1. Q-Who or what is TBE? (TampaBayEscapes)?

A---TBE consists of us ... Bob and Cyndi ... and our Staff of Host Couples, Professional Entertainers, Hotel Staff, Advertising Staff, Volunteers, and many Affiliated Lifestyles Clubs and Organizations. Cyndi and I have been a well known couple in the lifestyle and clothing optional circles for many years. We have done seminars (we call 'em Playshops) for lifestyle conventions all over the country, including the Naughty in New Orleans Convention, the Splash Convention in Orlando, the Playcate Convention in Myrtle Beach, and the Interlude Conventions in both Orlando and Dallas. We also co-hosted the Dr. Robyn Lifestyles Radio Show for years, using the pseudonyms Rock Solid and Rockette. At the Paradise Lakes Clothing Optional Resort in Tampa, we are known as Original Bob and The Original Cyn as I (Bob) have been a member for 25 years. The moniker "Original" came as a result of being the first Bob to sing karaoke at Paradise. When I married Cyndi she naturally became The Original Cyn. A couple of times each year, at Paradise, Cyndi and I host, direct and star in variety shows with our cast of 24 singers and dancers. Our July 2012 convention will be our 4th one. For the last two years we have sold out our hotel with over 240 people in attendance....and we expect another sell out for TBE 4.

2. Q---National Convention? Why is TBE called a Convention? Do we have to wear fezzes, or drive tiny little cars in parades?

A---Yes. Fezzes with high heels are very sexy. Our convention is very unconventional, but still we fit the definition..."a group of people meeting for a purpose." Our purpose is to have fun....and although the word Convention sounds stodgy....believe us when we say TBE is anything but stodgy! It is the most fun you and your lover can possibly have....EVER!
And yes we are actually International as couples fly in from all over the U.S., Canada, and other countries. Maybe we should call it "international."

3. Q---What makes TBE so special?

A---At many swing venues couples often sit at a table all night and never interact with others. Why? It may be out of shyness, or fear of rejection, or concern that a simple hello & smile might result in unwanted attention. Consequently normally friendly people are often on their guard. TBE Conventions stress daytime activities that mix people together in fun ways. The Playshops and Pool Games bring everyone together. Our breakfast tables provide a relaxing time where everyone is welcome to mix together in a friendly, non-committal atmosphere. Our big white Sign-Up Board is a place where you can put your name on one of the lists to meet in the lobby and join in a group going out to dinner at one of the many near-by restaurants. No need to eat alone...unless you want to. You'll be a part of things at all our events....and during the day it's all about socializing, making new friends, laughing, picking your favorite playshops and activities, and basking at the pool, just having an awesome time. After our dances, we open our playrooms. Whatever your interests are...we have rooms to bring people together. And of course, there is a certain etiquette to determine who would like to share your interest. We'll have that etiquette printed in our schedule pamphlet so you'll know how to have the most fun you can possibly have....EVER! There are bigger swing venues at gigantic hotels...but at TBE you won't be lost or alone, in a huge crowd. Those are just a few of the reasons why TBE is SPECIAL! Ask anyone who has attended TBE in the past.

4. Q---We've heard something about "Tickets" being important. What is that all about?

A--- Tickets are very Important to YOU!  We have some wonderful prizes to give away at our Saturday banquet.  You must be present to win and you must hold your half of the winning Ticket.    Throughout the weekend we will give you a Ticket for participating in playshops, winning games, participating in the Talent Show, spending money with our Vendors, etc., and each person, upon check in, gets a Ticket for each night you spend at TBE.  During our Saturday banquet you will have the opportunity to place your Tickets in the draw boxes for the prizes you want to win.  Maybe you’ll put all your Tickets in one box to increase your chances of winning that prize….or maybe you’ll spread them out to various boxes.  Each box will be marked with the prize it will yield.  The Tickets are very valuable.  Save them and bring them with you to the banquet!   Everyone is eligible including our staff (as they all have paid to be here)….and anyone could win more than one prize. 

5. Q---What will the weekend cost? For a complete list of prices click the Prices tab at the bottom of the page .

A---In a nut shell---The least amount for a room and all convention activities was $590 last year. Due to the hotel loving us...

WE HAVE MAINTAINED THIS YEAR'S FULL CONVENTION PRICE AT JUST $ 590 per couple.

We do offer discounts periodically to some of our affiliated clubs. Waiting for the price to go lower is not a good idea as our favored rooms go fast...and we do sell out. Our printed prices here are as low as they will go for TBE 4. Last year we had to turn away over 30 couples....who called after we had sold out. We sure hated to do that....but at 240 conventioneers....we just ran out of space.

