LOS ANGELES—If you felt a rumble of pure, unadulterated fun shaking the foundation of the Hilton LAX this past weekend, it wasn’t an earthquake. It was DomCon, the legendary convention that once again proved it’s the beating heart of the kink community. Presided over by the iconic Mistress Cyan of Sanctuary Studios, the event was a whirlwind of leather, latex, laughter, and learning, drawing a vibrant crowd of pros, newcomers, and curious souls from all corners of the country.
This wasn’t just another expo; it was a full-blown family reunion for the wonderfully kinky. The energy was electric, a testament to a community that thrives on connection, creativity, and, of course, a little bit of playful trouble.
The Artisan’s Touch
The vendor hall was a treasure trove, showcasing a shift in the industry towards bespoke, creator-owned gear. Forget mass-produced toys; this was about craftsmanship with a personal story. You could feel the passion behind every piece, and shoppers were eating it up. Just ask Danny from New England’s Leather By Danny.
“This has been one of the best DomCon shows I’ve sold at,” Danny shared, barely able to keep his popular items in stock. “I almost sold out of my popular Split Thumpers because once people see it in action, they want to get one themselves.”
That hands-on experience is what makes DomCon special. You don’t just buy a flogger; you watch it being demonstrated, feel the weight, and chat with the person who made it.
Newcomers also made a huge splash. Gabbi, the artist behind Portland’s Between Two Worlds, was a perfect example. Her booth was a whimsical wonderland of tiny, shibari-wrapped figures, glow-in-the-dark butt plug pins, and color-changing “mood” jewelry.
“This is our first DomCon and it’s been so much fun! I’ve worked in an adult store for years and it’s been so nice to be welcomed into the community here,” Gabbi said with a grin. “Our string lights of mini butt plugs has been really popular… I’ll definitely be back next year!”
Adding another layer to the sensory experience was Ashley, aka Irreverent Femme, the founder of LA-based Irreverent Scents.
“I have been drawn to fragrance as a comfort with a fascination for how it makes me feel, what it inspires in me and how I interact with others with its influence,” she explained. Her unique scents, designed to trigger memories and emotions, were a hit among attendees who know how powerful scent can be in a scene.
Fashion, Function, and Fabulous Finds
Of course, it wouldn’t be DomCon without jaw-dropping fashion. Veteran designer Renee Masoomian, who has been a staple for nearly 15 years, flew in from New York with stunning new latex.
“I brought our new latex material featuring snakeskin print, purple metallic, and leopard print. They’ve been selling really well,” Renee mentioned. “It was worth our trip from New York City to be here.”
And for those looking for clever solutions, the talk of the town was KinkBags by Luxxgear. These stylish, anti-microbial roll-up bags for toy storage were an instant sensation. Founder Matt’s dedication was clear.
He shared that he went through twelve prototypes to perfect the design, and it showed. No one walked by without stopping to admire them.
More Than a Market: It’s a Community
What truly sets DomCon apart isn’t just the shopping. It’s the soul of the event. The weekend was packed with high-quality classes for every skill level—from curious beginners to seasoned professional dominants. On top of that, the play parties held throughout the weekend gave everyone a chance to put their new gear to good use in a safe, consensual, and wildly enthusiastic environment.
From the cheeky “Tickling for Fitness” program to the elegant playspace hosted by Legacy Studios, the event was a masterclass in community building. It’s a space to learn, network, and live out your fantasies surrounded by people who get it.
In a world that’s increasingly digital, DomCon is a powerful reminder of the importance of real-life connection. It consistently raises the bar, creating a unique, educational, and empowering experience that simply can’t be replicated online. If you missed it, don’t make the same mistake twice. Mark your calendar for 2026—you won’t regret it!
* Thumbnail from avn.com
