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2017 Transformal
Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts about TransFormal 2017 in the survey.
This year I have already heard from 50 guests – over 60% of those attending
As you can see from the graph below, I get more responses from those who stayed the weekend.
Regardless of how long guests were able to enjoy TransFormal they all enjoyed the event rating it “Excellent” or “Good”. The Excellent percentage (82%) is just slightly down on last year (89%).
[attachment=202]survey1.jpg[/attachment]
Nearly a third of the responses to the survey came from people who had attended their first TransFormal. The experiences of these first-timers is always of particular interest. This year a lot more guests stayed in the Carrington Hotel, and 78% rated their accommodation “Excellent” (down from 91% last year).
[attachment=203]survey2.jpg[/attachment]Once again the Saturday night formal rated highly for the venue and the food served.
Our ‘resident’ band playing for the 5th time was enjoyed by 98% of the guests – up from 89% last year. This is a very good result for a cover band.
[attachment=204]survey3.jpg[/attachment]The Friday 1920’s reception was introduced last year – it remains popular (97% approval up from 85% last year).
We delivered eight workshops on Saturday this year. They were generally rated as being “Excellent” or “Good”. I will pass the detailed feedback on to individual presenters. The average attendance at each workshop was 14 guests.
[attachment=205]survey4.jpg[/attachment]Finally, the guests with a 3-Day Weekend ticket were able to enjoy Grand High Tea and the Perfect Pool Party on Sunday. These additions to the weekend program were widely enjoyed with an 100% approval (rated excellent or good).
[attachment=206]survey5.jpg[/attachment]
The survey is still open if anyone wants to make a last minute contribution.
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by
adrianadmin.
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by adrianadmin.
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by adrianadmin.
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This discussion was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by
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0 Replies
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Following on from Caro’s suggestions
1. Continue last years idea of a theme night on Friday .The 20’s theme was fabulous but perhaps another idea is ‘dress to your own personal delight” .. Perhaps Retro 50/60s
2. Wine tasting sessions are IMO a necessity for TF But is it possible we can do it in the Cellars rather than Library for this year , the cellars have fabulous ambience even if it means a walk in the cool mountain air Not a wine buff, spirits and cocktails are more my style
3 Lets find some one who can run a session on the finer points of eye make up. IMO the most difficult art to master . Make up sessions are always a good idea. Q&A why does my lipstick bleed?
4. The pool competition last year was great fun lets do it again.Missed last years but sounds like a great idea.
5.. Lets go with Big Radio Dynamite as our band AGAIN!! YES
6. I would like feedback please on those who might like a series of individual portrait shots taken during the Saturday evening Please DO NOT respond under this post just message me via the website so I can gauge interest level to discuss ideas and possible costs with our Photographer depends on price and timing
7. The dinner speaker idea last year was superb . Can we find some one else to deliver an inspiring talk for 15-20mins ??????
8. Enjoyed the game show last year. A repeat or something similar?-
It is 2017 and so time to start planning for the eighth Transformal in May. Each year I start with the suggestions made by guests last year, add a few ideas that have cropped up in the last few months, collect offers of help, stir vigorously, and see what pops out of the pot.
If you have an idea you would like to throw in the pot then I’m always keen to hear it. I’m even keener if you want to volunteer to organise a part of the weekend. Whether it is a workshop, a restaurant visit, or a breakout discussion just share your ideas please.
Please message me (adrian) through TgR or send me an email to adrian@tgr.net.au.
I look forward to your help in making 2017 the best Transformal so far!
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Suggestions
1. Continue last years idea of a theme night on Friday .The 20’s theme was fabulous but perhaps another idea is ‘dress to your own personal delight” ..
2. Wine tasting sessions are IMO a necessity for TF But is it possible we can do it in the Cellars rather than Library for this year , the cellars have fabulous ambience even if it means a walk in the cool mountain air
3 Lets find some one who can run a session on the finer points of eye make up. IMO the most difficult art to master .
4. The pool competition last year was great fun lets do it again.
5.. Lets go with Big Radio Dynamite as our band AGAIN!!
6. I would like feedback please on those who might like a series of individual portrait shots taken during the Saturday evening Please DO NOT respond under this post just message me via the website so I can gauge interest level to discuss ideas and possible costs with our Photographer
7. The dinner speaker idea last year was superb . Can we find some one else to deliver an inspiring talk for 15-20mins ??????
Cheers
Caroline -
I can only agree with Caroline on many topics.
Suggestions
1. Continue last years idea of a theme night on Friday .The 20’s theme was fabulous but perhaps another idea is ‘dress to your own personal delight” . Great idea – Go Hippies 60’s – 70’s
2. Wine tasting sessions are IMO a necessity for TF But is it possible we can do it in the Cellars rather than Library for this year , the cellars have fabulous ambience even if it means a walk in the cool mountain air – Was much better atmosphere in the cellars. Also closer to being able to buy some product.
