CLASSES
PRESENTATIONS
& WORKSHOPS
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HE/HIM
jason has been a suspension practitioner for over 20 years, dedicated to learning, teaching, and honing his craft. He has presented globally on topics like technical rigging, experiences at Thailand’s Vegetarian Festival, and BBP certifications. Previously, he worked with Health Educators Canada as a suspension community liaison and instructor on Blood Borne Pathogens and Disease Transmission. Co-founding the ihung suspension team in Ohio, he’s collaborated with iwascured, Rites of Passage, and teams across North America and beyond. Jason’s approach centers on the ritualistic, personal experiences of the suspendee while advancing processes, tools, and gear.
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This lecture is geared toward showing the community's experiences and history as experienced by jason in his travels from 2001-2010 in order to educate and preserve the adolescent era of modern suspensions. The impetus for this talk came when discussing the Ontario SusCon with some of the younger organizers, and it became obvious that there are gaps in the collective understanding of how we got from Fakir Musafar to SusCons.
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THEY / THEM
Lynn has been professionally piercing since 2011, and facilitating suspensions since 2013. They have a passion for everything hook and piercing related, and since their first suspension they have been immensely drawn to the craft.
They focus on work that empowers their clients, with a foundation in trauma-informed work, and transgender issues. Lynn is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, and when they aren't piercing or facilitating, they enjoy reading books and hanging out with their cat, Girlfriend.
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This class will teach you to appreciate the position of Bio from a deeper point of view and address technical skills for doing bio well. We will also discuss how to approach touch from a trauma-informed mindset, and how to best care for the suspendee.
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HE / HIM
Mike has been facilitating suspensions since 2007 with his original crew HOOKED Human Suspension. He hosted Mecca from 2012-2019 and again in 2023. He has taken a large step back from suspension, but still enjoys attending special events with the amazing people he’s connected with through the years. -
An in depth look at how to deliver the best and safest possible experience for your suspendees.
TOPICS TO INCLUDE:First contact
Establishing expectations
Consent negotiation
Coaching (piercing through post)
Aftercare
Future follow-ups
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HE / HIM
BIO COMING SOON -
EVERYTHING YOU NEED, WHERE TO FIND IT & HOW TO STORE IT PROPERLY
Are expired gloves safe to use? Is iodine or chlorhexidine better for skin prep? Struggling with limited storage but overstocked on masks while running out of needles? Organizing successful suspension events involves managing numerous consumable supplies. This class will explore the different types of consumables used in suspension and the advantages of various products—from glove materials to skin prep and needles—demystifying the applicable standards. We'll cover best practices for inventory management, including strategic ordering, stock rotation, and handling item expirations, as well as techniques for packing consumables efficiently for event travel. Whether you're an experienced practitioner seeking deeper insights or new to developing your protocols, this class will equip you with the information and techniques to optimize your supply chain and maintain quality.
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HE / HIM
BIO COMING SOON -
In this workshop, Alex will guide participants through the intricacies of advanced rigging techniques, sharing valuable insights into executing more complex suspension setups. From his experience and collaborations with suspension practitioners worldwide, Alex will delve into his approach to project planning, from initial concepts and logistical considerations to practical implementation and troubleshooting in real-time. This session is ideal for practitioners looking to refine their skills, gain new perspectives, and learn innovative techniques for bringing complex rigging projects to life.
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HE / HIM
Eden possesses extensive experience spanning nearly 18 years within the body piercing and suspension domain. His organization, Immersive Environments, has successfully hosted numerous international events, including the Australasian Suscon, the annual Immersive Environments Retreat and the 2025 Otautah Hook Suspension Symposium.Eden's unwavering dedication lies in the realm of body suspension education, where he passionately advocates for the dissemination of standardized protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the broader community.
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FROM THE ANCHOR TO THE HOOKS
We are all familiar with the wide range of gear available to us, but which options are truly the best, and for which specific purposes? Here, we will examine our gear, from the ceiling to the floor, evaluating its various applications. More importantly, we will also consider the limitations of each piece of equipment.Not all gear is suited for every purpose, and in this presentation, we will explore the reasons behind these constraints.
