After a raucus Friday and Saturday — the tidal wave of straight and gay fans at AEE/GAYVN Expo exponentially increases decibel and energy levels — Sunday’s closing day actually allowed conversation without shouting.
Saturday, in fact, produced some crowds and screaming usually reserved for the straight section of the Expo: The Titan Media models caused quite a commotion when, suddenly, in front of a sizeable crowd of straight and gay onlookers of both sexes Zachary Pierce and Troy Moore began to kiss. It was masculine and passionate and the straight men and women went wild with amazement.
Cameras flashed, vidcams were aimed — the onlookers couldn’t get enough. You could hear the yells of encouragement throughout the hall. And Pierce and Moore, surrounded by their rugged cohorts, Jake Deckard, Tober Brandt, and Ken Mack, responded by putting on quite a show.
Though more subdued on Sunday, the Titan booth did boast the presence of legendary Ray Dragon who was on hand to sign autographs for most of the afternoon.
In final-day conversations with GAYVN Expo exhibitors, company after company stressed what a good show it was for doing business.
Eliot Whittall, of gay clothing company Whittall and Shon, said, “I was really pleased, it being our first time exhibiting — we’ve only done the lingerie shows before. We did more business than I expected.”
Another first-timer’s response was similar. Joe Roberts of Fandaco Distributing said he made a lot of new contacts and intends to return in 2007, doubling his booth space.
COLT’s John Rutherford said the COLT Corner merchandising idea really caught the interest of a number of retailers who are planning to incorporate the concept with COLT product in their own stores and chains. “And I’ve already picked out our spot at next year’s Expo,” he said.
Most exhibitors echoed Roberts and Rutherford and have already committed for space at next year’s GAYVN Expo. All that remained Sunday was to pack up 2006 and look forward to 2007.