3 Lets find some one who can run a session on the finer points of eye make up. IMO the most difficult art to master . Good idea
4. The pool competition last year was great fun lets do it again. Was such fun and added real enjoyment.
5.. Lets go with Big Radio Dynamite as our band AGAIN!! Band is good but if another good 60’s – 90’s band was also available then maybe a change for once to try.
6. I would like feedback please on those who might like a series of individual portrait shots taken during the Saturday evening Please DO NOT respond under this post just message me via the website so I can gauge interest level to discuss ideas and possible costs with our Photographer. Sorry, does not interest us.Cheers
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Do keep the ideas flowing – its good to get some more feedback.
Quote:Wine tasting sessions are IMO a necessity for TFThis is a tricky topic. The numbers on Friday night have grown so much since the times when a tasting for 12 in the cellars would suffice. Last year there were 40 at the tastings – and the standup session in the Library had feedback that was a lot more mixed.
So even though the tasting has been enjoyed in the past it is tricky to see how we can continue it as a Friday night event and maintain the quality.
I’ll talk to the hotel later this month when I go to explore ideas with them – there may be some scope for something different given the redevelopment of the cellars.And as an aside I am reluctant to stray too far from my original tag line – “return to an age of grace, elegance and charm”. IMHO that’s why the 1920’s dress theme was a success, it works with the building.
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Adrian wrote:If you have an idea you would like to throw in the pot then I’m always keen to hear it. I’m even keener if you want to volunteer to organise a part of the weekend. Whether it is a workshop, a restaurant visit, or a breakout discussion just share your ideas please.
Please message me (adrian) through TgR or send me an email to adrian@tgr.net.au.I’m in the final stages of costing the weekend so we can set ticket prices.
If you have any last-minute suggestions of activities you would like to include that have a $$$ cost then please let me know this week.
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Join all your friends at the eighth annual TRANSFORMAL to be held on 19th/21st May 2017
Tickets for 2017 go on sale on
Monday 20th FebruaryReturn to an era of
grace, elegance and charm;
and celebrate gender diversity.TransFormal is held each May in the timeless elegance of the Carrington Hotel in Katoomba. TransFormal is open to all, but particularly to everyone anywhere in the gender diverse spectrum, M2F, F2M, gender queer, and their friends and family. For those who have yet to come out in public, the event offers the chance to socialize without leaving the hotel, but with the encouragement and support of others. Those who are socially active will appreciate the convenient location of the hotel, right on the main street and close to a wealth of fantastic shops, cafes and art galleries.
There are three ticketing choices this year:
Quote:3 Day Weekend – Friday to Monday morning
2 Day Weekend – Friday to Sunday morning
Formal Only – Saturday night
EARLYBIRD SPECIAL
In February TgR Members can obtain a $10 discount on their 3 Day Weekend TicketAll tickets allow you to reserve accommodation at The Carrington Hotel at special event rates. To obtain the discounted rate you must complete the event accommodation form that is issued when you purchase a ticket.
The Ultra-Trail Run will be held on the same weekend as TransFormal 2017. Anyone planning to attend TransFormal would be advised to reserve accommodation as soon as possible, and certainly not leave it till the last month when availability will be very restricted.
For more details and ticket sales visit our event website
http://www.trannytix.com/transformal-
If you want to stay in the Carrington for Transformal you have to do the old fashioned thing and phone their reservations team.
I have a very large block of rooms held back for those who buy TransFormal tickets. And to make things simpler for the hotel they block the entire hotel through on-line booking sites (including the hotel’s own). -
[video width=425 height=344 type=youtube]_8iv7VU47LQ[/video]
I’ve been bowled over by the response – in four days we have sold over half the tickets to TransFormal. :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
A big thank you to everyone who has shown such faith in the event (after all we haven’t released the weekend program yet!!)
With over half the tickets gone some options are virtually sold-out. There are only a couple of 3-Day tickets left now. And half the super-value Traditional Rooms have been snapped up by bargain hunters.
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After a week of ticket sales the only word I can use to describe the response is incredible. So a big thank you to everyone who pressed the I-wana-go button as soon as the light went green.
If we squeeze up tight I can sell just another 10 weekend tickets and perhaps up to 21 formal only tickets. And there are still 80 days to wait till we switch on the lights in Katoomba.
It’s sounding as if Transformal will be BIG this year!
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Adrian wrote:
TransFormal 2017 will be held at The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba on
Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May 2017It is very likely that the Ultra-Trail Run will be held on the same weekend as TransFormal 2017. Anyone planning to attend TransFormal would be advised to reserve accommodation as soon as possible, and certainly not leave it till the last month when availability may be very restricted,
I can confirm that Transformal 2017 will clash with the Ultra-Trail Run this year. This means that the supply of affordable and convenient accommodation will dry up rapidly. If you intend to stay outside the Carrington Hotel you would be well advised to make a reservation NOW!!
