LOS ANGELES—AVN Media Network is pleased to announce the full schedule for the all-digital Adult Novelty Expo (ANE), presented by Satisfyer, which will kick off this Tuesday morning.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Expo for the first time will go all-digital on ANE’s cutting-edge virtual platform.
ANE will feature 40-minute presentations from dozens of industry-leading manufacturers during the next four days in addition to a world-class educational track consisting of eight seminars with expert panelists who will share insights on the latest trends affecting the pleasure products industry. ANE will host two panels each day—at 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
For buyers who have yet to register, click here.
The featured event of ANE, the 12th annual “O” Awards, will return at 8 p.m. Wednesday night, when the most outstanding achievements in pleasure products during the past year will be recognized in a virtual ceremony hosted by industry veteran Kim Airs and adult star Aila Donovan.
The ANE panel lineup follows:
Tuesday, Jan. 19
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
How Understanding Anatomy Can Help Your Customers
Sure, we all know the words “clitoris,” “g-spot,” “penis,” and “anus” but do you know exactly where they are and how they behave once these bodily parts are exposed to the pleasures of sex toys? How do we learn this information? How do we train our sales staff? What kind of terms should we use in our businesses to keep customers happy?
The panel includes Kerin De Francis of Doc Johnson; Conde Aumann of Screaming O; and Ducky Doolittle of Blush Novelties.
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
Post-COVID Brick and Mortar Retailing – The Pros and Cons
As the coronavirus began its spread across the US, states began enacting their own retail business closures to address the pandemic. Many states had retailers completely cease operations while other stores offering “essential services” remained open. The retail adult industry had to quickly pivot so what did they do? Our three retailers from around the country include Kathi Pepper from Peppers Parties Too in Alabama; Casey Lozano of the Patricia’s chain in the Midwest; and Kali Morgan of Passional in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, Jan. 20
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
To Affiliate or Not to Affiliate? That is the Question…
As we learned during the retail shutdown, having a complete adult products store online kept the revenue coming in for many brick and mortar stores. Many retailers fulfill from their own websites while many choose to have their distributors do the drop shipping for them. But does having an affiliate help or hurt the brick and mortar retailer? There are benefits and drawbacks to both and we’ll learn more from retailers and why they choose to do either one as well as drop shipping distributors that are in the business.
Representing a major affiliate site is Ann Houlihan of CNV, and the brick and mortar and online sellers Brittany from Cupid’s Closet in Los Angeles and Chrystyle from Temporary Satisfaction and Long Beach, CA.
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
What to Carry? Novelty Distributors Discuss Buying Decisions
Many retailers, both online and brick and mortar, rely on their buyers to offer products that would be good sellers in their stores. But how do the buyers select what will sell and what they won’t?
Bonnie Feingold from Honey’s Place and Viben; and Lou Angione from National, both international distributors; and Jennifer Downey from the Ohio-based, multi-store chain, Ambiance, will share their secrets of buying decisions in this informative workshop.
Thursday, Jan. 21
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m
Social Media Marketing for Retailers in the COVID Era
When business came to a grinding halt in spring 2020, many stores shifted to online sales, driven by the power of social media. Was it worth the effort? Did it improve sales? Did online sales increase or outpace the bottom line from the previous year?
Moderated by Nenna Joiner from Feelmore 510 in Oakland and Berkeley, hear the pros and cons of adding a robust social media presence during these unprecedented times with Roylin Downs of Trystology in Ventura, Calif.; Beth Liebling from Darling Way in Houston; and the behind-the-scenes wizard, Jacki Mick, of Fairvilla in Florida.
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
BDSM: Selling Kink to the Vanilla Crowd
Since the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon that hit the adult market years ago, how do we continue to engage our customers to try something kinkier or more daring? What kind of education should we provide when they are buying some of the “harder” play equipment? We’ll explore the Boundaries of Being Bound, the Dollar amount of Domination, the Selling to Sadists and the Money you can Make. Put it together and what does it spell? BDSM, of course.
Josh Ortiz from XRLLC; Kristin Moore from Boneyard; and Danny Winters from Leather By Danny will be representing manufacturers; and Hudson P. of Toolshed Toys in Milwaukee will talk about BDSM from the retail level.
Friday, Jan. 22
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
“You Want Lube With That?” The Art of the Lube Up-sell
Lube, glorious Lube! The benefits of using a personal lubricant should appeal to every sexually active adult. But how many times have we heard “I don’t need lube” or have a customer that is clueless about lube’s limitless uses? How do we start that conversation with our customers? Learn from the Lube Pros because that’s their major, and sometimes, only product they sell.
Moderated by John Marinello from pjur/WowTech, he will be joined by Cheryl Sloane from Uberlube; Briana Honz Watkins of Swiss Navy; Jason Browne of System Jo; and Cassie Pendleton representing Wicked Sensual.
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
Niche Products That Fill A Niche Hole
Many manufacturers have focused on a particular area to specialize in. How does the retailer support these smaller companies and how do they promote them in their businesses? And how do these companies support their customers on a limited budget?
Moderated by Rob Reimer of Boneyard, he’ll be joined by Cathy Ziegler of Kheper Games; Shellie Yarnell of Crystal Delights; and Mike Blacksmith from Tantus.
Included are nightly Virtual Happy Hours, where attendees can mix and mingle with each other and let their hair down to discuss business, insights, and meet each other, no matter where in the world they are located.
