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Tickle Gatherings

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This section of the site will provide information about tickle gatherings.  It will list those gatherings we know of that take place and some helpful information on how to get your own gathering going.  If you know of or host another gathering that isn't listed here, please let us know so we can add you in.  If you're old gathering si listed here and no longer takes place, please let us know so we can remove the information.  The map below is an old one.  A newer updated map will replace this one as soon as we get info. updated.  (There may be gatherings in other countries as well.)

 Gatherings

The following are gatherings that were either presently scheduled or in the works when this list was originally compiled.  We'll be contacting hosts for information and getting it posted as time permits.  Thanks to all who have hosted and will host gatherings. If you have a gathering that is not listed here, please pass along the info. so we can add you to the list. This applies to folks outside the USA as well. I hope to have complete specific information on individual pages for each gathering to give folks a chance to see the flavor of each particular gathering.

Each has both common and unique characteristics to them. They can be large or small. They can be simply to visit and chat, have a bit e to eat, enjoy some play time or any combination of the three. Some have specific themes while others do not. The seperate pages will eventually all have more specific information about character and details as I'm able to gather it from the individual hosts.  Please keep in mind that some gatherings will have a different flavor at different times.  So, your best bet is to watch for specifics on ones near you.

NOTE:  The exact location of gatherings will not be posted here in order to protect the security of the events.  We'll give you the general area and let you contact the hosts for more information. 

EAST COAST -

 CAT - Connecticut Area Ticklers

 Hyena's Club

 NEST - North East Society of Ticklephiles

 NYC / LI AREA

 NYST - New York Society of Ticklephiles

 SBG - SuperBowl Gathering

 Tethers and Feathers

NORTH

 CHEST (CHicagoland Enthusiastic Society of Ticklephiles)

 GLAT Gathering (Great Lakes Area Ticklers)

 Midwest NEST

 NWOT Gathering (Northwest Ohio Ticklers)

 Tickling in Detroit / M.I.S.T.  (Motown Tickle Party)

SOUTH

 New Orleans Mardis Gras Gathering

 North Texas Gathering

 Southern Gathering

WEST COAST

 West Coast Gatherings

CANADA

 No gatherings presently organized in Canada

ENGLAND

 UK Gatherings

FLOATERS (gatherings that are not in a set location)

 Couples Only Gatherings

 Ladies Only Gatherings

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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General Gathering Rules

When you attend a tickle gathering, just like any other event, there are rules or guidelines that should be kept in mind. These are there for the safety (physical and otherwise) of all involved. Gatherings are private parties. They are not public functions open to anyone who wants to come. The list of rules below is simply one example of what we, as hosts, work from in developing our own guideliines. This is what I sent to my own possible guests for them to sign and send along with their deposit. Obviously, different people and locations can mean adding other things to this list...or possibly removing things from the list. But, many of the rules below apply to nearly every gathering that is out there. We're posting it here so that all may see for themselves that we take the safety of our guests very seriously.

AGREEMENT:

Please read and indicate your consent to the following agreement. Anyone, regardless of who they are, who violates these rules will immediately be asked to leave the scene (and possibly the entire gathering)...no second chances. The hosts and monitors will be floating to keep an eye on things throughout the gathering. The following Rules and Regulations are strictly enforced for the comfort and safety of all of our guests.

I, ____________________________________, being of legal age to attend an adult oriented gathering, agree to the following rules of conduct and understand that any enforcement of rules will be done fairly and not entitle me to a refund of my gathering fees. I further understand that any resistance to this enforcement may lead to my being suspended or banned from future gatherings.

1) There is a strict no uninvited touch rule with anyone that you do not personally know. We don't want our guests to feel like people are going to be poking at them all day long. If you see someone that you would like to play with, just like in any social situation, strike up a conversation and ask them if they would be interested.

2) If someone does touch you uninvited please remember to be courteous if you don't want them touching you. Remember, this is a gathering of people who like to tickle so don't humiliate or embarrass them by making it seem like they just violated you. Simply inform them that you prefer that they not touch you at that time.

3) Nobody is to be made to feel uneasy for not getting involved in play. (This could mean the entire day or simply a break period taken.) Some people may be more comfortable simply watching and visiting. Be sure to treat them with respect, as you'd like to be shown yourself.

4) If you approach a person wearing a "collar" (or a wedding or engagement ring) it is respectful to ask their partner first.

5) If we choose to have a demo please do not touch the person being demonstrated on unless you are asked by the Hosts.

6) If you feel uncomfortable watching a demo you are free to leave the play area. But, please do not say anything inappropriate. We recognize that everyone has different styles and interests and ask that all be respected.

7) Do not join into any tickling scene unless you ask first. Approval must be given by the ticklee first and then by those ticklers involved.

8) Please use common sense when dealing with anyone you do not wish to play with. If someone continues to annoy you after politely telling them to stop you may go to any of the hosts and they will handle the matter.

