How do I get tickets?

Do you have a mailing address?

Can you hold a ticket for me until the day of the workshop/party?

Do you sell tickets at the door?

I would like to attend but can not afford to.

What is P3Gathering's History?

What is a munch? - What should I wear? Who attends? What is the protocol? Why should I go?
What is a play party? - What should I bring? What should I wear? Who attends? What are the protocols? How do I get invited?
What toys do I need or should I have?
How do I meet a Master/Mistress/Dominant/Top?
How do I meet a submissive/slave/bottom?
Vanilla? Submissive? Dominant? What do all of these terms mean?

How do I get tickets?


Want tickets for a P3Gatherings event? We sell tickets at the Monday night ASK munch. The munch is located at Tipperary's Pub near North Hill Mall in the NW, and starts at 7pm. For the most up to date information, check out our calendar. We also sell tickets at other events in and around Calgary and occasionally Edmonton and Lethbridge.

Workshop tickets are available to everyone who wants to attend, however our parties are private, and we do require a one-on-one interview with you to make sure we're both on the same page. Please allow for time for this interview, and remind us early in the night, versus when we're heading home.

Occasionally we can also meet people who wish to purchase workshops tickets either downtown near city hall at noon, or in the evenings in the North East near the Airport.

Tickets are also available through snail mail - see our mailing address below. You can now also get tickets through paypal - just send us an email, and we'll send you all the information to transfer payment. This is a great option for our out of town guests or those with difficult scheduals who aren't available to meet during regular events.

Do you have a mailing address?

If you are already on our party guest list, or want workshop tickets, you can also get tickets via our postal address. Send a cheque made out to our Treasurer "Derek" to:

Box 35013
4604 37th Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T3E 3C0

And include a list of what tickets you would like, along with a contact email address for each guest.

Can you hold a ticket for me until the day of the workshop/party?

No.
In the past we would hold tickets for those who said they were coming, while accumulating a waiting list for those who also wanted to attend, but were 'too slow' in getting their tickets. When our "holds" didn't show up, or cancelled at the last minute, it was too late to contact our waiting list to open up those tickets. This has three problems.
1) People were disappointed, needlessly.
2) Because we operate on a cost-recovery basis and without filling all the seats we need to fill - we can't afford to continue with our low prices.
3) We purchase food, drink, supplies, etc for our parties/workshops based on the number of people expected to attend. We don't want to waste goods.

Because we advertise our events at least a month BEFORE the event, we believe this is ample time to purchase a ticket.

Do you sell tickets at the door?

Yes and No.
Occasionally if a workshop can accommodate more people than we have sold tickets for, we will sell tickets at the door to those who contact us at least 2 days before hand with their intention to attend. If a workshop is sold out, we will not oversell tickets at the door. Very few workshops are suitable to have tickets sold at the door, so we ask our guests never to rely on this possibility.

In 2008 we started a alternate month workshop-only event. This event will allow ticket sales at the door, though we still prefer to sell them before hand for more accurate planning.

We NEVER sell tickets at the door for our play party. This is for our mutual protection and privacy.

I would like to attend but can not afford to.

It is understandable that from time to time finances are too tight to enjoy workshops, social opportunities, etc. It is our mandate to provide education to our community and we do offer "scholarships" to worthy 'students' who are dedicated to education but who fall upon "hard times" and can not afford to attend our workshops. Each case is assessed on a case-by-case basis, however we generally give preference to individuals who have attended workshops before, and are willing to volunteer to set up/tear down to assist us along with our other volunteers. Scholarships may not be available for all workshops or events.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties and would like to apply for a "scholarship" - please speak to one of our organizers as soon as possible with regards to the workshop you would like to attend. Once a workshop is sold out, there are no more spaces available.

What is P3Gathering's History?

P3Gatherings was started in May 2005 by Mike, Deborah, and Dawn. The group was formed with the assistance of Cookie and Kelly, with a mandate offering workshops and private play parties. The workshops were a continuation of the work done by Cookie and Cookie's Kinky Creations - and we continued with her mandate of ensureing that workshops were available to anyone who wanted to learn, and providing a venue for anyone who wanted to teach. Our Private Play Parties were, at the time, the only regular Play Parties going on in the Calgary area that were known to the community at large. (Versus private home parties.)
In April 2006 Deborah stepped down as an organizer of P3Gatherings and was replaced by Dennis & Derek.
In December 2006 Mike stepped down as an organizer of P3Gatherings.
In June 2007 Dawn retired as an organizer and took up the role of advisor.
In January 2008 Dawn returned as an organizer while Dennis focused more on our parties.
In June 2008 Dennis became an assistant and Jenn stepped up as an organizer.



