HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — In association with the premier adult retail chains of North America representing more than 200 retail establishments, XBIZ is proud to announce the launch of XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference, a first-of-its-kind trade event for adult retailers to debut Feb. 9-11 at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles.

XBIZ founder and Publisher Alec Helmy said that with the launch of XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference, XBIZ reaches a milestone that’s 10 years in the making — to offer a standard-setting B2B product line blanketing all sectors of the adult entertainment industry in print, on the web and through events.

Kristen Kaye, XBIZ executive director of business development, said that the cutting-edge event is naturally the company’s next step.

“The XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference is the crown jewel of the XBIZ repertoire of business-to-business offerings,” Kaye said. “We look forward to serving the retail sector of the adult industry with a groundbreaking event to present the ideas, tools and opportunities that are crucial to its success.”

With the event’s announcement, XBIZ also introduced the XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference Advisory Board, which includes Bob Christian of Adam & Eve Stores, Rondee Kamins of Adultmart/GVA-TWN, Mark Franks of Castle Megastore, Ed Braunstein of Deluxe Distributors, Hustler Hollywood’s Theresa Flynt, The Lion’s Den’s Shelly Sandau and Steve Brown of Romantix.

“On behalf of the entire XBIZ staff, I’d like to thank the members of the XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference Advisory Board for lending their support and guidance,” Helmy said. “The group is comprised of the industry’s most esteemed adult retail professionals whose contributions have all propelled the success of the adult retail marketplace. Their input is key to making the XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference the best retail-focused trade event ever.”

XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference will cater to adult retailers with concepts and business solutions presented through world-class seminars, roundtable discussions, keynote presentations and product showcases by top manufacturers and business solution providers.

"It's the realization of the 'smartest people in the room,'” XBIZ Features Editor Bob Johnson said. “The XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference brings together an unprecedented amount of retail strategies, analysis and plain old common sense all in one place. It's hands down the mother lode of retail and wholesale market intelligence."

Retailers from all sectors of the industry, including e-tailers, home party organizers, wholesalers and manufactures, are invited to attend to the XBIZ Retail Expo, which provides vital knowledge and tools that set the stage for success in the New Year and beyond.

“We’re looking forward to developing a first-of-its-kind forum for adult retailers where they can share their insights and best prepare for the future,” said Dan Miller, managing editor of XBIZ Premiere.

The XBIZ Retail Expo & Conference will coincide with the industry’s biggest business awards show, the 9th annual XBIZ Awards preceded by the leading digital media trade conference, XBIZ LA.

XBIZRetailExpo.com, the event’s official website, is coming soon.