polyamory with
your state and/or city.
● Check Meetup.com with keyword polyamory and enter your zip code or city.
● Search Facebook Groups for polyamory with the name of your state and/or city, and for poly with your state and/or city. Ditto Instagram, Twitter.
● In Canada see Canadian Polyamory Groups, a list maintained by the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association ("last updated Nov. 1, 2021").
So don't be too quick to assume, as you walk in the door, that you've
finally found your long-sought tribe. Watch out if a group seems to center
on one strong personality and her or his acolytes. Watch out for anyone who
tries to draw you into a faction; they're often guiltier of nasty crap than
the opposing faction. Bad actors often try to turn you against their
legitimate critics before you know any better.
If in doubt, ask around the larger community.
It's a good sign if the group has been running a long time and its people are
known and liked. An excellent sign to watch for is distributed leadership. That means you see various different people in charge of stuff and
an easy and equal style of discussion and decision-reaching.
And when dating, of course, follow sensible safe-dating practices as always. (For instance. More.)
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Can't find a good local poly group? Maybe that's the universe saying you should start it! That's what Meetup.com is for.
Good people will and should be just a bit wary of you as described
above, so make sure to spell out right on Meetup your idea of
good poly, who the group is for, and at least a simple code of
conduct. A standard rule in poly discussion-and-support groups,
learned by experience, is no pickup attempts; the group is for
friendship, support, and community. If friendships evolve to dating,
that happens offline. "Socials" or "parties," on the other hand, are labeled as such.
– Here is organizer Kitty Chambliss's Polyamory Guide to Community Building. "So perhaps you’d like to start a community from scratch in your local area. I’m going to give you a roadmap for success to do just that!"
– Here are Joreth's many thoughts on the kinds of poly community events that might work in your area. She's been an organizer for many years and has pretty much done it all.
– Simple, exact details of how to plan and run a good poly gathering: How I run poly picnic discussions, by Andrea Green.
– Prefer audio? From the Polyamory Weekly podcast: Episode #365, Building Your Poly Community with Meetups; and Episode #464, Building Your Poly Community as it grows.
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