A Dominant's Diary

By SIR Aaron Wolf

CLAW 24 Chronicles: Lessons

Sir Aaron provides insight on lessons learned from his first Cleveland CLAW experience in this year’s last installment of the CLAW Chronicles.

15–23 minutes

Sir Aaron provides insight on lessons learned from his first Cleveland CLAW experience in this year’s last installment of the CLAW Chronicles.

Lesson : Register Early

While I am not advocating for monitoring the CLAW website obsessively for registration dates, I do suggest keeping an eye out on CLAW’s socials for when things do open up. The Pup and I registered as soon as we could so we could decide on what volunteer time to put in so we could reduce the registration fee. Historically, CLAW reduces registration for folx willing to volunteer; additionally, getting in early means getting first dibs on dinner packages and hotel accommodations. The Pup and I waited a little long and ended up at a hotel adjacent to the host venue. It wasn’t too bad; however, it was a bit of a walk when we had to check in for our volunteer shifts and change into gear. We definitely got our steps in but next time, we’re going to try to get into the host hotel. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to find a room, grab preferred shifts, and take part in activities requiring you to sign up like speed dating, etc.

Lesson : Volunteer

In the grand scope, it’s vital we do what we can to keep our spaces and that includes our events. The amount of times I’ve been to events that could’ve been better had there been enough personnel on-hand to help organizers realize the full vision is too high for my liking. CLAW is no exception and relies heavily on the heart and hands of willing Leatherfolk and Kinksters to step up. This ranges from getting one’s hands dirty setting up vendor booths to checking registrants in upon arrival to policing areas of the event. I volunteered for three shifts to help with Facilities and ended up in the VendorMart helping set up and tear down with the great folx at Northbound Leather, Ruff Studio/BurlyShirts, Leather Masters, and Rusty Pipe. It was a great way to connect with people from all over. The Pup signed up for Guest Services and helped attendees check in. To piggy back on Lesson , registering early ensures you get the shifts you want so you can optimize your time for education, play, socializing, etc. It also didn’t hurt that volunteering for three shifts knocked registration to $1, down from hundreds. You’ll get in free if you become a super volunteer. Just saying, helping out helps YOU out. Keep that in mind. It’s also a great feeling knowing you were part of the huge effort to put on an amazing weekend.

Lesson : Be Flexible

Flexibility is never a bad thing, in the bedroom, in the dungeon, and with your time. Three CLAW events in, I’d have to say that it pays to be able to adapt because the schedule of events shifted as the event got closer. For CLAW 24, I sacrificed a class on aftercare for one on knife play because I either didn’t see that they overlapped or that the education schedule had shifted. Also, be prepared for classes to end sooner or go longer than scheduled. CLAW tries to let you know that a certain class will exceed the allotted time (i.e., Breath Control Introduction); however, sometimes an instructor may not have the material to last the entire allotted timeslot. For example, a class scheduled for 90 minutes was over in 25 which left me about an hour of unplanned downtime. Presently, CLAW encourages attendees to use Yapp to keep abreast of changes in times and locations so make sure you have the Yapp app downloaded before you head out because changes will happen and by then, the programs are printed and outdated and the only way to be in the know is have the app handy.

Lesson : Travel Smartly

It should go without saying that booking your travel and accommodations should be done as early as possible. The former because flights get pricier the closer to the date of travel, the latter because rooms at the host venue will dwindle pretty quickly as soon as registration opens. When that happens, the blocks of rooms at secondary hotels get booked up and you may find yourself trying to find a room in a place further than you’d like. I’d also suggest arriving a day or two before the start of CLAW (Cleveland or L.A.) to get the lay of the land and to relax before the festivities begin.

