2011 AEE, AVN Novelty Expo Announce Seminars

LOS ANGELES—The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE) will collaborate with AVN Novelty Expo (ANE) to offer an extensive range of adult industry business seminars during the 2011 Expo, show organizers announced today.

In addition to popular annual sessions that focus on business strategies to grow a successful adult business, examine the role of women in adult entertainment, and provide updates by respected industry attorneys on legal trends, ANE will present additional trade seminars that concentrate on the latest trends, technology and products coming out of the global toy and novelty market.

Seminars scheduled for the 2011 AEE are:

Product Diversity & Niche Markets

Thursday, January 6, 1-2:30 p.m.

Adult entertainment is made for an enormously diverse audience. Identifying, selling and marketing the right products for an existing customer and attracting new customers is vital in today’s competitive marketplace. This session will explore the various products available for a varied consumer base that would include gay and lesbian content, ethnic products, fetishes and a variety of sub-genres.

Buying & Selling Adult Toys & Novelties — Presented by ANE

Thursday, January 6, 3-4:30 p.m.

The variety of adult toys and novelties continues to grow—embracing the latest technology, meeting more specific needs and expanding their presence in households. Leading retailers, distributors and manufacturers will discuss the latest products and trends as well as tips on merchandising and selling in both brick-and-mortar and online outlets.

In the Company of Women

Friday, January 7, 1-2:30 p.m.

Women are a powerful force in the industry, from their growing numbers as consumers to their roles as directors, producers and company CEOs. Dr. Lynn Comella will moderate this session that includes director Diana DeVoe, and retailers Jacq Jones of SugarTheShop.com, Matie Fricker of Self Serve and Greg DeLong of Njoy. While traditionally an all-female panel, 2011 will include the first male panelist to share his perspective on the women’s market.

Arthur Schwartz Legal Seminar: Recent Developments in Adult Law

Friday, January 7, 3-4:30 p.m.

Sponsored this year by the Free Speech Coalition, this always valued and informative session will once again explore recent developments in obscenity, zoning, occupational health and safety, labor law and record-keeping requirements that impact the adult entertainment industry. In addition to these legal updates, the subsequent interactive discussion allows attendees to ask questions about important industry issues affecting their businesses.

The China Syndrome — Presented by ANE

Friday, January 7, 4:45-5:30 p.m.

Like it or not, the Chinese are entering the American sex toy market, which has some manufacturers in a panic and some retailers looking forward to greater profit margins and a larger selection of products. A roundtable discussion between retailers, distributors and manufacturers will hash out the pros and cons of foreign competition, and reveal strategies to remain profitable in the inevitably competitive global market.

Digital Evolution 1: Advancing Your Business Model Through Technology

Saturday, January 8, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

In understanding the latest technologies used to deliver content, process payments and develop partnerships, learn how to effectively adjust and expand an existing business model to reflect the changing business environment. This seminar will explain how the latest advances can work for every type of adult business.

Digital Evolution 2: Selling Through Social Networks: Making the Web Work for You

Saturday, January 8, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

In today’s world of Facebook and Twitter, communicating with customers can be a 24/7 job. Attractive, user-friendly websites are only the beginning. Get tips on generating traffic, buying media and relationships with search engines and how to effectively reach customers through social networking sites in this compelling discussion moderated by Jay Kopita of YNOT.

$ex Ed — Presented by ANE

Saturday, January 8, 2-3:15 p.m.

As the couples-friendly boutique continues to supplant the traditional adult book store, education is one of the key elements in transforming both company image and the customer base into a more profitable model. A panel of some of the leading designers and retailers who have pioneered in-store and online education for their staff and customers will provide an in-depth formula for success through higher education in this interactive workshop.

For a complete list of events, click here.

The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines business-to-business transactions, networking, knowledge-sharing, talent appearances and special presentations for the public.

The largest event of its kind, AEE showcases the most comprehensive collection of adult talent, exhibitors and products, which attracts buyers and fans from around the world. The 2010 Expo hosted more than 20,000 attendees, scores of popular entertainers, and featured hundreds of exhibitors.

New to 2011, the AVN Novelty Expo will replace AEE’s B2B Marketplace, bringing to Vegas the same cutting-edge pleasure products and specialized seminars that made ANE a summer favorite. For more information about the Expo, including a list of exhibitors and events, refer to AdultEntertainmentExpo.com.

The Expo will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., from Thursday, Jan. 6 through Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011. Attendees can register online at AdultEntertainmentExpo.com.

Thursday is restricted to trade attendees only, and special trade-only hours on Friday and Saturday will restrict access to industry professionals and the media in order to permit exhibitors to make and build business and media contacts before fans are allowed into the Expo.

Trade attendees who register before Dec. 15 will get a $125 early-bird special rate. Trade registration provides an all-access badge which admits the holder to all AEE and ANE seminars, the main exhibit hall during all show hours, and access to the AVN Novelty Expo.

Special Fan Tickets also available at early bird rates. The VIP Fan Package, available for $85, includes access to show floor an hour earlier than general admission, dedicated registration area, AEE Show Directory and a complimentary T-shirt. General Fan tickets are available now for $65 before Dec. 15.

The 2011 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo will run concurrently with the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on all four days. The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo is not affiliated with CES.

The 2011 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo sets the stage for the AVN Awards Show, which will be held at the Palms Resort and Casino, on Saturday, January 8, 2011. The annual AVN Awards Show is the premier gala of adult video and recognizes titles, individuals, and companies for contributions to and excellence in the industry. Please note that a separate ticket is required for admission to the AVN Awards Show. For more information on the AVN Awards, visit AVNAwards.com.

To exhibit at the 2011 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo January Robbins at [email protected] or call (818) 718-5788. To exhibit at the 2011 AVN Novelty Expo, contact Sara Harter at [email protected].