CHATSWORTH, Calif.—An integral part the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, presented by MyFreeCams.com, are the educational seminars, and the 2018 show—taking place January 24-27 at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas—is no exception. Seminars will run during the first three days of the show, and are open to all attendees with trade badges. The program is designed to touch on a wide range of aspects of the adult industry, from video production to live cams to legal issues looming on the horizon. Many seminars are aimed specifically at performers, with discussions on how they can make their own content, maximize their social media efforts and stay healthy.
The seminar topics and times are as follows:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24
3 p.m.—Just Looking for Some Touch.
On live cam sites with hundreds of broadcasters all vying for attention, how do the top earners set themselves apart? It’s not always about who gives the most explicit show. Sometimes fans aren’t just looking for some tush. Successful broadcasters talk about how they incorporate gaming, dance, acrobatics, crafts and other skills into their shows to keep viewers coming back for more.
Moderator: Chauntelle Tibbals
Panelists: HackerGirl, Goddess Haven, Joey Kim, Shawna Leneé, Natalie Star, Harriet Sugarcookie
4 p.m.—Survey Says …
As members of the adult community know, when journalists write about this industry they often get it wrong. Thankfully, some scholars have put in time and effort to really study this industry, producing studies of erotica, pleasure products and other aspects of the business. One group turned their attention on the AVN Expo and surveyed fans at last year’s event. They’ll discuss the results of the survey with a panel of industry insiders.
Moderator: Paul Maginn
Panelists: Nina Hartley, Ian O’Brien, Siouxsie Q, Constance Penley
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25
2 p.m.—Make That Connection
Like any producers of entertainment, artists in the adult industry must learn to navigate the attention economy. Fans have only so much bandwidth to spare—and to make their mark, adult stars must get noticed. Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and even strait-laced Facebook all have their purpose in the social media toolbox. And since fan engagement is so vital to building stardom, new platforms specific to the industry are emerging. Learn more from experts in this ever-changing field.
Moderator: Chauntelle Tibbals
Jim Austin, Lindsey Banks, Aubrey Kate, Jenna Sativa, Kissa Sins
3 p.m.—Law & Disorder: What’s Ahead in 2018
The AVN Expo wouldn’t be complete without a panel surveying the legal terrain ahead, watching for pitfalls that can affect the production and sale of adult entertainment and pleasure products. Condom regulations, 2257, piracy battles, zoning challenges, and the threat of government repression—these are some of the topics our panel of experts will discuss.
Moderator: Mark Kernes
Panelists: Clyde DeWitt, Erica Dubno, Allan Gelbard, Eric Paul Leue, J. Michael Murray, Karen Tynan
4 p.m.—The Means of Production
Call them clips, customs or videos … by any name, performer-made content is big business. Veteran producers, clip site operators, webmasters and performer-directors talk about the details of making erotica and also delve into the ways to find an audience for that content. We’ll also cover how this sector of the market allows for more diversity, because performers can connect directly with fans and produce content in under-served niches such as BBW, ethnic, queer and feminist porn.
Moderator: Glenn King
Sara Jay, Ash Hollywood, Goddess Kyaa, Luke Longley, SSBBW Applebomb
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26
2 p.m.—Lights, Camera … Acting: The Bare Essentials of Erotic Storytelling
Whether it’s shooting a gonzo scene or playing a character in a scripted feature, it’s the job of the adult performer to bring a fantasy to life. That takes acting—a skill that many performers have to learn on the job. AVN Award-winning director Bree Mills, the woman behind the story-driven erotica of Girlsway.com and PureTaboo.com, moderates a discussion on the importance of acting in adult, with adult stars revealing the ways in which they get in touch with their inner thespian.
Moderator: Bree Mills
Panelists: Casey Calvert, Seth Gamble, Small Hands, Ricky Johnson, Penny Pax, Derrick Pierce, Aubrey Sinclair, Whitney Wright
3 p.m.—Flexing With the Stars
The professionals make it look easy, but having sex on camera—energetic, acrobatic and entertaining sex—demands peak physical fitness. Some of porn’s top performers share their health and fitness secrets in this panel discussion. They’ll talk about not only how they stay in shape for their physically demanding jobs, but also how they stay emotionally healthy in the face of demanding work and travel schedules, and the constant pressure to interact with fans on social media.
Moderator: Derrick Pierce
Panelists: Ryan Driller, Abigail Mac, Phoenix Marie, Brett Rossi
4 p.m.—Slut Shaming and Troll Taming
The flip side of social media is anti-social media, and adult stars see their fair share. Stalkers, haters and trolls lurk everywhere, ready to pass judgment on members of the industry—not only for their choice of work and lifestyle, but for their appearance, ethnicity and gender orientation. The hurtful comments can reach beyond the internet, even sometimes coming from other adult industry workers. Performers are invited to join in an exploration of how to deal with the hostile language of slut shaming.
Moderator: Chauntelle Tibbals
Panelists: Janice Griffith, Mia Li, Venus Lux, Nikki Night, Liam Riley, Jacky St. James
More information about the AVN Show can be found at AdultEntertainmentExpo.com.
To register for the show, click here.
To book a room, click here.
