Erotica LA Opens

LOS ANGELES - An estimated 50,000 people are expected to flood the Los Angeles Convention Center this weekend for the 11th annual Erotica LA expo. The star-studded, three-day sextravaganza kicks off today at 4 p.m.

As the nation's largest adult consumer show, Erotica LA embraces the full spectrum of adult entertainment with 300 exhibitor booths offering DVDs, lingerie, toys and much more.

Highlights of this year's show include the 2nd annual FAME Awards, Cirque du Soleil's ZUMANITY show, John Stagliano's 'Fashionistas' revue, burlesque performances by the Hollywood Men, an erotic art gallery sponsored by the XArt Foundation, instructional seminars from the Pleasure Chest, and of course, scores of scantily-clad porn stars.

"This year, we have expanded our marketing efforts to reach more women and couples," said Erotica LA's account executive, Bonnie Shapiro. "Erotica LA is being positioned as the ultimate adult entertainment event and shopping mecca for all that is erotic and sexy."

"Our main marketing objective was to attract a diverse group of attendees as well as a strong mainstream presence," added Erotica LA marketing manager, Cindy Cheer. "The Erotica LA marketing campaign really covered the gamut of what and who makes up this sprawling metropolis. Based on the campaign that was launched, this year's crowd is going to be huge - and all of us at Erotica LA are ready for it!"

Musician Dave Navarro is more than ready for the show. Scheduled to appear at the AVN Racing booth on Saturday from 5 - 7:30 p.m., the former Jane's Addiction guitarist will be videotaping for his new internet show, Spread Entertainment.

"Last year, I was down at Erotica LA with Indie 103.1 FM, and I did some live interviews with some of the actors, hung out and had a really great time," Navarro told AVN. "Since then, I've launched an internet-based variety type of show where I have different guests on and run video clips of things we're up to out in the world. I figured why not go back and allow the public to see what goes on, and be part of it. I'll have my camera there and I'll talking to whoever I can grab and get a few words from... It's nice to be able to show my audience that this thing is really a blast – it's just a huge party, kind of a family vibe that goes on."

Navarro is looking forward to checking out the goods on display and hanging out with his friends in the business. "I really support and love the industry, but at the same time I'm not a huge watcher of porn," he said. "I happen to have a lot of friends who work in the business, I love being around the freedom and the environment and for that reason alone, I'm going to have a great time going down there and hanging out with them. It's like going to the NAMM show but for porn."

Like Navarro, Teravision main man Evan Seinfeld compared the Erotica LA experience to his travels in the music world. In addition to promoting Teravision's DVD releases and flagship website clubtera.com, Seinfeld and his porn-superstar wife Tera Patrick will be staging a fashion show for her lingerie line Mistress Couture on Saturday at 6:30.

"Tera and I are firm believers in reaching the fans directly," Seinfeld told AVN. "We've learned by rock bands touring there is no substitute for direct contact with your audience. I am still perplexed by companies that sit this one out."

Vivid Girl Savanna Samson has her own booth this year, where she'll be promoting her highly-rated wine Sogno Due and her hot-selling interactive title Any Way You Want Me. Samson will also lead a seminar on threesomes as part of the Pleasure Chest's "We Know Sex" series.

Sex educator and AVN Hall of Fame performer Nina Hartley will appear in place of classic porn goddess Keisha, who's spending the weekend sick in bed. "I look forward to seeing my fans and giving out safe-sex kisses," said Hartley, who will provide her amorous fans with Glyde dental dams for flavored, germ-free smooches. "I'll also have my new book 'Nina Hartley's Guide to Total Sex' for sale so fans can get autographed copies."

Buck-wild babes Nikki Benz and Alektra Blue will host the 'Screaming Orgasm and Sexy Rodeo Riding Contest' for novelty manufacturer The Screaming O. The popular crowd-participation event runs all three days.

And in keeping with the rodeo theme, Red Light District is outdoing itself this year by bringing a mechanical bull to the show. Starlets Alexis Love, Aubrey Addams and Michelle Maylene will all be on hand to represent the company.

Busty bombshell Gina Lynn will greet fans at the Jules Jordan video booth, where she'll be plugging her latest movie Demons Within.

"I am really excited to be back for Erotica LA," said Lynn. "It is a perfect opportunity to meet fans and get their feedback. I'm anxious to hear what people say about Demons Within because it is something new for us. So far the reaction has been tremendous, but I want to hear it first-hand from the fans who buy the DVDs."

New Sensations contract girl Ashlynn Brooke will appear at the Wanted List booth along with AVN's 2007 Female Performer of the Year Hillary Scott, Jenna Haze, Delilah Strong, Shyla Sttylez and Shane's World babe Casey Parker.

Anabolic will have filthy real-life sisters Britney and Whitney Stevens on hand to satisfy the perverse cravings of gonzo fans. For those in need of a refresher course, Whitney's credits include Bring' Um Young 24, Teenage Anal Princess 6 and Nice Rack 14, while Britney can be seen in Balls Deep 12.

Of course, no porn convention would be complete without Jenna Jameson and her Club Jenna girls. Fans will have the opportunity to meet brand-new CJ contract girl Lela Star, Brea Bennett, Krystal Steal and - surprisingly - alt-porn poster child Joanna Angel, who's reportedly eyeing a directorial deal with the company.

Publicist Daniel Metcalf of DMPR tells AVN that Wicked Pictures has gone into "promotional overdrive" in preparation for the expo. Stormy Daniels, jessica drake, Kaylani Lei, Carmen Hart, Kirsten Price, and actor/director Randy Spears will all be appearing.

Also among this year's exhibitors: Naughty America, Hustler Lingerie, Pure Vanilla, Pulpo Inc., Monster Energy Drink, Adult Rental, AMA Video, Sextoy.com, Wantedlist and Hotmovies.

"Only at Erotica LA can you find the most sensual products and services, all under one roof," continued Cheer. "The show continues to attract the biggest names in the adult industry."

The Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa in downtown Los Angeles. The complete schedule for Erotica LA is as follows:

Friday, June 22: 4 p.m. -11 p.m.

Saturday, June 23: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday, June 24: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

For more information and tickets, go to www.erotica-la.com.