9) Safe words are a MUST...even if you don't expect to need one. It should be something chosen by the ticklee and easy to remember and say. Anyone who does not immediately honor a safeword or a warning from others in a scene to cease tickling will be immediately evicted from the gathering. Safety is a big concern....both physical and emotional. We would prefer a momentary delay in the fun to a real problem because the scene wasn't stopped when it should be.

10) Anyone caught stealing (either from the gathering site or from fellow attendees) will be dealt with severely...including legal action.

11) Nudity will not be an option in the common gathering space. Some people simply are not comfortable with this. If you prefer to wear something more revealing, a haltar/swim top and shorts for the ladies and shorts for the guys would be a good choice. An area outside the common gathering space open to nudity will be arranged for only if all involved agree and the location allows for it.

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Host Your Own

We often hear folks stating that they wished there was a gathering closer to them so that it would be easier to make. This page addresses one possible remedy to that. Hosting your own tickle gathering is a very real possibility for most people. It takes a little work and communication. But, it's NOT impossible. Every other gathering here started when someone said that they wanted to have something for tickle fans in their own area. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Most start with just a handful of folks getting together to gab about tickling. Some, like NEST, have grown to a larger size that requires much more time and effort. Those who run those gatherings should be thanked and congratulated. One good way to say thanks to a gathering host for getting the ball rolling is to assist them in their efforts. There are some specific ways you can do so listed at the bottom of this page.

This page will explore some things you may want to consider in getting a group started in your area. One thing to keep in mind when looking at having a gathering of your own... This will be YOUR party. It is a PRIVATE gathering. Unless you decide to do otherwise, people can't simply decide that they want to come and then show up at your doorstep. YOU chose the people who will or won't be there. So, if there are folks who you know and you want to ask them first, great! That's the best way to start...a private invite to each person on your list of friends in the community. Then, simply go from there.

Here's a little list of things you can do in preparation for hosting your own gathering...

1. Talk about the idea with one or two friends who will be able and willing to give you a hand.

2. Keep in mind that you need not get fancy or large your first time around.

3. Choose a date and location that will work for you as well as any time restrictions. (A single afternoon is perfectly legit and is actually how the formal part of most gatherings is done.)

4. Decide on a list of friends you would like to have join in your gathering.

5. Send those folks a personal invitation to come, asking that they RSVP soon enough to open things to others if there's room and the desire to do so.

6. If you are allowing for others to apply after your invites have been responded to, post a notice on this site and the TMF to let folks know what your plans are. If you do this, you'll want to give the following information in that post...

.- date and time

.- city in which it's being held (You do NOT want to post the exact location at this point.)

.- a contact person

.- the per-person cost of the event (You are permitted by law to cover your expenses but not to profit. So, cover the cost of the location, food, drinks and any prizes you may want to have.)

.- a deadline they need to respond by (Be sure to give yourself time for the rest of the process.)

.- You may also want to point out that room will be limited.

7. Once people start writing with requests to join you, you'll want to get more info. from them. Here are two things you can now use...

.- The form at the bottom of this page can be copied for use in finding out who they are, where they live, etc. You'll want to assure them that this information will be kept in confidence.

.- You should also send them the rules for your gathering at this point and ask that they acknowledge and agree to them. (A base set of rules can be found on the "Gathering Rules" page. Feel free to add to it if you like.)

8. If you're looking to get a solid local group started, it might be good to work your way through those who are nearby first. Then, as space permits, you can add in others. But, no matter where people are from, if you don't feel comfortable with them, you are not obligated to accept them. (When in doubt, asking other hosts for information is always a viable option. We're always willing to help.)

9. Arrange for the location, if outside the home. Restaurants are fine for munches but not for play. So, you may want to look at a hotel suite or an adult club with a room you can rent for an afternoon.

10. Once you have your list of people, you'll need to contact those whom you are not able to welcome. A simple note stating your appreciation of their interest but that you're out of room is the easiest way to handle this. (There will always be some who are disappointed. But, that's really not your problem.)

11. Now, you need to contact those who WILL be coming to give them all the details and take care of business.

.- Get their payment of any fee you may need to charge to cover the cost. (Many may prefer a money order to help guard anonymity. It's YOUR choice whether or not to mess with personal checks. Cash going through the mail is a target and not recommended. It's your choice whether to accept payment at the door.)

.- Give them the exact location and time frame. (Be sure to request that they keep this information to themselves.)

.- Give them any contact numbers that could be necessary if they run late or lose their way.

.- Pulling up a map of the location area on yahoo (or another online map site) and providing the link is always helpful, too.

12. You'll want to ask a couple of people (preferably with some play experience) to act as monitors to be sure that all play is safe and comfortable for those involved. These people will be the ones to aid the host in enforcing the rules and being sure that boundaries set by lees are not crossed. Be sure that you communicate with these folks in advance to be sure everyone is on the same page with things.

