Inside the Adult Entertainment Expo

Every year, members of the adult entertainment industry gather to share information, debut new products and do business at a large convention. The 2009 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo (presented by AVN magazine, the premier trade magazine of the adult entertainment industry) took place January 8 – 11 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

As in years past, the largest gathering of the adult entertainment industry coincided with the largest gathering for tech enthusiasts—the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). As CES wrapped up on Friday, the AVN show began… and in the same venue, no less.

Actually, it’s no coincidence, as the AAE used to be part of the CES — appropriate when you consider all the new technologies that enhance adult entertainment. Some people even say the porn industry drives new technology, using the VHS v. Betamax battle of the 80s as a prime example.

With 350 exhibitors packed into two large exhibit halls at the AAE, there was plenty to see for industry members and fans alike. The show is open to trade and media only on Thursday and Friday, and to fans, enthusiasts and curious onlookers over the weekend. A series of panels for fans educated attendees on everything from using sex toys to joining the industry as a producer, director—even a star!

Of course, a highlight of the show each year is the live talent signing autographs for fans. Sasha Grey and Jesse Jane of Digital Playground’s Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge were onhand, along with Tera Patrick, Eva Angelina and, oh, about 250 other sexy performers, male and female.

The AAE and Las Vegas was also home to the 2009 AVN Awards, hosted by Belladonna and Jenna Haze. Click here to see a complete list of this year’s winners in every category of porn.

Various sources mentioned a slow-down of business this year due to the economy, with some major companies scaling down their presence and some smaller companies skipping the show altogether. The AVN reported an 18 percent drop in exhibitor attendance, according to this article on Variety.com.

Mind you, there wasn’t enough of a drop to require a government bailout or anything, but according to some observers, giveaways were also scarce this year.

The adult toy industry, however, continues to thrive, with many manufacturers and retailers filling the exhibit hall with all manner of dildos, vibes, battery-operated or hand-powered devices.

We talked about hot technology products available here at Vibrator.com in this post. This year, the buzz (so to speak) on the show floor at the AAE centered around products like the Real Touch, a life-like masturbator (complete with that warm, moist feeling) synced with a video. The ohMiBod, a wireless vibe that hooks up to your MP3 and pulsates in rhythm with your choice of tunes, continues to evoke oohs and aahs. More lifelike images (and feelings); music, music, music; and a more customized, realistic experience are the trends in porn toys this year.

As far as visual quality, however, most of the manufacturers are moving away from HD. The trend seems to be toward convenience over quality, with movies from Digital Playground and other major production companies available for download on the iPhone or iPod Touch. (Hmm… downloading adult vids to your Touch gives whole new meaning to the name of that handy device!) This, in spite of the fact that Apple remains steadfast in not allowing porn apps for the iPhone / iPod… Porn on the go? On demand? With or without Apple’s blessing, people will find a way.

Speaking of visuals, what’s a write-up of the AAE without pix, right? Here are some places to find all the T&A and famous faces you may have missed. With the Internet at our fingertips, who says anything has to “stay in Vegas?”

http://www.lasvegasvegas.com/2009/01/avn_2009_las_vegas_adult_enter.php
http://g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/blog/post/692668/Pictures-From-AEE-2009.html

For more information about the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo or to look into attending next year’s show at the Sands Expo Center January 7 – 10, 2010, go to www.adultentertainmentexpo.com.

Be Sociable, Share!

•