For Brian Gray, head of research at Love Bytes Research and founder and organizer of the events, he says he continues to be delighted with the results.
"The first three events have established the Gatherings as worthwhile and valuable networking opportunities for adult industry professionals,” he said. “Awareness is steadily increasing across the U.K., and it's now time to really build upon this."
One of the key objectives now for Gray is raising awareness of the events to all sub-sectors, he says.
"I don't want, and also don't think it would be healthy over the long-term, for the event to be mainly attended by those from just a few industry areas. It's vital that all areas of the adult sector get the message that the Gatherings are cross-industry events, and therefore offer tremendous opportunities."
Gray said that he has his sight set on the adult retailing sector in particular.
"Over the past three events, the number of industry areas represented has definitely increased. Payment providers, adult marketing consultants, VOD, performers, production companies, cam operators, adult media and talent management for example — all have been present. But given the number of adult goods companies in the U.K. — either wholesale or retail — these companies also should be present. To put it bluntly, they're missing out enormously."
As well as increasing awareness of the events, Gray considers the future of the events and says he will be surveying all attendees at the forthcoming event to further identify and understand how the Gatherings are perceived, and what is required from future events.
The venue and time for September's event will remain similar to previous events.
"I've mentioned in the discussion boards the possibility of 'moving home': general feedback however is that our current venue is good."
Similarly, thoughts have extended to sponsorship of the Gatherings, Gray said, and attendees have inquired about becoming commercially involved with the event.
"In itself, this is really welcoming. It proves that the event is appreciated and valued. But it's also something that needs careful consideration; not only for the sake of potential sponsors, but the event itself."
As with previous events venue details will be available only to XBIZ.net members on a dedicated forum thread, to ensure that attendees are bona fide industry professionals. Furthermore, the event also has its own “tag” for members to click on to register their intended attendance.
Adult industry professionals can register their interest to attend the London September Gathering on a discussion thread only accessible by XBIZ.net members.
