Care and Feeding of Your International Titleholder

Hosting an International Titleholder is one of the most important tasks in producing a regional LeatherSIR/boy/Community Bootblack contest. A good host can either make or break the weekend from the Titleholder's standpoint. And a conscientious producer will understand this and assign the task to a person who is reliable.

Last year as one of your International Titleholders, I enjoyed the hospitality of some great hosts. Based on my experience, I would like to suggest four things to local producers that will help your Titleholder feel well-cared for and appreciated during a visit to your region:

1. Clear communication. Usually the International Titleholder will contact you at the beginning of the Title year regarding your regional event. Respond to the e-mail promptly. Let the Titleholder know that you are looking forward to the visit. That way, the Titleholder can take advantage of the best possible fares for a flight to your region. At least one month before the visit, write directly to the Titleholder. Ask if the Titleholder is coming with a partner or Leather Family member. Reconfirm the dates of your contest, and include host family information, local transportation arrangements, the schedule of your weekend, and all tasks expected of the Titleholder. Also include telephone number of the host and the address of the host's home, if the Titleholder is crossing the border. Very important, as customs requires an actual address when entering or leaving a country.


2. A good host home. The host should contact the Titleholder directly at least two weeks prior to the event. If the host has a dog or cat, the host should find out if any allergy exists. And the host should inquire regarding food preferences at that time.
   

   A good host home does not need to be large or luxurious. It should be tidy, clean, and peaceful. And it should have adequate space to allow the Titleholder to spread out luggage.

   The good host should provide breakfast, including coffee or tea. The host should know what meals will be supplied during the weekend in advance. Providing meals and snacks make the Titleholder feel like a valued guest.

   Finally, the host should never expect repayment for services in the form of sex. While hot play does occur on occasion, the host should never pressure the Titleholder to perform. If such an encounter occurs, allow the Titleholder to initiate it. Cruising face to face is still a valued art in our Community.



3. Reliable transportation in your region. A person should be assigned the task of providing transportation to and from the airport. The Titleholder must know who this person is in advance, and where they will meet upon arrival. The telephone number of the person greeting the Titleholder should be provided prior to departure. If the person meeting the Titleholder is late, or if there is a traffic problem en route to the airport, a text should be sent immediately. Making the Titleholder feel well-cared for begins upon arrival.
   

   The person providing general transportation must know the Titleholder's weekend schedule and to make sure that the Titleholder is on time to every planned event. The person should also be ready to transport the Titleholder back to the host home after each event unless the Titleholder has made other arrangements. The Titleholder does not expect the person to be responsible for transportation to and from a trick's home.
   

   In addition, if there is a long interval between events, the Titleholder does not feel stranded. Ask if the Titleholder would like to go somewhere. It is courtesy to offer transportation during these times, too.
   

   Finally, the person providing transportation should insure that the Titleholder arrives at the airport in plenty of time for the return flight. After dropping the Titleholder off, the person should remain on call until the flight actually leaves, checking the cell phone for text messages or incoming calls.



4. Avoid local politics! Never discuss the problems of your region with the Titleholder. The Titleholder is there to serve everyone, not just those people preferred by the producer. Discussions regarding contestants who are favored must also be avoided. Instruct the host, the person providing transportation, and all in your production staff to avoid discussions that could compromise the Titleholder's position as a neutral visitor. If there are any politics or problems that you feel the Titleholder must be aware of, communicate them to the International Board and allow them to communicate your concerns to the Titleholder.

   Politics and the related drama drain the energy of any Title contest or event.

With simple care and feeding while in your region, theTitleholder can provide you with years of lasting friendship and much gratitude.