After about 25 years without attending any type of conference I decided to attend Keystone 2025 in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. I went for a couple of reasons. One was to connect with Vanity Club sisters I have never met face to face. The other was to observe the differences between Keystone and the Texas “T” Party along with Southern Comfort conferences. I attended both in the 1990’s then lost interest after 911 and nothing since. Once I got past registering as an OTHER at Keystone because there was not a crossdresser option everything went great.
The Keystone conference was, from what I remember, the best run of any I attended in the past. There were plenty of knowledgeable volunteers running things. I did not attend seminars because if I have not figured out how to get crossdressed by now there is no hope for me. The ones that were trans oriented are of no interest because they don’t apply to me. That said, there was a wide variety of topics for everyone regardless of your journey. They ran all day every day of the conference and were well attended. I heard good things from those that attended them especially from beginners.
My first day Thursday started with me dressing casual in a long sleeve blouse, black jeans and flat loafers. I wore toned down jewelry and makeup but my same wig so I would not confuse people. Typically I am going shopping when I wear this type of an outfit so wear a shorter wig. They are easier to fix when messed up by the wind. Shorter hair does not get moved around as much as longer styles. I did not plan on leaving the hotel this trip so that was not an issue. I also did not want to create any confusion by switching wigs. When I came across someone I met during the day at night confusing them with a different hair style. That is also why I did not switch colors although I brought three wigs. The picture below with Jane was taken Saturday afternoon but is typical of what I wore each day.
I was told that attendance was a bit off this year at around 600. That’s similar to the 90’s events I went to which also varied year to year. It was none the less a huge number from where I stood once I ventured into the hotel lobby area. There were “T” folks visible in every direction of all shapes and sizes chatting it up. I got directions to the event registration area so I could check in and get my badge and assorted goodies. Registration was located in the vendor area against a back wall and I met up with VC sister Gina. I have not seen since the VC in DC meeting of 2019. She was standing next to the Pink Room booth where I would later invest some time.
With my badge in hand and later clipped on my blouse my priority #1 became lunch. I was on my own having opted out of the group luncheon. I did not want to rush things my first day so I wanted lunch to be at a convenient time.
I noted before that this conference is really well run with lots of things thought out in advance. As someone who has planned smaller events I see common problems that were avoided. One way is to answer questions before they come up like if you signed up for something. Instead of going to registration and asking you can just look on the back of your badge.
I don’t know if they did this for older people or blonds but its a great idea. The only problem is old people forget it is there. I did not remember it until I unpacked at home and saw it when my badge flipped over. Some of us are beyond hope but they tried so good on them.
I found my way to the Ad Lib Craft Kitchen and bar where I had an amazing Turkey Panini lunch. Then it was back up to the vendor area to chat with Ana from the Pink Room about her shapewear. Earlier I saw a one piece body suite with built in bra. I wanted to see if it had a pocket for hip pads that I could insert. I have always wanted a one piece garment that had everything stationary. What caught my eye with her garment was the front zipper for convenience. The ideal for me is a garment that keeps hips, breasts, and butt pads stationary. That way when I try on or have clothes fitted everything is in the same place every time. Ana said that she will share my concept with the owner of her company. So maybe I will have a follow up down the road.
My friend Jane, pictured above, had already invited me to join her group for dinner. It was my first night, so I was all set. I figured there would be 5 or 6 of us at the Italian restaurant across the street. I was a bit surprised when Jane told someone it was in a private room downstairs. OK, it must be a really cool room she has arranged for our dinner. It was cool alright with 36 instead of 6 because it was a birthday dinner for Jane. Saw people I knew and met people I didn’t which was fun.
Carrie and I in the bar back at the hotel after after dinner.
So my first night of Keystone ended when the bar mercifully closed at 11PM. I could not overdue it my 1st night and start the second day with a hangover. That is something that has grown more appealing as I get older.
wow, very Beautiful miss