Our 2026 event was not exactly as planned. The northeast saw two huge storms the drop so much snow and included a bomb cyclone that we made an announcement:

"Breaking news: Out of care for our communities, Twisting Culture will not ask anyone to travel on snow-packed, icy roads in subzero temperatures. Baltimore has not been fully dug out from the last big storm, and while some air travel may be possible, the incoming bomb cyclone could make travel on Sunday and Monday dangerous or impossible. Your safety is, and always will be, our top priority.

Because of this, we are pivoting to an online venue—and we’re excited about it! We’ve successfully translated the contest into a dynamic and engaging virtual experience while keeping our contest integrous to the expected categories. We’ve coordinated with everyone involved, from our board and staff to our contestants and tally team.

Now we’re inviting supporters from across the country to join us online and cheer on our contestants! We’ll deliver a great show, complete with live auctions where you might just find that item you didn’t know you needed—all while helping ensure a healthy travel fund for the next NEPoL! Join us for some unique shifts in our contest that are sure to entertain, inform, and move us closer to discovering who will be your 2026 Northeast Person of Leather!"

We had 40 hours to pivot and translate our contest online. The discussions began with speaking to our contestants who heard our plans, how we would do things, and were 100% on board and understood that we were not asking something new of them it was merely a new venue. Our judges adapted and our team truly came together to create a spectacular job as everyone pulled together and created an extremely successful event. It was fun and very fast paced! We heard a ton of talk online about what a good time people had and they were truly surprised that they felt they didn't miss out on pieces that were important to them. We have to thank everyone who showed up for the incredible support they provided Twisting Culture. The oxen were so much fun that even we were totally surprised and really appreciate everyone play in the home game in a way that was so amazingly interactive.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event and insured that a travel fund was ascertained!