What is a munch? - What should I wear? Who attends? What is the protocol? Why should I go?

A munch is a casual social gathering for kinky people. It is usually held in an vanilla (non-kinky) environment like a pub or restaurant. Occasionally they are held in kink-friendly environments like gay bars.

You should wear whatever you feel comfortable in for that environment. A munch is not a fetish night, so keep the fetish wear at home. Jeans and a t-shirt is fine, though dressing neat, tidy, and clean is more important.

Different people attend different kinds of munches. Usually the people who attend will break off into small groups of friends. Some munches tend to be small and intimate, others tend to be large and sprawling. Do not be offended if people seem deeply involved in their conversations and don't jump up to talk to you.

There is very little protocol for a munch. However, it is appreciated if you:

You should go to munches in order to find out about events happening in town, to meet new people, to build friendships and relationships with people who attend. It is also a good way of figuring out who is a well respected member of the community, and who isn't, get real references, and distinguish the people who are active in the community - and who just likes to play online. Munches are also good to get "face time" - let people know that you are part of the lifestyle, that you are interested, and possibly that you're available (for play, a relationship, friendship, or anything else you have in mind.)



What is a play party? - What should I bring? What should I wear? Who attends? What are the protocols? How do I get invited?

A play party is a party specifically set up for people to engage in BDSM play. At large parties, or those that are public or semi-public, there are usually rules posted about the party- make sure you read them when you enter. At private parties things are usually more casual, but speak to your host or the person who invited you to clear up any rules that may exist.

You should bring anything you might need. It's rude to assume someone else will bring something for you. This includes toys (for tops and bottoms), food, drink, first aid, and aftercare needs.

Some play parties are very casual, while others are very fetish-forward. Ask your host if you're concerned. Play parties are not dating services, so do not come with the intention of someone setting you up with a top or bottom for play for the night. If you are single, still attend - you may meet up with a friend who is looking to play too. Some people will come to play, others will come to be social, and others will come to watch and learn.

The best way to get invited to parties, is to get out to munches and other events to get to know the organizers/hosts!

For more information, check out our Party FAQ.



What toys do I need or should I have?

The toys that you should have - are the ones that you want to have! There is no rule that says every top must have a flogger or that every bottom should have a set of restraints. However, if there are certain toys you like using, or like to have used on you, you will most likely want to slowly build a collection. Bottoms - it's not just up to the Top to have everything you like! This is especially true for single bottoms!



How do I meet a Master/Mistress/Dominant/Top?

Meeting a Dominant (I'll use the term here, even though you might be looking for a Master, Mistress, Owner, Governess, Daddy, Top, Dominant, or many other things) is much like meeting any other person.

There are personals sites like alt.com and bondage.com which can be moderately useful. Check out the links section for the urls to personals sites. Many people who are online have no immediate plans of taking their fantasies off the computer and into reality. Avoid net speak in emails you might write, "u r hot, wanna chat?" and READ the profiles of those who interest you before emailing.

Many personals sites also have chat rooms, which also can be moderately useful to meet new people. Like profiles, many people in online chat rooms are not yet ready to go offline, and may or may not be what they appear. The best way to make a good impression is to join in the conversation, rather than trolling ("24/male/submissive in Calgary looking for a Domme"). Chat rooms also exist on chat servers like webmaze or yahoo.

There are a few personals through traditional media such as magazines. This is a quickly dwindling practice, however just like reading an online profile, read it carefully before responding. Ensure that there is a good chance that the person you are writing to would want to talk to you.

Likewise, there are telephone personals. These do not tend to attract a large variety of people interested in BDSM, though you may want to try these as well. Again, listen to what the person or people are interested in - and when you respond, note your compatibility.

Whenever responding to personal ads, it's important to note if you and the person (or people) you are responding to are compatible. If you are looking for a Domme - do not email a female submissive with the idea that she SHOULD be a Domme because her picture is attractive to you. Trying to change someone based on YOUR attraction is highly offensive. If someone says that he is only looking for submissives between the ages of 20-30, don't respond if you are in your mid-fourties. People do not usually write profiles without any thought put into them. put that same thought into reading them.

