Event Classifications
There are many ways to ways to classify events. Primary classification is based on an event's characteristics. Identified characteristics then help group events into specific categories.
Characteristics
Fisting events are characterized by their purpose, size, venue, duration, and sponsor/organizer.
- Purpose | In order to be considered a fisting event instead of a kink party or orgy, fisting must be the primary focus of the event.
- Duration | Event length distinguishes a fête from a function. Fêtes last two or more days and functions last less than a day.
- Venue | Location can differentiate one event type from another. Public venues are typical of large festivals, conventions, and workshops. Private homes are associated with ffundays, retreats, and club play parties.
- Attendees (Size) | Number of participants is another major classification tool. Retreats and private ffundays typically host less than a dozen fisters. Workshops, group-sponsored parties, and festivals/conventions attract dozens to hundreds of fisters.
- Sponsorship | Production detail helps classify fisting events. Those produced by well organized clubs or event production companies tend to offer a variety of services or ammenities to the general public. Smaller events are often hosted by key individuals within the local fisting community.
Figure 1.1: Categorization by Duration
When duration is the primary identifier, events can be grouped as Fêtes or Functions. Fêtes represent events that last multiple days while functions last multiple hours.
Fête
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Noun A celebration or festival that typically lasts several days with a large number of attendees.Example: FistFest is the world's largest fisting fête. It is a four day celebration of fisting in a quaint hotel in rural Georgia.
Function
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Noun A social gathering which may be large or small, but limited in duration.
Event Types / Categories
After identifying an event's primary characteristics, it can be further classified into a specific category.
Category
Fête
Purpose
Exposure to like-minded individuals seeking multiple play partners and new experiences over several days.
Duration
Multiple days, typically an extended weekend.
Venue
Public (access-restricted) hotel, warehouse, or camp that allows fisting at various locations on campus.
Attendees
Dozens to hundreds.
Category
Fête
Purpose
Intimate connections in a small- to medium-size group over several days without disruptions from the outside world.
Duration
Multiple days, typically an extended weekend.
Venue
Private residence with sleeping, dining, and clean-out facilities—as well as multiple slings or play areas.
Attendees
Fewer than two dozen.
Category
Function
Purpose
Organized but unofficial fist-focused play event held during a non-fisting convention or circuit-party weekend.
Duration
Several hours, usually during the evening.
Venue
Private play space away from the main convention venue, typically accessed by shuttle or private transport.
Attendees
Typically fewer than 100.
Category
Function
Purpose
Organized play sponsored by local fisting club ranging from small (five guys) to larger groups (less than 100) over several hours.
Duration
Several hours, typically on a weekend or evening.
Venue
Private home or public venue such as a bathhouse or hotel room with limited clean-out facilities (touch-ups only).
Attendees
Single to double digits.
Category
Function
Purpose
Casual play with regular or local playmates ranging from small (five guys) to larger groups over several hours.
Duration
Several hours, typically on a weekend or evening.
Venue
Private home or public venue such as a bathhouse or hotel room with limited clean-out facilities (touch-ups only).
Attendees
Single to double digits.
Category
Function
Purpose
Educational instruction or seminar related to fisting; may be coupled with a post-seminar FFunday after-party.
Duration
Varies based on organizers’ needs and demands.
Venue
Access-restricted venue with a demo platform and play area (if a FFunday Party follows).
Attendees
Typically between 25–75.
Event Programming and Policies
Fêtes and functions may provide special programming for attendees:
- Seminars and Educational Programming | Both large and small events may have instructors that provide demonstrations and short lectures on fisting techniques and practices.
- Networking Activities | Bar nights or bar service may be available for some events. Post-fisting meals at local restaurants are common.
- Guest Performances | Some groups and organizers hire porn stars to invigorate the event dynamic and engage in fisting activities with attendees.
- Themed Play Parties | Some events may have specific themes or break-away parties that introduce high-energy "circuit party" atmospheres.
Figure 1.8: Hell Hole Party at Fist Fest
Fist Fest throws a mega-party called Hell Hole with a DJ, open bar, and dozens of slings, benches, and mattresses.
Events might also enforce specific policies to protect attendees:
- Content Creation | Most events have a specific policy regarding cinematography. For example, there may be designated camera areas or designated parties where filming is allowed.
- When filming is allowed, ask for permission from everyone being recorded. If you plan to post your scenes online, acquire release forms from participants.
Sample Release Form- Hygiene | Events generally require you to come prepared to play and will limit cleanouts to touchups only (if the venue has a shower facility).
- Substances | Policies on vaping, smoking, ethyl chloride, and other drugs may exists. See Substance Considerations.
