Posted on 04/12/2002 12:16:01 AM PDT by 2Trievers
Talk about a trade show.
For the next four days, a swingers convention will take over the Radisson Deauville hotel in Miami Beach. The entire 17-story resort has been reserved by thousands of curious couples, vibrator vendors and veteran swing experts who will swap stories (and spouses), attend sexuality seminars, hawk fetish toys and gab about the latest gadgets.
It's open to the public. Want to attend? It costs about $395, depending on the package.
Hosting the convention for the unconventional is the California-based Lifestyles Organization, which has put together 28 conventions since 1969 and is now for the first time bringing the gathering to Florida -- home to the nation's second-largest swingers community after California. For the clueless: Swingers are couples who swap romantic partners.
''We generally rent the whole hotel. The reason being that we don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable,'' Lifestyles spokesman Gary Booth said.
Perhaps a good call, considering the topless poolside parties, ''Evening of Caressive Intimacy'' and intercourse-enhancing harnesses on sale in the Richelieu Room.
But how do the hotel employees handle their, er, affectionate guests?
Training. A week's worth.
Last week, an in-house hotel training team began coaching staffers from every department, including housekeeping, valet attendants and bellmen, said Donald Dougherty, the Deauville's general manager.
The golden rule: Beware of 'Do Not Disturb' signs.
''We told them it's an extremely adult-orientated event,'' Dougherty said, ``and even gave them the option of taking time off if they were not comfortable with it.''
And?
''There were no takers,'' Dougherty said.
On Wednesday, the hotel's lobby was already decked out in Lifestyles Convention banners, and booths were set up with informational literature as busloads of early arrivals got in.
THE LIGHT DAWNS
''Oh, now I get it. I thought they were swing dancers,'' blushing hotel guest Ann-E Imperatore said as she read through a pamphlet in the hotel lobby.
''Better than fighting, I guess,'' the Providence, R.I., visitor added.
The event officially gets started at noon today with the opening of the Erotic Marketplace.
Those who didn't buy one of the package deals can buy a $10 ticket to check out the various vendors.
Expect everything from penile enlargers and edible underwear to -- well, you get the picture.
The North American Swing Club Association, a convention sponsor, estimates that there are more than 500 clubs nationwide.
Organizers expect thousands of couples from 49 states -- not North Dakota -- and eight countries at the resort, 6701 Collins Ave., through Sunday.
Just who makes up the swing sets?
Mostly cops and teachers, Booth said of the members.
''These are not the people you see on Jerry Springer. They are middle to upper class,'' said Booth, who notes that they prefer the term ''play couples'' over `swingers.'
FAMED LOCAL CLUB
While the convention is a first, the lifestyle isn't. Miami, Booth said, is home to one of the country's most famed swingers clubs: Miami Velvet.
Owner Grant O'Donell said the private hot spot has more than 6,000 members, many of whom will be at the convention.
Among the 24 seminars being offered: The Monogamy Myth; Deeper Into the Heart of Sex and Tantra (note that tantric experience is required); Current Research on AIDS and STDs; Sadist, Masochist, Dominant, Submissive: Are You One of Us? -- A Panel Discussion; Systematic Sexuality: An Introduction to Swinging.
The event will end Saturday night with ``A Romantic Rendezvous in the Le Jardin.''
Said Booth: ``It's not a wild sex orgy party. It's about people coming together and sharing.''
Well, that about sums it up pretty succinctly.
Uh huh...okaaaaaaaaaay.
Nothing like demeaning a union consecrated before G*d by swapping your loved one like common cattle for a moment's gratification with a stranger. *sigh*
Good morning up there! My bro said Spring is in the air in CT!
Yes ... spring seems to have arrived ... feverish and all! Hugs to you Yak ... from the Constipation state! &;-)
You only say that because you do not love them:>) That isn't shallow..that is deep
You should ask our resident expert . My favorite line was "It's about people coming together and sharing.".I saw an ad that said "You want to #%*& my wife?? Now that's sharing...
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