The venue is booked, the Thursday-through-Sunday schedule is set, and the attendees are counting down the hours to the 15th annual SouthEast LeatherFest (SELF), the largest event for “alternative sexualities” in the region.

The gay-inclusive leather/BDSM convention (photos)–with some 70 workshops, several parties and multiple contests for coveted titles in the leather world–kicks off at Decatur’s Holiday Inn Select Thursday night with an opening party and registration.

The weekend includes a vendor’s market for that special gift or implement and an information booth with raffle prizes and other helpful tips for attendees. Key events include the Kinky Cabaret, day and night dungeon play (with men-only areas), and daily Women’s Leather History interviews.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The (literally) all-day-and-all-nighters that include breakfast, lunch and dinner hours begin Friday and continue Saturday. Sunday sees a full daytime schedule as well. View Southeast Leatherfest 2010’s entire schedule, the workshop roster and contest specifics. Also check out the keynote emcees and featured presenters.

It’s almost impossible to even hit the highlights of the dozens of workshops in the lineup, from leather heritage classes to Basic Kink, Breath Control and the art of slave dancing to fire play, from Fetish Dressing on a Budget and the dynamics of dominant/submissive relationships to Transitioning from Male to Female.

One of SELF’s biggest draws are the contests to become the next SouthEast Master/slave, Mr. SouthEast LeatherFest, SouthEast LeatherFest boy, Ms. SouthEast LeatherFest and SouthEast Bootblack.

Sadly for you snoozers, online registration is closed and two of the convention’s three intensives are already sold out. Hope you got your entry into Piercing Like a Pro and Sadistic Bondage if you were looking forward to them — the event is full. As of Monday, only one spot is left for Black Out!, a bookblacking workshop on how to care for boots from toe to the laces.

But the $145 entry can still be paid at the door and day passes are available.

SouthEast LeatherFest 2010 takes place Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13 at the Decatur Holiday Inn Select. Visit the event website for more details.