Owned and produced by Butchmanns, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization, Southwest Leather Conference was first launched in December 2002 and has since become widely recognized as "The Gathering of Leather Heart & Spirit."

With its emphasis on education and the interpersonal and spiritual dynamics of D/s relationships and SM practices, SWLC provides its attendees with opportunities for a profoundly deeper experience of BDSM, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity, age, nationality, or religious/spiritual affiliation. SWLC also provides a vehicle for regional leather clubs, organizations and individuals to gather and celebrate the leather tribe of which we are all a part.

Although SWLC is not directly affiliated with any other group or organization, the weekend is made possible only by the efforts of many individuals, leather clubs and community organizations throughout the world, the United States, and from within the Southwest region (Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah).
The Butchmanns, Inc., Board of Directors consists of Master Steve, Master Skip Chasey, slave kirk, Master Bert Cutler, Master Z of Dallas, and slave ed. In addition, three individuals make up the SWLC Executive Committee: Master Alan (Executive Director); slavegirl ronda (Chief Operations Officer); and slave Alia Al'Barakah (Chief Financial Officer).