This talk will focus on concrete strategies to build connections with others, both romantic and platonic. It will address a variety of standard conventions in conversation and delve into what they actually mean, and provide things you can practice before meeting people and during meetings to figure out relationships. This is not intended as a pickup tool or as manipulation - the goal is to learn about others and express yourself, as well as to figure out if in fact you do have anything in common. It will be appropriate for anyone of any age, and will involve some talking with other participants to practice the strategies given. There will, however, be a focus on teaching people who are socially awkward, or who otherwise find social conventions difficult or confusing. As such, neurodivergent folk may find it especially helpful. Intended audience: Anyone of any age, however, those who consider themselves socially awkward may find it particularly helpful.

Polycules thrive when communication, consent, and autonomy are balanced with care and accountability. Using the Wheel of Consent as a relational map, this workshop explores the differences between agreements, rules, boundaries, and limits, while offering practical tools for navigating intimacy, emotional labor, desire, and interconnected relationships. Participants will leave with greater clarity about how to create relationships that honor both personal freedom and collective wellbeing. Intended audience: Anyone

Each and every day we carry our whole life history in our bodies, from our greatest joys to our deepest traumas. Sometimes we can offer our most healed and connected self to the world, and sometimes we fight with our partners about who forgot to take out the trash. How can we hold that we are all complex beings with infinite potential for compassion and connection, and also deep disconnection in our relationships? This workshop is an experiential exercise at embodying and honouring the complexities that each of us holds and offers to the world. Participants will be invited to engage in solo, partner, and group work. The workshop integrates somatic exercises, mindfulness, and psychotherapy techniques. Please note the workshop is trauma informed. It does not include any physical contact with others. Intended Audience: Adults 18+

Let’s have a conversation about difficult conversations and how to have them. This workshop will explore how to prepare for, have, and follow up on crucial conversations with people in your life. It is based on the book series of the same name by Kerry Patterson et al and will weave in some concepts from dialectical behavioural therapy. We’ll have plenty of group breakout sessions to practice the skills so please come prepared to participate. Intended Audience: Adults 18+

What does it mean to be part of a romantic group? Managing expectations in your polycule and with your metamours is critical to maintaining group harmony. There's a balance between exclusive partner-bonding time vs. time spent as a group. Different people have different requirements for intimacy, and decisions can be made individually, in pairs or as a group. How do you navigate these obstacles? If you disclose something personal to your partners, do you expect them to keep it from the rest of your romantic group by default? How much do you need a romantic group’s flavour to resemble your own? This workshop will cover the ins and outs of expectations that we set for ourselves and that we allow others to set for us by partners, metamours and the group as a whole. Intended audience: People already familiar with the basic concepts of polyamory