opinion

Adult Becomes “Adult”

The inaugural XBIZ Hollywood show was a defining moment in adult Internet history that marked a turning point for the business of online adult entertainment: yes, in my opinion, 2007 was the year that the industry finally grew up.

There are several examples that point to this maturation: the first of which is the tone of the event and makeup of its participants: held in a venue that exuded “Old Hollywood” luxury, you saw a higher percentage of suits – and a much lower number of drunken 18 year olds looking for the next open bar – than you would at many adult shows. Business was what everyone was here for, but with plenty of fun to go around as well.

Another note on the participants: there were many new faces there; but they weren’t necessarily those of new people – meaning, it’s not that there was a lot of newbies, it’s that XBIZ Hollywood attracted a broad audience, with a lot of representation from the offline adult industry, including producers and others from the Valley, as well as folks that don’t typically attend the more ‘party-oriented’ industry gatherings.

A further indication of our maturation into a true industry was the unprecedented meeting that took place with the leaders of the FBI’s 2257 inspection team. It was phenomenal to have the opportunity to hear from the chief inspector the details of the inspection process; with the volume of questions that were answered – and the way they were answered – leaving many operators feeling much more comfortable about it all. The FBI is treating the 2257 inspection process in the same way they would treat any other industrial records inspection; a sure sign that we are now, indeed, “an industry.”

Even the most passionate of those expressing opposition to .xxx did so in a respectful and professional manner, illustrating the difference in maturity level between those operators that are shaping the future of online adult entertainment and the “keyboard warriors” – when the chance to address ICM’s Stuart Lawley directly came up, these punks showed themselves for what they are: all talk and of no consequence when and where it matters. I stood up to the microphone. Where were they?

I moderated two of the Master Classes: the first one featured Ali Joone of Digital Playground and eminent producer Andrew Blake. Both screened reels of their work and discussed the finer points of production, artistic vision and depicting erotica. Anyone in the video or production end of the business knows of these two producers and realizes what a coup it is to be able to pick their brains.

The second Master Class I moderated focused on recruiting and retaining productive affiliates – something of vital concern to all program owners and affiliate managers. Featuring Albert from Silvercash; Rainey from PrideBucks; Mark of Naughty America and Attorney Spencer Freeman of Adultlaw, this panel delved into the nuances of cultivating affiliates and illustrated the type of high-level, nuts-and-bolts information available to attendees of XBIZ Hollywood.

And so went all of the seminars and Master Classes; success following upon success, right on through to the final presentation: the keynote address by Hustler’s Larry Flynt, where sitting in his gold-plated wheelchair, he remarked that if he had to do it all over again, he would – but he would also wear a bullet-proof vest! Flynt received a standing ovation for his presentation, which focused on politics, free speech and the state of porn today.

The annual XBIZ Awards show was off the hook, as usual. Dawn and I had the pleasure of joining Mark, Greg and a couple of the girls from the 2much.net team, along with our friend, Nancy from Gammae, in the 2much booth – the best seat in the house! The quality of the event, the winners and the awards process, all helped fuel my belief that things have truly gotten serious.

Marc Jarrett from Password by Phone; Halcyon, now with Tramp Stamp Studios; Vic from Kick Ass; Michael from Chameleon; Joan from ASACP – the list of people that I spent and enjoyed time with went on and on, and it was all positive. For the first time in a few years, I feel very optimistic about the future of this industry – an optimism that comes from feeling that we have finally grown up, and that more people now “get it.”

So much happened at and around this show; some of which I’ll tell you about another day – some of which I’ll keep to myself. All in all, this was one of the best shows that I’ve been to and that’s saying something.

But “show” isn’t the right way to describe XBIZ Hollywood: as my friend Jason Tucker put it, “this really isn’t a ‘show’ – it’s truly a conference” and that perhaps sums it up best. This was business, and it rocked. Thanks, Helmy.

I can’t wait for our Vegas event coming in July. I hope to see you there!

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

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair, thick-framed glasses and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Kraig McGee Blends Family Biz Experience, Creative Background at TAF Distributing

Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.

Colleen Godwin ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Ethically Market to LGBTQ+ Communities

Every June, the rainbow floodgates open. Suddenly, pleasure products are “Pride-themed,” companies change their logos and brands rush to show just how inclusive they are — at least for 30 days. But as a queer, nonbinary marketing strategist who works with adult brands year-round, I’m here to say: Rainbow dildos alone are not progress. They’re often just noise.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Retailer's Road Map for First-Timers' Anal August

Anal August offers a prime opportunity for brands and stores to capture new customers and drive growth in a category that’s gaining mainstream momentum. As consumer interest in anal play continues to rise, now is the time to meet first-time buyers where they are, with approachable products, trusted education and a clear path to pleasure.

Matthew Spindler ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Optimizing Your Leadership Through Wellness Practices

For many of us, 2025 has proved intensely stressful — and we’re still only halfway through the year. In times like these, it may seem counterintuitive or even irresponsible to talk about seeking pleasure. Yet pleasure, presence, joy and connection can help you return to a mental and physical state that allows you to face and handle stressors.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Falcon/NakedSword Suit Up for Sin in 'To the Nines'

Collabs aren’t just for content creators. Established studios are joining forces and blending brands for large-scale, expectation-defying productions aiming to take porn to the next level. The latest such project is “To the Nines,” the first-ever collaboration between Falcon Studios and MenAtPlay.

Christian Cintron ·
Show More