LOS ANGELES - Organizers of the AVN Novelty Expo (ANE) have released the names of panelists and moderators for the upcoming seminar series at the 2007 expo. Seminar topics include forecasting trends, customer education, sex toy materials and launching a new business venture.
Sponsored by California Exotic Novelties, Doc Johnson, Nasstoys, Pipedream Products, and Topco Sales, the 2007 AVN Novelty Expo will take place at the Sheraton Universal & Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, CA from July 16-18, 2007.
Last year, the show brought more than 150 exhibitors together with 900-plus qualified volume buyers to network, market, and stay current on the industry's latest trends. This year's show will offer even more ways for manufacturers and buyers to interact and conduct business, including the seminar series sponsored by AVN Novelty Business Magazine (ANB).
Show organizers urge all attendees to book their accommodations by Monday, July 2; rooms are currently available at the Sheraton Universal at the discounted AVN rate of $179. Attendees can book online at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/AVG12A or by calling the hotel directly (888) 627-7186. Hotel rooms are still available at the Hilton Los Angeles, however, a discounted rate is no longer available.
For show information, visit http://www.avnnoveltyexpo.com/. For details regarding exhibiting and sponsorship and advertising, please contact Sara Harter, Account Manager, [email protected] or (818) 718-5788 ext. 109, or Janet Gibson, Sales Director, [email protected] or (818) 718-5788 ext. 126.
The complete schedule and list of speakers and moderators follows below. Each one-hour seminar will be followed by a Q&A session.
ANE 2007 SEMINARS
July 16, 2:00pm-3:00pm?The Future is Now: Meet your customers' needs by anticipating sexual trends and educating your staff
From g-spots and female ejaculation to teledildonics and fetish fare, keeping on top of sexual trends is the only way to make sure you've got what your customers are looking for. And keeping your staff in the loop is crucial in converting customers' desires into sales for your business.
Speakers:
Al Bloom, Marketing Director, California Exotic Novelties
Charlie Glickman, PhD, Education Program Manager, Good Vibrations
Julie Stewart, Vice President, Sportsheets
Moderator: Cory Silverberg
July 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Retailer Boot Camp
As a retailer, are you thriving or just surviving? Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned veteran, learn how to take your business to the next level in this crash course featuring an all-star panel of industry experts and retailing luminaries. From buying and staffing to marketing and design, here's everything you need to know to start a new venture or breathe new life into an existing one.
Speakers:
Tom Berger, CEO, Fairvilla Megastores
Ken Dorfman, National Sales Manager, Doc Johnson
Phyllis Heppenstall, Founder/CEO, Peekay, Inc., Lovers, A Touch of Romance, Condom Revolution
Sherri Williams, President, Loving Enterprises
Moderator: Cory Silverberg
July 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Everything You Need to Know About Sex Toy Materials But Were Afraid to Ask
Don't miss this industry update on a hot topic that has been the focus of recent coverage in both mainstream and industry press. Learn the basics of sex toy materials and get easy-to-use information so you can respond to your customers and staff who want to know whether what you're selling is safe.
Timothy K. Crawford, Technical Director, Drugs and Cosmetics, Topco Sales
Ian Denchasy, President, Freddy and Eddy Inc.
Mike Harrison, Account manager/corporate presenter, Empowered Products
Moderator: Jenn Ramsey