Figure 1.9: Shooting Deep
Even if permitted, always ask participants for permission to film at events.
Event Lodging
Fêtes (events that last multiple days) are often held at hotels, convention centers, or large rental homes. The advantages of staying at the host venue include:
- Cleanout Access | At any time during the event, you can return to your room to conduct a deep douche or quick touch up.
- Personal Play Space | When one-on-one time is needed away from the primary play areas, your room doubles as your own private play space.
- La veillée (stoop sitting) | Physical cruising with other attendees during event down-time hours.
Some venues have limited room blocks that sell out quickly.
La Veillée
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NounIn Cajun country, a social gathering in the evening, often on the front porch (or "gallery"), for visiting and winding down. In certain cities, the veillée (prounounced vay yay) is also known as stoop sitting or stooping.Example: After the daily events wind down at Fist Fest, attendees return to their rooms to hang out on the walkways and balconies in a cruising activity known as the veillée.
Expectations
Knowing what to expect at a fisting event (outside of its venue and programming) can reduce anxiety and improve your experience.
Interaction and Social Navigation
Fisters tend to be a little less pretentious about image and playmate selection, especially among other fisters. Most are willing to play in the right situation; however, as fisting becomes "the new black," traditional attitudes and behaviors have infiltrated the community. Understanding social situations at events can improve your experience.
Vetting
Due to time constraints, traditional vetting is not common at events. There is rarely time to get to know someone prior to play. This means direct communication about likes and dislikes must be explicitly verbalized at the beginning of a session.
Obnoxious behavior may cause others to decline a play session with you. Dangerous behavior is often reported to hosts/organizers and can result in expulsion from the event.
Cultural Differences
Figure 2.1: World Landmarks
Having cultural sensitivities includes accepting cultural differences and adapting behaviours appropriate for specific cultures.
Not all cultures act the same. These differences can span continents, countries, regions, and even local fisting enclaves. Observe and respect these differences. When in doubt, follow the lead of your sponsor or host.
For example, several cultures have societal rules on personal space. Violating the spatial boundaries may result in unnecessary tension.
Personalities
Events are attended by all kinds of personalities, from extreme extroverts and introverts, the wildly aggressive to the docile passive, and the uber masc to the hyper fem. Don't be afraid to own who your are and be yourself.
Act kindly toward others and avoid passing judgement. Engage. Everybody comes to fist. Don't expect to fist with everybody, but challenge yourself to step outside your boundaries and integrate with others who are not a mirror image of yourself.
Many guys come to events with friends in order to have a group to hang with during downtime. Avoid letting that group become a clique. Forming cliques is so Mean Girls, but it happens. Blow them off. Make an effort not to replicate similar behavior.
Multimedia 2.1: You Cant Sit Here (Mean Girls)
The Plastics in the film Mean Girls form a clique and disallow association with others.
Neurodivergence
Many fisters express various levels of social integration to to a elevated level of neurodivergence within the community.
Because of conversational limitations at events, direct communication is often helpful to avoid misunderstandings.
Limitations and Boundaries
Respecting the boundaries of individuals at events keeps you from being branded as a fister to avoid at all costs.
Figure 2.2: Investigation of Sexual Violators
It is inappropriate and illegal to engage in sexual contact without the express permission of both partners.
- Consent | Always seek consent before and throughout a session. Consent is generally offered by iniviting or accepting an invitation to fist; however, consent should also be acquired during a session if fisting activities change.
- For example, if you switch from elementary fisting to punch fisting, it is the responsibility of the top to get consent before continuing. An event is no place for injury.
- Rape | Shaming or forcing a partner to take a role (such as top or bottom), to wear or not wear protection (gloves or condom), to use chems (including poppers), or to be included in content is nonconsenual and very rapey. No means no.
- Harrassment | Stalking, taunting, bullying, and doxing are all forms of harassment. Venues and event producers may ban you from events or facilities if credible evidence exists regarding harassing behaviors.
Substance Considerations
Manifestations
Regarding substances, there are four types of events you may encounter:
- Sober Only | Prohibits most psychotropic substances in both public and private spaces. Poppers, ethyl-choloride, and alcohol are tolerated. You may be asked to leave if you violate the event's rules or appear to be under the influence of other drugs.
- Mixed Use | Allows some psychotropic substances, typically limited to pot, poppers, and alcohol. If your behavior becomes problematic, you may be asked to leave.
- Unofficial Tolerance | Does not sanction use, but expects those using to use discreetly and maintain a certain level of decorum. If use affects to interact safely with others, you may be asked to leave.
