BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Expectations were surpassed for the industry as they entered Video Secrets annual holiday party at the Playboy Mansion on Saturday evening.
Gregory L. Clayman, president of Video Secrets shared his enthusiasm for the event's success with AVN Online on Monday morning.
"The party was off the charts and was a class act. The party last year at the mansion was our 10th year appreciation celebration. Due to its overwhelming success, we decided to do it again and we will continue to do it each year.
"We hold the party as a big thank you to everyone in the industry. We are so thrilled to be able to put on this appreciation celebration for our closest friends, family and relatives in the industry. It's for the industry. As long as we can do it, we would love to do it. We want to thank everyone who attended. We do it for them to thank them for everything they do for us.
"As long as everyone is there, and having a good time, it is great. We also like to keep it intimate and relaxed, so we do not invite more than 500 people. By doing this, it keeps the event classy. No one has to wait in long lines and they get the attention they deserve from us."
Clayman was correct. The party was off the charts. The holiday cheer was given out by Video Secrets in extraordinary proportions. Attendees were granted a plethora of visual stimulations amongst the gorgeous backdrop of the mansion's waterfalls, pools and rock formations. The event was also warm and cozy, as Video Secrets turned up the heat by featuring a tent-covered venue.
Entertainments included the company's best videos upon numerous screens and talented sexy pole dancers dressed in an abundance of fur and feathers. Cheerful servers also walked the party carrying a variety of delicious appetizers, as many food stations featured deliciously decorated desserts.
A deejay kept the two checkered dance floors pumping with passion all night as well, giving industry leaders a chance to get loose and let off some steam accumulated by holiday stress.
Of course, what's a Playboy party without the girls? The numerous pole dancers filled our spirits with delight. They were also friendly, posing with many key players and raising the energy of the night with their high spirits.
While the girls strutted their stuff in scantily clad furry fits, and busted out moves, the attention stayed on the upcoming unveilings of the New Year.
Many were in high spirits, as anyone should be at the famous mansion, and shared their new news for 2008 with enthusiasm.
Joel with online billing company DHD Media was careful to keep his news under wraps, but stated that he is looking forward to rolling out a whole new line of business.
Holly Stokes, operations manager with VividCash stated that they are producing a "brilliant" new site called BrandNewFaces.com.
Stephen Bugbee, president of Matrix Content, stated that his company will be launching five new products in 2008 - Matrix Content 2.0, Matrix Feeds, Matrix HD, their free site and in the summer, a DVD line under the Matrix label.
While Bugbee shared his news, Mansion Productions' Oystein Wright added a comment about the spectacular party.
"As usual, Video Secrets put on the kind of party that people are envious to get into."
As the night went on, conversations became saucier and grew closer. Personally, I believe that the powers of tequila had some influence.
WantedList's Anh Tran collected himself at the bar and stated, "In 2008, the industry is changing. A lot of stuff is getting commoditized and there are a few companies that will survive out of it. Of those that can survive, God bless."
Gamelink's Stacie Adams announced her new position as traffic manager and head of viral marketing, a promotion from affiliate sales manager. Gamelink recently restructured their affiliate program and will be announcing some exciting new news.
Dennis Woo from GreenScene, a non-adult program, said he is now working with Adams and Gamelink to produce an outward directed traffic and affiliate program.
"We have some new technologies that are coming out. We have a maturity of the video market. We will be developing stronger relations with studio stars and niche categories. They have been served, but they have not been served in a premium sort of way. With the new technologies that we will be working with, getting back to Stacie, we will be heading into the Web 2.5 sort of zone. As far as the news of many companies like YouTube that are being sued, we do not want anything to do with that. Nice try guys, but we really want to be able to make this legit. We really want to stick where the money is for us, and for our affiliates."
Adams added that a recent success for Gamelink occurred with a partnership with Nina Hartley.
"She is such an incredible intellectual, as well as a porn star. It is a pleasure to work with someone who is a professional in the business and is involved in the industry and is not afraid to talk about it. We did an interview with her and put it up on YouTube and got an amazing amount of hits without her having to show any skin."
Derek Meklir, from AdultWhosWho, was spotted by the photo booth with a few lovelies.
Near the time of the closing of the party he shared some parting words. "The party was amazing, only because no one had to see me in the Grotto with my clothes off."
Clayman added a special thanks to Playboy for the mansion and to those who contributed to the glossy gift bags.
Pictures from the event can be seen in two galleries, first page can be found here and second page is here.
