Members, the other message board promotes Sunsplash, which is down in Ft. Lauderdale typically the last weekend of July. I attended once, and it was a great event.
A few years ago, “The Speedo Movement” had a cruise set up, but I think it never launched due to Covid.
Christian Ocean hosted a pool party a few years ago in Las Vegas.
What realistic ideas could we throw around for a member meetup? I’m in the Phoenix area, so I’m partial to a California, Vegas, Mexico type meetup, but I think it’s early enough to set up properly for 2025.
I attended Sunsplash one time, back in 2021. It was a fun time, though I’d prefer meeting up with a group that was more about socializing and enjoying recreation while wearing thongs than…making other sorts of connections.
I’d definitely be open to joining a meetup with fellow thongers. The problem I always seem to run into is scheduling. June and the first few weeks of July are really the only two months when I can easily get away due to my job. If anyone schedules something during those weeks, I’d definitely consider joining.
As for ideas, I don’t have a lot of suggestions. Pool and/or beach access would seem essential, preferably in an adults only environment. Affordability is also integral.
100%. I agree about strictly social connections. I mean, I don’t care what other people do as it’s none of my business, but I’m not there for that type of thing.
@SXMThonger, are you on St. Martin? SXM is the airport code right? I love Orient Beach. Maybe a meetup there is in order!
I wouldn’t mind going somewhere other than Florida for a change. If I am going to travel out west, I would hope to stay somewhere that is somewhat affordable. Also, I would like to stay for at least a week, or longer. I realize most would not want to stay this long, but I would arrange my travel accordingly and spend several days, before and after, thonging alone.
As for any meetup event, I would hope it is co-ed and will have many attendees.
My big thing is co-ed, as my wife would join and girls can bring out a fun dynamic. Many have asked if I would host an event again. The short answer is no, at least not by myself. I fronted several thousand dollars that year to reserve things, and, up until the very last minute, I had no idea who was coming. We ended up having a really good turn out, but it felt a little unfair to the organizer. I prefer planning things with those that are 100% certain about their ability to participate as well as monetarily contribute their share. I’m in Florida, so I’m partial to our side of the country, but I love any excuse to go to Las Vegas.
I agree the organizer should not have to foot all the money up front. Everyone available to participate needs to contribute towards the upfront costs. With all the apps that are available, there must be a way for all participants to safely contribute money for the organizer to book the venue, with some sort of refund policy if cancelling by a certain date. It is certainly something to think about.
Perhaps the event doesn’t have to be at a formal level, thus not needing an organizer. Beaches are free. Pick a date, a place, a time, and execute. Whatever people want to bring, they bring, and individual accountability is valued.
I wouldn’t want to organize anything either if I had to front thousands of dollars.
I agree! Informal meetups are much more fun and spontaneous. They may also be more accessible to a larger group, as doing something at a resort or such could prove cost prohibitive for folks. Whereas, just meeting at a beach or other general location allows folks to stay where they want and just join the group at the meetup location. Trying to plan things is tricky, and you’re never going to be able to please everyone or make things accessible to everyone. However, I appreciate those of you who try.
For many of us that have to fly perhaps across the country, book a hotel, and make arrangements with our schedule to be gone for a few days, making this a formal event is the only way it could ever work.
There is something to be said about impeccable organization combined with reliable commitment from participants. That’s if we want this to be a memorable high caliber experience that brings people together from around the world, which I do.
I think that’s where we take a page from the book of the SunSplash event.
They provide the date, a host hotel with a special rate, and a loose, optional itinerary with beach days, standup paddleboarding, and meals. Whoever shows up, shows up.
When I attended, I flew to Ft. Lauderdale and booked a room at a different hotel so my girlfriend at the time could attend. We hit the beach days only, but mostly did our own thing, and I had a high-caliber time.
As a travel agent, I have attempted to coordinate a cruise for all of us thongers to meet but haven’t had much response. I have thonged on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney, and Virgin. Virgin is all adult, but it is pricier; however, it includes basic drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Their shortest cruise is 4 nights.
I’d be open to a cruise. Unfortunately, it seems anytime someone has attempted to schedule one, it’s been planned for a time when school is in session. In just over two years, that will no longer have to be a consideration.