Ahoy, AVN Novelty Business friends! The AVN Novelty Expo is soon upon us (July 14 and 15 in Universal City, Calif.), and you know what that means: new products, new connections, new opportunities, and new information, courtesy of three must-take-notes seminars.
Chad Braverman, manufacturer Doc Johnson's director of product development and licensing, sums why the ANE is an industry destination rather well: "ANE is extremely valuable to us as a leader in the adult novelty industry because not only is it an opportunity for face-time with our customers in a controlled setting where we can effectively display our product and provide valuable information, but it's an opportune time to catch up with industry peers and have some fun in the process."
Here's a bit on the industry's premier B2B expo itself:
This year, we have over 1,000 carefully chosen volume buyers attending and 150 exhibitors, 45 of which are new. Slick some Vaseline on your teeth, dust your palms, and wear your favorite comfy shoes because the networking opportunities are limitless. ANE is the only show to have California Exotic Novelties, Doc Johnson, Nasstoys, Pipedream Products, and Topco Sales exhibiting. Each of these companies is excited to showcase their latest and greatest creations.
Along with their new products, Nasstoys is celebrating their 30th anniversary by rolling prices back on its original products to 1978 rates. Taylor Wane, Nasstoys' celebrity spokes model will stop by on Monday and the manufacturer is promising "giveaways galore."
Topco will be rolling out new products at its booth with an undisclosed, much anticipated theme that is said to top the western style saloon last year that drew in the crowds.
Pipedream promises to "wow" attendees with star-power, bringing in Ron Jeremy, David "Pussyman" Christopher, Sean Michaels, Hannah Harper, Monica Mayhem, Kylie Ireland, and Cindy Crawford to stand by their products. The company will also unleash over 200 new products, about half of which are from their best-selling, couples-friendly Fetish Fantasy line.
Al Bloom at Cal Exotics is excited about the debut of their Toy Time 3: Selling the Fantasy DVD, a "must-see for every retailer."
Finally, Doc Johnson's entire 2008 collection will be showcased for the first time, including their offerings from dynamic partnerships with Vivid, Club Jenna, and Belladonna, as well as the debut of their Harmony line. Doc's 2008 Winter supplement will also be made available during the expo.
One new exhibitor is ToiBocks, a manufacturer of discreet, elegant storage solutions including its debut flagship chest for toys with a secret locking device one cannot truly appreciate without seeing it first-hand. The entrepreneurial women who own the company will be happy to show those who visit ToiBocks' booth how unwanted hands will have to have a Houdini mind to unlock this treasure box.
If you're looking to expand your inventory with products from the major manufacturers or stock up on unique items from smaller companies, this is the year to increase your bounty.
Of course an important feature of ANE is the seminars which have become a favorite among attendees. This year show organizers have assembled an impressive array of professionals to bring you intensive discussions on legal matters, eco-friendly products, and how to better run your business.
"Our aim with these is to help you keep your business running smoothly and with prosperity," explained Tony Lovett, V.P. and publisher of AVN Novelty Business magazine. "We've carefully hand picked the moderators of these seminars based on their experience and knowledge of the industry and hope all who attend ANE will benefit from them."
The Letter of the Law, Monday at 11 a.m.
A disputation of attorneys who want to see a sexually sane society where adult business are subject to reasonable regulations will be discussing the letter of the law. Topics include "Sin Taxes," zoning and anti-adult ordinances, the changing political climate, and more. First Amendment attorneys Clyde DeWitt, Paul Cambria, and Lawrence Walters, with Brent Dyer, an attorney who is an advocate for sexually-oriented businesses' constitutional rights are in on the discussion. The bottom line is business savvy is only one part of running a successful adult business; your t's and i's have to be crossed and dotted to protect your business.
How Green Is My Sex Toy?, Monday at 2 p.m.
Over at ANB, we've clocked that "going green" is a one of the buzziest buzz phrases this year. Building on the our July issue's feature story, we've invited two manufacturers and two retailers to discuss what "green" is all about in our industry and what companies, big and small, can do to be more eco-friendly from the product and the production process to the end consumer. Sure, we may touch on some inconvenient truths, but reps from Good Vibrations, Topco Sales, Sliquid, and Pleasures of the Heart won't leave you without some actionable solutions.
Retailer Boot Camp, Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand, the Retailer Boot Camp is a 90-minute seminar including our own managing editor of ANB magazine, Erica Heathman, who will moderate a discussion between Alicia and Ian Denchasy of Freddy & Eddy, Phyllis Heppenstall from A Touch of Romance and Condom Revolution, Dennis Paradise of Paradise Marketing, and Babeland's Rachel Venning. Staff education, diversifying inventory, web marketing, pulling in mainstream consumers: This is just the frosting on the cake when it comes to the knowledge our panelists are ready to impart.
In all, we at ANB are more than excited to welcome old and new guests, buyers, and exhibitors to what promises to be the best ANE to date. Last year's feedback informed our decision to have a shorter show, with longer hours, and we're looking forward to hearing how it was for you. After all, we're here to serve you. We hope you find the show rewarding and enriching and look forward to welcoming you back next year.
The 2008 AVN Novelty Expo is being held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City July 14 and 15.
The Sheraton Universal is located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608.
The Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is located at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, California 91608.
Show Hours
Monday, July 14, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday, July 15, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
