How to Host Your Own Munch or Social
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Munches and socials are often much less intimidating an event for first time attendees and hosts alike. They give folks the opportunity to meet fellow tickle enthusiastes without the usual work and concerns of an actual play party. This is mainly because of the fact that there is no play at these events. Sure, you might see a couple of friends sharing a bit of playful poking and the like. But, as with most play parties, there is a "no uninvited touch" rule. So, people (hosts included) can relax and just enjoy getting to know others.
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MUNCHES: A munch is probably one of the easiest things to put together. All you need to do is find a local restaurant that has room for a small group of folks to sit together. If you have more people than are likely to fit around a single table, you might want to consider asking if there is a small side room to use. This allows folks more freedom to get up and walk around to visit with others without the concern of disturbing other patrons. Once you have a place in mind, simply pick a date and go for it. (Some folks have also hosted these in their own home or in a hotel suite to allow a bit more freedom.)
SOCIALS: A social is just what it sounds like. Folks get together for a non-play social event. Ideas for specific types of socials can easily be drawn from online conversations. This can be anything from hooking up to see a great new movie to meeting at a dance club to a picnic in the park. Is there a Ren Fair or other similar event taking place in your area? Why not put the word out that you're going and see if others want to tag along? The possibilities are nearly endless. If you find that you have something in common with other folks besides just your love of tickling, this is a simple and fun way to get to know one another better. Posting and reading about more than just tickling in the various groups and forums can give you more opportunities to get a feel for what might work around your area.
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NOW WHAT?
Now that you've decided upon the type and location of your event, it's time to get the word out. This can go a couple of ways depending on your own preferences.
General Announcements: If you want to leave things open to anyone who wishes to come, you can simply post notices around the various groups and forums. Some folks have posted a contact person to get in touch with. Others simply post the time and location details openly. If you do this, you'll want to ask people to be sure to let you know they're coming so you can plan for specific numbers...especially if you have a limit to the amount of available space. Once the space is full, other requests can be asked to wait until next time. Yes, I did say next time! These are so easy and so much fun that you'll want to do another!
General Announcements with Limits: If you want to leave things basicly open but leave yourself room to decline someone with whom you are uncomfortable having attend, you can post the announcements with fewer details and contact information. Then, as people respond, you're free to accept or decline the request to attend. (If you choose this option, we suggest you choose your words carefully in declining any requests so that feelings are not hurt or controversy stirred up.)
Invitations: If you're more comfortable starting out with just folks you already know a bit, you can send invites and see who's free to join you. If you choose this option, you might also want to leave the date open and give them a couple of options to see when the greater number of folks can make it....