The best way to meet a potential Dominant is in person. If you meet someone online - suggest meeting as soon as possible. It is usually heartbreaking to get to know someone online, only to find out 6 months later when you finally meet in person, that he or she isn't what he or she implied. Go to munches, or other events - they are great ways of meeting people in person, and letting your personality shine through.
Get to know people of ALL orientations. Your submissive friend might introduce you to a Dominant she knows. If you meet a Dominant who you do not connect with - maintain a friendship - he or she might be able to make an introduction in the future to someone more suitable.

Most importantly - know yourself. Know what you are looking for, and what you have to offer. If you want to bottom - be honest about that. If you are looking for sexual activity with play, be honest about that too - it's nothing you want to spring on someone, and if you don't get it - you're likely to be miserable! If you have special skills, let people know them - when they ask. Your special skills might include massage, foot pampering, chauffeuring, cooking, etc.



How do I meet a submissive/slave/bottom?

Like the above topic - meeting a Dominant - there's a lot of similarities in meeting a Submissive. (Again, I'll use this term. you may be looking for a submissive, slave, bottom, pet, girl, boy, student, etc.)

There are online profile sites - though often people online are not yet ready to move offline, and may misrepresent themselves. Be polite in your emails, there is no need to be rude or loose your temper - remember - you are supposed to be in control - and that starts with YOU before you can control someone else!

Meeting people in chat rooms can be equally frustrating because of the lack of commitment to the lifestyle that most people have. However, if you chose to look here, remember that your behavior is being judged - if you offend one submissive, you'd better believe that she'll be telling all of her friends how you treated her badly.

There are a few personals through traditional media such as magazines. This is a quickly dwindling practice, however just like reading an online profile, read it carefully before responding. Ensure that there is a good chance that the person you are writing to would want to talk to you.

Likewise, there are telephone personals. These do not tend to attract a large variety of people interested in BDSM, though you may want to try these as well. Again, listen to what the person or people are interested in - and when you respond, note your compatibility.

Whenever responding to personal ads, it's important to note if you and the person (or people) you are responding to are compatible. If you are looking for a female bottom - do not email a female Top with the idea that she SHOULD be a bottom because her picture is attractive to you. Trying to "change" someone is highly offensive. If someone says that he is only looking for Dominants between the ages of 20-30, don't respond if you are in your mid-fourties. People do not usually write profiles without any thought put into them. put that same thought into reading them.

The best way to meet a potential submissive is in person. If you meet someone online - suggest a public meeting as soon as possible. It is usually heartbreaking to get to know someone online, only to find out 6 months later when you finally meet in person, that he or she isn't what he or she implied. Go to munches, or other events - they are great ways of meeting people in person, and letting your personality shine through.
Get to know people of ALL orientations. Your Dominant friend might introduce you to another submissive she knows. If you meet a submissive who you do not connect with - maintain a friendship - he or she might be able to make an introduction in the future to someone more suitable.

Most importantly - know yourself. Know what you are looking for, and what you have to offer. If you are interested in Topping, and not in being a Dominant - be honest about that. If you want sexual play along with your BDSM play - be up front with that as well - its nothing you should ever spring on someone, and if you don't get it, you're likely to be miserable! Be honest about your level of experience as well. If you are new playing with a certain toy - your submissive can only give INFORMED CONSENT if he or she knows about this.



Vanilla? Submissive? Dominant? What do all of these terms mean?

Many of these terms are negotiable. If you say that you are 'a submissive' - you should be able to describe what this means to you, because someone else may have a different interpretation. These are just some of the interpretations.

Bear - a gay man, usually very 'furry' (lots of body hair) and typically with full figures.

Body modification - changing your body's appearance. This can go anywhere from tattoos, piercing and branding, to implants, or other modifications.

Bottom - someone who enjoys receiving physical play. A bottom may enjoy being flogged, or tied up, but rarely gives up personal power in play. Does not imply an existing relationship.

Bottom-types - a generic term that refers to bottoms, slaves, submissives, and other players "on the bottom"

Boy - a male, or male identified bottom-type

Daddy - a form of topping. Tailored around the idea of a loving, protective, teaching father. This is NOT necessarily a term used by those who are interested in incest or age play. Usually male, though not always.

DM - Dungeon Monitor - no.. it's not just for gamer geeks anymore. the Dungeon Monitor is "god" in a play space, and ensures that everyone is following the rules, obeying safe words, and answers questions to observers.

Dom - a Dominant. Sometimes this term is used gender neutral, however sometimes it is used to refer to a male dominant. Does not imply an existing relationship.

Dominant - someone who enjoys taking some personal power from a specific person. Sometimes called "Dom" for short. Does not imply an existing relationship.

