AEE's B2B Marketplace Sold Out in First Year

In its first year of existence, the new B2B Marketplace of the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, has already proven its popularity by selling out all existing exhibition space.

The B2B Marketplace is a section of the show floor that is devoted to companies that are focused on products and services for retailers and do not benefit from general fan interest.

The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, coming up in January, is sponsored by AVN, but is presented by Home Entertainment Expo (HEE).

“The response to the introduction of the B2B Marketplace from vendors has been very enthusiastic,” said Carrie Dieterich, spokesperson for HEE. “These exhibitors recognized the benefits of having a separate area of the trade floor tailored to the business aspect of the industry and have taken advantage of this new opportunity.”

The B2B Marketplace will be comprised of more than 40 exhibitors utilizing over 7,000 square feet of the exhibit hall. The B2B Marketplace will be in operation during the first three days of the Expo and is devoted to companies that feature products such as point-of-sale systems, carpeting, shelving, and other display-type merchandise.

The general exhibit hall has nearly sold out as well, though another new aspect of AEE, the Gay Product Showcase, hasn’t yet reached their capacity.

Over 200 companies are exhibiting this year. “The new B2B Marketplace in addition to the Gay Product Showcase and the general exhibit hall have combined with the momentum that the entire adult industry has really given us an environment that is conducive to presenting the biggest show to date,” Andrew Mun, spokesman for HEE, told AVN.com.

The Gay Product Showcase is being sponsored by Cybersocket, Paladin Video, and Specialty Publications. Industry icon Chi Chi LaRue will be accompanied by gay porn stars Eddie Stone and Johnny Hazzard.

Prior to December 16, 2003, trade registration for the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo will cost $40 for VSDA members and $60 for non-members. Following the December 16 deadline, trade registration will cost $60 for VSDA members and $80 for non-members. Trade registration may be completed online at www.adult-expo.com or over the phone at 1-888-421-1107, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. CST Monday-Friday.

Fans who wish to attend may purchase one-day tickets at the cost of $40 online at www.ticketweb.com or by calling 1-866-468-3399. Tickets are also available at the door in limited quantities.

The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo sets the stage for the 21st annual AVN Awards Show, which will be held at the Venetian Hotel, on Saturday, January 10. Please note that a separate ticket is required for admission to the AVN Awards Show. For ticket information, go to www.AVNawards.com.

The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo will be held January 8-11, 2004 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.