This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of AVN Online.
There’s no doubt about it: Many people got into porn for the specific purpose of mixing business with pleasure. After all, what better perks could a person ask for than a literal piece of the proverbial action?
While many may partake, there are those in the industry who have elevated this philosophy to an art form, bringing the business hook-up to new heights.
Since 2002, Webmaster Access has been the go-to business-with-benefits show for those that make their mark online. Webmaster Access was the creation of ICS Entertainment, which was bought out in toto four years ago by Playboy Enterprises, and enthusiastically continued under its auspices.
And under this umbrella, networking has never been so much fun for traffic players, programs, affiliates, and webmasters. Shelly Riley, Playboy’s event coordinator, thinks she knows why: “We offer a Euro show in Amsterdam as well as an L.A. show that follows up with an [invite-only] party at the Playboy Mansion! Who can top this?”
This year’s Los Angeles event, which took place in May, was sponsored by familiar online industry names: PussyCash, WegCash, eMerchantPay, and DatingGold, among others. The event unfolded over three action-packed days, with a golf tournament and corporate cocktail party kicking things off. This was followed by topical seminars led by industry heavyweights, with topics including “Cross Sales, Upsells, and Additional $$$” as well as “Choose Your Content Wisely” (hosted by yours truly, AVN). Other highlights included a one-hour speed networking session, an XBiz barbeque, and the much-anticipated Playboy Mansion soiree finale, a pajama and lingerie extravaganza (as if there would be any other theme?).
Riley said that attendance was “pretty good” this year, with many of the show “regulars” in attendance, along with a noticeable contingent of fresh faces. Show content also featured some new aspects: “We added gay webmaster events to the schedule to bring in more of the gay companies and webmasters,” Riley said of the expanded gay-themed offerings, which were sponsored by NakedSword and Gunz Blazing.
While the economy has definitely had its effect on the show circuit (just as it has everything else), Webmaster Access was prepared with a contingency plan for 2009. “We’ve only had one show this year, which was our L.A. show,” Riley explained of the more tightly edited show schedule. “Attendance was down, but so is the economy, so it was expected!” she emphasized.
Webmaster Access has also adapted its sponsorship opportunities to accommodate tighter advertising budgets during this time, a practice that will continue for the Amsterdam event in September. Sponsorships for many key happening were still available at press time, and Riley noted that special sponsorships could be fashioned to fit any budget. “If you’re interested in a sponsorship that’s not listed, don’t worry – we can make a unique package to fit your company’s needs,” she said.
Even though the economy is tight, online entrepreneurs cannot afford to miss out on meet and greets that are essential in the business as well as getting the latest skinny on industry innovations. If the only way out is through, as they say, might as well take the path lined with Playboy bunnies.
And there is nothing quite like economic doldrums to bring out the party in people. But while the players can definitely play on at a Webmaster Access show, business is still the real name of the game. Even with the international money meltdown, business was brisk at the L.A. iteration of Webmaster Access 2009. “There were tons of business deals happening during the show,” Riley confirmed. With fewer shows and a more concentrated audience, it looks like attendees are arriving ready to connect and transact.
Overall, the atmosphere was best described as quality over quantity, according to Riley. “There were a lot [fewer people] than last year, but we all still had a good time and got the deals done we needed to do!”
Riley has continuing high expectations for the European leg of the tour. “Our next show is in Amsterdam from September 25-27,” she told AVN Online. As in years past, the entire Radisson SAS Hotel will be commandeered for the event so that the top players in online porn can network without the prying eyes of the curious public.
Promised Riley: “This should be a good one!”
This article originally appeared in the August 2009 issue of AVN Online. To subscribe, visit AVNMediaNetwork.com/subscribe.