- Unrestricted | Maintains no usage policies but typically expects consumption to occur discretely. If use results in unsafe behavior or puts your health at risk, you may be asked to leave.
Figure 1.2: Unofficial Tolerance - Event Regulation
Many events will clarify their official policies in their enrollment packages and waivers. This example shows an event that discourages open use of harder drugs.
Figure 2.4: Addiction Recovery Meetings
Festivals and Fistcons typically host recovery meetings.
Know your event rules prior to attendance. Even with published sobriety standards, you may encounter individuals that are under the influence of psychotropic substances at an event—especially if the event literature does not ban use.
Major events typically host meetings for those in recovery.
Psychotropic Substances
-
Noun Any chemical substance that acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior.
-
Noun (Colloquial) Any party drug except alcohol, poppers, and marijuana.Example: Eric claimed to never fist while on psychotropic substances, but pot was a regular part of his play experiences.
Protocols
Protocols include standard practices and etiquette followed by the majority of the fisting community. Typically, these are things that new fisters pick up over time.
Etiquette
Etiquette refers to how you treat others in a specific fisting scenario.
Standard Practices
Standard Practices refers to common sense behaviors related to fisting activities.
Best Practices
Following best practices and guidelines helps you and others around you make the most out of an event.
Conduct and Behavior
Good and poor behavior at events is noticed by the organizers and other attendees. Organizers my bar you from the event and future events for bad behavior. Other fisters will steer clear of you if you demonstrate poor decsion making skills.
Although group fisting etiquette and standard practices apply to any event, there are a few additional things to consider:
- Staff Interactions | Bridle your inner-karen. Most staff at events are volunteers and have little control over outcomes.
- Tipping | If staying at a hotel on the event campus, tip the staff well for dealing with your in-room shenanigans and bio-hazardous waste.
- Reciprocity | Unless you are a strict top or total bottom, consider reciprocity in every encounter. If you are seeking one role specifically and do not have the intention or ability to be versatile, discuss this with your play partner prior to starting your session.
- Self-awareness | Do not monopolize slings, benches or play spaces. Perceptions are key. If you are in a sling for more than 65% of the party, especially when others are waiting to use it, you might be branded a sling slug, sling lizard, or sling rat. This can decrease your invites to future events.
Figure 4.1: Generous Tips
Cleaning staff are exposed to a lot of uncommon behavior during an event. Tip generously.
Figure 4.2: Sling Slang Variant
Taking up near-permanent residence in a sling at a fisting party or event can result in permanent labelling and a lack of invites to future parties.
Sling Lizard
-
Noun An individual who takes position in the sling waiting for a random top to pass by and begin fisting him.
-
Noun An individual who occupies the same sling for the majority of an event disallowing use to other event attendees.Example: Matt didn't think he was a sling lizzard because he switched tops regularly, but others who wanted to play in the sling could not because he spent 3 1/2 hours in the same sling during a four hour play party.
Play Strategies
An event for fisters is analagous to that of a kid in a candy shop. Setting personal limitiations and following a play strategy ensures your play will be phyisically and psychologically rewarding.
Dance Cards
Figure 4.3: Dance Card
While most guys just play it by ear, others have an official list of ffriends to play with.
At a fisting event, everybody is there for the same thing: to fist. The normal banter, double-entendre, and investigation into a potential partner's proclivities is usually unnecessary.
It is typical that most attendees are likely to socialize with anybody at the event; however, this does not necessarily mean they want to fist with you. Be direct and ask for a play session. If declined, avoid making a scene. If declining, don't be a douche.
If you set up a play date, don't cancel for a better opportunity. It's often best not to commit to anything at all.
Pacing
Figure 4.4: Pacing Prevents Your Hole From Becoming Hamburger
Excessive play without recovery breaks can leave your hole sore, swollen, and ground into hamburger.
Events offer tons of opportunities but a greedy hole exhausts quickly. Make sure to pace yourself.
At fêtes (conventions and retreats) some versatile guys prefer topping more frequently on the first day thus saving their holes for the following days.
Hygiene
There are different expecations of cleanliness and hygiene at events.
Cleanouts
Touch Ups
For larger events, clarify in advance the venue's touch-up facilities. Full fisting-level cleanouts are typically not allowed nor are appropriate in public facilities. For smaller, more intimate events, verify with the host what facilities are available prior to arriving.
Venues may have touchup facilities in the event of residual debris from a deeper cleanout. Touch up facilities will not have towels or douche nozzels (bring your own), and they may limit your time to five minutes or less.
If you do clean out at a venue or someone else's home, do a thorough rinse of the cleanup area to rinse fecal material down the drain. Some hosts may even have disinfectant to spray after you finish the rinse down.