Below are a few miscellaneous items of consideration based on my experience:

  • You do not have to take all your gear, only what you think you’ll wear the most or your most versatile Leather pieces. If you’re planning to attend a BLUF event, plan your outfit and pack just that. If you’re taking a Leather jacket or boots, wear them while traveling so you don’t add to the weight of your luggage. I tend to wear quick slip-on shoes and pack my day boots in my carry-on; when I get through the checkpoint, I don my boots. That said, if you tend to wear a collar or any other metallic hardware, stow them in your carry-on until you get through the checkpoints. Additionally, wearing your Leather proudly as you traverse the country is a great way to represent your Tribe. Rock it and maybe scare a few wholesome-looking folx while you’re at it.
  • Play gear should be kept to the most practical minimum; I made the mistake of trying to take all my impact gear to my first CLAW and paid handsomely for it. $125, in fact, because my one case weighed well over the minimum weight for a free checked bag. Also, know you just aren’t going to be able to take it all. Pack your favorite pieces, the ones you feel most comfortable wielding. You might not need to pack the manacles and irons if you have Leather straps and clips; as Kinksters, we’re nothing if not remarkably resourceful.
  • Try not to fold your Leather when packing. Personally, I roll up my gear and pack it enchilada-style in my case. I place gloves, wristbands, armbands, belts, and strapped pieces rolled up inside my Muir caps. I also place carabiners and clips inside my boots along with any small gear items I need secured. I keep my Leather gear and play gear in the same case so I know where it all is. When I get to the hotel, I immediately hang up my shirts, jackets, pants, and chaps. Use whatever space you’ve got available because chances are you’ll be buying more gear at the VendorMart.
  • If you’re a cigar-smoker, look for a hard-case travel humidor and definitely leave your butane lighter at home even if you think you can take it. I leave my favorite lighter behind and buy a cheap one at some point during the trip, something I won’t feel bad leaving in the hotel room. Yes, it’s a waste of a little of money but it’s better than having your favorite $35+ flame confiscated by the TSA. I don’t take chances when it comes to my cigar gear. Recommendation: Cigar Caddy Travel Series (Five-cigar: Amazon / Ten-cigar: Amazon)
  • Budget for additional fees should your bags weigh more than the allowed weight. If you’re a gear guy like I am, your luggage will already be heavy going in and likely will be heavier coming back. You can also try to spread the weight burden throughout your checked bags which, depending on what you packed, can complicate personal logistics.
  • Lastly, think about how you’ll be getting around should you want to get away from the venue for dinner or just sightseeing. If you’ll be driving a rental, budget for that. If you’re doing rideshares, take that into account and load up your account if the rideshare service allows it. The costs will add up if you aren’t cognizent of them. If you’re doing a road trip to CLAW, more power to you and enjoy the drive.

Lesson : Have Little to No Expectations

This might be a hard one but I’ve learned the hard way more than a few times: Strive/Try not to have expectations. Instead, go with an open mind for whatever may happen. Unless you’ve got set-in-stone plans to play, learn, etc., keeping yourself open to possibilities and opportunities can be a great track. CLAW has something for everyone and you might find one or several things you might not have been into before like new kinks, new social contacts, new types of events, etc. When I go into a new experience, I strive to keep expectations at bay because it allows me a sense of neutrality and a willingness to learn. This might not be the best approach for some; however, keeping expectation in check allows me the freedom to live in the moment.

All that said, there is something to be said about some expectation especially considering price points of CLAW add-ons, specifically dinners. Look, I know that CLAW is a sizable entity and its organizers have a lot to handle including classes, socials, volunteers, educators, hotel connections, etc.; however, there was an experience that left me disappointed and that was the BLUF Dinner on Thursday. I started a post documenting my thoughts and feelings on the event and decided against publishing because it morphed into an unproductive, critical diatribe. In the spirit of transparency and posterity, below is the most pertinent part of my review of the Thursday BLUF Dinner.

At this point, the weather was taking a turn for the worst as rain became sharp amid 25 to 35 MPH winds. Cleveland was coming into a wind advisory of gusts up to 55 MPH til 5AM. I walked from the Hotel Cleveland to our room in the Key Tower. With the wind my back & rain in my hair, it was like being bullied by Mother Nature. Getting back to the room, I rested & geared up for the BLUF Dinner which is where things went pear-shaped.

I love wearing gear, I love Leather, I relish every opportunity to button up, strap on, slide into some bit of gear. That’s why I joined BLUF, to be part of a group of guys who are as into Leather as I am. Because of BLUF, I feel more connected & proud to be a Leatherman. When events come up that feature BLUF, I try to attend. BLUF nights at the SF Eagle, for one, & BLUF dinners at events like CLAW, for another. I strive to gear up & show up which is what I did tonight.

Dinner was scheduled for 7PM, for an hour, a dubious timeframe for a gathering of men in full kit to partake in a buffet dinner. The ballroom was set up; however, about a third of the tables had glasses of water set upon them. The rest stood vigil as sheet-white blank canvases. The table I sat at was empty. “Fine,” I thought, “something will show up at some point. It’s only a hour.”

