BURBANK, Calif. – XBIZ Retail 2012 officially kicks off today with attendees gearing up for two days of world-class seminars, one–of-a-kind networking and product presentations tailor-made for the benefit of the modern retailer.
From its 8 a.m. opening, the Baci Lingerie-sponsored registration booth welcomed attendees eager for the day’s slate of special events, which starts strong with the “Retail Success” panel discussing top strategies for today’s competitive adult retailer.
Moderated by Adam & Eve general manager Bob Christian, the panel discussion features Good Vibrations’ Joel Kaminsky, The Pleasure Chest’s Sarah Tomchesson, Peekay’s Phyllis Heppenstall, Lion’s Den’s Shelly Shandau and XR LLC’s Ari Suss.
A retail-specific version of XBIZ’s popular speed-networking will lead into a special Welcome Mimosa Toast that will mark the opening of XBIZ Retail’s sold-out show floor featuring exhibitions and showcases of the industry’s hottest products and services.
Among the XBIZ Retail Gold Sponsor exhibitors is Hustler Toys, which brought along its Hustler Lingerie brand to exhibit the Hustler lifestyle brand that encompasses pleasure products, apparel, lingerie and shoes.
“Everyone in the Hustler family is anticipating a huge show,” Hustler Lingerie national sales manager Zach Goode said. “It’s a pleasure to be here with Hustler Toys and showcase our newest products.”
Besides checking out the newest and bestselling products on the market, walking the XBIZ Retail show floor can be especially beneficial to one lucky attendee. XBIZ Retail is giving away an iPad to the attendee that visits the most booths and picks up decals along the way.
XBIZ Retail day one concludes with a special keynote by CalExotics CEO Susan Colvin and a welcome reception to be attended by the industry’s movers and shakers.
XBIZ Retail attendees and exhibitors alike also are anticipating the next day’s schedule that includes the 3-Minute Show Offs product presentations. Among the participants is Desiree Duffie, director of public relations for JOPEN, who will present the Intensity.
“Picking the Intensity was a natural pick,” Duffie said. “It has so many functions and benefits that we’re excited to be able to show buyers and store managers. Doing it in three minutes – that’s the challenge, but it’s helpful, you need to be able to deliver the elevator pitch.”
Also on tap for tomorrow is the 10th Annual XBIZ Awards, presented by MyFreeCams.com, which follows the close of XBIZ Retail 2012.
