MoM 2021

[kristoff]

Is anyone interested in holding another Meeting of Members (MoM) this summer? Hopefully by mid-sommer most people should be vaccinated, relieving that concern. Aside from interest, about which time/dates would you prefer?

[romuluso (imported)]

Just came here today for info about the MoM. I'm interested. For the first time in years I should actually be able to afford it.

[T van Keel]

It might be interestig to meet some of you some day in the future, but this year I won't attend a MoM. The travel isn't affordable for me at the moment and I also doubt that covid will disappear until this summer, so intercontinental travel wouldn't be a bright idea.

[Evolve]

It might be interestig to meet some of you some day in the future, but this year I won't attend a MoM. The travel isn't affordable for me at the moment and I also doubt that covid will disappear until this summer, so intercontinental travel wouldn't be a bright idea.

Depending on when the event is held( early fall works best), I might be able to attend. Either way, I look forward to meeting you all in the future.

[eunuchjeff (imported)]

I've never been, but am interested. A primary issue with me is just timing. I'm as far west and north as one can be - except Alaska. I might travel to the northeast US for family reasons in late September. So sometime around then would be best.

[NovaMike]

I would be interested if it was a convenient time or place, but wouldn't travel somewhere just for a Eunuch Archive meeting. It should be held during something like the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend where people are already planning to attend the event.

[Losethem (imported)]

I would be interested if it was a convenient time or place, but wouldn't travel somewhere just for a Eunuch Archive meeting. It should be held during something like the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend where people are already planning to attend the event.

My apologies, I'm going to rant a bit here...

NovaMike just highlighted the problem with organizing these kinds of events. I'll be polite as possible with the rest of this message, but that kind of suggestion I've found a bit annoying over the years when I've organized such things. Now this may not apply to the MOM, but I will state why the suggestion is difficult to take into consideration below. MOM is quite a different meeting than the events I plan, so being in the area of the Twin Cities, MN, is not so unreasonable. They have their own valid reasons for hosting MOM there.

As for those I organize, they generally are not meant to be competitive to MOM. However, when I've announced or sent invitations, I get lots of interest, lots of people saying, "Sure, I'll go...", but when they find out I will not be hosting an event in their literal back yard, they back out. Put another way, the demand they give me as a host is, I hold it where it's most convenient to that person. Well, where that person lives is often not a convenient area to host such an event, nor make it appealing to others to attend.

MAL happens in Washington, DC. You live in that area... You pretty much said, without saying it, "If you host it where I live, I'll attend. Otherwise I won't attend..." The hosts can't please everyone, but when I've organized these things, I've tried to take into consideration what would draw folks.

Though there are more eunuchs and nullos around seemingly every day, we're still a small group. So if the offer comes up where someone is trying to organize something, and you cannot attend, telling the organizers something like you did discourages them from making an effort to do so in the future. Often I see it and wonder why I'd bother.

For what it is worth, the two events I arranged I took into consideration not everyone lives in the eastern US or the western US, and split the locations holding one east and one west. I also held them in one case, several hours drive from my own home, and the other required me to fly to the location. I held one in Palm Springs, CA and the next in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. When we're done with COVID I might consider another one. There are very specific requirements for the place I'd hold it, and I'll just say DC isn't under consideration for that reason. At this point I won't reveal what those things I look for in the venue are, but I will say I've been asked by one potential attendee in the past to host it in the midwest, Kansas I think, and I about had to go to the hospital to get my sides repaired from splitting open at the amount laughing I did at the suggestion. Geeze, if I couldn't organize it in a random major city because people wouldn't travel there, seriously, they think I can get people to Kansas?!?!?!?!? The only appealing thing about Kansas, is it's is a mid-point in the USA, and having been to Kansas myself, I'd have to say that's the only appealing thing.

