Exxxotica Chicago is projected to have more than 150 exhibiting companies and sponsors, more than 100 of adult entertainment’s top stars and 15,000 attendees. The show is slated to take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on July 8-10.
Wednesday's announcement, however, made no mention of a competing show — Exxxtacy — which debuted last year to much fanfare and was scheduled to take place at the same convention center on the same dates this year.
Exxxtacy's operator, Mike Wittenburg, didn't return calls for comment; however Grant Bailey, the convention center's assistant general manager, confirmed to XBIZ that Exxxotica has signed a one-time lease for the convention center and that Exxxtacy so far has not committed to the convention center for any dates this year.
Wittenberg, however, disseminated a press release in August that said its show would take place at the convention center July 8-10 one year after its inaugural show.
''Our 2010 show was successful beyond my wildest dreams," Wittenberg said in the release at the time. "To show our gratitude we plan on an even better show for them next year! We will be releasing news of some fantastic additions to the Chicago show, so stay tuned!''
Entry into the Chicago market represents a coup for Exxxotica operator J. Handy, who in recent years has expanded its lineup past Miami, where it entered the fan-show market. Exxxotica now operates annually in Los Angeles, and Edison, N.J., as well as Miami and now Chicago.
“We couldn’t be happier with the addition of the event in Chicago,” Handy, who operates parent company Victory Tradeshow Management, said. “This puts Exxxotica in the top three markets in the U.S.”
Handy said Exxxotica Chicago will feature many of the usual fan favorites, including Fantasy Island and Legends of Exxxotica, which includes non-stop acts, as well as more than 50 hours of educational and engaging seminars.
“2011 will be an amazing year for the Exxxotica brand,” Handy said. “We’re committed to produce top-tier events the adult industry just can’t get anywhere else. Our track record speaks volumes with rave reviews from attendees and exhibitors, and overwhelming press coverage in every market we have produced our shows in.”
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