If you want an upgrade to an executive room, or 1 or 2 bedroom suite, the cost is more. You can also buy 1 or 2 day/night packages. Additionally, there will be vendors selling clothing, toys, travel opportunities, and other fun things.

We also have EVENING PASSES. You must arrive between 8 PM and 9 PM and you may stay for the dance and the playroom parties. The costs are listed on the "Prices" tab ( just click it below and see the bottom portion of that page.)

6. Q---How many people do you expect?

A---We usually sell out the convention. We have room for 220 people in our luxury hotel. We feel that limiting the number of conventioneers makes the party much more friendly and intimate. Personally, we find that we get lost in the crowd at gigantic swing events. We also sell night passes for locals who want to come in between 8 PM & 9 PM and stay till 3 AM. We'll max out at about 240.

7. Q---Will there be any single people there?

A---Yes, there will be about 10 singles, girls and guys, who are very good trusted friends of TBE and most of whom will be working on our staff during the convention. They will take part in the activities. Additionally we all know that many committed couples are legally single. Singles not on our staff, generally are required to attend TBE's with a partner. Any couple who is interested in a single will need to approach that single first. The policy of "No Thank you, but Thank you for Asking," will be in effect at all times for everyone.

8. Q---Will there be a place for Chocolate lovers to frolic?

A---You betcha! We'll have a Chocolate & Vanilla "Zebra" Playroom. There will be new friends to meet....and plenty to eat! : )

9. Q---Will there be swingers at the convention?

A---Yes! Along with Republicans, Democrats, Protestants, Catholics, Homo sapiens, Bipeds, and just about any other persuasion you can imagine. It's all about diversity. Everyone attending will be required to sign a privacy agreement which you can preview by clicking on the "Agreement" tab on this site. It's all pretty standard stuff.

10. Q---What does the term "Lifestyles" mean?

A---Different people enjoy different things. Some folks like music so they pattern their enjoyable times toward a music oriented lifestyle. Over the years nudists, swingers, BDSM enthusiasts, gays, lesbians and many other groups have taken on the term "lifestyle." Traditionally conventions such as ours draw people from the nudist, clothing optional, swing, and light BDSM lifestyles.

11. Q---What the heck is BDSM?

A---Ahhh my little grasshopper, you know so little. It stands for bondage, discipline & sadomasochism. This lifestyle encompasses some interesting aspects which in various degrees, appeal to many couples. To learn more just attend our BDSM playshops. They will be totally non-threatening and very interesting. We have some of the most knowledgeable, congenial, and finest experts in the field to educate you....and, if you wish, they'll let you give it a try. You may surprise yourself....and your partner!

12. Q---We are "Newbies," and are worried that we will be over our heads if we attend.

A---Silly couple! No one will ask you to do anything other than to come and enjoy. You'll make new lifelong friends. You can just be curious observers. You can just be there to expand your world by attending our Playshops (they are seminars-but fun ones.) You will love our dances, our final banquet, and our great entertainment. It will be a complete change of environment, like going on a cruise. You are away from your daily routine, the kids, taking out the dog, etc., and are focusing on each other and adding even more spice your relationship. Expand your paradigms and give thought to growing in deeper, more exciting ways. No one expects anything of you during the weekend, except for you to have FUN!

13. Q---Will there be a big bunch of cliques?

A---No. We will mix you up to meet lots of people, make new friends and learn about yourselves and others. The Playshops will help you find couples who have similar interests. They are all interactive and not just lectures. Remember couples who come to a convention are all there for the same reasons. And one of those main reasons is to meet you. Get involved. Play the poolside games. Have dinner with new people. Attend the Playshops that interest you. Shake hands and smile. Dress attractively for the dances and dress mysteriously, with an eerie mask, for the Mysterious Masked Druid Ball. Come to the "Wham Bam Talk and Scram," playshop and get to know others in an easy, relaxed and fun way.

14. Q---What do we wear?

A---During the day shorts and tops work well for the girls. Guys will want to wear shorts, tanks, and T-shirts.

Thursday Night's, "O-How-I-Wanna-Lay-ya," Tropical Dance, features great professional entertainment by "pLAYtyME -- with Hunt & Carolynn Street."   Wear tropical colors....and cast off those Main Land, Lame Land Doldrums. Make tonight a night to meet new people. We'll have some "Ask a Stranger to Dance," songs. This is a great way to mix around and meet new people. High heels are always a nice addition if comfortable. For the guys we suggest dressy shorts or slacks, and a nice Hawaiin or colorful shirt. The girls will be hot....so guys....look good and you may get lucky.

