The Leather Leadership Conference is an organization dedicated to
strengthening the SM/Leather/Fetish community through the development
of the leadership skills of community members and fostering a greater
sense of connection between and within community groups.
The LLC hosts annual conferences where attendees may share their
knowledge and experience with one another, fostering a greater sense
of unity and understanding within the community as a whole.
In 1997, John Weis and his NYSMA colleagues joined forces to produce
the first Leather Leadership Conference. Their goal was to produce
training sessions for current and potential leaders of the SM/Leather/Fetish
community. The first conference, held in NYC, drew more than 40 participants.
Elated, John sought input from others and continued the concept.
In 1998 the LLC II conference, also in NYC, drew 125 people and produced
two policy statements, "The Difference Between SM and Abuse"
and "BDSM Education".
In 1999, the conference moved to San Francisco, attracting approximately
275 participants. At the same time, the informal Board of Governors
decided to formalize the organization. Leather Leadership Conference,
Inc. was incorporated, and and its 501(c)(3) status was approved by
the IRS in 2005 retroactively to 1999.
A record number of 306 participants attended LLC 2000 (LLC-IV) in
Washington, D.C. The conference introduced several new twists, including
the very successful poster sessions and the establishment of a permanent
website for the organization. Planning to expand the Leather Leadership
Conference, the Board voted to expand to nine positions. Openings
were announced and nominations were solicited, with selections to
be made in June.
Each yearly conference since has added new, interesting and successful
ways for community members to gain leadership skills and to network
with one another.
