According to preliminary numbers released by Erotica L.A. organizers, approximately thirty thousand people attended this year's show, which is an increase of over 30 percent over 2003's figures.
"We are extremely pleased with the attendance this year," Chad Beecher, vice president of operations and marketing of Erotica L.A., told AVN.com. “Our goal was to offer attendees a wide array of erotic entertainment, education, programs and culture. This year’s show accomplished that goal and more.”
The show’s main stage today offered erotic fashions shows featuring Musotica Wear and other companies and Burbank’s Hollywood Men performed an all-male revue, stripping down to their snug undies while singing along to music from Grease, while the crowds roared their approval.
Seminars today included AIM Healthcare’s Dr. Sharon Mitchell, PhD, lecturing on safe sex, Dr. Patti Britton (author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Sensual Massage) giving a lecture called “Sensual Massage Made Easy” and Kim Airs, owner of Grand Opening! Adult stores and Lupe Martinez of California Exotic Novelties teaching couples about “The Lowdown On Sex Toys”.
While the throngs that attended today consisted of the many single men that attend these shows, a good number of couples were on the floor, fresh from their Father’s Day festivities.
Wendy and Zack, who did not want to disclose their last names for this story, were standing in line at Starbucks outside the show floor with a bag full of purchased sex goods.
“This was a pretty good show. There’s some really cute stuff in there…this was a really good show for couples.” Wendy said.
“This is a really fun show and there were a lot of handouts and free stuff given away in there which was cool….we bought some stuff that we have plans for later,” Zack said, leering at his girl.
Companies who exhibited this year were optimistic about the show and their future attending it.
Adult production company Don Goo Enterprises signed performer Trisha Uptown to an exclusive performance contract in this editor’s presence on the floor today.
“We are delighted to have her,” Don Goo’s Jeff Krull said. “She just did her first hardcore movie for us, Digital Pleasure and we are going to be sending her across the country to promote Don Goo and our products. She is one of the classiest people in the business and she’s new, fresh, gorgeous and this is what we want Don Goo to be….I wanted to sign her at Erotica L.A. because, well, I am a whore for press and we thought this was the best venue to do it at. We really needed someone to bring us to the next level and Trisha is the one.”
Uptown was psyched about the six-picture, all-girl deal saying, “They are so nice and Don Goo put the best offer on the table. Jeff is very nice to all the girls and I had a lot to think about with the HIV outbreak. How many companies offer their girls medical insurance? I get that in this contract and it was just the icing on the cake….I want everything I do for Don Goo to be really classy and nice and something that the female audience can enjoy. My new toy line with
Rachel‘s Pleasures will help that along too.”
First time exhibitor Sun Moon had a booth filled with naughty cigarette lighters and a regular stream of traffic.
Sun Moon’s Li Lin said, “I think this show really fits us. This is our first one and we will probably do this again. Friday and Saturday, we did really well. Today is more window-shoppers for me.”
Another first time exhibitor, ME 2 Productions launched their new adult board game, Fantasy!, at the show.
“This show has been beyond our dreams,” owner Deborah Jones said. “We are a brand-new game and we have made so many connections at this show. We have had quite a few sales and people are really enjoying the game. Doing this show is an investment but it’s really money well-spent.”
The Romantix booth was filled with adult stars today, including JM Productions’ Girlvert/AVN’s reigning Female Performer Of The Year Ashley Blue who spoke to this reporter about drinking peppermint Schnapps in the parking lot, veteran adult performer Shane, Cousin Stevie, Mari Possa and Flower of Seymore Butts fame, Metro contract star AnnMarie, Sin City’s Hannah Harper and Aurora Snow and performer Kimberly Kane.
At the Romantix booth, fan Mike pulled away from buying a copy of Metro’s Impact signed by AnnMarie in his wheelchair and said, “This show is great! The girls are beautiful and the action is hot! I have been to this show three years in a row and this show is best.”
Vivid Girl Tera Patrick and husband Spyder Jonez attracted a sizeable crowd at TLA Video’s booth today.
“We have given away tons of catalogs and have had absolutely great sales today,” TLA’s Vanessa Keegan said.
Red Light District’s booth was as high-traffic as ever today with RLD production manager Marcelle saying, “We have had a great response to the new booth and we are working out all the kinks in it before AEE in Vegas. The Paris press has been incredible. We definitely plan to be at the show again next year. This show is a great way to thank the fans for supporting us.”
Performers Teagan, Vanilla Sky, Rayveness and Lucy Thai all signed for Red Light District today.
Jill Kelly Productions’ booth was graced with Jenna Haze, greeting fans with a smile.
Wicked Pictures had constant lines--the longest of any at the show--for fans wanting autographs and photos with Julia Ann, Jessica Drake, Kaylani Lei, Sydnee Steele and Stormy. Director Michael Raven also attended.
Stormy, AVN’s current Best New Starlet, said, “The show is a lot of fun this year. It’s my second year here and I am meeting a lot of new fans and seeing a lot of familiar faces….I have had a long line which is good. This show is a little more laid back that the Vegas show and it’s better because you get to sleep in your own bed.”
Wicked publicity director, who gallantly assisted Lei with a minor wardrobe mishap, said this of the show, “Erotica L.A. is the best forum in the industry to get feedback directly from the buying public about what they want to see in our features. This feedback is crucial, not only for marketing purposes but to maintain a continuing dialogue, with both the mainstream and adult press.”
DVSX’s publicist/production manager Sun Chen spoke glowingly of the company’s new booth.
“We really wanted to go all out for Erotica L.A. this year as it’s our time being here. We have been planning this out for months. We heard that this show was getting bigger and bigger every year so we decided to jump on the wagon and establish a presence,” Chen said.
The show closed with a raffle with Bikers Against Drunk Driving giving away a Gibson Flying V guitar signed by Jerry Only of The Misfits, valued at $5,000 to exuberant attendee Leslie Anderson.
For information about next year’s show, visit www.erotica-la.com.
