Event Schedule

Early Registration

Held at the pre-event party Cerberus Brewery 77 South 7th Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado https://fetlife.com/events/2026/09/17/the-heck-pre-con-munch-qbkqn4

Registration

Kinky Partner Yoga

Kinky Partner Yoga is a playful and empowering class that blends the mindful movement of yoga with the intentional dynamics of kink. Designed for pairs—friends, partners, or curious collaborators—this class explores how trust, communication, and power exchange can deepen physical connection and self-awareness. Fox and mtn grrl will lead you through a series of yoga poses while simultaneously adding a kinky twist to those poses. Light flogging in Downward Facing Dog while your partner helps you hold the pose. Yep! Massage, impact, tickling, and other stimulation in Child’s Pose. You betcha! Helping your partner move deeper into a pose? Sounds like fun! This class is designed for partners, and you must bring your own partner!. If you DO have some kinky toys, bring them with you. If you don’t, Fox and mtn grrl will be sharing their broad collection of impact and sensation toys with the class participants. This class will be clothing optional; you are encouraged to be nude, but you may wear as much or as little clothing as feels comfortable to you. If you have your own yoga mat(s), please bring them with you. We will have a limited number of yoga mats available. Please bring a large towel or small blanket for each of you. Please bring an open mind, curiosity, and creativity with you. All other supplies will be provided.

12 Step Meeting

Recovery in the Lifestyle is a 12 step meeting where anyone with desire to be in recovery is welcome.

The Five Pillars of Consent and Do They Matter

This is a mixture of the Five Pillars of Consent presentation (hopefully updated from its original iteration), the flagship workshop that put InvictuZ on the map as a Consent educator and the implications for people who engage in consensual kink activity. We will discuss the core concepts to keep in mind, as well as case law and instances in which consent is NOT ENOUGH to protect one from prosecution in the case of kink activities. What to know, why to know it, key thoughts for what to do if things don't go according to plan. There will be extra time for discussion and understanding. Helpful for all, newbies and "seasoned veterans".

The Costs of Service: Visualized with Ramen!

Service can’t always be a slow braised shortrib; Sometimes the most meaningful service is the quick, comforting, five-minute ramen that meets the moment. This class equips you with essential tips and tools for efficient food service while helping you explore service as a dynamic, adaptable practice. Learn core principles, best practices, and how to customize your style to align with your needs. Discover practical tools to enhance service quality and explore various service options from traditional to innovative. We’ll break down the core elements of service, examine different forms of labor, and discuss how to shape your personal service style with intention. You’ll also learn practical strategies to provide high-quality service at any “level,” whether you’re offering something instant, upgraded, or fully gourmet.

Leather, Levi, and the AIDS Crisis

In many queer and Leather history classes, we refer to the AIDs crisis - we might even talk about it briefly, but for many younger folks - we don't really understand the depth of what caused the AIDs crisis in America. Join SonderingSub on a journey close to her heart to talk about what HIV/AIDS is, what our communities did about it, and how we can continue to honor the legacy of those who lived and died during the height of the crisis and beyond.

Silent Auction Drop Off Begins

Catharsis Through Connection - Letting Go, Pulling In

As conscious, caring, emotional beings, we sometimes find that we are lugging psychological baggage that we just can’t seem to put down. Some people find that talking with a professional can be helpful, while others may seek alternative methods including carefully crafted BDSM interactions. Join Duke for a discussion of some of those “alternative” methods of finding catharsis through ordeal pain, including participation in a group ritual.

Workshop: Growing Community - Creating An Onboarding Workshop

Description: This collaborative workshop helps you build a newbie onboarding presentation tailored to your local community. Angel will share the strategies, structure, and lessons they've developed since 2018, while participants contribute ideas and feedback. You'll leave with a presentation framework and practical notes to continue refining at home. Please bring something to take notes. Recording and dictation devices are not permitted. An editable PowerPoint and facilitator notes are available for purchase. Breakdown: I will provide you with a breakdown of recommended definitions, terms, etiquette and lingo to include. We will discuss how to present these in a way that is easy to remember, and anecdotes that make the content memorable without reducing it's impact. We will cover how to introduce humor while still respecting the seriousness of the discussions. Learn how to respectfully let people know you need to move forward with the class without making them feel unheard.

Playing on the Edge - Knife Play

This class invites participants into the world of edge play, where the sensations of metal against skin create an exhilarating experience. You'll learn how to create thrilling, intense sensations by using pressure, proximity, and technique, all while keeping the experience as safe as possible. Guided by experienced instructors, Knife Play explores the psychological and sensory thrill of the blade, emphasizing clear communication, boundaries, and consent. Through demonstrations, participants will develop the skills needed to incorporate this form of play into their intimate lives. This class will cover knife techniques and teaching methods to control pressure and precision, while respecting the boundaries and comfort levels of everyone involved. Knife Play is perfect for those looking to add a new layer of excitement to their play. Whether you're a beginner looking to explore edge play or a seasoned participant seeking new tips and techniques, this class offers something for everyone. Join us for an experience that combines sensuality, trust, and adrenaline in an environment that prioritizes your comfort and safety. Get ready to thrill, to explore, and to connect through the heightened senses and vulnerability that knife play uniquely offers.

