HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - A new type of consumer show is on the horizon, geared towards Southern California couples seeking sexy products and classes: Love L.A.: A Sensual Festival.
The intimate adult event, set for 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood, will feature 30 handpicked local vendors in a romantic setting-without traditional booth setups, harsh lighting or a testosterone-laden crowd.
"We want vendors to share their favorite products, rather than hard-sell wares," said event creator Ian Denchasy, whose idea for a couple-oriented event was quickly embraced by L.A. Weekly and many local adult companies. "Booth cost is low, [and] admission is low. We want visitors to explore their options with adult products, services and lingerie in a sexy, pressure-free environment."
Denchasy said the event will differ from many adult-industry shows in its scope.
"This show has three main goals: information, education and sensuality," he said. "Pornography will be conspicuously absent. We are definitely going for an upscale vibe."
"It's about time that the industry recognizes a need for a high-end event that speaks to women and couples," said Kristen Tribby, Education/Marketing Coordinator for Babeland, who will both vend at the event and help organize and staff the many seminars. "Love L.A. is an exciting alternative to the typical sex expo. It provides a space for folks to explore their sexuality in a non-sleazy, inclusive environment. It's innovative, woman and couple friendly, educational based, and seductive in its nature."
The organizers expect between 3,000 and 5,000 attendees during the one-day show.
Love L.A. will feature seminars on topics such as tantra, BDSM, fellatio and female ejaculation, drawing on the knowledge of well-known sex experts such as Midori, Mioko, Patti Britton and Tristin Taormino, and educators from Babeland, Sportsheets, Stockroom and The Pleasure Chest.
"Our seminars will be more informational and less sales-oriented-actual education, as opposed to veiled sales pitches that we've seen at other consumer conventions," Denchasy said. "We'll all be on hand to demystify sexual taboos and celebrate our favorite activity with the provocative and shy alike."
Locally based merchants-including Alexander Institute, Babeland, The Pleasure Chest, The Screaming O, Sportsheets, Stockroom, and Freddy and Eddy, which Denchasy co-owns with his wife, Alicia-will be on hand to share their products and knowledge with visitors.
"We've been interested in doing a show that's focused on the majority of consumers, rather than just those interested in the adult industry," said Keith Caggiano, co-owner of The Screaming O. "Our product is geared toward that audience-couples enjoying sex [and] looking to try something new-and that's who will want to attend this show."
Manufacturers Devine Toys, njoy toys, and OhMiBod and lube makers Pjur, Sliquid and System Jo will be among the vendors traveling to Los Angeles for the event.
"We'll also have plenty of sexy events to keep things hopping," Denchasy said. "Stockroom will be putting on three amazing fashion shows throughout the day. We've even managed to book the incredible Sassy Minxx to dance among the attendees."
The expo was scheduled to coincide with couples' preparation for Valentine's Day and the second release of L.A. Weekly's Sexy Little Black Book, a guide to the sexy side of Los Angeles, updated to include Orange County.
"The pieces are in place for one of the most revolutionary events in sexual history (no kidding)," Denchasy wrote about Love L.A. in a recent L.A. Weekly column. "I think a fresh alternative is needed that appeals to sexuality in a positive way. Love L.A. is it."
More information about Love L.A. will be available on the show’s website, LoveLAShow.com, set to launch Dec. 1. Tickets will be sold through the site at that time.
