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I cannot believe that I, Penelope Matthews, the I dress by myself, for myself crossdresser has suddenly found myself curious about the Keystone Conference in Harrisburg, PA. I live only a short two hour drive from Harrisburg, so that creates some of the interest. But the real interest is in trying to live 24/7 as myself, complete with all feminine attire and make-up. It sounds very challenging but also very exciting. I searched and found an account of the event from a few years ago, but Imas hoping that some of you girls have been more recently and could give some details like: What is the approximate total outlay of expenses (I realize it varies by user depending on your activities so just a rough number for a room, meals, transportation between venues, etc), conferences/activities available and any other important information. Thanks in advance! - Penelope
@fabulous1 Penelope, I can give you some idea of costs. The conference is about $400, and the hotel is about $150/night before taxes. Lunch is usually included, breakfast about $20 and dinner can vary based on what you eat. Tuesday-Friday it may run about $40-$50 dollars, Saturday night's gala dinner is included. Some people show up Wednesday or Thursday because of schedule or cost too.
If you take the bus to the scheduled venues, then bring a dollor or two to tip the bus driver each way. The bus is no cost. If you are going out other places, either drive yourself or figure in the cost of an Uber.
You should bring some extra money (or credit/debit card) for miscellaneous expenses, depending on what extras you want. This could be makeup artists, vendors, extra money to play the horses at the race track and casino, drinks at the bar, photos, etc. None of these is required, but you may decide to add on, so just be prepared.
As to being challenged living a few days en femme, it's probably not as bad as it seems. By the end, it will seem natural. After all, you'll be among about 700 friends!
Penelope,
I remembered another feature that is available at these events.
For first time attendees. There's a sorta big sister program that has girls available to assist first time girls, answer questions and ease gittery nerves. This service is available when you register for the Conference. The girls are all volunteers and are there for you.
Fran 🥰
@fabulous1 Penelope, this will be my sixth Keystone, and it just keeps getting better and better! My first year I had a Big Sister to help me, and each year afterwards I was a Big Sister and will be one again next time.
It is somewhat expensive; the prices quoted by Allison are accurate.
But the feeling of acceptance, of safety, and of being able to just let go and BE the woman you want to be are absolutely incredible and priceless!
BTW, I live in Laurel, MD so if you want to PM me and discuss maybe getting together I would be open to that!
One other thing; registration opens around January 15th as does hotel reservations. Make your hotel reservations early on; if you cannot make it you can cancel in late February and there always is a waiting list for rooms. There is also a Crown hotel just 5 minutes down the street from the Hilton for the overflow crowd.
Parking at the Hilton is tricky but I can give you pointers.
Hope to hear from you and see you there in March!
Leah
Penelope,
I've only been to one conference. Also 2 hours away from me. The Atlanta Confort Conference.
I plan on going to Keystone next March. The girls I met in Atlanta talked highly about Keystone. A recommended attending it.
As far as costs go. You have different packages. Some limited to conference attendance only. Some included lunch and dinner. Extra cost items were outings to local places like shows or site seeing.
Some of the girls spit the room to save on expenses. Some used points they accumulated for covering the room.
On thiing I did enjoy was spending 4 days enfem. Hanging out and meet the girls was a added bonus. I only chatted with one of the girls before going. It was like being the new kid on the first day of school.
I sincerely hope you can attend. Keystone is a huge event. Attended by few hundred girls like us!
Fran 🥰
@gafran Thanks Fran. I find myself strangely curious. Four or so days totally immersed in the Pink Fog sounds too good to be true. Did you find the presentations interesting / informative?
Yes,
There's a lot of topics covered. We were also treated to a fine dining lesson. To help us dine like a lady.
Also a swap table for clothes, wigs, shoes and jewelry.
Vendors offering various products and services.
Classes for supportive SO's .
Just about something for everyone! 🥰
Penelope - I attended Keystone the last two years and intend to go again next year. Bottom line - it is a great experience, words fail me to describe how great. Of course dressing full time for 3-4 days is a wonderful, as is meeting other gals like us, and socializing is fantastic. Also, the hotel area in Harrisburg seems to be accepting of CD's and trans ladies. Shopping, restaurants, bars are open to us, cab drivers love us, and I even went to church en femme (something I've always wanted to do), also sang karaoke in lady mode (also on my bucket list). There are seminars during the conference of all manner of CD/trans related topics. A bit of a downer - personally I have been disappointed in the keynote speakers, but perhaps my expectations were too high. Anyway, hope to see you there.
I would urge you to attend if you can, you will be glad you did. The 2025 event will be my third and I can't wait until it's time to go again.
The first time you go is extra special. Socializing with 100's of other CD/Trans ladies in such a welcoming, comfortable environment is a wonderful experience. You are likely to make new friends and acquaintances and you will be glad you decided to go.
Get on Keystone's mailing list to keep up with everything. You can go on their website and look at a copy of last year's agenda and programs. Registrations for the hotel open up on January 15th and the rooms go pretty fast. And remember, CDH usually has around 50 members attend and holds its own meet & greet on one of the days.
Hope to meet you there!
Fiona
