Seminar Speakers Solidified for ANE

CHATSWORTH, Calif.—The seminars and panels presented at the AVN Novelty Expo have always been informative, educational and thought-provoking—even controversial at times. Once again, AVN Media Network has assembled some of the most respected and knowledgeable members of the pleasure products industry to serve as panelists at ANE. For the second and final ANE show of 2012—which has co-located with the International Lingerie Show and is slated for Sept. 10-12 at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas—there are five seminars taking place over the course of the three-day trade show, with presentations on an array of subjects with direct relevance to attendees. “We pride ourselves on offering the most cutting-edge seminar program in the adult industry, and this ANE seminar program is focused on the issues that are affecting your business now," said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “The AVN Novelty Expo seminar program will raise the bar once again.” Seminars and panelists are as follows: Supply = Demand | Sept. 10, 11 a.m.-noon | Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to pleasure products. Stock the right “it” toys, and you’ll pique the interest of experienced consumers. But in certain areas you just need to stock deep—especially those categories that stimulate multiple sales. Panelists will discuss how to select and display lingerie, skin care lines, body adornments, books and other side items that can draw in the curious browser. Panelists: Kristen Tribby of The Pleasure Chest; Georgene Smith of Earthly Body; Janet Hardy of Greenaway Press; James Bartholet from Truth or Dare XXX; and Wendy Williams, a TS performer with her own line of products through Doc Johnson.   Selling to the Seasons | Sept. 10, 3-4 p.m. | Bachelorette season, holiday season … there are tricks to stocking the right items at the right times and in the right way to capitalize on sales when shoppers are most willing to part with hard-earned dollars. Panelists will discuss year-round sales trends and when you should start putting seasonal items on display for maximum effect. Panelists: Bonnie Feingold of Honey’s Place; Larry Garland of Eldorado Trading Co.; David Keegan of Adam & Eve; Alicia Sinclair of Baci Lingerie.   Knowledge Is Power | Sept. 11, 11 a.m.-noon | The more you know about the products you carry, the easier it is to sell to consumers. There are many ways to educate those on both sides of the cash register. One way is to hire experts to do staff training and consumer workshops. But you also shouldn’t overlook the wealth of information offered by manufacturers—much of it free for the taking. In this seminar we’ll bring together some of the industry’s top road warriors—the sexperts and manufacturer’s representatives who work in the trenches alongside retailers, sharing educational and promotional tools. Panelists: Tamara Bell of HPPPA; Scott Watkins of Trigg Laboratories; Brian Sofer of Eldorado Trading Co.; Lucy Vonne of Evolved Novelties; Shaye Saldana of STEME; Kim Airs of ID Lubes; Stephanie Kienzle of Vibratex; Pamela Luu of OhMiBod; Pamela McKee of Papaya Toys; Erin Sue of Coquette; Tristan Taormino, an author, director and sex educator; and Melissa Jones; a sex educator.   The Deepest Cut | Sept. 11, 3-4 p.m. | It’s been a complaint for years in this industry. You wholesale or retail your merchandise at what you believe is a reasonable price that still allows you a modest profit margin, but someone else starts offering the goods online at a deeply discounted rate. Panelists will explore what options are available to combat the problem and how you can protect yourself and your brand. Panelists: Kelly Perez of SensualSteals.com; Clyde DeWitt; adult industry attorney; Robin Stewart of Jopen; Roylins Downs of Kama Sutra Closet; David Williams of Calston.   Tell Us a Story | Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-noon | Everyone has a great story to tell, whether it’s about a huge success or an epic fail. We’ll bring together a group of brave souls who are willing to bare all—and after they share their hits and misses, we’ll turn the tables and solicit stories from the audience. Bring your own tale of woe or wonder and learn from the experiences of others. Panelists: Sarah Tomchesson of The Pleasure Chest; Michael G. of Masque Sexual Flavors; Monique Hollowell, sexologist; Elan Rofe of Electric Lingerie. Panelists are subject to change without notice. For years, hundreds of qualified buyers from around the world have gathered for this pleasure product conference and exhibition, where manufacturers debut new items and buyers make their most important purchasing decisions of the year. This year, the addition of a Luxury Boutique—a new space on the show floor where manufacturers who specialize in high-end products will offer buyers the experience of browsing in an exclusive shop—is a major step in a new direction for ANE and participating manufacturers. The Luxury Boutique is sponsored by Je Joue, a manufacturer of award-winning pleasure products, including the G-Ki and the Ami. Buyers who register to attend ANE do so for free. Badges for buyers include entry to the AVN Novelty Expo show floor, admission to the International Lingerie Show, and breakfast and lunch daily. Pipedream Products is the registration sponsor for ANE. Event sponsors for the trade show include B Swish and Topco Sales. The badge also gives buyers the ability to vote in select “O” Awards categories, access to ANE seminars, an invitation to the “O” Awards, sponsored by CalExotics, and seating at the ILS Fashion Show. To register to attend ANE, visit NoveltyExpo.com. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Sara Harter at sara.harter@avn.com or (818) 718-5788, ext. 109. The Rio Las Vegas is offering rooms from $89. To book your accommodations, visit TotalRewards.com/hotel-reservations.