Following last year’s unprecedented 25th Anniversary Celebration, the world’s hottest leathermen will once again come together to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather, Thursday, May 27 – May 31, 2004 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago. The Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive, is the official host hotel for IML 2004.

About 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for tens of thousands in the leather community – drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for “hardcore” leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd – from the experienced to the curious. Last year’s 25th Anniversary Celebration drew more than 10,000 leatherfolk from around the globe.

International Mr. Leather 2004 will include the following events:

International Mr. Leather contestants are judged on a variety of criteria including community involvement, speech, presentation and overall presence. The winner of the IML 2004 Contest will receive a prize package consisting of donations from businesses and organizations supporting the leather community. Complete contestant information, including contestant applications, can be found at www.imrl.com.

John Pendal (Mr. Hoist 2003) was named International Mr. Leather 2003, winning over a field of 58 contestants from 5 countriues. Donald Dotson (Mr. Suncoast Eagle 2003) was named First Runner-up. Stephen Blackwell (Mr. Los Angeles Leather 2003) was the Second Runner-up.

The 2004 International Mr. Leather Judges include: John Penda (London, UK), David Allen (Abbotsford, Australia), Andy Andersen (Toronto, Canada), Mary Elizabeth Boyd (Arlington, VA), George Hester (New Orleans, LA), Randie Smith (Baltimore, MD), Slawek Starosta (Warsaw, Poland), John Weis (New York, NY) and George Wong (Montebello, CA). The 2004 IML Tally Masters include: Mel Austin (Chicago, IL) and Dan Hughes San Jose, CA).

IML Weekend Event Packages cost $140 and include: admission to the International Mr. Leather 2004 competition, admission to all other official IML events (Opening Ceremonies, Physique Competition, Salute!, IML Victory Celebration Party and the Black and Blue Ball), free admission to the Leather Market, free shuttle bus service, an official IML 2004 t-shirt and poster plus special yearly giveaways.

IML Weekend Packages can be purchased online at www.boxofficetickets.com; by calling (800) 494-TIXS (Intl. (503) 245-0288); or via facsimile at (800) FAX-TIXS (Intl. (503) 245-0290). Weekend Packages should be picked up at the Hyatt Regency Chicago beginning Thursday, May 27 in the afternoon through Sunday, May 30.Tickets to individual IML 2004 events will be available soon at www.boxofficetickets.com and will be sold at The Hyatt Regency Chicago throughout IML Weekend. Single ticket prices are as follows: International Mr. Leather Competition ($40), IML Opening Ceremonies ($25), Pecs & Personality ($25) and Black and Blue Ball ($25). Please note: Single tickets to the IML Victory Celebration Party are only available through the House of Blues, by calling (312) 923-2000. Admission to Salute! is for package holders only.

The Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E Wacker Dr. in Chicago, is the host hotel for International Mr. Leather 2004. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at (312) 565-1234 or (800) 233-1234 or online at www.imrl.com/eventinfo/hotels.asp.

International Mr. Leather 2004 is sponsored by Miller Lite and Wet. American Airlines is the Official Airline of IML. For fare discounts, travelers should contact American Airlines at (800) 433-1790 and identify themselves as IML attendees with Star File #A2654AB.

For more information on International Mr. Leather 2004, log on to the official IML website, www.imrl.com.