It’s not all fun and games at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. Sure, the fans are there for a good time. But the hundreds of trade attendees come for something else: to keep up to speed on the changing business realities in the adult industry. To help them absorb as much information as possible, AVN offers a robust slate of networking events and educational seminars.
This year’s lineup is a microcosm of what’s bubbling up in news stories, hitting the shelves in retail stores or debuting on websites around the country.
The following seminars will be offered during AEE, which runs January 20-23, 2016, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. The 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.
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.
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.
Election 2016: Which 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Saturday, January 23
Consent Degrees: Yes, No and Everything in Between (1-2 p.m.)
Adult performers of all gender orientations operate in a world where they must create the illusion of ecstasy even though sometimes they may not always be having a good time. We’ll bring together a group of experts and industry veterans to discuss how the adult community can work to make sure performers—particularly young newcomers—are comfortable about speaking up if they’re not really down with what’s happening on and off set.
