UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Two of the most respected names in pleasure products have joined the list of top-notch sponsors for the AVN Novelty Expo, the premier B2B event for the sex toy industry.
Fun Factory USA and LELO both command respect for their innovative designs and upscale marketing, and their exclusive support of ANE reflects the show's growing emphasis on high-end, quality products. Fun Factory and LELO join Big Teaze Toys, Evolved Novelties, The Screaming O, and Spartacus Enterprises as sponsors of ANE, which will be held July 13-15 at the Sheraton Universal and Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, Calif. The annual convention brings together more qualified buyers with manufacturers of pleasure enhancement products than any other industry trade show.
"We trust AVN and all its team," said Rudy Kottbauer, director of sales and marketing for Fun Factory USA, the American division of German trendsetter Fun Factory. "Since we started our company six years ago, we have been treated in the best possible way. I find that ANE is one of the most important trade shows in the industry — and it is in our home town in the heart of L.A."
Shaye Saldana is the North/South American sales and marketing manager for Sweden-based LELO, perhaps the most recognizable name in the burgeoning luxury market. He expressed enthusiasm for the company's new partnership with ANE. "LELO chose to exhibit at this show because we believe that keeping and encouraging a positive relationship between manufacturers is the way to go about making a true positive change in our industry," Saldana said, adding, "As a company that is one of the leaders in mainstream cross over, LELO works hard to make sex and novelty a positive thing. We know that mainstream eyes are focused on ANE because AVN is the most trusted source of adult news and products."
LELO and Fun Factory USA are not alone in their zeal for ANE. The show's other exclusive sponsors have also conveyed their excitement about what the 2009 expo holds in store.
“We think ANE offers a wide variety of exciting companies for the buyers, and we are pleased to be part of it,” said Keith Caggiano, vice president of The Screaming O.
Staci J. Dunn, international sales and marketing manager for Big Teaze Toys, concurs. "The crew at Big Teaze Toys is excited about the upcoming AVN Novelty Expo because this show continues to be a valuable opportunity for presenting new products to the market, getting feedback from our trade partners and fellow manufacturers and learning about new market trends and best industry practices,” she said. “The show provides an opportunity for the industry to come together and share ideas that benefit all members of the supply chain."
Besides, added Tony Levine, president of Big Teaze, “How could we resist sponsoring the event that helped us show the world how much fun a good ducking could be!”
Laurie Bergquist, Spartacus Enterprises' senior vice president who manages the company with her husband and company President Stephen, said she and her staff are very focused on building awareness of their brand name and perfecting their product line, both of which can be achieved by exhibiting at ANE.
“Sponsoring ANE is a ‘dream come true’ for us,” she said. “This opportunity came at the right time for us to be able to participate at a whole new level. What really made my day was when of my excellent customers told me he noticed we were sponsoring the show, and how very excited he was for us. It was contagious!”
Gregg Alan, co-founder of Evolved Novelties, shares Bergquist’s enthusiasm at being one of the first new companies to sponsor ANE in several years.
“Over the years, AVN’s trade shows have been an instrumental sales and marketing vehicle for anyone with dealings in the adult industry,” he said. “By sponsoring AVN’s Adult Novelty Expo, we’ve aligned ourselves with one of the most recognizable and trusted brands in our business.
“As for the show?” he continued. “It’s the perfect forum for us to meet with existing clients, as well as build new relationships. This year should be especially exciting with the creation of The ‘O’ Awards. An awards show recognizing the efforts of the adult toy and novelty industry is long overdue. Thanks AVN!”
Registering for the AVN Novelty Expo is easy: Simply visit AVNNoveltyExpo.com and click on the registration bar in the left column. Attendees to the event are also admitted entry into AVN’s first-ever ‘O’ Awards, which are scheduled for July 14 at the show. Pre-nominations for The ‘O’ Awards are being accepted through May 15. For more information, or to participate in the pre-nomination process, visit AVNNoveltyExpo.com/OAwardsShow.