Friday Night's, Club Cincity's "Erotic Babes in Toyland" Dance is when you bring your favorite adult toy or vibrator to receive a Ticket. The 5 most unusal or interesting Toys will be featured and win 10 extra prize tickets each. Be creative, wear very little ... or more.  It's up to you.   With Bob, Cyndi, DJ Doc, Misa & Maggie. Grande Ballroom.

At the Saturday Night Final Banquet it is appropriate for the guys to wear nice slacks and upscale shirts, even a suit and tie, if you like. Girls can wear attractive sexy dresses or dressy slacks and tops. If you plan to dress up at all during the convention, this is the time for it.

For TBE's Signature Saturday Night 'Mysterious Masked Druid Ball,' all black is best for the guys and if you can bring a cape that would be even better. Costume stores and Renaissance Festivals have them at reasonable costs. Girls should wear sexy clothing or lingerie. Or topless with a cape and heels is a great look. And everyone must wear a mask to be admitted. We are going to do an activity and the masks will definitely play a big part in that. BYO mask for comfort and a great look, buy one from our Vendors, or buy one of our cheapies at the door. You can also bring face paint and paint on a mask. For your intro to this dance, you may want to rent the movie, "Eyes Wide Shut," to get an idea of what to expect. It will be a dark, sensual, and brooding evening that you will find very exciting. And, as always in the Lifestyle, the Girls will be in complete control. SCARY!

15. Q---When can we be nude or scantily dressed?

A---Basically you need to be legally dressed at the pool....on the smoking balconies.....and on the 1st floor of the hotel.

After the housekeeping staff leaves, nudity is allowed on the playfloor and from the 2nd floor up. You can be nude then and there if you wish. At night on the Playfloor most people find sexy lingerie to be more alluring. Guys usually wear boxers, g-stings or T-backs with or without tank tops or T-shirts. Anytime you are outside the hotel .... you must be legally dressed. This requirement is for your protection as we don't want your fun to be interrupted by a visit from the local constabulary.

16. Q---Is the pool clothing optional?

A---No. We tried that two years ago and were notified by the local authorities that we weren't allowed to be nude outside the hotel. Inside the hotel, in the evenings, and on the playfloor and in the ballroom we can do whatever we want. If you are only interested in laying out naked there are places you can go to do that....but if you want planned activities, socializing, pool parties and games, fun with great people, entertainment, awesome dances, spectacular prizes, a fabulous banquet, wild and crazy Playrooms at night, a BYOB party, free late night pizza, coffee, libations, cookies and "Fun & Sexually oriented" people....TBE is where it's at.

At the pool you must have your most interesting parts legally covered. Panties and bras are fine (and damned sexy) for the girls. Speedos or shorts are fine for the guys. But G-strings and pasties are not ok with the local constabulary as we must legally cover our asses ... and boob-a-licious parts. Someone asked us why we don't go elsewhere and use a different hotel. The answer is that it is nearly impossible to find a hotel willing to allow outside nudity... one that has a great ballroom...and is clean, modern and beautiful ... without a bar or restaurant to have to exclude regular customers ... in a good location .... plus one that accepts our lifestyle. We love our hotel .... and they love us. The staff is great and it's fabulous! We know you'll love it too!

17. Q---How can we be ignored and/or rejected?

A---It's pretty hard, but it can happen. Staying in your room and NOT participating in any of our planned events is a good way to make it happen! Be prepared to get up, get out, and meet people you would never ever meet anywhere else! Bad hygiene is a big stopper. Dress as attractively as you can. Casual and neat can still be hot. We have gone to great lengths to not have garlic and onions at our banquets. You get the idea.

18. Q---What about alcohol?

A---You will need to bring your own alcohol, as well as your own mixers. There will be no alcohol for sale anywhere at our Convention. We do this to save you money and stay really, really legal. BYO plastic cups and put your names on them. Please do not get sloshed and become annoying, obnoxious or off balance. If that does happen, our friendly security guys will escort you to your room to sleep it off.

19. Q---What about Pot and other illegal Drugs?

A---We are very firm about this. Anyone caught with any illegal drugs in them, on them or around them will be removed from the premises, banned from all future TBE activities and will NOT receive any refund. Any infractions of this policy could result in law enforcement being called in. Please do not jeopardize yourself or others by doing Pot or any other illegal drugs at our convention, at the hotel, or on the hotel property.

