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

CalExotics Expands 'Pleasure Kits' Collection With 3 New Additions

CalExotics has introduced three additions to its Pleasure Kits line, each combining a range of pleasure products and accessories centered on varying levels of intensity.

Beisar Introduces New Anal Lubricant

Beisar has introduced its new anal lubricant, expanding its product line beyond pleasure products.

Adam & Eve, Lovehoney Group Partner for Custom Products

Adam & Eve and Lovehoney Group have partnered to introduce two custom editions of We-Vibe vibrators and an advent calendar sex kit.

Lovely Planet, Dorcel Expand Partnership

Lovely Planet, longtime manufacturer and distributor of the Dorcel Toys line, has expanded its partnership with the company to include all Dorcel physical pleasure products.

Arcwave Debuts 'Air' Male Stroker

Arcwave has introduced Air, the newest stroker from its Pleasure Air collection.

Sportsheets Introduces 11-Piece 'Amethyst' Collection From 'Sex & Mischief' Line

Sportsheets is accepting pre-orders for its new Amethyst collection of pleasure accessories from its Sex & Mischief line.

Haute Sugar to Make Industry Debut at XBIZ Expo

Haute Sugar, a new lifestyle brand that blends intimate wellness with fashion-inspired design, will make its industry debut at XBIZ Expo in Los Angeles this January.

Casey Murphy to Host Free Webinar for Indie Product Manufacturers

Industry marketing strategist and certified sex educator Casey Murphy is hosting a free live webinar for independent sexual wellness product manufacturers at 1 p.m. MT today.

Orion Debuts New Thrusting Bullet Vibe From 'Javida' Line

Orion Wholesale has introduced a thrusting bullet vibrator from its Javida collection.

Besharam CEO Raj Armani Featured in Cosmopolitan India Magazine Brand Showcase

Raj Armani, co-founder and CEO of Indian pleasure brand Besharam, was recently featured in a full-page brand showcase advertorial in Cosmopolitan India Magazine.

Show More