When Leaders Age: A Discussion of Mental Decline & Community Responsibility

Join me- it’s time we had the hard conversation of many communities and community members are experiencing. As leaders experience cognitive decline, communities face tough questions. This discussion explores how we recognize changes, respond with compassion, protect safety, and navigate consent—without expecting self-awareness from those affected. Together, we’ll consider how to respect contributions while addressing current realities with honesty and care. All generations are needed to be effective and consider community solutions.

Vendor Market

The vendor market is open.

Silent Auction Opens

Lunch and Show

Lunch and Entertainment. All attendees are welcome, but will need to purchase lunch ticket to enjoy meal.

Who Gets to Say No? The Intersection Between Consent and Privilege

More than a decade as a consent educator has demonstrated to me the intersection between consent and privilege. In this class we will explore this intersection and how privilege impacts the dynamics in our own play and communities. More importantly, we’ll discuss what these truths mean for the larger consent conversation. Prepare to have perspectives examined and to engage in a discussion that needs to be more common in our community. There will be some Q&A. Prepare to potentially have some misconceptions challenged.

Skirting the Slash: Working through the Switch stigma

Ever have hesitation with wanting to explore a role you don't typically inhabit? Ever find pushback from a community that only sees you in one role? Here we are going to discuss the pitfalls of being a switch in the community and how we, as a community and individuals, can help support each other in showing up in our most fully authentic selves.

Disability and Kink Support Group

Join Derek in a facilitated discussion and support circle to talk about how kink and disabilities impact daily life

Rope Jam with Quinn Lennox & HuntorRide

RMPOL Meet & Greet

Opportunity for contestants and judges to meet all in one place

Power Exchange: Relationships, Not Relationshits: Integrating Power Exchange and Ethical Non-Monogamy Dynamics

Many of us enjoy (or want to enjoy) Ethical Non-Monogamous (ENM) relationships but may not know where to start or have already experienced the trials and tribulations. Add in BDSM and/or a Power Exchange (PE) dynamic, and your relationships just got exponentially more complex. There are a variety of different relationship and power exchange types, so how do you navigate this with vanilla and kinky partners? Some of us look for deep meaningful connections with all of our partners; others explore emotional needs with one partner and seek more casual connections with others. Regardless of what you pursue and choose to implement - it's not easy; especially if you want to avoid drama and not have #relationshits. In this session, we will cover how to navigate the ENM and PE waters. Topics include terminology, types of ENM/PE, communication techniques, best practices, managing emotions and metamours, establishing a new dynamic, compersion, attachment styles, conflict resolution, and communication (mentioned twice on purpose!). Perfect for beginners and experienced alike whether partnered or not.

Humiliation, Degradation and Objectification: The Dark side of the Sandbox

We will discuss the psychology behind this type of play, why people enjoy it even when it seems counterintuitive, ways to intermingle this in to the other types of play your dynamic already uses, the various ways this play can happen, the negotiation techniques for this dark side of the sand box with trauma, and the before/aftercare for the Top, bottom, and the relationship.

Roundtable Discussion: Pillion

Finding good representation in media for kink can be hard. Come talk about the latest attempt! Let's talk about the good, the bad, and the other attempts across a multimedia discussion.

Redefining Leadership to Inspire Change

Join me as we explore leadership in service. Starting with an overview of the different leadership styles, we will then take a deep dive into Servant Leadership. You will be introduced to the building blocks of this style and the practice of "Serving First". You will gain more insight on what Servant Leadership is, how it promotes growth, encourages community engagement, enhances ideas, and inspires the leaders in each of us to rise above. I look forward to sharing my knowledge, explaining why servant leadership resonates with me, how it fits in my vision and journey, along with hearing your thoughts and ideas! This workshop will be part lecture and part discussion.

Evening Show & RMPOL Contest Opening

Kinky Speed Dating

People get together and meet over the weekend. It's set up like speed dating, where people get 5 minutes each person.

Play Party

Registration

Clothing Optional Yoga

Clothing Optional Yoga is designed to help you slow down, listen to your body, and calm your mind while being fully present. The instructor has over 25 years of teaching experience and invites you to meet yourself on the mat where you are in the moment. Stripping off the armor we wear can help you experience your body in a fresh, exciting way. You are welcome to undress to your level of comfort – from full workout clothes to nude. While this class is Clothing Optional, there is nothing sexual about the practice. If you have your own yoga mat, please bring it with you, along with a small blanket or a large towel. We will have some extra mats available, and all other props will be provided. Let mtn grrl help you stretch your mind and body and get you ready for the fun day ahead at HECK!

