profile

Toronto Networking Party Recap

Previously, I've discussed the Importance of Networking as a contact developing and knowledge building experience. I recently had a chance to practice what I preach by attending Hosts4Porn's Toronto Networking Party. This was my first "regional" Webmaster gathering; here's what I found:

Held at the "B-Side" in Downtown Toronto, the Toronto Networking Party was Hosts4Porn.com's first event — and judging from its apparent success — not their last! Sponsored by Python Video, Platinum Bucks, AVN Online, KLIXXX Magazine, SobeGirl, and hosting giant RackSpace, this event came to life due to the hard work and support of all involved, especially Stephen and Allison from Hosts4Porn, who made it all happen.

Eating, Drinking, and Merrymaking
With an estimated 200 attendees including Erik from SobeGirl, Aly from Python, Platinum Dave, Evil Chris from Wild Rose, Sharon from Great Lakes Webmasters, Derek from Xamo, Uncle D, Hungry Man, Road Hockey, and folks from Orgasm.com, XXX Audio Cash, wefuckinpublic.com, and many more, the B-Side rocked till the early morning hours.

One of the factors contributing to the dynamic nature of this event was the audience. While not open to the general public, the party was not limited to "Webmasters Only" and was attended by others from the non-web adult industry, as well as bankers, accountants, and investors in search of new opportunities. Many of these latter attendees were no doubt surprised to find no strippers on the bar tops, nor wanton sexual displays. Powered by the freely flowing alcohol (and abundant hot and cold food), this event was a fun, but laid back fiesta for all involved.

Mixing Business With Pleasure
One of the great benefits of a Networking Party such as this is that the focus is on both work and play, allowing people to exchange both ideas and business cards in a comfortable environment. This serves to break down many of the barriers one faces in a more traditional business setting, and can often provide attendees with more tangible results.

Talk among many of the partygoers was that this event was more profitable for them than some of the larger shows, since they had the luxury of spending extended "face time" with prospects. Couple this with the minimal expense involved in attending, and you have a recipe for success. ...the overwhelming theme was "When will they do this again?" — a clear indication that it was a worthwhile endeavor.

I spent a great deal of my time "working the door" — greeting comers and goers and soliciting as many comments as possible. No one I spoke to had anything bad to say, and the overwhelming theme was "When will they do this again?" — a clear indication that it was a worthwhile endeavor.

Other Opportunities
For those who were unable to make this event, other opportunities exist. There is already talk of another Toronto gathering — and perhaps one in Montreal as well. For those that find a quick trip to Canada to be a little too far from home, Adult Webmaster Events conducts an ongoing series of regional events, one of which is sure to come to a city near you.

Regardless of who stages an event or where it is held, these smaller Webmaster gatherings — while lacking the glitter and glitz of InterNext — present a fabulous option for networking with your peers, and one that should not be overlooked. Attend one, and see for yourself!

As I took one last stroll around the B-Side, I noticed the large, black "Python" banner still flying over the stage, providing mute testimony to the revelry of the night before. As I took the banner down, carefully rolling it up and putting it away, I smiled softly to myself, thinking "We'll need this for next time:" I know I'll be there ~ and I hope to see you all there too!

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide

When France implemented its Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law on April 11, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing global debate surrounding online safety and access to adult content.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

From Tariffs to Trends: Staying Resilient in a Shaky Online Adult Market

Whenever I check in with clients these days, I encounter the same concerns. For many, business has not quite bounced back after the typical post-holiday-season slowdown. Instead, consumers have been holding back due to the economic uncertainty around the Trump administration’s new tariffs and their impact on prices.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Optimizing Payment Strategies for High Ticket Sales

Payment processing for more expensive items, such as those exceeding $1,000 per order, can create unique challenges. For adult businesses, those challenges are magnified. Increased fraud risk, elevated chargeback ratios and heavier scrutiny from banks and processors are only the beginning.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
Show More