If you intend to stay in the Carrington Hotel you can reserve a room in advance as described in my earlier post. Note that Traditional Rooms cannot be reserved in advance, and that reservations for other rooms may not be held unless you confirm them by purchasing a TF17 ticket when they go on sale.
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** NEWS FLASH ** Transformal Weekend Special Offer
We have just a few very special Weekend+Room packages for sale. Buy a 2-Day Weekend ticket including accommodation for just $421. That is incredible value because your ticket includes:
[ul]
[li]Comfortable accommodation in a Carrington Hotel Traditional room (twin or double)[/li]
[li]1920’s Cocktail Reception (Friday)[/li]
[li]Breakfast (Saturday)[/li]
[li]Workshops (Saturday)[/li]
[li]Swing Catz Dance Class (Saturday)[/li]
[li]Formal Dinmner (Saturday)[/li]
[li]Breakfast (Sunday).[/li]
[/ul]
All this value for less than the cost of two nights in a Colonial Room at the Carrington.We have just four tickets (at the time of writing) on sale for $421.
Note that the special offer includes ticketing for one person. You can share your Traditional Room with one other person at no additional cost.
THIS OFFER IS NOW FULLY SOLD. 2 DAY WEEKEND TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE
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The Weekend Program for Transformal is now complete.
All the details are on the event website.
A couple of last minute additions to the workshop program:
And the schedule for the weekend
Finally there are a few optional activities that you should register for on-line if you are interested:
Optional: Friday Lunch in Leura.
A repeat of last year’s popular visit to Lilly’s Pad cafe in Leura. If you are interested in a social lunch then please register on-lineOptional: Three Sisters Walk
An excursion to view some of Katoomba’s natural scenery, and enjoy graded walking activities. Please register directly with Michelle on mbrooker137@gmail.comOptional: Saturday Carrington Catwalk Workshop
An exciting new addition to the Transformal workshop program. If you want to strut your stuff as a mode (as opposed to just watching the show) then please register online-
Planning for the weekend workshops on Saturday is coming along nicely.
Quote:This year we hope to have a Transformal fashion parade.
Helen will be helping us onto the catwalk where we can learn to walk-the-walk and get advice on presentation. Sounds fun!Kayh will be leading a yoga class again.
Ophelia will be giving another of her always popular workshops – this year her topic is “talking like a lady”.
Then we have the Sydney Swing Catz coming to teach us how to dance in 1920’s swing.
And that is just the start!
So the Transformal Weekend looks like being as fun as always.
But by the time we have the details sorted out I expect there won’t be many tickets left.
At the moment we have just two bargain priced 2-Day weekend tickets including accommodation in the Carrington Traditional Wing.
And seven other 2-Day tickets if you want to find your own accommodation.That is just eleven chances remaining to “do the weekend”.
So don’t delay!!!
P.S. If you can’t find the time to join us for the weekend there are still over 15 Formal-only tickets for sale.
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The Friday reception will be 1920’s themed like last year. I can’t go past the elegance of it – and it ties in well with what the Swing Catz will be doing. But it is still early to nail down the details of the weekend. I haven’t even asked for volunteers to help run activities and breakouts yet!!!!
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The weekend program is coming together, though I’m still looking for volunteers to facilitate break out sessions. In the feedback last year it was suggested that we have informal groups to talk about topics like
[ul]
[li]Discussing the difficulties we face as transgender/crossdressers[/li]
[li]Sharing our makeup tricks and techniques[/li]
[li]fill in your idea here![/li]
[/ul]And does anyone want to organise anything informal on Friday afternoon – like a bush walk, sightseeing….your choice!
JUST 15 TICKETS LEFT
So remind your friends and ensure they don’t miss out!
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Kristen_james wrote:I have booked a house in Katoomba for the TF weekend & have 2 places available for anyone still needing accommodation.
I get access on Friday afternoon until mid morning on Sunday. Cost is $55/night.And there are still 2-Day Weekend tickets available (Friday and Saturday). A great opportunity for a couple of people to enjoy the fun of a Transformal weekend at a great price. Thanks Kristen!
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Saturday YES.
Afternoon NO.When it comes to timing, the workshops are anyone’s guess. I’m still juggling the cards to see what works.
BUT the stage for the catwalk has to be moved into the Dining Room to be ready for the band to set up – so the show should be over by late lunchtime.It is perhaps worth noting that the show will not be an opportunity post-formal wear post-makeup session etc. The models can choose any outfit they want to walk the catwalk in – and Helen will help you to jazz it up as needed for the show.
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Bree wrote:Great idea!
The way I am reading it is that the 2 events are not mutually exclusive. Is it correct that one can’t do the first (“walk the walk”) session only?
