CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Once again, the AVN Novelty Expo will gather leading experts in the pleasure products industry for its top-notch educational seminar program.
The 2016 ANE takes place Jan. 20-22 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. Once again, the show will take over the Paradise Tower in the hotel with all events, exhibits and seminars located in that area.
“We have worked hard to create a seminar program that will educate and engage attendees from all sectors of the pleasure products industry,” said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “We take great pride in knowing that every year our seminar program is a highlight for ANE attendees, and we know that this year’s line-up will cover topics that are of interest to everyone coming to ANE.”
A complete seminar schedule, including panelists, will be listed soon on NoveltyExpo.com.
Seminars are as follows:
The Trials And Tribulations of Owning A Sex Store
It can be a privilege to operate a space where people feel comfortable enough to explore their sexual desires and seek help from knowledgeable staff members. But it’s not always easy dealing with the unique problems that can come with owning such a business, such as vandalism, protesters, obscene phone calls and other nuisances. Here, panelists tell stories of their highs and lows as a sex store owner, and offer advice on how to deal with the downsides.
Truth In Labeling
While there has been a major move by manufacturers in recent years to be more transparent about what materials are used in their pleasure products, not everyone is as forthcoming as retailers and consumers would like. Some intentionally mislabel, while others inadvertently list incorrect materials for one reason or another. In this seminar, participants will talk about how retailers can know what’s really in the products they stock, and what efforts are being made to be as truthful as possible.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Selling To Every Body
Just as not everyone has the same sexual proclivities, not every customer has the same body types. Body shape, size and ability can make using many sex toys difficult if not impossible. This seminar will cover how people of size, varying physical abilities and different genders can use existing toys, or modify existing products, for sexual satisfaction. Retailers and manufacturers can also learn what toys might or might not work for different body types.
For Women Only
Mainstream media is quick to write about the issues—both real and imaginary—facing female performers in the adult industry. But women who work in other areas of the industry—as store owners, buyers, manufacturers, sex educators, bloggers and more—face a host of issues, both personally and professionally. In this closed-door session, women can gather in a safe space and talk about anything. No topic is off limits.
Legal Issues Facing the Industry
Top lawyers and other experts will discuss various legal issues that face the pleasure products industry (zoning issues for brick-and-mortar stores, how to find the right attorney for your business, etc.) and answer questions from audience members.
Scandal on the Shelves
Sometimes a scandal erupts and it has a direct impact on the pleasure products industry. Pills get recalled by the FDA, manufacturers detect flaws in products after they are shipped … you name it. something can go wrong. Here, retailers and others talk about when and how to pull products, and what could happen if products aren’t pulled from the shelves.
Point Of Purchase: Keeping Up With Payment Processing Solutions
In these days of credit card fraud and identity theft, the United States has been behind the game in fraud prevention when compared to the rest of the world. Now retailers—both brick-and-mortar and online—have to worry about being EMV compliant, while also keeping on top of the latest on mobile payment technology. This panel will feature experts from payment processing companies in the adult industry to explain the changes and what’s required.
Called “the CES of sex toys” by Wired magazine, the AVN Novelty Expo (ANE) will once again take over the Paradise Tower, and will be restricted to trade attendees. ANE gives businesses a space to expand their relationships, learn new trends, and meet all of the important people and companies in the pleasure product and novelty industry. In addition to product exhibitions, ANE offers workshops, seminars and networking events for everyone in the novelty sector.
All industry personnel may book hotel rooms in the Paradise Tower (rates start as low as $129 dollars per night) at Reservations.HRHVegas.com.
To secure exhibit space or for sales info, contact AVN at (818) 718-5788 or [email protected].
To register for ANE, visit EventBrite.com.
