Adult-Novelty Exhibitors at AEE 2008
By Richard Hunter
With the 2008 AVN Awards show just around the corner, so is the three-day Adult Entertainment Expo, which features a Buyer2Buyer area where adult-novelty manufacturers will unveil their newest offerings.
A big draw this year is the fact that it's the 25th anniversary of the AVN Awards-as well as the myriad of porn stars. The show will be hosted by Tera Patrick, who, in the past year, crossed over into the mainstream and the fashion world. Patrick launched her Mistress Couture lingerie line and will unveil new styles at AEE in her "Diva Las Vegas" fashion show.
This year, more adult-novelty companies than ever will attend and exhibit, including California Exotic Novelties, Doc Johnson, Nasstoys, Pipedream Products and Topco Sales.
Chad Braverman, Doc Johnson's director of product development and licensing, tells AVN Novelty Business that many innovative and never-before-seen products will be unveiled.
"We're particularly excited to introduce various novelties developed in conjunction with adult actors Belladonna and Mr. Marcus," he says. "We will also be unveiling 25 new vibrators, plugs and dongs stemming from our recent partnership with Titan Men. 2008 will be a stellar year for Doc Johnson, and we look forward to providing a glimpse of what buyers and consumers can expect from the world leader in adult novelties at the expo."
Cal Exotics will be in the Venetian Hotel and Casino Towers. Director of Marketing Al Bloom says the company will introduce the spring 2008 catalog supplement "Fantasies Outside the Box 2."
"It is jam-packed with over 200 new and exciting products that will be released between AEE and ANE in July," he says. "Susan Colvin, Jackie White, Lupe Martinez, Austin Ferdinand, Scott Stein and myself will be manning the suite and offering snacks and drinks while meeting with our valued distributors."
The manufacturer also will unveil the Papillon Massager, a vibrator that will help raise funds for the charity Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
"We will be placing promotional tent cards around the show promoting this charitable endeavor," Bloom says. "We are hoping the industry will put their shoulder behind it and make it a great success."
Pipedream Products will exhibit in the ANE Founders suite on the third floor of the Ventian. Rob Phaneuf says the manufacturer will show products from its Basix line, new Fetish Fantasy bondage pieces and six new bags, including the Naughty Nurse, Bachelor's Backpack and Naughty Schoolgirl bags.
Pipedream also will unveil no-mess lubricant and lotion applicators, silicone fun vibes and new items from signature collections, including Hannah Haper, Monica Mayhem and the Size Queenz line.
Nasstoys, which will showcase its new dildos, will be in its suite on the same floor as the other ANME founders and in merchandising distributors' booths on the B2B floor.
Topco Sales will display all of its new items at the Venetian and present its new "Redefining Passion" catalog. Among the products set to debut is the Joanna Angel Burning Angel line of toys.
"They are inspired by Joanna's movies and irresistible personality," says Marketing Director Desiree Duffie. "The toys are priced right and come in beautiful pink-and-black packaging."
Topco also will unveil Semenex, a semen-enhancing drink.
"Topco is now the exclusive manufacturer of the popular mix," Duffie says. "It has been making semen taste sweeter for years. Both Semenex and Joanna Angel will be presented to the press at a special meet-and-greet in the Topco Sales suite on Friday the 11th."
The B2B Marketplace is set up for exhibitors who do not wish to interact with fans attending the show.
AM Nutritionals' goal for 2008 is to offer cutting-edge supplements for the adult industry at an affordable price, beginning with AEE. Health Consultant Lance Parvin tells ANB the company will show Therafizz energy, which dissolves in 8 ounces of water in less than five seconds.
"We will also be launching Clavine," he says. "Clavine is finally available in the USA and is one of the strongest over-the-counter formulas on the market."
Another supplement manufacturer looking to raise more than eyebrows at the show is Beamonstar, whose herbal offerings include ExtenZe, XploZion and Sweeten69. As an incentive to visit its booth, Beamonstar will offer a free 15-inch flat-screen TV with qualified purchases to demonstrate its product line. A free 30-minute infomercial DVD is included. This special is available for a limited time. Call 888-398-3693 to reserve a TV.
