Online Dating Experts Hook Up at iDate

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Last week’s iDate Internet dating conference at the swanky SLS Hotel still has online adult professionals raving about the benefits of attending the posh get-together that draws their mainstream counterparts.

Intellichat’s Billy Thomas, who participated in the event, told XBIZ that iDate’s $1,000 admission price was well worth it, as it drew in only those that could afford it.

“The entrance price is higher than all the shows we have attended but I'm not sure that this is a bad thing as it attracts the people who are there to do business,” he said.

Thomas said that compared to some adult industry-only events where the outcome of networking is only known through follow-up emails, iDate put him in the company of CEOs and decision-makers that could offer an immediate response.

“I think the reason for this is that there were more people that could say ‘yes’ and follow through, whereas quite a few adult shows tend to have more people that say ‘no’ based on their position within the company,” he said.

HookupBucks’ John Skorik told XBIZ he also encountered only serious decision-makers, and the mainstream presence also proved beneficial.

“The majority of the other attendees I spoke with, as well as the exhibitors, were mainstream companies with a particular offering specifically for dating,” he said.“In the end, I met, and am already working with, companies I would not have met if I didn’t attend this conference. I will certainly be attending the next one.”

Skorik said iDate’s seminars featured speakers representing online giants that ranged from Match.com to Google, as well as a Maryland senator. The event’s focus on Internet dating was covered from several angles, including technology and the state of the industry.

Exhibiting as DatingGold, the company’s marketing coordinator Nick H told XBIZ that at iDate, DatingGold steered attendees’ attention to its white label service, WhiteLabelPros.

In DatingGoldBlog’s video interview with iDate Conference coordinator Mark Lesnick, he summarizes the general theme of the event with one word — mobile. Nevertheless, Skorik said that a variety of concentrations converged at the event.

“The closing debate started with a focus on mobile but there was a clear division between two groups, one maintaining that mobile needs to be an immediate focus and the other believing that, while mobile is important, there are other more immediate needs, especially for newer dating businesses,” Skorik said.

For DatingGold however, the event served to create brand awareness, Nick said.

“Being able to talk to the big boys (i.e. eHarmony, Match.com) and imprint our brand into their brains plants a seed that we hope will grow into more opportunities for mainstream growth as well,” he said in an XBIZ.net thread.

Related:  

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 News

TrustyFans Introduces New Blog

Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."

JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine

JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board

Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches

Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.

Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations

Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.

Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution

Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.

XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series

XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.

'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam

XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.

Show More