How We Got Uninvited from DC's Small Business Summit

Deluvery loves the DC Community. We want to show our civic spirit, so we signed up for the DC Chamber Small Business Summit Showcase. We were ecstatic to be accepted, and trusted that the confirmation was truly confirmed. We ordered a table cloth, bought HTV to make a custom booth runner, and printed business cards designed for the event.

Then the plan changed on their side. We were told we were no longer welcome. This was to be a "kid-friendly" event, despite it taking place in the middle of a school day, and featuring presentations on government contracts, enterprise deals, and cybersecurity. The idea of children actually attending this event is laughable.

In our application, we had included a link to our home page, and a description of the business. We did not attempt to circumvent anything in the process. Had we been rejected initially, it would have been disappointing, but understandable. This type of business is not for everyone. But we had put real time and effort into this, and didn't want to just shrug our shoulders.

We had two options. Eat the cost quietly, or make a point in public without making it ugly. We chose option two. We stood near the entrance with a sign that read: Deluvery: BANNED for being TOO SEXY.

I wore a bathrobe because if you are going to protest bureaucracy, you might as well dress for the absurdity of the process. The message was simple: if small businesses are invited, they should not get bounced after they have spent real money and done real work. Even if they are too sexy.

For context, Deluvery is a same-night adult wellness delivery service in DC. We deliver toys, lubes, condoms, and personal care in discreet packaging. That is not a stunt. That is the business, and we operate it like one.

There is a bigger point here for those tired of gatekeeping-by-vibes. Rules are fine when they are clear and applied consistently. What people hate is selective enforcement dressed up as process. If institutions want trust, they have to act in a way that deserves it.

If you saw us in the robe, thanks for the nod, the questions, and the pictures. If you run events, do well by small businesses. If you are building something weird, useful, or both, keep building anyway.

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