13. If you're planning on any raffles or door prizes, this is when you'll want to finish gathering those items. Keep in mind that these are extras that you don't HAVE to have. But, if you decide that you'd like to have some, that's cool too. Some sites are willing to provide prizes. So, don't be shy about talking to them. Some possible items would be...

.- A video purchased from or donated by one of the video companies.

.- A copy of one of the MTJ magazines.

.- A pre-paid months membership to Extreme Tickling (or another member site).

.- A disc full of pictures and/or video clips.

.- A set of cuffs.

.- some tickle toys

14. If you're planning to provide any food and drink at the gathering, you'll want to be arranging for that. Here are some things to think about...all assuming that this is a play time...

.- be sure to double-check your applications that folks turned in to see if there are any food allergies you need to plan for

.- water is an absolute must

.- sodas, juices, coffee, tea and milk are all good ideas (don't forget real and artificial sugar for coffee and tea drinkers)

.- snack foods such as chips, cookies and fruit are a good idea to have available

.- if you're going through a meal time, having rolls, meats, cheeses, condiments and a couple of salads is an easy way to feed folks

.- ordering pizzas , sandwiches, etc. is an option, but tends to take more time and money

.- use disposable materials as much as possible to save on cleanup (paper products are bio-degradable and recommended)

.- if the gathering is in a home, preparing something that can be popped in the over and warmed during play is another possibility, though one that requires a bit more time and planning. (I did two full meals for ours, having to do nothing that day aside from heating things up and sticking a turkey in the oven.)

15. Clean-up is easiest if you're taking care of things as you go along. Asking folks to be sure to dispose of garbage and keep toys gathered as they go along will go a long way to make it quick and relatively easy. If you're in a public place that requires you being out at a certain time, be sure to give yourself enough time for this. Setting the end time of the gathering at least a half hour prior to this time will help.

16. Now, sit back, relax and have a drink while you go to the various forums and post a new thread bragging about what a great gathering you had! ;-)

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Some practical things we can do to assist at gatherings...

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These are just a few suggestions of ways you can help out a host of another gathering. Individual hosts may have other things you can assist with as well.

- help handling the mailing list

- Help work the door

- Getting folks "badged"

- Hauling food and bevs

- Helping set up and/or clean up the gathering site

- Scene monitoring

- help to ease in newer folks who may be nervous

- One-on-one with the newies

- Pre- and Post-event coordination

- assisting with pre-event socials

- assisting with making rules known to attendees

- assisting with raffles/drawings

- being available for first aid (if trained)

- assisting with transportation for any coming from airports and bus or train stations

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Information Request Form for Possible Attendees

(Please print all information so that we're sure to be able to read it. Thanks!)

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1. Are you at least 18 yrs of age? If yes, how old are you? If no, we're sorry, but we cannot welcome you at this time. (State law requires proof of age in public places. Since we are responsible for our own group, we will check IDs at the door ourselves to keep your anonymity secure.)

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2. Do you have ANY health problems or special dietary needs/requests (i.e., food or other allergies, asthma, diabetes, heart condition, blood pressure problems, PTSD, etc.) that we should be aware of?

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3. Do you take drugs, prescription or otherwise, on a regular basis? If so, is there any chance of you needing them during the time of the gathering?

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4. Where do you live (city/state)?

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5. What is your real name (to be matched with your ID at the door and then forgotten unless you wish otherwise) and the name by which you wish to be called at the gathering?

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6. Do you prefer to tickle, be tickled, both.

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7. Have you ever experimented with consensual bondage?

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8. Would you object to the use of bondage, either on others or yourself?

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9. Have you ever tickled another person as an adult?

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10. Have you ever been tickled by another person as an adult?

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11. Where do you like to tickle a person most?

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12. Where are you most ticklish?

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13. Are there any areas people should avoid when tickling you, whether for physical or emotional reasons (IF you choose to be a lee)?

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14. Are you married, involved romantically, or single? (Please note that this form should also be completed for any partner who may be planning to attend with you.)

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15. If your partner is attending with you, do you foresee any difficulties with others asking for play (provided that this is done in a courteous and respectful manner)?

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*NOTE: Questions # 2 & 3 are for your protection so that appropriate information can be passed along in the event of any medical emergency where you are unable to speak for yourself. This information will not be shared in any other way.

The following is the statement that you'll be asking folks to sign acknowledging that they have read and agree to the rules of conduct you'll be sending them It can be sent to you along with the gathering fee.

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AGREEMENT:

Please read and indicate your consent to the following agreement. Anyone, regardless of who they are, who violates these rules will immediately be confronted and, if the offense is severe or not corrected, will be asked to leave. These Rules and Regulations are taken very seriously and strictly enforced for the comfort and safety of all of our guests.

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I, ____________________________________, being of legal age to attend an adult oriented gathering, agree that the information I have provided is accurate and that I will adhere to the RULES OF CONDUCT listed in the provided information. I further agree that, should I violate any of these rules, I may be asked to leave the gathering and will not be entitled to any refund of fees paid.