AVN Announces 2027 Adult Novelty Expo Seminars

Kicking off the series on Wednesday, is a new seminar, “So you want to open your own store,” which will discuss what it takes to chase your dream, followed by the “State of the Pleasure Products Industry,” with longtime industry professionals sharing their insights about the future of the business.

Other hot-button topics include “What do buyers buy," “All aspects of AI in the Pleasure Products Retail World,” and “What does it take to enter the sexual health and wellness world?” While addressing several of the most important aspects of the industry, our legal panel will cover the latest legislation, restrictions, requirements, that every retailer should know.

The always informative and entertaining seminar, "Basics for Retailers,” is a do not miss where panelists will share their “must know” details on BDSM, anal, lubricants, and G-spot-related products, including marketing that every retailer should be aware of in order to better serve their customer base and educate staff.

The seminars are lively and include conversations amongst the presenters and allow plenty of time for discussion and questions.

The full schedule of 2027 ANE Seminars follows:

Wednesday, Jan. 20

10 a.m.-11 a.m.

So You Want to Open Your Own Store?

Many people’s dream is to open their own brick and mortar stores but it’s never as easy as it looks. Cash flow, inventory, staffing, zoning laws, and taxes are just a few of the topics shared among the current store owners on the panel. Learn the tricks that successful store owners have used to keep customers walking through the door and the all important staff happy and eager to make sales.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

State of the Pleasure Products Industry

What is the outlook for the sexual health and wellness field in 2027? Should we be concerned about the encroachment of mainstream stores or does that help with sales at our specialty stores? Are we recovering from recent economic downturns and if so, how? Learn from pros at many levels to get inspired as we look into our crystal balls of pleasure products.

Thursday, Jan 21

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Basics for Retailers

Four of the most popular categories every brick and mortar store should be well informed about include the G Spot, Anal, Lubricants, and BDSM. Learn the basics as well as more in depth information retailers should be comfortable sharing with their customers to introduce them to new products and categories. This lively seminar includes demonstrations to bring your staff to another level of knowledge and confidence in these important retail departments.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

What Do Buyers Buy?

When new products get released, what are the ones that buyers pay attention to? Is it the products that blow up on social media? The ones with unique designs and features? Trends? Price points? Packaging? Something else or all of the above? Learn how products are selected and how the buyers of stores big and small pay attention to the clues that benefit the bottom line.

3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Legal Panel - Where do we go from here?

It seems that every day we are threatened by new legislation, restrictions, requirements and other actions made to hinder our success in the adult industry. Learn from industry pros in several areas of the business on how to combat this interference and how to navigate the ever changing world of the legal sexual wellness industry.

Friday, Jan 22

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

What does it take to enter the sexual health and wellness world?

New products, new lines, and new inventions enter our industry on a daily basis, but what does it take for a young company to make an impact in our already crowded industry? Does it take robust social media, a lifelong warranty, impeccable customer service, or all of the above? Learn from these newer companies to find out what it takes to successfully break into the pleasure products world.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

All aspects of AI in the Pleasure Products Retail World

AI technology rapidly continues to be applied to our industry but how is it integrated into a successful customer experience? How can you incorporate AI to create smoother business operations? What should those in every level of retail learn about it? Learn the latest technology to keep your store up to date with time saving ideas and solutions for seamless operations.

The seminars are open to all registered buyers at ANE and will be moderated by Kim Airs, AVN’s Contributing Editor for Pleasure Products and 2024 AVN Hall of Fame inductee.

To see the full schedule, visit noveltyexpo.com.