The table filled to eight folx in a ten-seat setting. We waited & waited some more, I growing hungry & wondering when the dinner would start. Eventually, water glasses were set out & filled, then salads though there was no cutlery or dressing. I proceeded to finger-pick my salad to kill time & feed myself. Cutlery arrived with an unceremonious dumping of napkin-wrapped forks & knives as a centerpiece. Table patrons grabbed their wares & dry salads were consumed. There was no immediate promise of dressing & my salad whittled away. When dressing finally arrived, I was long since finished & ready for the main course. My salad plate was removed & we waited some more.

Some time after, a server stated the buffet was ready that consisted of four chaffing dishes (broccoli/cauliflower, pasta, salmon & chicken) & a two baskets of rolls. I chose chicken & sat down to eat. At this point, my mission was to eat & leave, maybe head down to brave the wind for a cigar. The food was decent though not up to the $90-$110 price point. I ate my plate with some chagrin, trying not outwardly show the disappointment within but gave up; it was just not up to what I’d expected for the price.

To be frank, there were several oversights over the course of the short dinner. What was most evident was the venue’s disorganization & the haphazard way things were served. I’ve no doubt that venue staff did their best to ensure a decent experience for the attendees. They work with what they have even though it is their venue. That said, this is when the proverbial Leather sausage rears its gristly insides & oily binder.

The BLUF Dinner is an example of quantity over quality; at least, to me. Venue staff did not seem to be prepared or given the time to set up following whatever the previous event was before. That could be the case, I can only surmise what was presented at the time. In any case, it was less than what I’d expect from the venue & the organization.

Lesson : CLAW is What You Make It

The last lesson is simple: CLAW is what you make of it. Before you go, I suggest taking some time to figure out what you want to accomplish. Do you want to learn? Play? Socialize? What is your primary focus? For me, I wanted to learn and help while leaving room to play. When I registered, I selected volunteer shifts that had minimal impact for someone on a learning track; that is, I chose shifts outside of the main class days. I chose the area with perhaps the most amount of volunteer slots: Facilities. I chose Facilities because I enjoy working with my hands and lifting heavy things. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and working up a productive sweat, I suggest the Facilities route. Otherwise, CLAW has myriad opportunity for you to lend a hand and will knock a substantial amount off your registration. When it came to playing, I kept my avenues open and had potential plans for a couple of scenes that didn’t pan out. By the end, however, I had time for one scene and that turned out amazing.

Individually, CLAW offers you lots of opportunities that can be overwhelming especially if it’s your first time. If this is your first CLAW event, take time before you hit the road and/or take to the sky to familiarize yourself with the event schedule, plan out your classes, and conduct any time deconfliction. If you have a social event that overlaps with a class or see classes that clash, evaluate what YOU most WANT to go to and make that YOUR priority. Does a Pup Mosh sound more exciting than attending a Shibari class or vice versa? Do what your kinky heart desires.

CONCLUSION

If I were to put my first Cleveland CLAW experience on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say it was a solid 7.5, a strong C-grade. Would I compare it to L.A. CLAW? No, not really, because they’re variations on a theme with CLAW as the common factor. Would I go back to Cleveland? Yes, it was a great experience for several reasons.

  • Learning: Making time to step out of my kinky comfort zones to learn about knife play and breath control were immensely enjoyable. Education is perhaps THE reason I love going to CLAW. I took the following classes:
    • Building a Leather Household: Partial attendance, presented by Master Celestia & Girl Chris
    • David Tops Goliath: Presented by Carmen Monoxide
    • Rope Take Down & Speed Tie: Partial attendance, presented by Jeremy Rigger, Pup Kidi, Pup Hudson & Astra
    • Keeping Your Partner on Edge: A Guide to Knife Play – Partial attendance, presented by Sir Ezra
    • Bondage: Escape-Proofing Your Ties – Presented by Gene & Brent
    • Rope Suspension 101: Presented by Jeremy Rigger, Astra, Pup Hudson & Pup Kodi
    • Breath Control Introduction: Presented by John & Tuffer
    • The Magic of Knife Play: Sensual Knife Play 101 – Presented by The Rabbi & LilBit
    • Pits, Tits & Why We Love Them: Presented by Sir Tom
  • Volunteering: I enjoyed being part of the team bringing the event to life and helping take it down. I loved interacting with the vendors in the mart and working up a good sweat. Also, CLAW puts on a great hospitality suite for volunteers when you need to take a break or work up an appetite. The menu changes based on who is hosting but the food is almost always good. This was consistent at L.A. and I was grateful for it.
  • Playing: I enjoyed attending the Dick Off Dance with the Pup because I got to dance, something I rarely do when I’m home. There’s something to be said about letting things go on the dancefloor and embracing the beats. Last and certainly not least, the last-night scene with Henry really helped tie up an experience that turned out great.