Equipment
Your room may not have a handheld shower. Make sure to back a portable shower shot or the necessary tools and parts to temporarily install a shower shot in your room.
Figure 4.5: Limited Shower Time
Event hosts require you to clean out before arriving and may limit touchups to less than five minutes.
Hand Washing and Gloves
Figure 4.6: Handwashing Facilities
Facilities may be limited. Consider other options, such as gloves.
Hand Washing
Decrease the spread of viral, protozoan, fungal, and bacterial infections. Between every play partner, wash hands, arms, elbows, shoulders, and toys.
Some venues may have limited facilities or supplies for handwashing. You may want to consider packing soap, silicone scrubbers, and hand saniziter in your play bag.
If you have anxiety about hand washing and safer fisting, you may want to avoid certain venues or events.
Gloves
Most venues do not provide gloves for your play. Bring your own.
Events, espeically smaller events, may have gloves. Inquire in advance regarding glove provision policies.
Event/Venue Standards
Disinfect your play area prior to and after your session. This includes wiping down sex furniture with provided cleansers. It also includes utilizing pads and newspaper to minimize the impact of lube outside the bottom's hole. Dispose of all waste products generated during your session.
Note that some venues/events will provide wipes or sprays to wipe down your play area before you start of after you finish. Some events have staff that are continually wiping down equipment and cleaning up spills.
Some venues and events will provide disposable pads or sawdust to address lube spills. Utilize what is provided and report issues to the event organizers.
Figure 4.7: Lube and Microorganism Abatement
Events may provide newspapers, sawdust, pads, or other materials to address lube spills. They may also provide disinfecant sprays for sling chains and bars.
Shoes, Socks, and Feet
Figure 4.8: Gloves for Boots
Gloves can be removed after the bottom is situated.
Going barefoot at many event venues is prohibited. Smaller FFunday events are less stringent and may request socks only in certain circumstances.
Socks are ideal for holding poppers, IDs, and currency.
If your fisting bottom wears shoes, consider the following options when using slings:
- Gloves | Wear gloves to help him put his feet in the stirrups.
- Wingman | Have a wingman help him in so that you don't touch the bottom of his shoes/feet.
- Quick Wash | Wash your hands after he is situated in the sling.
- Engage | Throw caution to the wind and fist without ensuring clean, microbial free hands.
Wellness Considerations
Managing your physical and mental health will help maximize your event experience.
Hole Needs
Consider the following items regarding your hole:
- Moderate Play | For fêtes, moderate your play. If you are versatile, flip frequently to give your hole a rest. If you only bottom, take longer breaks. For functions, start with small hands and gentle fisters. End the event an extreme hole wrecking.
- Douching | Grease up your hole and your douche nozzle to preserve and protect the mucosal membrane.
- Pharmaceuticals | Understand the medications you have taken to increase your ability to play. Follow guidelines. Use caution with lidocaine, voltaren cream, and lomotil.
Core Needs
It is important to take care of your core health needs before, during, and after an event. Hydrate to decrease issues with douching, poppers, and chems. Eat accordingly to keep up your energy and manage your electrolytes. If using chems, know your limits. Do not push limits while mentally compromised. For fêtes, use frequent naps for hole recovery time.
About 7-10 days after the event (especially fêtes), test for STIs. Test sooner if your hole is still sore within 48 hours of returning home.
Mental Health Needs
Three mental health factors are common with events, especially fêtes.
Make yourself the master of your domain.
Plan around you and not what others may be doing. Effectuate your plan.
Practice gratitude for what you have, stay present with mindfulness.
Plan in advance for event drop. Make yourself a post-event care package.
Avoid reviewing social media of the event until you've completed a voluteer project that has re-focused your brain chemistry.
Talk with others at the event during opening socials, shuttle rides, classes, other programming or in corridors, hallways, and public areas.
Relax and enjoy the atmosphere and the moment.
Approach others with an invitation to fist.
Myths and Misconceptions
Most disinformation related to fisting events (especially larger events) is due to assumptions based on circuit parties.
Claims or Assumptions
Claims or Assumptions
Everyone is high on hard drugs at events.
Drug use is the standard, not the exception.
Reality
Events will declare their own sobriety policies.
Big fisting fêtes in the USA discourage public use and may have you removed from the event for reckless behavior related to use. Many European events are less prudish than their American counterparts.
Remediation
Know the event policies prior to booking tickets.
Claims or Assumptions
I won't be able to eat for the entire duration of the event.
