Exxxotic

Why do I spend the most time planning my wardrobe for the con where I arguably wear the least?

Exxxotica was actually one of the very first conventions that I attended, all the way back in 2021. There are a few things that I really love about going to conventions - dressing up, getting attention, and dancing all night. Not to oversell it, but that’s Exxxotica to a T. I look forward to it every year, and this year it’s happening on my birthday weekend!

While I’m not on OnlyFans or anything like that, I do enjoy doing ecchi cosplay. Exxxotica is one of the first places where I got to explore that side of cosplay. No matter how revealing your outfit is, there’s always going to be someone else wearing less, which makes for a pretty comfortable environment for everyone involved. It helps that most of the people enthusiastically running up to you for photos are sexy, nerdy women!

Before I went, I wondered what you could possibly do for 3 days at a, as they put it, “sex and love convention,” but both of the times that I’ve attended I’ve ended the weekend tired and happy. Just as with most other conventions, there are panels, and the subject matter can be really interesting - they cover topics like protecting your brand, finding your niche in the industry, setting up and running a production company, and plenty of other subjects relating to the actual business of porn. There are also merch booths, meet and greets, and tons of performances from both male and female dancers.

Speaking of performances, for the exhibitionists out there I really recommend the Ms. Exxxotica competition, the strip and pole dance competition. I joined on a whim with a friend in 2021, and even though I felt like my heart was going to beat through my chest from nerves, it was an incredibly fun and low stakes experience. Like, everyone else in it is a professional stripper, and it’s ok if I’m just a cute lady up there shaking my ass.

Another big highlight - the dungeon, which is not nearly as sinister as it sounds. They offer demonstrations of how to safely engage in lots of different kinks, from impact play and electricity to being locked in a cage or (my personal fave) tied up shibari style. All of the demonstrations are free, and it’s a fun way to explore.

If you live in the Chicago area, maybe I’ll see you there this year! I’ll be wearing a birthday girl sash and partying like a rock star.