20. Q---What if someone asks me to dance, etc., and I'm not interested.

A---Generally, it would be nice of you to accept the compliment and dance. Especially when a girl is asking a guy to dance, be a gentleman and dance with the lady. After all it is not a commitment for marriage, for heaven sake. However, if you really do not wish to accept, you can simply say. "No Thank you but Thank you for asking." Be polite. Try not to crush anyone's ego. If someone becomes annoying (which is doubtful) just quietly mention it to one of our security guys. They will handle it in a polite and gentle way and that should do the trick. If that does not work the obnoxious person will be surrounded by our team of 300 pound security goons, worked over with numb-chucks, and dumped, wounded and bleeding, into a nearby alley.....lol. Actually they will be politely asked to leave....without a refund. Just be nice, play nice and have a great time. We just don't seem to have any problems like these at our conventions. Everyone is so very happy to be having such a wonderful time.

21. Q---What if I don't like my room, the food, the pool temperature, the common areas temperature, the weather, the recession, or the situation in Botswana?

A---Hopefully you will like those things but if not, let us know. We will do what we can to please you. But you must understand that just because you are hot flashing, we cannot turn the temperature down to 50 degrees F in the Grande Ballroom and freeze out the rest of the attendees. We must do what is best for the majority of the crowd. If the music is too loud, move to the back of the room or put tissue in your ears. If it is too soft, move to the front of the room and unplug your ears. It is a fun weekend so loosen up, lighten up, and have fun. Ain't nothing gonna be perfect but we will do our best to come as close as we can.

22. Q---Why should we be in a hurry to sign up?

A---Our room numbers are limited. The best locations will go quickly. And we always sell out the entire hotel. The last two Julys we had to turn down a lot of couples....so lock in your reservation early and get your favorite room choice. Prices will never be any lower for TBE 4 than they are right now....so don't wait for them to go down.

23. Q---Will there be a TampaBay Escapes 5 Convention?

A---Yes. We will plan for one every year. You will get regular email updates about our future activities & conventions.

24. Q---What should we bring to TBE 4?

A--- For your convenience, here is our checklist....maybe you'll find it helpful--- ____ your medications, ____BYOB & mixers for 3 days and nights, ___large plastic cups with your names on them, ____for the Saturday Druid Ball masks are required & capes are a great option as everyone gets into the dark brooding mysterious ambiance, ____shorts & slacks, ____sundresses (girls only), ____bathing suits, ____dressy clothes or "dressy casual" for the Saturday night banquet, ____your karaoke disks if you have special ones you prefer (or we have thousands for you to choose from), ____t-shirts, tank tops, ____ over the shoulder boulder holders & underwear (optional), ____sun visors for the pool, ____Some type of Tropical clothing for the "Oh-How-I-Wanna-Lay-ya" Dance, ____if you can bring your own folding pool chairs that would be very helpful as we have a limited supply.....your name on yours will reserve them for you all weekend, and ___if you have them....a sun shade umbrella or even a cabana type shade cover...your name on them will reserve them for you all weekend, ____waterproof sun block, ____you may want to have some cards printed with your contact info (your picture) and a place for your room number....these can be used for any lifestyle events in the future, ____ flip flops, sneakers, dress shoes, dress socks, belt, ____casual clothes to go out to lunches and/or dinners on Thursday and Friday, ____your credit card or many thousands of dollars in cash to spend at our Vendors', ____things you might want for after the dances...toys, marital aides, Red Bull, ___your unusual and exciting adult toy for the contest during the "Erotic Babes in Toyland" Dance, ___protection (condoms), ____a bathing suit, or bra and panties that you can wear in the pool to legally CYA & boobs, ____cover ups to go through the hotel halls during the day when the staff is working, ____large beach towels are nice, ____ directions to the hotel which you will receive 2 weeks prior to TBE 2, ____your plane tickets (& passports) if you're flying in, ____Viagra & Cialas, ____something for those pesky 4 hour erections, ____ laptop (Wi-Fi is free), ____ cell phone, charger, ____toothbrush, deodorant, breathe spray, ____dancing shoes, ____ sexy clothes, leather, lace & lingerie for the dances, ____ 'come frolic with me' high heels, ____ glasses & sunglasses, ____ make-up, ____and bring an attitude of excitement & anticipation of an awesome time and great new friends.

Small refrigerators, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, hair dryers and coffee makers are provided in all rooms.