BSort of… but only sort of.
Everyone is welcome to watch the show…but without the models there wouldn’t be a show.
So the aim is to find models who want to learn the stuff and do a show.
A few no shows for the show might be fine – but the primary focus is on getting enough models who will do both sessions. -
We have a few cancellations
We don’t like cancellations because it means someone can’t attend Transformal.
But they are also a great opportunity for someone else to grab a hotel room and a last minute ticket.
At the moment there are rooms available at the Carrington Hotel – give them a call to confirm. Also a TgR member has space available in a share house for a very reasonable cost. For the details look in the TgR forums here.
Don’t delay – these last few rooms in Katoomba that weekend will disapear quickly.
When you have a room, then grab a ticket and start looking forward to being at Transformal 2017.
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The price of success
I’ve been advised that there are just two rooms left to book in The Carrington Hotel. Transformal has so far booked 47 rooms on the Saturday night which is a record (up from 41 in 2014).
That means there are just two opportunities left to grab a Weekend ticket and stay in The Carrington this year.
The two remaining Premier rooms on Friday and Saturday night will sell soon, so please phone the hotel to check availability before purchasing your weekend ticket.
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20 tickets left for 2017
What’s New?
Exciting entertainment at the Transformal Formal
Cross Dress with Class announces new workshop
Note that Saturday workshops are only available to guests purchasing a Weekend ticket.Ticketing Update
For more details and ticket sales visit our event website
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All gone! Six lucky girls booked into the Glamour Photography.
Caroline will advise your of your session time.
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In this era of fake news you have to be careful who you believe.
And as a sailor I have a healthily skeptical attitude towards weather forecasters.
However the non-fiction section of the Bureau of Meteorology has issued the following forecast for the Transformal weekend.
The good news is that they think it won’t be too cold at night.
The bad news is you might need that brolly during the day if you go walkabout.Let’s see what the actual weather turns out to be like.
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Melissa wrote:
It’s getting very close now ladies,
Hard to believe a year has gone by so quickly.
Time to pack, unpack, and repack for the weekendYou only do that once???? Sheeeesh :unsure:
That reminds me…. what am I going to wear Sat night???
Do I still have time for last minute shopping……of course there is always time for shoppingYou leave it until now to buy for Sat night??
I have been shopping for over 9 months for Saturday night, and I still don’t have a clue.
Have not worked out Friday night yet.
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I’m so excited and I just cant hide it. 5 Days and we are at the cocktail party.
Tahlia’s making a list, she’s checking it twice. Wont be forgetting anything or it will be more reason to go shopping.Can’t wait to meet up with everyone again.
Tahlia & Angie
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Marian,
I hope you have received some advice in private.Marian wrote:where I can buy a formal outfit and a 20’s style ensembleFor the benefit of the wider audience can I stress that
a) The formal is not a ball – and although many may choose to dress up a bit (or even a lot) for the occasion you don’t need to go out and spend lots of money on a ball gown or some expensive evening dress. The dress code is formal which means no jeans, T-shirts, or mini-skirts. Go for longer skirts but a smart cocktail dress would not be inappropriate.
b) The Friday reception is themed because many guests seem to like some guidance as what to wear. The 1920’s look adds a certain style to Friday night – but any smart dress with some beads thrown over the top will pass muster.
Of course if you want the retail therapy then these two evenings give you all the excuses you could possibly need to exercise your credit card. But please don’t see the spending of extra $$ for new outfits on top of your ticket and accommodation as a requirement. As organiser I never intended it to be that way. -
Thanks a lot for that Adrian. And the great work you do on behalf of all of us. It had been stressing me out a tad and your message helps clarify the dress code for me. Greatly appreciated.
Regards
Marian
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It’s getting very close now ladies,
Hard to believe a year has gone by so quickly.
Time to pack, unpack, and repack for the weekend
That reminds me…. what am I going to wear Sat night???
Do I still have time for last minute shopping……of course there is always time for shopping
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Agree, excellent photos Martina! You certainly have skill and a good eye for composition. Thank you x
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hi martina
awesome photographs!!
great to meet you
hope to see you next year
kind regards joanne
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Thanks for the photos Martina. It was wonderful to meet you at this amazing fun filled and liberating event. Had a great time.
Regards
Marian-
Here are some photos from the weekend:
Transformal 2017 -
Thank you Adrian. It was of course my pleasure as was the whole weekend. Of the three Transformals I have been to, this was the best.
Martina
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Fingers crossed there will be another and now that I have some confidence (thanks to this year’s Transformal), I’d be happy to help out. It is an amazing event and IT DID change my life and whilst my wife wouldn’t come, she is now asking a lot more questions and being more open with “Simone” as a direct result of the event. I am sure that there are enough of us that, with the right guidance, we could keep it running???
