opinion

3 Questions and Answers from the Show Floor

Attending the Adult Entertainment Expo and the Internext Expo, I had the opportunity to speak with consumers, newcomers to the business, industry veterans, and journalists. There are always a few questions that tend to represent a trend and a few questions where I feel I could have been more candid, so I’m using my blog to cover both of those.

The trend questions.

Question 1:

I hear the smaller number of companies exhibiting and smaller space at AEE is reflective of the state of the industry’s recession, would you agree?

My Answer: No. Although there have been industry struggles and obstacles, even if the financial situation of every company was at its top level today, exhibiting in the same ways companies used to just doesn’t make sense anymore. It’s more of a reflection of the digital age where physical goods and presence are just not that necessary, or worth the cost. Super fans are able to develop relationships with their favorite stars through their own personal websites, facebook, twitter, and even live cams. Business deals have been getting done through online communication for years and waiting around for a big buyers show really isn’t feasible in the fast paced market. Yes, some new deals come out of these events but these events are often about meeting in person and relationship building. Lastly, all of this physical presence doesn’t seem to make sense at all. Why are companies and organizers still spending money to print large ads that will be thrown out? Seems like renting a “jumbotron” screen would be more effective and the use of digital screens would be a way to cut costs, and still allow companies opportunities for branding and sponsorships. I mean, a company could even have a live girl talking to the fans as an ad, for example. More to the point, it seems that the event organizers (and this is true of many adult industry events) need to move the exhibition experience into the digital age.

Question 2:

Seems like with all the piracy going on, “live” is really the way to go?

My Answer: Kind of. The live experience is definitely something that should be part of, or complimentary to, any adult studio’s offerings, but what’s really needed is just a better experience for the consumer, generally. From having sleek and easy-to-use interfaces, to offering live content, games and other interactive experiences, all in a way that allows the user to find what appeals to them easily, will help a company create an experience that is hard to match elsewhere. I also believe the portion of the adult consumer market that enjoys the live experience is just that, a portion, and it doesn’t make sense to serve that portion at the exclusion of the larger portion that enjoys recorded video viewing, and may not want the live experience.

Question 3:

So I have an idea for a series of adult videos to start my business, is there a company I can talk to that can help me and do everything?

My Candid Answer: Ummmm, no. No one is going to help another business get started or believe in your ideas as much as you do. In fact, if they are pretty decent ideas, you run the risk of the companies you share the ideas with running off with them before you can even begin to develop them. The only person who can help you is you. You can pay others to do the work you need them to do, but they aren’t ‘helping’ you; they are working for you. So, if you really believe in your idea, go out and get it done.

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

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

How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements

The supplement industry is big business. In 2024, Future Market Insights estimated it to be valued at $74.3 billion, and other market research firms anticipate that number will grow to upwards of $170 billion in just 10 years.

Rick Magana ·
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 never 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

Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings

As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.

Alicia Sinclair Rosen ·
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 ·
opinion

Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer

As summer rolls around, the excitement in the air is palpable, especially for one particular demographic: Gen Z. College and university classes are over, vacations are booked and it’s time to let loose.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

The Barcelona Job: A Diamond Heist Drenched in Sweat and Seduction

In a city famed for its architecture and allure, something far more seductive is about to go down. The priceless NakedSword Diamond is nestled deep within a heavily fortified Barcelona museum, and master thief Sir Peter has his eye on the prize.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design

Pride Month is a time of visibility, joy and self-expression. In the pleasure industry, projecting that energy can start with something as simple as a box. Market research shows that 72% of U.S. consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.

Matthew Spindler ·
profile

Sara Loverays on Tapping Her Goddess Energy

When Sara Loverays first turned on her webcam, she didn’t know it would change her life — or unlock a side of herself she’d been waiting to set free. What began as a way to make extra cash between travel physical therapy contracts soon became her full-time passion, a platform for self-discovery, and a ticket to building her own brand based on sensuality, self-discovery and “goddess energy.”

Jackie Backman ·
profile

WIA Profile: Pettus Ashley

Pettus Ashley brings her A game to the world of authentic adult branding, flitting between airports as the American face of U.K. brand Bathmate. As a company brand ambassador, Ashley personifies Bathmate’s dedication to the retail world, showering staff with equal amounts of appreciation and sales education.

Women In Adult ·
Show More