The IML event that draws the largest crowd each year is the Leather Market, featuring vendors that cover most every fetish element of the scene. It is without a doubt the most popular feature of the weekend, serving as the social and commercial center of IML. The Leather Market plays host to over 100 leather-related businesses eagerly tempting attendees with their latest products that are presented in a range of impressive displays. You name it and you can probably find it at Leather Market: clothing, footwear, boots and accessories; dungeon equipment, gadgets and toys; niche magazines, music CDs and DVDs; and of course plenty of condoms and lubes. Many of the Leather Market vendors boldly wear the products they are selling while attendees get a chance to check out the latest leather gear. It is not uncommon to pass by guys demonstrating how restraint tables work or testing out certain paddles and whips on eager participants. In the Leather Market you will also find the International Mr. Bootblack competition area. Bootblacks are shining boots while competing for the title of International Mr. Bootblack. Competitors for the International Mr. Bootblack competition have chairs set up throughout the Leather Market and provide a firm and thorough boot polishing to all who require such service. The Leather Market is exciting, fun and educational. It's a great introduction for first-time attendees and curiosity seekers, yet never fails to entertain the grizzled IML veteran. Hosted at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel, located at 151 East Wacker Drive in Chicago, the Leather Market runs Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, 2008. It's open to the public and requires a day pass to enter. There is a $4 suggested donation with all proceeds going to the Leather Archives and Museum. See the following pages for vendors and market hours.