Last month AVN announced the topics and schedule for the trade seminars at the 2016 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. These educational panels feature adult industry experts and are open only to trade attendees. Topics have been chosen in an an effort to reflect current issues and preoccupations in the industry, with the intent to help both companies and individuals flourish in an ever-changing industry. To get more information about the panelists, click here.
All seminars will be held in Studio 1B, inside the Paradise Tower at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
Wednesday, January 20
Private Lives: Protecting Member Data
3-4 p.m.
Hacking is a fact of life, with security breaches happening at all levels of the digital sphere, from healthcare databases to retail giants to adult dating sites. AVN will assemble a panel of seasoned players to talk about how you can protect your clients’ sensitive information.
Moderator: Colin Rowntree
Panelists: Jon Buckheit of FriendFinder Networks, Ron Cadwell of CCBill, Jami Choudhury of eSecureSend, attorney Eric Bernstein, information security professional Joe Evans, Bryan Larkin of SKYlab Technology.
Case Studies: Keeping Tabs on Changing Laws and Regulations
4-5 p.m.
Condom regulations, the 2257 lawsuit, piracy battles, zoning challenges, and the odd challenge to freedom of speech—all of these issues affect your right and ability to produce and sell adult entertainment and pleasure products. A team of legal eagles will help keep us in the loop on the latest developments.
Moderator: Mark Kernes
Panelists: Paul Cambria, Allan Gelbard, J. Michael Murray, Karen Tynan.
Election 2016: Which Presidential Candidate Is the Best Bet for the Adult Industry?
5-6 p.m.
American voters will be choosing their next commander-in-chief over the next 11 months, both in primary elections and the national presidential vote in November 2016. A panel of politically active porn vets will discuss the pros and cons of the candidates seeking to move into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as how the outcome of the election will affect the industry.
Moderator: Howard Levine
Panelists: Clyde DeWitt, Kelly Holland, Dee Severe, John Stagliano, Evan Stone.
Thursday, January 21
Trans Action: Exploring Trends in TS Erotica
1-2 p.m.
More Americans than ever before are aware of, and open to, the transgender community. Learn more about this lively and profitable adult entertainment niche from producers and sales people, both veterans and vibrant newcomers.
Moderator: Kristel Penn of Grooby Productions.
Panelists:Fran Marquez of Shemale Strokers, director Aiden Starr and performers Jessy Dubai and Foxxy.
Empowering the Performer: How to Be Your Own Boss
2-3 p.m.
More than at any time in the past, adult performers have at their disposal a wide array of opportunities to control their professional destiny. The discussion will include issues related to traditional adult entertainment work as well as webcamming and live chat, running websites and online stores, and working the gentlemen’s club circuit.
Moderator: Colin Rowntree
Panelists: Casey Calvert, Nate Glass, Sunny Lane, Natalie Pannon, Sean Phillips, Lexington Steele, Vicky Vette
Porn or Erotica? Chasing That Indie Vibe
3-4 p.m.
It’s famously said that the difference between porn and erotica is lighting ... but it’s obviously much more than that. We all know it when we see it, but just what ineffable qualities turn adult entertainment into something that could fit in on the film festival circuit?
Moderator: Eli Cross
Panelists: Michelle Flynn, Alex Ladd, Greg Lansky, Magnus Sullivan
Friday, January 22
Love Virtually: The Multidimensional World of VR
1-2 p.m.
AVN has always gotten a charge out of cutting-edge porn tech, from 3D to 4K. We’ve heard much about the promise of what virtual reality technologies can bring to adult entertainment. Now, at last, VR seems ready for its close-up. This seminar will explore what’s out there on the horizon.
Moderator: Colin Rowntree
Panelists: Lee Bond, Ela Darling, Fivestar, Brian Shuster
Has the Internet REALLY Changed Anything About Sexuality?
2-3 p.m.
As a 30-year resident of Silicon Valley, Marty Klein hears every day that the internet has changed everything. And as a 30-year sex therapist in Silicon Valley, he has had a front-row seat for the latest ways that people use technology as part of dating, mating, cheating, fantasizing, and long-term coupling. In an entertaining, fast-paced talk, Klein will talk about what hasn’t changed about sex, review what sex is actually like for most people, how that shapes their porn-viewing habits—and why it matters to the adult industry. Klein has written several books on sexuality, including America's War on Sex.
Now Trending: What’s Hot, What’s Ahead
3-4 p.m.
Fauxcest, hotwifing, feminist erotica, high-end IR, femdom, reality porn, GILFs … these are a few buzzwords that have been kicked around lately. We’ll assemble a panel to talk about what’s selling, and why.
Moderator: Kevin Moore
Panelists: Ashley Fires, Bree Mills, Dana Vespoli, Jay West
AEE kicks off with a welcome cocktail party on January 19 and runs through January 23. Click here to register for trade badges.
