Namtar here…
Overlapping Vegas show dates for years, CES (Computer Electronic Show) and AVN (Adult Video Network) have finally declared a divorce. The two shows are now running their conventions independent of one another. This year’s CES show ran from January 10th-13th, while AVN held its convention from January 18th-21st. AVN also moved its location from the Sands Convention Center to the Hard Rock Hotel.
The Hard Rock is a stunning place to visit with its eye candy rock memorabilia and its unique room decor. However, to hold a porn convention with thousands of devoted fans, crowd trafficking and flow made navigating a nightmare. Also, the full scope of AVN was not available until the third day of the show.
AVN was housed in one showroom beginning on Wednesday. The first day is designated as the trade day for buyers and sellers to do business, and the different media outlets also conduct the majority of their interviews with the porn stars. Running concurrently with AVN is AEE (Adult Entertainment Expo,) which is a separate tradeshow housed in neighboring showrooms that offer different devices, toys, stimulants, apparel, and trade contacts for the sex industry. This show runs three days and is always full of surprises with the amount of ingenuity and inventiveness that businesspeople have devised. Some people have put a lot of effort and thought into making sex the best it can be as much as any scientist would labor over mapping the human genome.
For this year’s AVN, some fans would say the showroom was too small due to the fact that three to four exhibitors had to set up in adjoining halls to get face time with fans. Elbow room and centralization were a premium. Being expunged from the Sands may be more affordable, but it came with a price. To put it simply, the Hard Rock was too small for the show.
Many exhibitors were present, but walking through the aisles, anyone would not have been given that impression. Disappearing behind the scenes were companies like Bang Bus, and Adam & Eve. Most of these bigger companies only set up for business in the meeting rooms and saved on exhibition space and costs. Public impressions and visibility were handed off to exhibitors such as Evil Angel, Elegant Angel, Clips4Sale.com, Brazzers, and the Hong Kong Gentleman’s Club, who stepped up and did an admirable job.
Friday, saw Hard Rock’s “The Joint” club open its doors to accommodate the fans with more exhibitors. This provided two floors to meet and greet your favorite porn stars and other adult companies. With one floor providing balcony space, it gave a bird’s eye view of the entire first floor. Unfortunately, “The Joint” is a dance and nightclub first, and a showroom for a convention last. Tiered steps, poor lighting, a stage, and permanent railings prohibited freedom of movement. Some of the companies like Wicked Pictures, aebn.com, and Vivid Entertainment emerged from hiding to flaunt their pride.
Along with the companies, persons of notoriety in the industry were on hand for autographs and photo ops. Persons of note include: Jesse Jane, Alexis Texas, Kristina Rose, Jada Stevens, Chyna, Chastity Lynn, Riley Reid, Ron Jeremy, Aleah Jasmin, Samantha Saint, Tattgoddess, Kathryn Dupri, Tia Cyrus, Diamond Kitty, Nikki Delano, Kimberly Kane, Mason Moore, Dana Dearmond, Capri Kiara, Julez Ventura, Brandi Love, Nikki Hunter, Roxanne Hall, Chanel Preston, Aurora Snow, Aubrey Addams, Madison Ivy, Stevie Shae, Lellani Leeanne, Penelope Piper, India Summer, Skin Diamond, Katie St. Ives, Jessie Andrews, Lily Labeau, Stoya, Julia Ann, Victoria White, Kara Price, Kelly Divine, Mahina Zaitana, Mishka, Cece Stone, Asa Akira, Tory Lane, and many, many more.
Overall, AVN had a different look and feel to it. Hopefully, a more manageable venue came be obtained for the next convention. The Hard Rock had its heart in the right place, but insufficient space to accommodate the crowds and exhibitors. Until next year!
Here’s a few pictures to keep you warm!
We will have PART TWO of the AVN Photo Gallery up tomorrow!