Are you ready for a party? Bears from around the world are coming to Palm Springs to make a big splash!
The first International Bear Convergence event will be held in Palm Springs, President’s Day Weekend, 2014. The event attracting men from all over the world, associated with the LGBT subset known as ‘Bears”, will bring hundreds of thousands of revenue and tax dollars to a city that already hosts the White Party and Dinah Shore Weekend. Over 1500 men (roughly a third being international attendees) are expected to attend this event being hosted at the Renaissance Palms Springs Hotel. The hotel is already over 90% sold.
Some of the event’s largest sponsors are MillerCoors of Chicago, Illinois, Monster Energy Drinks, Svedka PNN Media Group and TheStandardPS.com. Dj’s on board for this event are Dj David Knapp, DJ John LePage, Dj Candy vs Ryan Jones, Dj Doug Jackson & Dj Chub Jim There will be pool parties daily and dances that will go into the wee hours of the night.
Andy Bell of Erasure will be performing at the Sunday night event with DJ John LePage, making it a very memorable evening for the guests and residents of Palm Springs. Tickets are available at the door to the public and doors will open at 9:30. Andy is set to perform many of Erasure’s greatest hits and a few new songs from Erasure’s upcoming album.
In addition, on hand, to host the event will be featured entertainer and muscle-bear funnyman, Peter Bisuito
Local retailers, businesses owners and restaurants will benefit and are excited about the expected attendance of men from all over the world.
Event Producer Steve (Stevo) Harris and Co-Producer Chris Vance are determined to make their mark in the Worldwide Bear event circuit as this winter event will attract those seeking the perfect location for sun and fun. “It was a long time coming” says Harris. “The Bear Community has grown considerably over the past ten years and it’s time to place an event in one of the gayest cities in the world with the most perfect weather” “We want our guests to come with an open mind and open expectations,” says Harris. “Bears are a very friendly crowd, this is definitely a convergence … it’s not a circuit party, it’s a weekend of celebration!”
Pool parties, dances and mixers are part of the weekend activities. Top entertainment and DJ’s are expected to draw in hundreds from surrounding cities. One of the highlights of the International Bear Convergence will be Sunday’s main dance on February 16: The Furrageous party in the Renaissance’s California Grand Ballroom, featuring a live performance by out singer Andy Bell of the group Erasure.
Steve Harris is the former Editor in Chief of A Bear’s Life magazine and produced such events as Bear Trek in White Plains, New York, Big Bear Adventure Weekend in Big Bear Lake California and Bear Heat dance events in Palm Springs, California. He is also the CEO of Diversity Platinum Rewards, Incorporated.Chris Vance is the producer of “BearNight” a monthly dance event for the Bear Community in San Diego, California as well as “Furball” an annual dance event during San Diego Gay Pride.
Schedule of Events
Thursday February 13
Thursday Night Street Fair
(Complimentary)
7:00PM-10:00PM
Palm Canyon Drive (between Amado and Baristo Roads) becomes an old-fashioned street fair, with musicians, food, arts and crafts vendors, and a farmers market.
Early Bear Party at Hunters
(Complimentary)
9:00PM-2:00AM
Drink and dance to the hottest dance and pop hits with DJ Chub Jim.
Friday February 14
Registration
9:00am-Noon & 3:00pm-8:00pm
PLUNGE 1.0 Pool Party
With DJ Sean Mac
$20 (Included with Run Pass)
Noon-4:00PM
The weekend includes a series of Four Pool Parties called PLUNGE. Soak up the sun, drink and splash around with hot, furry men and featured DJs. Private cabana rentals available for $400 per day, while they last. Bottle and bar service available. Grilled-to-order food available all day.
Meet & Greet T-Dance
$15 (Included with Run Pass)
5:00pm-9:00pm
Poolside welcome party with complimentary buffet and music.
Meatloaf
with DJ Paul Coals
$20 (Included with Run Pass)
10:00pm-2:00am
A frisky night of bears, music, cruising and mayhem.
Saturday February 15
Registration
9:00AM – Noon
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Excursion)
$38 (Additional Cost)
8:00am – 12:30pm
Ascend 2.5 miles with breath-taking views of Coachella Valley to a pristine wilderness aboard the World’s Largest Rotating Tramcars. Price includes tram ticket and transportation to and from the tram. Bus leaves hotel at 7:45AM and returns at 12:30PM.
PLUNGE 2.0 Pool Party
With DJ Ryan Jones and DJ Candy
$20 (Included with Run Pass)
10:00AM-4:00PM
BearHeat
With DJ Doug Jackson
$30 (Included with Run Pass)
The California Grand Ballroom
10:00PM – 2:00AM
Submit to a primal, seductive night of hot men and music at BearHeat, IBC’s Saturday night dance party. Break out your favorite uniform or leather and dance to the pounding tunes of our featured DJs.
Late Night Pizza
$10 (Included with Run Pass)
1:30am-2:30am – Terrace
Sunday February 16
Hungry Bear Brunch Buffet
$18.95 (Additional Cost)
DATE Restaurant Terrace
9:00AM – 2:00PM
PLUNGE 3.0 Pool Party
with DJ David Knapp
$20 (Included with Run Pass)
10:00AM-4:00PM
Sunday Funday Beer Bust
With DJ Easy Tiger
$10 (Included with Run Pass)
5:00PM -8:00
Complimentary draft beer, while supplies last, music and grilled specials available.
FURRAGEOUS®
With DJ John LePage & featuring a live performance by Erasure’s Andy Bell.
$40 (Included with Run Pass)
The California Grand Ballroom
10:00PM – 2:00AM
Furrageous® is the grand finale of the weekend .This high energy dance party is sure to overload your senses with a full spectrum of lasers, lights and visuals. Erasure’s Andy Bell will perform Erasure’s
top hits including “A Little Respect,” “Chains of Love,” “Always” and more!
Monday February 17
PLUNGE 4.0 Pool Party
With DJ Chub Jim
$20 (Included with Run Pass)
9:00AM-2:00PM
Farewell Happy Hour at Hunters
(No cover)
Enjoy Happy Hour prices and music.
For more details on the International Bear Convergence, check out its web site www.ibc-ps.com
IBC reserves the right to change, modify or cancel events without prior notice.
