A Blow Out in LA
Last weekend LA was host to the Queer Media Conference (Q Me Con). It was a weekend full of panels, parties and networking.We (here!) were the presenting sponsors and had the honor of hosting the opening night party at the GORGEOUS newly renovated Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood… now I stayed at the Sofitel back when it was a country French disaster, but it had the most comfortable bed ever… and now it is super-urban chic– with a dramatically stunning black and chrome lobby and a lovely room, fantastic bathroom (which in my opinion is the true key to a hotel’s quality) and still the most comfortable bed EVER. I am not kidding when I say it is like sleeping on a cloud… I never wanted to get out.
Anyway, back to the party… it was poolside on a balmy Friday night with super hip DJ Ray Rhodes… packed to capacity many of the here! stars were in attendance, Charlie David, Chad Allen, Robert Gant as well as our friend from Logo, the adorable Itay Hod.
The party was a blast with cocktails supplied by P.I.N.K. Vodka and Stirrings. But beware, P.I.N.K. Vodka is infused with caffeine so you can catch quite a jolt! (In fact, rumor has it that several people ended up in the pool–two of the cute one’s NAKED.)
Saturday began the actual conference with Stephen Gutwillig (Executive Director of Outfest) giving the opening Key Note speech… and it was really something… truly inspiring.
The rest of the day was filled with panels that included all sorts of amazing people such as Jon Robbin Baitz, Michelle Wolff, Meredith Kadlec, Stacey Codikow, Dave Mace.
Saturday evening the party was held at i-Candy and it was off the hook. boys, booze and a lot of fun.
Sunday was another amazing day culminating in the men of here! panel and here!’s CEO/Founder Paul Colichman’s rousing closing speech. He encouraged everyone in the media to go out and change the world because no one else is going to do it for us. It was the perfect ending to an amazing weekend… we all scurried off to the Abbey for ‘tea’ and who knew it was so popular…
So keep your eyes out for a Q Me Con near you… with the success of the LA event, perhaps they will expand to more and more cities.
Well that is all for now… remember you can always reach me c/o podcast@heretv.com if you have any questions or thoughts… i love to get mail.
XO
J
