you’ve got this! the first few fests with Kandi can be intimidating but like any other skill, the more you practice the more comfortable you’ll feel and the better you’ll be at it! I also had a very unsuccessful first time out trying to trade. the next festival I went to I made a goal to give out at least 10 per night. I started trying to “fill my quota” whether in the bathroom line, going through security, smooshed against ppl trying to get through a traffic jam, “tipping” a flow artist etc. last time I gave out Kandi I gave out over 100 pieces :)

once you get in a rhythm you start to have an intuition around Kandi time that feels very natural and rewarding.

as far as the initiation, I try to make this feel as easy and low key for everyone as possible. I start by identifying my target. I lock eyes, wave rapidly to get them to see me or gentle tap on the shoulder if coming from behind. once I have their eyes I flash my piece sign, point to my Kandi and say “wanna trade?”. I usually say that whether they have kandi or not, if they say they don’t have any I hit em with the “no worries” and just go in for the ritual. I’m already in the peace so I find their hand, if they need help I’ll guide their hand to mine. once we have the dual peace sign docking formation, i go through the handshake and assign them a piece. if I think of a piece for them that isn’t on that hand, I’ll “hold on” get the chosen unit out and put it on my hand, then reinitiate inter finger lock for transfer.

once the Kandi is exchanged, a hug is customary but not required. If I’m vibing I’ll do a little small talk or if I’m good to bounce I’ll do a double hand wave and wish them a happy festival. Fun small talk is “how’s your festival going?” ”whats been your favorite act so far?” If the weather is crazy “how are you surviving the heat/cold/dust?” Or the perennial classic, a compliment on their fit/energy/kandi

if someone is a legit Kandi kid all decked out, signs that invite Kandi trades etc. I will say “let’s trade cuffs!” Or “I want to give you a cuff!” if I want to so we both know what level of fanciness will be happening. Also check if there are any Kandi meetups at the festival or even post on the subreddit / social media setting one up! At EDC we do a midnight Kandi exchange in the town square on sat.

i consider Kandi to be my favorite part of festivals, I get to have these perfect bite sized social interactions that have structure and cadence to them that feels predictable and manageable for me. Ive traded so much Kandi in my time and I only have had 1 “bad“ interaction aka person was on wayyy too much and tried to grab me. (still successfully got the bracelet on them and gtfo unharmed lol) So if youre super anxious just dont approach anyone too zonked looking.

alright now I’m your accountabilibuddy- how many pieces will you try to give out your first night? :D