Reality
While only you know your digestive processes, avoiding food to ensure a clean hole can be problematic. Fisting affects blood sugars and homeostatic balance, especially with heavy douching. Failing to eat can result in fluctations in energy, blood pressure, and exhaustion.
Remediation
To prevent injury or illness, you should take time to eat. Allow time for digestion. Consume lots of fluids.
Many fisters take loperamide (Immodium) to stall movement. Make sure to follow packaging guidelines.
Certain sugary snacks such as gummy bears or licorice typically digest without creating stool. Consider snacks to maintain energy levels.
Claims or Assumptions
I need lots of harnesses, jocks, and other attire for the event.
Reality
Overpacking is common. At big events that are hosted on a campus, minimal clothing changes are necessary, and excess attire just clutters up your hotel room.
Remediation
Pack 1/3 of the jocks and harnesses that you think you will need. Include one outfit appropriate for eating out in public restaurants.
Claims or Assumptions
Nobody will want to play with me at the event.
Attendees are obligated to play with me if I politely request a session with them.
Reality
While there are no guarantees, most attendees find playmates if they engage in social conversations with other attendees.
This does not mean you should expect a play session with everyone you speak with—some people may feel uncomfortable playing with others where there is no chemistry or sexual attraction.
Typical ways for men to decline include direct rejection (Sorry, not a match! or Thanks, but I'm not interested), ignoral of you or your request, or polite declines (Maybe later or I can't right now).
Remediation
Talk to others attending the events. Join the pre-event social groups on Facebook, Telegram, or other media platforms.
If someone is not interested in playing with you, blow them off and move on to the next guy.
Claims or Assumptions
Any extra gear that I pack, such as toys, will be put to good use at the event.
Gloves, pads, and paper towels are provided.
Reality
Most of your time will be spent fisting so toys are not necessary, especially at fêtes.
Gloves may not be provided. If they are, they may not be the right size or right material.
Pads and towels are usually provided at fisting events, but quantities and quality may vary.
Remediation
If you must pack toys, just include a cleanout toy and a plug.
If travelling, purchase pads and paper towels at your travel destination, but pack your gloves and finger cots in your luggage.
Consider bringing pads and paper towels to use at functions. Donate leftovers to the organization or host.
Claims or Assumptions
The host or host venue will have cleanout facilities.
The host or host venue will provide douch nozzles.
Reality
The venue or host likely allows only touchups at facility showers.
The play venue may not have cleanout facilities.
Douche nozzles are rarely provided.
Remediation
Always carry a douche nozzle in your play bag. If you know the venue doesn't have touch-up facilities, consider bringing a douche bulb as well.
Ask the event organizers if there are cleanout facilities and if there are restrictions on cleaning out. Prepare accordingly based on their response.
Advice from the Experts
Several seasoned fisters offer following tips and counsel regarding event attendance:
Category: Events, Hole Sustainability
Pace Yourself to Last the Weekend
If you are going to an event for a full weekend of play, coordinate your play partners and activities wisely.
First, make sure you are more top than bottom on the first two days of play. On the third and fourth day, when everyone's holes are worn out, you'll have more options for bottoming than topping. Limit your session duration with your partners. There is no need to fist for several hours with a partner. Make it short and flip if possible. You don't want to be hamburger and still have 48 hours of event left.
Category: Events, Packing
Don't Check Bags (Except for Slings)
Many first timers overpack. Your clothing allowance should be a few jocks and no more than two sets of clothes for wear outside the play/stay area.
Include a small backpack for lube and other play essentials. Know your airports and security restrictions. Some allow poppers and powered lubes in bottles. To be safe, buy poppers on site and pack lube packets from FFäusten of Fuck and FFist.
Except for a dip stick, you won’t need toys there (although leave a little space if you buy or win one).
You will be cleaning out more than normal, so bring oil-based lube for the nozzle of your cleanout kit. Inquire if the showers have hand-helds, otherwise, you'll need a wrench and hose.
Finally, if you have a sling you can easily tear down and assemble, you can bring it; however, the venues have plenty, so you might not need or use it.
Submitted By: Doug | Vers
Contact: Unavailable
Years Experience: 30+
Category: Events, Playmates
Play with the Geographically Distant
Hooking up with somebody from your own municipality or local region when at a large event, especially if you have travelled excedingly far distances, makes very little sense. I call this the five-hour rule—meaning, if it takes less than five hours for you to connect, then prioritize that playmate last on your dance card.
Make plans to play with your local friends when you are back home and take advantage of the opportunity to play with friends and fisters that you rarely see or will likely not ever see again.
Major Fisting Events
Major fisting events have been indexed at Fist Theory's Networking Resources: Events page.