Conversely, there are a few things that I think could’ve gone better to maybe bring it into to A-grade territory; at least, B-grade territory.

  • Organization: Due to the scope of CLAW, I think it’d be good to have more than one point-of-contact for, say, Facilities. The contact I had was pulled in several directions at any given time and was difficult to pin down. Granted, I got my work orders from someone at some point but, for the most part, I was left on my own to figure out what to do.
  • Logistics: The BLUF Dinner is the biggest stain for me, I came away nonplussed and bewildered. I don’t know exactly what happened but one hand did not seem to be working with the other here. I certainly commend the venue staff for trying to put on a dinner but I’m not sure I’d do it again which is too bad. I love gearing up in BLUF and food. Another point was the fact that the Hotel Cleveland had just been renamed from the Renaissance Hotel the week of the start of CLAW. Not only did the name change but so did the conference room names inside, some of which did not align with what was printed in the CLAW program.
  • Education: I thoroughly enjoyed the classes I was able to take; however, there were a few spots that left me wanting.
    • Rope classes were well-attended but it was difficult to get the practice with long queues to use suspension equipment. These classes were allotted a single hour at 9 a.m. which is (1) too early (For me. The Pup, my Daddy, and anyone who’s slept near me knows I am NOT a morning person.) and (2) too little time to learn/practice what was taught. More time would have been best especially given the size of the group of attendees.
    • One class allotted for 90 minutes was over in 25 minutes. I got in late and was able to get a couple of good nuggets of info before the instructor concluded the class. It felt like I’d literally just sat down and it was done. Fortunately, there was a 2nd class on the same topic that was more comprehensive at a different time and on another day.
    • Scheduling a class in the parking structure next door within the cigar deck enclosure was an interesting choice. The pits/tits class was held in this area and it made for a distracting experience when smokers would wander through in the middle of class. I also would’ve enjoyed a more enclosed environment so as to enjoy the musk of my fellow pit pigs. The class was great; however, I’m not sure the cigar deck is the best place for educating unless it’s on cigar play or something requiring more open air.

And that’s all I’ve got as far as lessons learned from my third CLAW event and first Cleveland CLAW experience. I’d wanted to get this post out sooner than now but life happens. The important thing is it’s here finally. It’s a hope that you’ve found something of use here especially if you haven’t yet been to a CLAW event. If you have, then maybe there was a tidbit here that was useful or served as a reminder.

Before closing this up, I’d like to thank all the CLAW organizers, event/venue staff (Thank you, Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection.), volunteers, educators & vendors that came together to make this event possible. I had a great experience and am planning on coming back. Shout out to the Leather Stallion and the studly guys running it, the folx at Northbound Leather that made me feel like family (Thanks for clothing my Pup, he LOVES the purple gear!), the Daddy at Ruff Studios/BurlyShirts (I hope I condensed your gear for easier loading and transport. Also, WOOF!), the cool guys at Leather Masters, and the folx I talked to individually throughout the event.

If you’re on the fence on attending a CLAW event, I highly recommend going especially if you’re in a place that doesn’t have many opportunities for education in Kink and Leather. That’s been the main draw for me, I’m inquisitive and love learning so I can shore up my knowledge base to be a better, more informed Dom. CLAW also brings folx from all over together for a few days of Leather camaraderie; I’ve always returned home feeling more empowered and sexier because I got to spend entire days geared up. With so much going on, all I can say is make time for what you want to do and maybe I’ll see you in Cleveland or Los Angeles one of these days. If you do see me, come over and say hello; anyone who can get past my gruff exterior and engage is pretty good in my book. I might even hug you.

Maybe.