MWLKA Event Information

About The Weekend

MWLKA is a regional event that hosts the Midwest Person of Leather and the Midwest Master/slave contests. This year, MWLKA will not be hosting a hotel‑based event. While we know this is a change from tradition, we believe that prioritizing the safety and comfort of our attendees means choosing a venue created for and by our LGBTQIA+ community.

About the Venue

All educational sessions, contests, and the majority of MWLKA‑sponsored activities will take place at Our Spot, a community-centered organization that provides safe space, transitional housing, a food pantry, a clothing closet, and hosts numerous events for the KC LGBTQIA+ community.

A significant portion of ticket sales will go directly toward supporting organizations like Our Spot, whose work strengthens and uplifts our local community.

Our Spot is located in a repurposed school building at 2810 E. 80th St., Kansas City, MO 64132. We encourage you to explore their website at ourspotkc.org — we’re confident you’ll see why we chose this inclusive, welcoming environment for a weekend like MWLKA.

What to Expect at MWLKA Weekend

One of our core values is consent, and attending the event space is considered applied consent that you are comfortable being present in the environment.

We offer a wide range of educational sessions for attendees. Some classes may include sensitive or potentially triggering topics. We have done our best to list possible triggers in advance, though there may be things we did not anticipate. If you find yourself in a class that becomes triggering or uncomfortable, you are always welcome to step out. No one will judge you for taking care of yourself.

In addition to classes, we host a variety of social events, some of which may be themed. These are great opportunities to meet new people, connect with the community, and enjoy the weekend.

If you are new to contests or leather events, we encourage you to attend the Thursday night class at 6:30 PM, which covers what to expect throughout the weekend and helps you feel more at ease.

Where to Stay

Kansas City offers many hotels and Airbnb options for your stay. While MWLKA does not have an official hotel contract this year, we have put together a short list of nearby options for your convenience:

Local area - 5-8 minutes away:

• Hampton Inn Kansas City Southeast - Approx 3.5 miles away

  • 9484 Marion Ridge Dr., Kansas City, MO 64137

    • Reliable mid-range hotel with free breakfast and easy highway access

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kansas City South - Approx 3.8 miles away

  • 8601 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, MO 64138

    • Budget-friendly and very close to the venue

• Sonesta Select Kansas City South — Approx. 4.5 miles away

  • 500 E 105th St., Kansas City, MO 64131

    • Modern, clean, and slightly higher-end than the two above

Westport area - 15-20 minutes away:

• Hilton (formerly known as 816 Hotel)

  • 801 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111

    • This hotel is located in the heart of Westport and is close to several LGBTQIA+ nightlife spots, including Missie B’s, Woody’s, Sidekicks, and Side Street, all of which frequently host late‑night activities.

• AC Hotel by Marriott Kansas City Plaza

  • 560 Westport Rd., Kansas City, MO 64111

    • Stylish, modern, and close to Westport entertainment.

North of the River - a 20- 25 minute drive

• American Inn

  • 1211 Armour Rd., N. Kansas City, MO 64116

    • Budget Friend Option

• Holiday Inn Express

• 1995 Macon St., N. Kansas City, MO 64116

• Reliable chain hotel with free breakfast and parking

We encourage you to check your preferred booking sites, as they often offer lower rates and additional options.

Staying Comfortable Throughout the Weekend

Since we are hosting MWLKA at a venue rather than a hotel this year, many attendees may choose to stay onsite for most of the event — and we want you to feel comfortable doing so.

MWLKA will have cookies and light snacks available throughout the weekend, and you are welcome to order food delivery if you need something more substantial. You may also bring your own cooler or snacks to help you stay energized during the day. Please note that

MWLKA is not responsible for any personal items you bring into the venue.

A changing room will be available if you’d like to switch outfits between daytime and evening events. Feel free to use this space whenever you need a quick refresh between day & evening events.

For those who need a break outdoors, smoking and vaping are allowed in the courtyard or outside. The venue has specifically requested no vaping inside the building, and we kindly ask everyone to respect that request so we can maintain a positive relationship with our hosts.

We want you to feel relaxed, supported, and able to enjoy the full MWLKA experience from morning to night.

Accommodations for Individuals

MWLKA is committed to making the weekend accessible, welcoming, and comfortable for everyone.

We will be providing ASL services during the evening contest portion through Paige Turner Interpreting Services. Their interpreters are licensed, professional, and kink‑friendly, and we’re grateful to have them supporting our community and honored that they are returning for the fourth year to provide their services. If you wish to donate to the ASL fund, please reach out to Master Lucian.

The venue is fully ADA accessible, with extra‑wide hallways that allow scooters and mobility devices to navigate safely and comfortably throughout the weekend. All restrooms are ADA accessible as well.

All restrooms are open to everyone. For those who prefer certain fixtures, there are two restrooms with urinals and two without, so attendees can choose whichever space feels most comfortable for them.

Our goal is to ensure that every person attending MWLKA feels supported, respected, and able to participate fully in the weekend.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at MWLKA, and we understand they may need a little extra care throughout the weekend. If you bring a service animal, please remember that you are responsible for their safety and well‑being at all times.

We ask that service animals be taken to the courtyard or outdoor areas to relieve themselves. Please be sure to dispose of any solid waste so that everyone can continue to enjoy the courtyard and outdoor spaces comfortably.

Thank you for helping us keep the venue clean, welcoming, and safe for all attendees — including our four‑legged helpers.

Entertainers

We want everyone to enjoy the entertainment throughout the weekend. Since the venue does not have an ATM, please plan and bring cash if you’d like to tip the entertainers.

We also understand that many people prefer not to carry cash for safety reasons. To make things easier, we will have QR codes available so you can tip digitally if that’s more comfortable for you.

Our goal is to make supporting our entertainers simple, safe, and convenient for everyone.

Auction Travel Baskets

MWLKA will have a dedicated table featuring Auction Travel Baskets. These baskets are part of a silent auction, with all proceeds helping support our new titleholders as they travel to SPLF and other events throughout their title year.

You’re welcome to browse the baskets and place bids throughout Friday and Saturday. Bidding will close at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and winners will be notified by text message shortly afterward.

MWLKA accepts cash, and for your convenience, we will also have a QR code available if you prefer to pay digitally.

Thank you for supporting our titleholders and helping make their travel year possible.

Back to School Raffle

We are raising school supplies for Our Spot. If you bring in school items, you will get a raffle ticket for every $5.00 increment to win a prize. There will be a drawing on Saturday. All donated items will benefit LGBTQ students and families in the community, distributed by Our Spot KC.

Event Support Contacts

MWLKA is made possible by many dedicated individuals working throughout the weekend. If you need assistance, have a question, or require support, please reach out to the appropriate person:

• Lady Gidget — Owner & Producer of MWLKA

• Wolf — Head of Security

• Reya Sunshine — Independent Observer

• Ma’am Shawn — Midwest Person of Leather Contest Director

• Ms. Brenda & slave arcane — Midwest Master/slave Contest Directors

• Sour Patch — Contestant Wrangler

• Dean — Judges Liaison

• Pup Scrappy — Educational Director

• Vern — Show Director

• Pup Byte — Sound & Lights

• Danny Sunshine — Registration Coordinator

• No Fun Nicole — Social Director

These individuals are here to help ensure your experience is safe, smooth, and enjoyable.