[expand title=”Why is IBB 2017 Postponed?”]It is with regret that we have postponed International Bear Bash 2017. As many of our regular guests know, our host venue is undergoing major renovations this year. Those renovations started during our last event, but were behind schedule. Shortly after our last event, they dug up the pool area that we normally use and that area no longer includes a pool. They are also adding an expansive conference space. Their renovation plans also include extensive renovations to the remaining pools areas. During the renovations one area is supposed to be closed at a time.
We were not able to find a suitable alternative location for the event and did not want to launch something too late. We know that our guests have enjoyed a certain level of service and certain standards with our regular host venue and, after a lot of consideration, we did not want to compromise this by selecting a cheaper or substandard alternative.
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Bear Bash has been in existence since 2010. Since that time, we have extensively explored most, if not all, of the many hotel properties in Orlando. Considering how many hotel rooms exist in a city like Orlando, you would think it would be easy to find a quick alternative location for the event.
When looking for a host venue, there are many concessions hotels have to make so that we can run our event in a manner our guests have come to expect. For example, our after-hours suites, exclusive use of pool areas, etc.. are all part of our overall event blueprint.
Additionally, since 2010 the event has moved hotels only three times and we believe that changing venues is not something we can take lightly or do without serious considerations and ample planning.
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We are not without hotel options for the event.
There are lesser quality hotels that would have hosted our event, but the hotel quality would have been more of a budget motel quality. While it may have been a cheaper option, it is not what our guests have come to expect and we truly love the quality of our venue choices to date.
For the nicer venues, the requirements are a bit tighter and more costly. Launching the event venue information late would certainly impact our ability to sell a venue to the required capacity for exclusivity of the areas we use. We feel that exclusivity is paramount to the event success.
Starting in the fall of 2017 to book for the IBB 2018 will provide us the needed time to work collaboratively with all our promoters to ensure the events full success in 2018.
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The options of what to do with a pass already purchased are entirely up to you. We will offer all current holders the following options:
(1) Roll your pass over to 2018. All purchased passes will roll over into the same category that was purchased for 2017. For example, if you purchased an ALL ACCESS VIP pass for 2017, you already have an ALL ACCESS VIP PASS for 2018. It does not matter that the 2017 pass price was substantially cheaper in cost.
You can check out our run pass information page under the about tab on our website for the 2018 pass pricing increase guide. You can also check out our buy now page for the current pass pricing through to January 2018.
(2) You may request a full refund of your 2017 event pass purchase. We understand that it is disappointing that the event is being postponed and will, therefore, happily refund your full pass cost at your request.
You can request a refund by emailing us your purchase details at info@bearbash.com from the original email address you used when you purchased your pass. Please allow up to 7 days for us to process the refund.
Once your refund is processed you will be unregistered from the event, but can register again at a later date by paying the current pricing at the time you re-register.
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Transportation and Getting Around
[expand title=”Where should I enter the events once I get there?”]Full details about the events and host venue will be released in March 2017.
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[expand title=”Do I Need to Purchase a Run Pass to Attend?”]Yes. The International Bear Bash event pass is required to attend all on-site events with the exception of the vendor fair. On-site events are the events that are scheduled to take place at our host hotel. You will need your event pass to enter all of the event areas.
We encourage non-pass holders to join us at our off site events which are held pre and post the main event dates. These events can be found on our pre-comers page.
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International Bear Bash offers multiple pass options.
To receive the best deals, passes should be purchased in advance on our website.
There will also be a SATURDAY PASS includes admission into the Saturday events including the pool party, and the BLU (Bear, Leather, Uniform) Ball. The pass does not include on-site parking which is presently $6 and set by the host hotel.
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There will be passes available at the door for a higher cost than those passes purchased in advance. Online passes must be purchased by September 15, 2018. Passes purchased after September 1, 2018 may not receive all run/swag bag items.
Please book as early as possible so that you are not left out.
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Parking for International Bear Bash pass holders is determined by the host venue and is not included in the event passes. There will be signage at the host venue directing you where to park.
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Transportation and Getting Around
[expand title=”Where should I enter the events once I get there?”]Full details about the events and host venue will be released in March 2017.
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Orlando International Airport offers cab service to and from area resorts and hotels for a nominal fee. There are also ground transpiration services such as Mears transportation.
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The Double Tree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld offers transportation to Disney at no additional cost to hotel guests. (subject to change by the host hotel without notice to International Bear Bash)
The shuttle times and availability are available at the hotel front desk.
The pickup and drop off for all transportation is at the hotel shuttle stop located in front of the hotel.
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The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld has on-site car rental through Thrifty Rental Car. They can be reached at 407-583-8014.
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Clothing and Attire
[expand title=”What is the weather like and what should I wear?”]According to weather.com the temperatures in sunny Orlando, FL in September range from a high of 90 degrees (F) to a low of 72 degrees (F). We suggest clothing that will enable you to be comfortable in these temperatures.
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The BLU Ball will be held at The Double Tree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld. This venue is considered a public venue so Florida public decency laws apply. We encourage everyone to wear street legal fetish gear such as leather, Levi’s, harnesses, uniforms, etc…
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Pre-comers (early arrival bears)
[expand title=”What are pre-comers (early arrival bears)?”]The Double Tree by Hilton Orlando at Seaworld has generously agreed to extend our discounted rate for 3 days prior and 3 days after the main event (Thursday – Sunday).The pre-comers are a group of bears that take advantage of this rate and come in early to mingle with the other pre-comers or to visit the many attractions in Orlando with smaller groups of bears.
The feedback we receive about the pre-comer events is consistently positive. Many men prefer to mingle in the smaller groups of the pre-comers to get to know some of the men before the bulk of people arrive on Thursday. The pre-comer events are a great opportunity for the shy bears to mingle with men from around the globe.
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YES. There are several distinct advantages to coming in early and the guests who do consistently tell us that they had a great time doing so.
Foremost, Orlando is a world class tourist city and, although we are very proud of our packed schedule of events, we don’t even come close to showing you all of what Orlando has to offer. Arriving early and staying late enables you explore the city on your own.
Second, the pre-comer events enable you to see some of the attractions outside the hotel with smaller groups of bears. For the shy bears this is a great way to get to know some of the men in town in much smaller groups than when the event is in full swing.
Drinking around the World at Epcot (Wednesday) and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal (Sunday Night) are among our pre-comer and late-stay events that are Orlando traditions. Don’t miss out on these great additional events.
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Orlando is a world class tourist destination with tons of theme parks and attractions. Our area info. (click here) page lists just a few of Orlando’s world class attractions. In addition to Orlando’s theme parks and world famous International Drive, Orlando is also ranked by The Advocate as the 4th gayest city in the USA. Indeed, Orlando features at least 13 gay bars and restaurants.
International Bear Bash is held during the Halloween season in Orlando. Stay after the event and check out Halloween Horror Nights with us at Universal or the many other Halloween festivities in Orlando.
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If we have not answered your question, please don’t hesitate to contact us.