Put another way, when I arrange something I try to plan it for a venue which will gather the largest amount of guys like us, and will not have a problem hosting it at their facility. The logistics of pulling such off are often difficult. So while I listen to suggestions, my drive in selecting a location will always be the one I feel will have the best ability to draw people inside of the parameters of receiving the invitation. At that, the gatherings have been small, enough for us to all go out and have dinner together, usually. I think it's more because the places who will host us, tend to be a bit pricey with getting there, having a room, etc. You have to plan for many days, and the expense of that. A lot of folks get unintentionally excluded because of price alone. But I suppose the same happens for getting their surgeries in a legitimate way... it's expensive.

As I've been contemplating my next event, I've asked some trusted folks where they think would be a good place. I'll be honest, none of the 10 or so I asked said DC, but at the same time, none of those suggested something off the wall like Kansas.

I now return us to all things MOM.

[cutnbulls2ox (imported)]

I say some kind words for Kansas. I love traveling in Kansas. Kansas has some mighty fine men, some great scenery like the Flint Hills and wide open spaces, and VERY friendly and hot men in some bars in Kansas City, Kansas. Just saying, lots of men working livestock there who are into castrating. But its not a magnet for gay tourism.

I thank and applaud all efforts to get the EA members together in social contact. Hosting events is a challenge for the very kind and generous people who do that tough job. .

[kristoff]

The plan for now would be to host this in the Minneapolis / St Paul area of Minnesota, and in a neighboring town across the border in Wisconsin. I personally am looking for the end of August (the week before Labor Day), coinciding with the Minnesota State Fair. I am certainly open to other dates, as well. It would likely past most of the Covid stuff, near the end of summer, lots of motel/hotel space, etc.

[cutnbulls2ox (imported)]

That Minnesota State Fair gets around one million visitors each year and has really great man watching every day with around 100,000 people per day coming thru. Better than much of any gay resort could generate daily.

[JesusA]

We've scheduled the MoM to coincide with the Minnesota State Fair before. There are advantages and disadvantages of the timing.

Advantages: Great entertainment, Fair food, anytime is a good to be with all of the Archive folk!

Disadvantages: A million fairgoers, Need to book motels & camp sites well in advance

Of the million-plus visitors to the fair, a great many come from far away and need to stay locally.

The fair dates this year are Thursday, August 26th through Labor Day, Monday, September 6th. The main part of the MoM is over a Saturday/Sunday, spent at the Mother Ship (Talula and Gem's home). Labor Day weekend might make travel difficult for those flying out afterwards. Minneapolis is a major airport and flights are frequent and from all directions. We've had international attendees at the MoM several times. It's easy to get to.

The kick-off event, for those who arrive in time, is always a Thursday night BBQ at the Convent (Kristoff's home). Fridays are for some local excursion, such as the fair.

I'm a retired old geezer. I'll be there whatever dates are chosen. I missed seeing everyone last year and won't miss it again. It's one of the high points of the year.

Fair food (one vendor has had lamb testicles on a stick, though not shown on this Youtube):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-5Lr2IhB_o

[TopManFL (imported)]

Is anyone interested in holding another Meeting of Members (MoM) this summer? Hopefully by mid-sommer most people should be vaccinated, relieving that concern. Aside from interest, about which time/dates would you prefer?

Hey kristoff,

Although I would very much want to attend, this year it is not possible for me.

I am a former travel agent and if you would like, I can give a few tips on how to get small discounts on airfare and hotels:

For hotel discounts using something similar to AAA, AARP, Military or Veteran will offer a discount for the asking but, sometimes a group rate can get discount better than those. Making arrangements with the sales department of the hotel can get a group rate. Normally, they require a certain number of room nights. So, if a guest stays three nights those are three oom nights. Most hotels will put the number at around 20 to 30 for the first time and if you don't meet the number of room nights, they don't worry about it.

