Pole Convention 2011

This year’s pole convention was even more amazing than last year’s – and that’s saying something. Even more people attended and there were even more things going on – performances, workshops, seminars, shopping, and just plain fun!

Truly, this is the creme de la creme of pole events. Whether you perform, pole just for fun, have a pole-related business, or just want to see some world-class aerial moves, this is the show to go to. I was at my booth 99% of the time, and what little of the convention I got to see was still absolutely worth it.

And it’s not just the top-notch performers Jessalyn brings in, it’s the atmosphere she creates.

The entire convention has so much spirit and so much love and support in it that it makes the performances that much more spectacular – and spectacular they were. We got to see Natasha Wang recreate her USPDF-winning Black Swan performance. We saw Karol Helms whoop up the crowd with a fun and sexy peacock number.

We saw Estee dazzle with her aerial acrobatics and Zoraya display the art of pure strength. We saw Becca Butcher rock the pole in some awesome pants and Jamilla pole all hot and saucy in her trademark top hat, while Jenyne and Felix were brought to tears by the love of the crowd and their great friendship.

And those are just a few of the performances I managed to see.

There were also tons of workshops and speakers – if you wanted to study contortion (and boy did that teacher give an incredible contortion performance!) or learn how to stretch better, or figure out how to better run your studio, you could.

If you wanted to buy mats or poles or grip aids or clothing, if you wanted to talk with friends you only knew from Facebook and Twitter and the pole forums, you could. There were cocktail parties and outings. There were impromptu gatherings at the pool and in the rooms. There was networking and chatting and tons of just-plain-fun.

Believe me, this is an event you want on your calendar.

Jessalyn Medairy

And that’s all thanks to the amazing, the incomparable Jessalyn Medairy, who spent the entire year preparing for the convention. I don’t know where she learned it, but that woman knows her stuff – she understands the needs of vendors (thank you!) and performers and attendees.

She knows that we want to play, that we need lots of choices, that we want to shop – but we want to browse – and that we, more than anything, need spaces to chat and play and run up and hug people we know only from their profile pics.

She knew to choose a fun city where we could walk around (7-inch heels and all) and shop and eat and party. She knew to be available for last-minute questions, and she knew how to make it all run smoothly.

The woman is an event-planning machine, and if you were there or if you wanted to be there, message her your thanks and appreciation, because Jessalyn (and her wonderful family) worked their heinies off to pull this together for the pole community.

Quantum House

But Jessalyn is more than just incredibly competent; she also has a big heart. That’s why she makes a point of donating a part of the proceeds from each Pole Convention to charity.

This year, she chose Quantum House, a non-profit based in West Palm Beach (where this year’s convention was held) that provides a home for families whose children are seriously ill and are receiving medical care.

So, even if you are not from Florida and even if you were not able to attend this year’s convention, I ask you to make a donation to Quantum House to support Jessalyn’s vision – and to let people know that hosting pole dance events is a positive experience for their community.

Hats off to one amazing poler!

A big round of applause to Jessalyn, who continues to bring the pole dance community together! You are something special, girl!