Domme - a female dominant. Like the word "femme" is pronounced "fem", Domme is pronounced "dom" not the occasionally misinterpreted "dom-may". Does not imply an existing relationship.

Dragon's Tongue - a type of whip, with one fall, with a wide base, leading to a tapered end. Usually available in leather or rubber. A fairly painful toy.

Flogger - a form of whip, with many falls. Floggers can range in sensation from stingy to thuddy, and are fairly common toys. They can be found in leather, rubber, horse hair, human hair, rope, chain, and a range of other materials. They are available in select adult stores, online, and elsewhere, and prices range from 30$-several hundred $.

Girl - a female, or female identified bottom-type

Governess - a form of topping. Tailored around the idea of a nanny or a school teacher. Generally a loving role, with firm guidance and teaching for the bottom.

Master - someone who enjoys taking total power from a slave. Generally male or male-identified. Implies a relationship exists with a slave.

Mistress - someone who enjoys taking total power from a slave. Generally female or female-identified. Implies a relationship exists with a slave.

Owner - a form of topping. Someone who 'owns' a pet. Implies an existing relationship with a 'pet'.

Pet - a form of bottoming. Generally takes on the persona of a cherished pet like a cat or a dog, though animal play may or may not be involved.

Play - our term for engaging in BDSM activities.

Polyamory - loving more than one person. Sometimes called "poly". This can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. Someone may consider himself "poly" because he has two submissives who do not usually play together. Someone may consider himself poly because he has a two submissives who are also good friends and care for one another. Someone may consider herself poly because she has two male partners who are also lovers. The "love" part of poly may mean only a deep affection, sexual love, play relationships or other things.

Safe calls - a system of ensuring you have someone else who knows about your play activities, in an attempt to lessen the risk of danger. More information on this is available through the Safe Call Network.

Safe words - set words which indicate a level of comfort to your partner. Tops and bottoms can BOTH use safe words. In scenes where "no" has been negotiated to be meaningless (to increase the excitement of the scene) safe words are in place to say "no". You should negotiate your safe words with your partner, though at certain play parties there may be words already in effect. "Red" is a common word meaning "stop". Likewise "Green" is commonly used to indicate "I'm doing great, please continue".

Scene - this has two meanings. When individuals get together and play, it may be called a scene. If the play is centered around a particular activity, it may be called an "interrogation scene" or a "medical scene". This term is also used to describe the community of people involved in BDSM. For instance "I am involved in the kink scene"

Service Top - A top who enjoys providing play to bottoms, for the bottom's enjoyment. Sometimes used as a derogatory term. A top might have a primary partner where there is a power-exchange (or not) but also offers his or her skills to a bottom who enjoys a specific type of play that they are not otherwise able to engage in.

Slave - someone who enjoys giving up total personal power to a specific person. Assumes a relationship with the person they give up power to.

Submissive - someone who enjoys giving up some personal power to a specific person. Sometimes called "sub" for short. Does not imply an existing relationship.

Swinger - someone who is interested in having a sexual experience outside of his or her primary sexual relationship. Generally couples. Previously described as "wife swapping". Many swing clubs will permit single females however many do not permit single males.

Switch - a person who likes to play more than one role. This may be someone who likes to be both a top, and a submissive, or a dominant and a bottom. etc. These individuals may bottom only for certain people, and generally top for everyone else, or may like to switch roles right in the middle of a scene. Often misunderstood, so communication is important.

Ticket - a single female friend brought with a single male in order to gain entrance to a swing club.

Top - someone who enjoys giving physical play. A top may enjoy flogging or tying someone up, but rarely is interested in taking someone's personal power in play. Does not imply an existing relationship.

Top-types - a generic term that refers to tops, dominants, masters, mistresses, and other players "on the top"

Trolling - talking to someone specifically with the interest of playing with them or having sex. (Versus actually having a conversation.)

Vampire Glove - a leather glove with tiny spikes coming out of the palm. Used primarily as a sensation toy, but can also be used for spanking. Because of the risk of breaking the skin, often used as a 'single person' toy.

Vanilla - Not kinky. Basically our term for people who are not kinky, or environments that are not kink friendly.

Violet Wand - an electrical play toy. This toy gives off a violet coloured light when using regular attachments. The sensation can be anything from a slight buzz to a cutting sting.

Wartenburg Wheel - a sensation toy, very much like a small pizza cutter or sewing transfer tool, but with tiny spikes on the rotating wheel. Also called a Neuro Wheel, you can find them online, through a small amount of adult stores, and at select medical supply stores.