CatalystCon Aims to Educate, Spark Change in Societal Acceptance of Sex

LONG BEACH, Calif. — CatalystCon will be making its debut at the Hilton Long Beach and Executive Meeting Center in Long Beach, Sept. 14-16, with the mission of sparking open communication about sexuality, activism and acceptance.

Organized by Dee Dennis, co-founder of Momentum — an annual Washington D.C.-based sexuality, feminism and relationships conference, — the first annual CatalystCon is a West Coast progression of Momentum.

“I kept hearing requests to bring it to the West Coast,” Dennis told XBIZ. “It’s similar to Momentum — but different. It’s all about inspiring change, being a catalyst. The key difference is that Momentum [in D.C.] is attended primarily by East Coast, however much of the subject matter is similar.”

According to Dennis, CatalystCon is designed to reflect a “melting pot of sexuality” with networking and 40 educational sessions covering a wide variety of topics to serve adult industry professionals, sex educators and consumers. Sessions include “America’s War On Sex and the 2012 Election,” “The Buck Angel Effect,” “How to Succeed in the Online Adult Business by Really Trying,” “Toxic Toys” and “Fat Sex Works,” among many others focusing on all aspects of sex, from business to body image.

“There’s something for everyone,” Dennis said. “Knowledge is power, and the lack of knowledge makes people scared — the overall goal of Catalyst is to remove the stigma from sex, and if everyone that attends each does one thing to promote change — it could be very effective. Now more than ever, particularly with this year’s elections, we need bring people together that are interested in sexual rights to makes connections and inspire change.”

With an expected attendance of 350 guests, the adult industry-heavy West Coast is slated to draw a mix of consumers and industry professionals to CatalystCon.

“It’s not necessarily a B2B event, but it will offer great networking opportunities,” Dennis said, “Retailers, manufacturers and consumers will all have the opportunity to get direct feedback from one another.”

Among the special events planned for CatalystCon is a Gloryhole anniversary party for legendary adult retailer The Pleasure Chest on Sept. 13, as well as Bawdy Storytelling and Dirty Bingo hosted by Ducky Doolittle.

CatalystCon will kick off with an opening keynote featuring Marty Klein, Megan Andelloux, Maggie Mayhem and Francisco Ramirez, and ends with a closing keynote featuring Constance Penley, Alann Gelbard and John Stagliano to discuss the U.S. vs. John Stagliano case.

Dennis was quick to point out that CatalystCon’s speakers and the conference in general would not have been possible without the passion and support of the event’s sponsors and speakers who have volunteered their participation.

“They’re making it possible for this to happen,” Dennis said. “It’s their beliefs, they’re doing it for the message and their passion, and it really means a lot to me that companies and the individuals are willing to contribute out of their own profit.”

CatalystCon’s sponsors include Masque, Aneros, Tantus, Kama Sutra Closet and Good Vibrations, among many others.

For more information, visit CatalystCon.com.

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

Playharda Wholesale, Pure Envy Ink European Distribution Deal

Playharda Wholesale has signed a deal with pleasure brand Pure Envy for distribution in the U.K. and Europe.

XR Brands Launches 'Creature Cocks' Line

XR Brands has introduced its new Creature Cocks collection of men's underwear.

Bella Reid Named Penthouse's 'Pet of the Month' for September

Penthouse Magazine has named Bella Reid as Pet of the Month for September.

Tenga Launches 2025 Christmas Advent Calendar

Pleasure brand Tenga has launched a 2025 Christmas Advent calendar, now available for pre-order.

Andi Avalon Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Ken Feels star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ricky's Room Drops Final Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the final installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Six Bodies In Motion."

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.

Hailey Rose Heats Up the Fall Issue of X3 Magazine

2025 XMA Fav Female Performer Hailey Rose headlines the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions and stories behind today’s top creators.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Speaker Lineup Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full speaker lineup for XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, the latest edition of Europe’s biggest adult industry conference, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel in Amsterdam.

Show More