Topics included:
● Hooks (what types and when to use what)
● Disposable Cord (materials)
● Metal Anchors (rigging plates)
● Going Rogue
● Connectors
● Swivels
● Pulleys
● Mainline Rope
● Anchors (textile, clamps, etc)
● Progress Captures
● PPE -
FOR HOOK SUSPENSION PRACTITIONERS
Here I explore the fundamental components that define the load path within a hook suspension environment. I provide a detailed breakdown of each section, offering a brief analysis to enhance understanding of the system’s behavior and performance.TOPICS INCLUDED:
● Glossary
● Calculating your WLL
● Roles and Responsibilities
● Common hardware + Textiles
● Gear Inspection
● Off label use
● Custom Fabrication
● Forces
● Setting the Load Path
○ Steel I Beams
○ Floating Haul Systems
○ MA Over Operator
○ Portable Aerial Rigs
○ Truss
● Mainline + Cord Use
● Terminations
● Splicing
● Risk Assessment / Risk Reduction
● Resources
● Q + A
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SHE/HER
Sylvia Walton is an experienced suspension practitioner who has travelled extensively to work with practitioners abroad. An IRATA-certified Rope Access Technician who services wind turbines throughout the U.S., Sylvia’s expertise with ropes, knots, pulleys and other critical climbing equipment stems from a passion for rock climbing and mountaineering and developed into a profession in Rope Access.
Sylvia’s passion for efficient, safe rigging aims to enhance comfort and elevate technical skills for fellow practitioners. -
A DEEP DIVE ON MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE AND HOW WE APPLY IT TO BODY SUSPENSION
This workshop dives into the fundamentals of mechanical advantage and explores practical applications of pulleys in body suspension. Led by Sylvia, a seasoned suspension practitioner with a professional background in rope access, the session will focus on how pulleys and other mechanical systems can enhance the ease, efficiency, and safety of suspension setups. With a passion for rope and pulley systems, Sylvia aims to equip practitioners with the knowledge needed to improve suspendee comfort and elevate their rigging skills. This workshop is ideal for those looking to expand their technical toolkit and apply advanced rigging concepts in their practice.
MORE CLASSES!
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GROUP DISCUSSION
FACILITATED BY FIRST NATION HOOK KOLLECTIVE (FNHK) -
PRESENTED BY: HILARY WHITMORE
PRONOUNS: SHE/HERIn this workshop, Hilary explores the expressive potential of body suspension as a dynamic performance art. With decades of experience both on stage and as a practitioner, Hilary offers insights into how suspension artists can deepen the impact of their performances and elevate their practice. Participants will learn ways to harness the body’s vulnerability and power to create transformative, captivating performances. Passionate about suspension as an art form, Hilary shares her unique perspective on using the suspended body as a creative vessel to communicate, provoke, and inspire.
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PRESENTED BY: DANA DINIUS
TEAM LEAD/HOOK DAD
PRONOUNS: HE/HIM
In this technical workshop, Dana delves into the essentials of Bevel Theory and the importance of it’s application in piercing for body suspension. With a focus on precision and safety, Dana will explore how understanding bevel theory will enhance piercing techniques, minimize tissue trauma and improve the suspendee’s experience. Through practical insights and expert guidance, practitioners will learn how to optimize their approach to piercing for suspension.
CRYPTID CREEK SUSPENSIONS
@CRYPTID.CREEK.SUSPENSIONS -
CO-PRESENTED BY: PAT PIERCE & ALEX PEREIRO BARROS
In this Beginner / Intermediate level suturing workshop, Pat Pierce and Alex Periero Barros will guide participants through the fundamentals of safe and effective suturing.
Designed for those new to suturing, this class introduces practitioners to:Different suture types,
Basic surgical knots,
Proper instrument handling, and;
Essential safety techniques.
Each attendee will receive a practice kit to develop their skills during the session and continue practicing afterward.
CLASS SIZE: 25
COST: $40
REGISTRATION FOR THIS OPTIONAL CLASS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY.
MORE WORKSHOPS
TO BE CONFIRMED!
DETAILED CLASS DESCRIPTIONS AND FACILITATOR BIO’S WILL BE POSTED SOON.
CHECK THIS PAGE FOR UPDATES OR SIGN UP FOR THE SUSCON EMAIL UPDATES.