12 Step Meeting

Sound’s Sexy, I’m In! Intro to Auralism

Everyone loves a good moan or gasp, but has a good song ever turned you on? Did you know there’s a fetish for that? Auralism, also called Sonophilia or Melolagnia, is a physiological or psychological sexual response to certain music, artists or sounds of a certain pitch or timbre. Find out what makes a sound sexy (and not sexy), and explore ways to play with the wonderful world of sound

Consistency, Connection, Communication and Surviving the Mundane

New Relationship Energy fades. Dishes pile up. Schedules collide. Bodies change. And yet, some M/s dynamics don’t just survive this stage, they deepen. In this 90-minute class, Master Damascus and slave Demir draw from 12 years in a lived Master/slave dynamic to explore how consistency, connection, and communication keep power exchange intentional long after the thrill wears off. With humor, vulnerability, and practical tools, they’ll discuss rituals, adaptability, planning, resentment, and the courage it takes to speak needs out loud. This class is not therapy, not prescriptive, and not about doing things “right.” It is an invitation to examine what actually sustains long-term power exchange when real life shows up. Take what resonates. Leave what doesn’t.

“What are you saying?” – Navigating Communication Issues in D/s

Communicate – talk about it! This is some of the most common advice given to people struggling with interpersonal issues. But what does that actually look like? This class will cover the what, how, when, and when not of communication both from a kinky lens as well as a vanilla lens. Whether between friends, coworkers, or a long-standing D/s relationship we will uncover how to engage in appropriate, worthwhile, and successful communication. We’ll take a look as the fundamentals of communication, discuss types of communication styles, and also how to get your communication back on track if there’s a breakdown.

RMPOL Interviews

Part of the Rocky Mountain Person of Leather Contest. Interviews up to 30 mins with each contestant. Open to all HECK attendees, however handlers, support persons, etc. should only attend their own contestant's interview.

Silent Auction Open

We wil stop the bidding at 11 PM. If you will not be back on Sunday, we will prioritize checking you out Saturday night, all others, please plan to check out Sunday morning.

Vendor Market

The vendor market is open.

Flying on the floor: Headspace adventures in rope

What do Amusement Parks, Great Literature, and Hollywood have in common? All of them use human emotional reactions to entertain us. We will look at some of the tips, tricks and techniques for taking your tying partner on an emotional headspace adventure without leaving the ground. This will involve a mix of lecture, demo, and hands on time, 1-2 hanks of rope recommended.

Shine & Scene: Bootblack as play

A hands-on class for those familiar with leather care and bootblacking, put those skills to sexy use! In this class we will talk about what types of scenes can be made, how to incorporate other play into the scene, and any safety considerations surrounding leather care and play. Will include a short demo and time to practice what you learned. Bring your boot blacking kit and a partner with shine-able wearables.

Power Exchange: Beyond the Collar - Ownership Has its Privileges

Ready to level up your power dynamic beyond the basics? In this cheeky, no-holds-barred advanced workshop, we flip the switch on Top energy and Bottom surrender with a wink and a whip. We quickly review some foundational concepts and jump into rituals, protocols, and contract negotiation. Learn how to design evolving dynamics beyond new relationship energy (NRE) and high-protocol systems, while crafting/revising a relationship that grows with you. Next, we cover how to manage vanilla life integration, getting older, and navigating complex dynamics; all while keeping consent, care, fun, authority, and #KreativeKink front and center. Whether you're refining a 24/7 exchange, mastering high-protocol tease, or just craving next-level control/surrender chemistry—this class is your playful playground for turning good dynamics into unforgettable ones as they mature. All are welcome regardless of dynamic type, [un]partnered, or experience level.

Reaching for the Soul

How does one prepare the body in order to attain a deeper emotional connection? What can we do in order to reach those places of nuance and spirituality only known to ourselves? What factors do specific types of play in reaching for something more than physical sensation? We will discuss some of the common aspects described by some as "floating", highs, shift in reality, shape shifting, historical perspectives and religious perspectives, as well as blood based notions. More importantly, we will discuss how you might get there in concrete terms.

Lunch and Show

Entertainment open to all attendees. Meal available for purchase with Lunch meal package at registration.

From Scene to Scene: Applying Theatrical Principles to Kink

Actors and kinksters have more in common than you might think. Both live truthfully under imaginary circumstances, and both use their bodies as instruments of their craft. When International Person of Leather and 30-year stage veteran Finn Gerhardt realized this, they pulled philosophies and techniques from their training as an actor that they realized could improve kink scenes or dynamics. This class covers everything from the philosophy of gender and sexuality as performance to techniques to build a toolkit of intention, partner connection, voice and movement to help keep and maintain headspace.