Airlines offer group rates all the time. You pick one airline, call them and ask for the group department. Even though it is a group rate, nobody is required to travel together or even on the same flights. The airline will normally give you a two or three day window on either side of the event for travel time. The group rate will require a certain "class of service" to be available. The "class of service" has no effect on the seating nor service a passenger will receive, it is just a way for the airline to control their inventory on a flight. Also, the group rate will require a certain number of passengers. But, if you fail to have that many people use the group rate, the airline won't charge you for it - they will just want to see some improvement in the numbers the next year.

TMFL

[NovaMike]

My apologies, I'm going to rant a bit here...

What if I had suggested CLAW, I wanted to go last year and they haven't set their dates for the next, in person event. Plan whatever MoM type event you want, but I am just suggesting to plan meetups at conventions where Eunuchs may already be planning to attend.

I belong to other organizations outside the Eunuch world and several host annual conventions. While the organizations claim to be international, most of their conventions are in the US and most of the people who attend live in the host state or a neighboring state. There will always be more people who come from a shorter distance and one or two who come from far away. Planning more frequent events, where there is less need to coordinate travel, hotel, and other logistics because they are part of a larger event might make things easier for people to plan and attend.

That said, if you were to plan something like a Eunuch cruise on the Caribbean, I might be willing to travel for something like that.

[Losethem (imported)]

What if I had suggested CLAW, I wanted to go last year and they haven't set their dates for the next, in person event. Plan whatever MoM type event you want, but I am just suggesting to plan meetups at conventions where Eunuchs may already be planning to attend.

That said, if you were to plan something like a Eunuch cruise on the Caribbean, I might be willing to travel for something like that.

I'm going to revisit this. Please understand I'm speaking calm tones and not a voice of, "What is he thinking?" I write this disclaimer, because I just read what I wrote below and see how someone could misinterpret what I'm saying.

While over the years the Eunuch Archive has had 250,000+ signups, there are NOT 250,000 eunuchs out there wanting to attend a gay fetish event, a eunuch cruise ($$), etc. The members who gather will tend to be smaller groups (think less than 50). The pool we have to draw from for an event is probably in the hundreds of people, not thousands or millions. We're just not that common compared, to say, the group encompassing all gay men. If 1 in 10 men are gay, that's a pool of about 15,000,000 in the USA alone. So you can establish events like CLAW and MAL, etc. and expect you'll draw a crowd. You can organize gay cruises, and expect you'll fill all the cabins, etc.

A eunuch cruise? Unfortunately our group is not large enough to consider it in any way whatsoever. If we have enough trouble getting 10-12 folks together, how would we fill an entire cruise ship? As nice as it would be to have an entire floating city to ourselves, it's not likely to happen, because our group simply isn't big enough. That's where things like the MOM come in. The good folks at Eunuch Central send out a broad invite to all the members here, and several each year are willing to travel to Eunuch Central and have a nice few days visiting. Easy, generally no muss, no fuss.

So the summary is, our group just isn't big enough for the suggested venues. We simply do not have the numbers to make it economically feasible to do a facility takeover for a weekend. So my apologies if I was harsh on dismissing your suggestion. Please understand, it's not from lack of desire, we simply don't have the numbers.

[NovaMike]

The truth is, I would love to be able to meet other members of the Eunuch Archive. This site has been a companion for many years and knowing that other people have felt many of the same things I am dealing with is important. Being a relatively small and somewhat misunderstood community isn't easy.

One reason why I haven't jumped on buying a ticket to see Dr Arnkoff or another doctor who will perform castration without a lot of hassles is based on finances. I don't have the ability to take a week off from work to travel. From that perspective, going to Minnesota to meet a handful of members of the forum is not an expense I can justify. It only makes sense to try and get a meeting somewhere that I might be able to go.

Ten years ago, I went on a convention at sea. I think the organizers expected to get 200 or 300 people to attend, but I think the number was closer to 40 or 50. We had use of some of the spaces on the ship during the morning and afternoons when we were at sea. We also had a cluster of tables so we could all eat dinner together. It would be great if we could fill a whole cruise ship, but I realize that wouldn't happen, but the numbers required for a successful cruise might be smaller than you think.

