The 35th Annual First Event

If you want to start your conference/convention/dressing fun early next year check out First Event 2015 which is moving to Waltham, Massachusetts this  coming January. First Event has always produced a good event with lots of happening things. Here is a press release from First Event with more information on the 2015 gathering.

From Konnor Crewe

Announcing the 35th Annual First Event, January 21-25, 2015

First Event, sponsored by the Tiffany Club of New England (TCNE), is one of the oldest and largest transgender events in the country. In our 35th year, we continue to grow, experiencing over 20% growth in each of the last three years, with more than 500 attendees in 2014. We cater to all members of the transgender community with a program that is both wide ranging and informative. We are excited about our new, bigger hotel! In our 35th year, First Event will be held on January 21st to 25th, 2015 at the Westin-Waltham Hotel, at 70 Third Avenue, in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Theme
The theme of this year’s conference is “Ride the Wave.” The policy changes and political changes over the course of the last year have been really exciting. There’s a newfound energy in the community and lots of positive changes are happening. In fact, the changes are happening like dominoes falling in a row. It’s really exciting to watch history unfold.

Diversity of Programming
Many people do not realize the wide variety of programming which is available at First Event. Not only do we offer information for those who are seeking gender reassignment or gender confirmation surgeries. We also offer programming which is produced by gender nonconforming people for gender nonconforming people. We cannot do this without YOU!

Our gender nonconforming community is very diverse. There are still parts of our community who are overlooked. We would love to give you the opportunity to share your own journey.

We recognize the intersectionalities of various issues such as ability / disability, age, body image, dysphoria and fat acceptance, orientation, race and ethnicity, intersex status, middle path, immigrant status, religious beliefs, stage of transition or non transitional status, etc. The combination of multiple issues may impact the ways in which people experience their gender. We seek to make our 35th Anniversary conference both warm and welcoming and representative of a wide range of beliefs and identities.

Our new location has 17 luxurious conference rooms with wifi capability in each room. We will offer more workshops this year and have space for more attendees. If you know of someone who would be interested in speaking at First Event 2015, please forward their information [email protected] and we will contact them with information on speaking.

Day of Wellness and Beauty
If you have a health and wellness related service which you would like to provide free of charge on Thursday, January 22nd 2015 at our Day of Wellness and Beauty, please contact us at [email protected].. Types of services could related to beauty, spa treatments, wellness, alternative health, alternative spirituality, personal development and much more. Services are provided in 15 minute increments throughout the day and conference attendees sign up at an information desk for the services they would like.

Youth and Family
Our Youth and Family programming this year is going to be lead by Carol Caravana and is co-sponsored by Greater Boston PFlag and includes a family luncheon. We are seeking to expand our Youth and Family programming. Carol’s email is [email protected], if you have any questions, or know of someone who would like to present.

SOFFA and Partners in Process
As usual, we have the Partners in Process group which happens throughout the conference, and is usually predominantly female partners of those who are either crossdressers or transitioning from male to female. Last year we noticed an opportunity to provide expanded services to trans/trans partners. We need a workshop or processing group for transgender partners of transgender partners and/or male partners. If you know of someone who has experience, please let us know.

Expansion of Transmasculine Programming
We would like to offer Transmasculine related workshops on both Fridayand Saturday. In the past, there has been a resistance to transmasculine workshops on Friday due to people’s work schedules, however, offering workshops on Friday is the only way in which we can avoid conflicts between key speakers. If you are willing to speak on Friday, please indicate that on your workshop form.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available to First Event attendees based on need. Scholarship forms should be completed and returned no later thanDecember 4th, 2014. Contact [email protected], if you have any questions.

Volunteers
We really appreciate you giving your time which benefits the greater community. Please share the need for volunteers with all of your friends. Volunteers get a day pass to the conference, drinks and snacks, a break room, and the possibility of other perks which are subject to availability.

Advertising and Vendors
If you would like to advertise in our program guide, please return the completed advertising form by email at [email protected] or by regular mail at the address below. The advertising deadline will still be December 1st. There is no guarantee that your advertisement will fit in the program guide if you turn it in late, so please get your advertisements in early.

If you’d like to become a vendor at First Event, you may complete the vendor form and return it to [email protected] Limited table space is available, so please return your vendor form as soon as possible.

The 35th Annual First Event
January 21-25, 2015
Waltham, Massachusetts

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Workshop Deadline is November 3, 2014

Program Printing Deadline is December 1, 2014

Tags: First Event

Category: Transgender Community News