LOS ANGELES — Adultcon's operator says attendance at last weekend's show at the Los Angeles Convention Center was the highest in more than three years.
"It was a pleasant surprise that more than expected attendees showed up," Adultcon's spokesman told XBIZ. "We expect bigger crowds at Adultcon 21 on July 29-31."
Adultcon's spokesman, who did not reveal actual numbers, said Adultcon 20 had its highest attendance since the September 2007 show.
"All the attendees had a wonderful time. Barrett Blade, Jules Jordan came for the first time and Ron Jeremy made a surprise visit," he said. "We also were happy to have two talent agencies participating for the first time, OC Modeling and Ideal Image Management.
"LA Direct Models returned after two years with a large presence and Porn Star Tweet made an appearance with a bevy of stars.
At last weekend's show, Adultcon added an entertainment stage for the first time, a move that was successful and will be much larger at its next show.
"We brought back the VIP room which was a big hit with the fans and packed all weekend," he said.
Adultcon in the past year has faced competition with New Jersey-based Exxxotica, which has held one show at the same locale — the Los Angeles Convention Center.
For years, Adultcon has held its show at the Los Angeles venue. Exxxotica, which has shows in Miami, Chicago and New Jersey, added its first show there last July.
Since Exxxotica's entry into the Southern California market, the two companies have not only sparred in court of public opinion but in the courts as well.
In February the companies settled a cybersquatting claim, which alleged Adultcon squatted on 19 "Exxxotica"-sounding domain names. Both parties wouldn't disclose the terms of the settlement.
The latest apparent duel between the companies is about consumer fan show numbers.
"Exxxotica continues to announce that they are the largest show in the country which seems at odds with the size of AEE and Adultcon," Adultcon's spokesman said. "Perhaps they will treat the public and the industry with an explanation on how they come to that conclusion."
Adultcon's spokesman also complained that he's bugged over tweet marketing that's become "a desperate attempt to get ticket sales."
He said: "@Exxxotica sent over 100 tweets today to various people who tweeted about being at Adultcon over the weekend, soliciting them to go to their show in August; 'U should check out @Exxxotica LA, Aug 26-28 at the LA Conv. Ctr. It's the biggest adult event in the US.'"
"They should stop trying to build their attendance from the people that tweet to Adultcon and or about Adultcon, especially with a statement that has yet to be proven."
J Handy, Exxxotica's operator, told XBIZ that Exxxotica has reason to boast about its attendance claims.
"Obviously, [Adultcon] feels threatened by Exxxotica 's continued growth," he said. "We are in a phase of expansion while most adult conventions are diminishing in exhibitors, stars and fan attendance."
"Collectively, Exxxotica uses well over 400,000 square feet of exhibit space, hosts over 400 adult performers, 200 hours of educational seminars and has 70,000 attendees per year in 4 of the biggest markets in the U.S. That is why Exxxotica is the largest adult event in the U.S."
