Have the “bad boys” of the Web left the building? Not exactly, according to Internext 2004 attendees and organizers. Despite the conspicuous absence of the types of over-the-top stunts seen in years past, the bad boys are hangin’ tough – they’ve just cleaned up their acts.
“It’s been a very business-oriented show,” said Internext Show Manager Renee Johnson. “People have become really serious. The adult Web business, and consequently the show, have evolved. It’s not just about the girls.”
As if consciously supporting Johnson’s statement, an inordinate number of suits populated the show floor this January. Booths were redesigned to reflect a more mature perspective on a more mature industry.
“[Exhibitors are] trying new tactics,” Johnson said. “Girls are signing in booths, but they’re not necessarily dancing. Instead, the booths are being used to seal business deals.”
Exhibitors from both mainstream and adult companies agreed.
“We’ve been very, very busy,” said Lee Ali, business development manager for wireless firm Adult Services Network. “We’ve signed lots of deals with U.S. Webmasters who have European exit traffic.” His sentiments were echoed by representatives of JVC, Toshiba, and Real Networks.
Internext 2004 occupied a 180,000-square-foot exhibit hall at the Sands Expo from January 5-7. The larger hall housed 150 exhibitors, a push from last year, and pre-registered attendees grew by 30 percent, according to Johnson
For more on Internext, check the official internext blog.
