HOLLYWOOD, Fla.—The inaugural AVN Show, the first-ever B2B show to combine all sectors of the adult industry, officially kicked off Thursday with the Meet Market event.
Participating companies manned their tables—many with swag and samples—as attendees milled around, asking what turned out to be the universal question of the night: “What do you do?”
“It was interesting to talk to people from other companies and find out what they do and where they are from,” said Mike Sessoms of Glow Industries, which manufactures and distributes smoking accessories and pleasure products.
Others were just as impressed with the event, especially since they were afforded the opportunity to interact with companies from other areas of the industry they might not otherwise have a chance to meet with.
And since the hotel is closed to the public and only open to show attendees, it makes it easier to find new business connections.
“Sometimes at other shows, you will meet someone and ask what they do, and find out they are just in the hotel on vacation, or something like that,” said Jayvis of DatingGold, an internet-based company that runs a variety of dating sites. “Here, everyone is here to do business.”
And thanks to the mingling of companies from every sector of adult, the Meet Market event saw the return of swag. Bags from Eros disappeared quickly, as did samples from companies like Prolatis. DatingGold shirts were a big hit, as were the Pirates Pendant Vibes from Digital Playground’s novelty line. Attendees of the event also walked off with everything from pens and notepads to water bottles, and from mini stuffed koala bears to lube samples.
The AVN Show continues through Saturday at the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Fla. For more information, visit AVNShow.com.
