Page 78 - AVN March 2017

FEATURE
NEW SPACE, NEW FACES
The 2017 AVN Novelty Expo featured innovative products in a fresh exhibit hall
ANE 2017 | By Kim Airs
The latest installment of the AVN
Novelty Expo kicked off January
18 in its “new” home at Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The
three-day B2B show opened to
exhibitors and buyers in the recently
constructed addition to Artist Hall.
With more space for booths and
meetings, exhibitors marveled at the
more elegant feel.
“You have to be amazed,”
said Carrie Smith of Wicked
Sensual Care. “There are so many
exhibitors, and the space looks and
feels wonderful.”
With seven aisles of booths,
ANE featured some of the biggest
names in the pleasure products
industry alongside newcomers to
the industry.
Seminar topics were varied during
ANE, touching on everything from
avoiding pitfalls when it comes to
banking and financial issues for
brick-and-mortar stores, to the
benefits of white-labeling to the
synergy between the cannabis and
pleasure products industries.
Back on the show floor, attendees
participated in VIBE meetings and
got up-close looks at some of the
products that will be available in the
coming months from a number of
manufacturers.
Exhibitors came from more
than a dozen countries to show
off their wares for the first time
at the preeminent adult products
trade show, and all of them were
very pleased with the results. The
business-to-business format allowed
both buyers and manufacturers
quality time to meet and discuss
deals with their unique products
and wares.
The buyers came from all corners
of the earth because they knew the
biggest show in the U.S. for the
adult industry invades Vegas every
January. Travelers from Eastern
Europe, Russia, South America
and the growing Asian and Indian
markets were present as well as
domestic buyers who chose to
attend only one show. They were
afforded the opportunity to meet
many manufacturers who also
attended only one business-to-
business trade show that month,
and the consensus among attendees
was that being at the show was well
worth the investment.
Many of the manufacturers took part in the VIBE program at the show, which allowed for one-to-one appointments with
selected buyers from around the globe. Meeting the participants at their booth guaranteed quality time with the certified buyers
and allowed the manufacturers to take orders directly at the show.
Upon entering the vast hall where new manufacturers joined well-established companies, the most emotionally moving booth
was that of prominent distributor Eldorado Trading Company, which lost its fearless and respected owner, Larry Garland, less than
a week before. “The show must go on!” they chanted and there were many hugs and tears shared within the walls of the Eldorado
booth, which showcased some of its finest offerings. A large portrait of Garland was on display surrounded by several flower
arrangements as both staff and customers shared their memories of their beloved Larry. Orders were taken by new and long-term
customers, continuing the legacy that Larry and the Eldorado team are known for.
International manufacturers graced the show floor, offering goods that were all adult related. From accessories to toys, the
variety of products and countries represented reflected the vast appeal of the AVN Novelty Expo.
Showing at ANE for the first time was Pleasure Glass, traveling to the show from Lima, Peru. International Sales Director Carlos
Torres mentioned that they did the show to present their beautiful glass toys to the American market. “Our main goal was to
connect with distributors from many countries here at the show. I am happy to say that we will be closing many deals within the
next few weeks.”
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