Tony Levine, president of Big Teaze Toys, tells ANB that the new Tuyo was named the top luxury gift item on About.com. He invites AEE attendees to visit the Big Teaze booth to find out why.
BMS Enterprises CEO Steve Bannister says attendees shouldn't worry if they don't see him at the company's booth.
"If you don't find me in my booth, I'll be in Sony's booth at the Consumer Electronics Show, getting a quick fix," he says with a laugh.
Bravo Condoms plans to keep people safe at AEE while continuing its mission to make condoms cool. The company, founded by former race-car driver Zac Mazzotta, aims to empower young people to make the right choices.
"Bravo Condoms is for real," says Jeffrey Kraft, the company's operations specialist. "On whatever scale, if we save a life, prevent a pregnancy or even a rash, that's real. It will be interesting to see what goes down at this show."
Jennifer B, sales director of California Fantasies, says the company will unveil its Ice Crème Lubricants and products such as Snuggels Shrink Cream, Essence of Pearl and Razzels Massage Kits, which has packaging in multiple languages, including French, German, Spanish and English.
Chocoholics will be on hand to present its fun-filled, sensual line of natural chocolate products, including Strip Checkers, Passion Powder, Body Frosting, Strip Chocolate and the Chocolate Paint Tattoo set.
Account Executive Sarah E. Terrazas says the company will offer 10 percent off orders totaling at least $250.
Empowered Products is preparing to release its newest lubricant, Pink Water for health-conscious women. Pink Water rounds out a line of hot-selling products in packaging that is discreet and features three sizes of curved plastic bottles with locking pumps.
General Manager Chris Schaaf tells ANB he looks forward to introducing attendees to the entire Pink family.
"Come see how our Pink line of quality products can ignite your sales and expand your business," he says. "Pink Water will empower women at home and on the go!"
Vera Worthington, designer and founder of For Your Nymphomation, will be showcase the Rolling Toy Trunk, the Big Foot, the Heart Shaped Box and the Flogger Trunk.
Worthington says the Rolling Toy Trunk is an excellent sample-carrying case for home-party consultants and the Big Foot was specifically designed to complement the Fleshlight.
Alexandra Cage, who was hired as Forbidden Novelties' new sales manager in the final quarter of 2007, will make her first appearance representing the novelty manufacturer and distributor.
"We will be unveiling our new packaging featuring the likes of Shy Love, Katja Kassin and many others," Cage tells ANB. "Along with our new packaging comes new price points, new designs and new wands retailing under $30. In the new year, customers are going to see a lot of innovative and interesting things from our camp."
Attendees also are invited to check out the latest bachelorette accessories and adult novelties from Last Lixxx, a newer manufacturer in the industry. The company recently expanded its bachelorette line with new items such as veils, sashes and garters.
Ruth Chatfield, vice president of sales and marketing for M.D. Science Lab, says AEE will see the launch of the Swiss Navy Flavored Lubricants, which are available in 4-ounce bottles and feature a locking and leak-proof pump, as well as miniatures in a fishbowl. Chatfield says samples will be given to those who stop by the company's booth.
Paradise Marketing will debut Astroglide X, its first silicone lubricant. President Dennis Paradise says the first shipment has been sent, so the product should be hitting shelves at about the same time as its introduction in Las Vegas.
"We'll also have the Astroglide Team Girls," Paradise says. "The girls will be available this year for in-store promotions and marketing campaigns. Come and meet them between 1-5 p.m. each day."
Paradise Marketing also will showcase offerings ranging from the Vibrating Touch Massager by Trojan to condoms from Kimono and Lifestyles.
"Simply put, retailers simply cannot afford to not have these new and exciting products on their shelves," Paradise says. "We'll also have important data to review with our existing customers about plan-o-gram updates and new product additions coming up and what they can specifically do to increase their dollar volume and profit structure in 2008."
In the BDSM arena, Spartacus Enterprises Marketing Coordinator Alice Beckett tells ANB that although the new product releases are being kept confidential until show time, the new products are exciting.
"We like to keep our new products a secret until the show," she explains. "It gives people an excuse to come by our booth and see what's new. One of the new release in particular represents and exciting new direction for Spartacus. You'll really have to see it to believe it."
Click here for a complete list of exhibitors and booth numbers.