I had a few conversations with the two ladies who planned the cruise. They were into creating themed experiences. They had done an Elvis cruise and were trying to do one for the fans of the Twilight Saga which was popular back then. I thought the Twilight was a stretch since I considered it more of a movie for teens than adults who have that kid of money.

[Losethem (imported)]

One reason why I haven't jumped on buying a ticket to see Dr Arnkoff or another doctor who will perform castration without a lot of hassles is based on finances. I don't have the ability to take a week off from work to travel. From that perspective, going to Minnesota to meet a handful of members of the forum is not an expense I can justify. It only makes sense to try and get a meeting somewhere that I might be able to go.

I think a DC event set up much like an MOM (a casual, non-hookup event) would do well. There are many folks in DC and surrounding areas, you may be able to pull it off. When I say surrounding I mean from VA, MD, DC, NJ, DE, and PA. I myself am in VA, I know of others in the surrounding areas.

To be polite, if you do try to set something up, make sure it doesn't coincide with the MOM. *grin* Both would be good events, but give each their own time to shine, so to speak.

[rogerwpbfl (imported)]

I think a DC event set up much like an MOM (a casual, non-hookup event) would do well. There are many folks in DC...

Sorry to ask but did LT really just say there are a bunch of dickless dudes in DC? Lmao!!

Ok, sorry, back to your discussion.

[Losethem (imported)]

Sorry to ask but did LT really just say there are a bunch of dickless dudes in DC? Lmao!!

Ok, sorry, back to your discussion.

I didn't specifically say that, but the answer would be yes. In the geography I mentioned, the low count on dickless dudes is 5 and soon to be 6. Expand it to North Carolina and the count goes up to 8. I'm sure it's more, but those are the ones I know of. As for eunuchs? There are many more to increase this number inside that geography, at least another 10.

And NO I will not say who or where they are beyond what I have already, so please don't ask.

Around the world I have identified at least 50 nullos, and a few dickless guys. The vast majority are in the US.

I now return us to our regularly scheduled MOM (and other event) scheduling discussions.

[JesusA]

There have been a number of local gatherings over the years. I know of (and attended) three on the West Coast: Portland, Bay Area, and San Diego. There have been gatherings in Atlanta and Washington, DC. There have been two gatherings in England (Manchester and London) that I know of. There have probably been more in various locations. It takes ONE person to take on the task of organizing -- choosing the date, finding the site, etc. I'd be happy to help with ideas should anyone want to set one up. Just send me a Private Message and I'll respond.

[kristoff]

It is getting to be about the time to make some hotel reservations in order to make sure you can get a room. There is a small, clean motel in Wisconsin in the area we meet, reasonable rates, close to a restaurant and a bar and a C-Store, and 10 blocks from the main meeting location.

My thinking is Thursday 26 August through Sunday 29 August. Steak fry at my house on Thursday evening in Minneapolis, Friday as one sees fit, such as the state fair. Saturday and Sunday at Eunuch Central. Plenty of good food, usually plenty to drink, and good conversation. Sometimes some unexpected guests show up, and they are welcome.

Let me know if these dates are acceptable, and we can start getting things ready to go!

K

[kristoff]

I think we are just going to plan on the dates above - end of August to 1st part of September. For those interested, send me a PM And I can answer most questions you may have. While in the past, MOMs at this time would conflict with the MN State Fair. Given Covid, and the present state of the economy, I expect the crowds will not be as big as in the past, so motel/hotel reservations should be easier to obtain. I am expecting that a great many people will be vaccinated by that time, making travel less hazardous. There are many other attractions and things to do in the area, aside from the state fair, although the fair has some spectacular people watching (I usually go 2-3 times). There is a local Motel that we recommend, and now would be a good time to make reservations.

Hoping to see you there!