CHATSWORTH, Calif.—AVN Media Network has announced the topics for its top-notch educational seminar program for the AVN Novelty Expo, which takes place Jan. 24-26, 2018, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
Leading experts in various fields will share their knowledge and give their advice on a variety of topics to attendees of the industry’s leading B2B show.
“Each year, we look at the issues affecting the industry, as well as the questions veterans and newcomers alike are asking about the pleasure products industry, and we tailor our seminar program to address those topics,” said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “Our seminar program is a highlight of the trade show for many attendees, and we are sure this year’s line-up will be a hit with panelists and attendees.”
The seminar topics and times are as follows:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
10 a.m.: Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money)
Leading financial experts in the adult industry will tackle a number of subjects here, giving tricks and techniques for selling online and on the go in 2018. Learn why your competitors are beating you in online sales. Find out how to save money when selling your wares face-to-face on or on the go; hear about the—sometimes cheaper—options for mobile payments instead of just PayPal and Square. Panelists will discuss how to maximize profits, how to provide chargeback-saving customer service, and how to increase customer retention. Learn why not to trust your local bank and/or a roaming merchant account salesperson.
11 a.m.: Lay the Law Down
This panel features legal experts who will discuss everything manufacturers and retailers need to know about copyrights, trademarks and the rights and legal recourses afforded to the holders of such documents.
Noon: Sexual Religion
Many times those who work in the pleasure products industry might find themselves at odds with various religious communities. But that doesn’t have to be the case. In this seminar, speakers will talk about how they have reached out to churches, faith-based marriage retreats and more to not only attract new customers, but help combat the negative connotations associated with sex toys and adult boutiques.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25
10 a.m.: Riding the Storm Out
Natural disasters—fires, floods, earthquakes—can be devastating to any community, but when retailers and manufacturers of non-traditional products are hit, it can be even harder to recover. Some insurance companies won’t work with adult for a variety of reasons, and financial institutions often see the business as too high risk. Here, panelists will talk about what the pleasure products community can do to work together and help one another out in times of need.
11 a.m.: A Change Is Gonna Come
Look around. While the pleasure product industry has made a conscious effort to include women, there is still not much representation of minorities. This panel will talk about the different ways various groups think about sex, sex toys and more, as well as discuss how to be more inclusive when it comes to employees and customers.
Noon: Take a Chance on Me
Getting the pleasure product you designed actually made isn’t the end of the road for small manufacturers. There’s still the matter of getting your product in front of customers. It can be difficult trying to figure out whether to deal directly with retailers, and/or which distribution companies to use. In the seminar, manufacturers, retailers and distributors will talk about the pros and cons of both routes, and share their success stories as well as their challenges.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
10 a.m.: Because I Got High
As recreational marijuana is becoming the law of the land in more and more states, fans of cannabis are learning how to incorporate it into all areas of their lives, including their sex lives. Panelists will discuss how retailers and manufacturers can work with everyone from dispensaries to consumers to pair people with the best pleasure products.
11 a.m.: Don’t Bring Me Down
It can be rough working in the world of sex toys. Strangers will judge you for what you do for a living. Customers sometimes share inappropriate stories without regard to your boundaries. Even helping someone find a pleasure product that works for them can be draining on your mind and body. And it seems that for many, things have only gotten worse since last year’s election. Here, speakers will talk about the importance of self-care, particularly during these times of political strife.
Noon: Doctor, Doctor, Give Me the News
In the never-ending move to get recognized in mainstream outlets, manufacturers are looking to work with medical professionals to have their products recommended to patients. Panelists will talk about the benefits of collaborating with physicians, how to know if it’s right for your product, and how to get started.
For more information, or to register to attend, visit NoveltyExpo.com.