Puppet Master: Body manipulation for increased connection in all scenes

Setting the mood, building rapport, these are some of the foundational steps for truly connective scenes. As with partner dancing, moving the body can be a form of communication. Attendees will learn body manipulation techniques and concepts from wrestling, physics, body mechanics, dance, and even acrobatics to build and increase connection between pairs. Demonstration will be followed by hands-on practice time. If you value connection as an integral part of kink and BDSM this is the class for you. This class is all levels, whether this is your first public event or you've been playing in dungeons for decades.

Dungeons of the Future

This concept-driven class explores what the future of dungeons might look like. Through a purely speculative lens, we will discuss the kinds of toys, technology, and experiences that could emerge over the next 10 to 20 years, along with the new kinks and dynamics they might inspire. This session is highly interactive and invites significant audience participation.

RMPOL Presentations

The Flying Prick - Hook Suspensions

Whether practiced as an act of showy extravagance or used as a path to meditative states of altered consciousness, hook suspensions are a fascinating practice that has been used globally for thousands of years and brought into the modern era by a handful of notables including Alan Faulkner, Stelarc, Fakir Musafar, and others. Join Duke for a brief discussion of the “how and why” behind suspending from one’s own flesh before witnessing a suspension demonstration.

The Bites and Growls of Primal M/s

Master and slave relationships tend to follow an expected structure. However, in our practice of M/s, we chose to depart from the norm in favor of a more animalistic and energetic primal hierarchy. This is not M/s that is freely given, it is earned and conquered everyday. Where the slave is free to challenge and the Master must answer in kind.

Bootblacking on a Budget (skills class)

Bootblacking on a Budget is a skills-based leather class offering a demonstration (with follow-along option) introduction to Bootblacking, emphasizing that preserving and maintaining leather is a practical skill accessible to everyone. Participants will learn foundational techniques in cleaning, conditioning, and introductory repairing leather goods, with a focus on sustainability and extending the life of everyday items. By demystifying leatherwork and fostering a welcoming learning environment, the class encourages participants of all backgrounds to learn Bootblacking as a useful, everyday craft rooted in self-confidence and respect for materials. Leather care can be seen as expensive and elite, but with a few key tools and a solid foundation, everyone can do it. This class makes Bootblacking accessible, teaching practical and affordable skills to extend the life of beloved leather items.

Evening Show & RMPOL Contest Finale

Play Party

Welcome to the Temple of Bast! - Hospitality Party

Come and indulge in delectable delights and refreshing libations as we celebrate the 2026 Rocky Mountain Person of Leather in a festive atmosphere worthy of the Goddess Bastet herself! 🌺🍷 Meet, greet, and mingle with fellow attendees in the enchanting Temple of Bast! Don’t miss out on an unforgettable evening filled with joy and community.

12 Step Meeting

Registration

12 Step Meeting

Keynote & Brunch

Keynote open to all HECK attendees. Brunch available with Brunch ticket purchased with registration.

Vendor Market

The vendor market is open.

Ace-ing Life; Beyond Sexuality

This workshop dives into the A-Spec (Asexual spectrum) experience, touching on various aspects such as attractions, relationships, communication, and navigating sex-positive spaces. It aims to provide clarity on misconceptions, offer support for those exploring their A-spec identity, and promote understanding among allies.

Baskin Robbins Submission: 31 Flavors

In the world of kink, there are as many flavors of submission as individuals. This facilitated discussion reviews different styles of submission. Bring your questions and thoughts and we’ll discuss how to feel confident shopping the buffet of BDSM. Are your flavors service and brat? Or maybe leather and worship? Perhaps a little bit of ageplay with a sprinkle of romance? Whatever your style, you’ll get ideas on how to zest submission with your own twist.

Radical Selfishness: How Being More Selfish is the Best Thing You Can Do for Everyone

EVERYONE needs self-care. We know this. But do we know why? Who truly benefits from self-care? What if I were to say that the answer is you, every person you are in any kind of relationship with, and the world as a whole? Self-care is NOT indulgence, it is one of the best things you can do for EVERYONE. In this workshop we will talk a little bit about my favorite topic, ME! By sharing my self-care journey, I try to encourage those I know, my friend, fellow kinksters, my community and the world to BE MORE SELFISH.

Flipping the switch: Triggers and Anchors

Want to know what tools you can use to help you with switching headspaces? Want help keeping yourself seated in a headspace? In this class we define what triggers and anchors are in regard to being a switch, and discuss what ways can work best to give you the tools to be your best switchy self!

Needle Fuckery

TBD