CatalystCon Midwest Announces Sessions, Speakers

CatalystCon Midwest Announces Sessions, Speakers

CHICAGO — Speakers and sessions planned for the first-ever CatalystCon Midwest have been announced.

Set to take place in Chicago, April 1-3, CatalystCon Midwest will feature a variety of sessions and more than 60 guest speakers.

CatalystCon Midwest’s lineup of sessions will include: 25 Tips for Sexy Aging, How to do Advocacy to Change the World, Queer and Trans Sexual Health, Military and Veterans 101 for Sexuality Professionals and Partners and Pleasure: Building bridges between sex positive retailers and sex educators, along with discussions on slut shaming, sex positive parenting, pornography and consent. A complete list of sessions may be found at CatalystCon.com/sessions

“We have several new speakers and topics for this conference that I'm very excited about,” CatalystCon founder Dee Dennis told XBIZ. “A few of the sessions I am looking forward to are ‘Genitals and Orgasms and Anal, Oh My: Sex Education in Iceland,’ ‘Sex Positive Parenting’ and ‘Passing and Panties: Disability, Femininity, and Sexual Identity.’”

Speakers include sex educators Alex Morgan, Ashley Manta, jessica drake and Sarah Sloane; academics Kevin Heffernan, Ph.D. and Melanie Davis, Ph.D.; activists Audacia Ray and Yoseñio V. Lewis; and authors Jenny Block and Rachel Kramer Bussel, plus sex writers, sex workers, and other experts in the field of sexuality. A complete list of speakers may be found at CatalystCon.com/speakers.

“CatalystCon attendees are sex savvy, smart, and eager to share their sex-positive experiences and knowledge about the world,” says Rachel Kramer Bussel, author, journalist and editor of “Dirty Dates: Erotic Fantasies for Couples.” “I’m also impressed, as always, by the depth of programming that explores issues around sexuality as well as advice and resources for those working in or interested in the field..” In addition to her pre-conference writing workshops, Bussel will be moderating a panel discussion on Sharing Your Sex Life on the Page and the Stage.

CatalystCon Midwest will be held April 1-3, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare hotel in Chicago. Registration is currently open at CatalystCon.com/register.

 Early Bird pricing ends on Dec. 15.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Motorbunny 'Buck' Appears in 3D Adult Video Game 'LoveCraft'

The 3D adult video game LoveCraft, in partnership with Motorbunny, has created a virtual version of its Motorbunny Buck vibrating saddle for use in the Steam platform game.

Blush Debuts 'Amelia' Dual-Sided Wand

Blush has introduced Amelia, its new dual-sided wand vibrator, offering both G-spot and clitoral stimulation.

CalExotics Expands 'Cheap Thrills' Line of Male Masturbators

CalExotics has added four new pleasure products to its Cheap Thrills line of male masturbators.

XBIZ Retreat Canada to Debut in Toronto Aug. 16-20

XBIZ Retreat is heading north for the debut of its Canadian edition, bringing its signature hosted-buyer experience to Toronto Aug. 16-20.

SWPA to Host Webinar on Landing Media Coverage for Sexual Wellness Brands

The Sexual Wellness Professional Alliance (SWPA), a division of the Free Speech Coalition, will host a webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 7, offering strategies for sexual wellness brands to attract media coverage.

Full Circle Expands 'My Buddy' Anal Plug Collection

Full Circle Brands has added three new vibrating anal plugs to its My Buddy line.

BMS Factory, Calvista Sign Distro Deal for Australia, New Zealand

Canadian pleasure brand BMS Factory has signed an exclusive deal with Calvista for distribution in Australia and New Zealand.

Nalpac Acquires Holiday Products

Nalpac has acquired Chatsworth, California-based adult distributor Holiday Products, expanding its West Coast presence.Nalpac adds Holiday to its distribution network after previously acquiring Tempe, Arizona-based boutique distributor Entrenue in 2023.

Full Circle Expands 'Sparkle' Plug Collection

Full Circle has expanded its Sparkle line of jeweled anal plugs with Sparkle Ultra and “Sparkle Shroom.”

Orion Debuts 4 New Styles From 'Cottelli Party' Line

Orion Wholesale has expanded its Cottelli Party line with four new styles.

Show More