AVN, ILS Join Forces for September Shows

CHATSWORTH, Calif.—AVN Media Network and Specialty Trade Shows, the organizers of the International Lingerie Show, will co-locate the AVN Novelty Expo and ILS shows in September. “We are very pleased to work with Specialty Trade Shows to run the shows concurrently in an effort to provide the best value possible to everyone in the pleasure products sector of the industry,” said Theo Sapoutzis, CEO of AVN Media Network. “We believe this agreement reaffirms AVN’s role as a business innovator in the adult novelty industry.” The news of the shows joining together is already being met with rave reviews. “I am thrilled that the two shows have finally committed to work together,” said Frank Kay of IVD/ECN. “We have been a supporter of AVN for over 27 years and we are happy to continue in AVN's growth and new business relationship with ILS. I wish ILS and AVN all the success in this new endeavor and I am in full support in doing both shows going into 2012-13.” “Wow, great news!” said Joanie Lee, sales manager for Icon Brands. “We've always done well at ILS—but now with ANE elevating the novelty side, and AVN promoting it as only they can, this immediately becomes a blockbuster show! We couldn't be happier.” “What an exciting opportunity for these two great shows running together,” added Larry Garland, founder and CEO of Eldorado Trading Co. “AVN and ILS together will be the retailer’s dream.” Specialty Trade Shows produces events that cater to unique segments of the apparel industry. For 30 years the company has successfully satisfied the needs of vendors and buyers of specialty wear and custom sizes that were not accommodated in other apparel shows. The International Lingerie Show is one of the largest intimate apparel shows held in the United States, and attendance is free for qualified buyers. In addition to sexy and adult-themed lines, exhibitors also offer dancewear, clubwear, swimwear and fetish gear. The AVN Novelty Expo is still getting glowing reviews from the January show, which saw a new location and format. “The show turned out well, the best of the last three AVN shows in my opinion,” said Don Zerilli, senior buyer and marketing coordinator for Nalpac. The AVN Novelty Expo is the industry's premier B2B event. ANE brings together the latest and greatest items from a wide range of cutting-edge companies. Toys, lingerie, lotions and potions, supplements, gifts, games, sex furniture, cosmetics, condoms, aphrodisiacs, accessories, and so much more will be on display—many products that are not found anywhere else. More companies debut their new products at ANE than any other trade event, so this is the place where business gets done. If you’re a buyer looking for the ultimate one-stop shop for all your wholesale purchasing needs, ANE is the place to be. “The International Lingerie Show and the AVN Novelty Expo have been among some of the best and best attended shows in recent years,” said Jeff Yunis, president of Specialty Trade Shows. “To bring these shows together, under one roof, makes sense on so many levels. We can’t help but think that the attendees will be as happy as we are to see the partnership develop.” The AVN Novelty Expo and International Lingerie Show will take place Sept. 10-12 at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. For more information, visit AVNNoveltyExpo.com. To exhibit or sponsor, contact Sara Harter at Sara.Harter@avn.com. For more information on the Lingerie Show, go to LVLingerieShow.com.