The Chicago skyline looms over Michigan Avenue as leathermen and women fill up the Congress Hotel. (All photos by Ruff Wray)
CHICAGO — IML 2016 rolled forward with the first full day on Friday. The big things for the day were the bootblack first shine, the opening of the leather market and the IML Opening Ceremonies.
Saturday is full speed ahead for activities. Some of the highlights at the are the People of Color Leather Caucus in the Victoria Room, the Women’s Leather History Reception in the Buckingham Room and pup stuff all day long. Check out the full schedule below.
The Chicago Health Department will also be offering FREE meningitis vaccinations both today and Sunday at the host hotel. Chicago has been seeing a rise in infection over the past month and the vaccination is free. The CHD has tables and vaccinations on the third floor of the host hotel, right off the escalators.
The day will be capped off with Pecs & Personality at the Park West in Lincoln Park tonight. Buses from the hotel to the venue start at 6:45, doors open at 7 and the festivities start at 8.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
| Time | Event | Location | Description | iCal Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | LA&M President’s Reception | Buckingham | IML Founder and LA&M President Chuck Renslow hosts a reception for friends of the LA&M. Proceeds benefit the Leather Archives & Museum. |  |
| 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Leather Market Day Pass Registration | Prince Albert Room | Weekend Package/Day Pass wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation $10. | |
| 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Weekend Package Pick up & Ticket Sales | Rafael Annex | Weekend Package Pick up & Ticket Sales. | |
| 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | International Mr. Bootblack Competition | Rendezvous | International Mr. Bootblack Competition. | |
| 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM | IML Leather Market | 1st, 2nd, 3rd floors | Weekend Package/Day Pass wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation $10. | |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Leather Recovery Meeting | Lake Shore | A 12-step recovery meeting that welcomes all programs and people seeking support in a sober environment during all IML festivities. | |
| 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | That Puppy Thing: A discussion of the Pup and Leather Communities | Victorian | You’ve seen them everywhere, but what is all the barking about? How do the Pup and Leather communities relate to each other, and how do they interact? Please join Great Lakes Puppy, both International Puppies, and a panel of community leaders as they discuss the puppies’ place as leatherman’s best friend. | |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Erotic Hypnosis Reception | Columbia | A social reception for recreational hypnosis enthusiasts and curious alike. All experience levels welcome. | |
| 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM | People of Color Leather Caucus | Victorian | Join the Men of ONYX, along with Leatherfolk and Kinksters of Color from around the world for a lively community discussion on maximizing the leather/kink/fetish experience and positively impacting our communities as People of Color. Panelists will include both elders and new entrants. Demonstrations guaranteed to put the Sizzle in your Saturday afternoon will follow. Join in the discussion and maybe even participate in the demonstrations. Facilitated by ONYX founder Mufasa. | |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Puppy Yoga | Florentine | The annual pup and Handler party that is free and open to the general public featuring puppy yoga, pup activities, surprises, fun and fellowship. Sponsored by SquarePeg. Florentine Room. Yoga starts at 2:00 PM, and the Romp will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Chicago Hellfire Club Annual IML Cocktail Social | Oxford | The Chicago Hellfire Club hosts its annual cocktail reception at IML. Come meet and greet the members of CHC as they celebrate its 45th year. All are welcome. | |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | LA&M Women’s Leather History Program Reception | Buckingham | Come celebrate Women’s Leather History with the LA&M! Join Jakob VanLammeren, LA&M Archivist/Collections Librarian as we host a space for women, trans, and gender-spectrum leather folk at IML. This gathering will also feature a new updated Women’s Leather History Program traveling exhibit. | |
| 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Off Leash: The Pup and Handler Romp | Florentine | The annual pup and Handler party that is free and open to the general public featuring puppy yoga, pup activities, surprises, fun and fellowship. Sponsored by SquarePeg. Florentine Room. Yoga starts at 2:00 PM, and the Romp will be from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM | |
| 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | LORE Sober Recovery Mocktail Party | Guest Room 700 | All members and friends of the recovery community are invited to attend. | |
| 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | BLUF Social | Oxford | BLUF Chicago welcomes members of the Breeches and Leather Uniform Fan Club from around the world with a cocktail reception bringing together men into full leather uniforms. This is a BLUF Dress Code Enforced Event, so please wear your finest Leathers and Uniforms. | |
| 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM | IML Pecs and Personality Contest | Park West 322 W Armitage Ave, Chicago | Buses start at 6:45pm. Single tickets available ONLY at 1st floor Ticket Sales Desk. IML contestants are judged on their appearance and stage presence. Doors open at 7 p.m., contest begins at 8 p.m. Sponsored by Orbitz. | |
| 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM | International Bootblack Reception | Buckingham | SpitShine! Join the contestants for this year’s International Mr. Bootblack Competition and meet bootblacks from across the nation. Jump in to the auction bidding to help raise travel funds for this year’s winner. IMBB is proudly sponsored by LeatherWerks/Stompers Boots of Fort Lauderdale, FL. | |
| 11:59 PM – 1:00 AM | Leather Recovery Meeting | Lake Shore | A 12-step recovery meeting that welcomes all programs and people seeking support in a sober environment during all IML festivities. | |
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