XBIZ Founder, Senior Editor to Discuss Porn's New Economy at SXSW

AUSTIN, Texas — XBIZ execs in March will discuss the porn industry's new economic model at Austin's SXSW, which is known as the "premier destination for discovery."

SXSW, formally known as South by Southwest, is a unique convergence of original music, independent films and emerging technologies showcasing the best new digital works, video games and ideas the international community has to offer.

The event attracts business, industry and policy leaders, as well as tech innovators and entertainers. Some past participants and speakers include Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales, Bruce Springsteen and Conan O'Brien, among others.

XBIZ Founder and President Alec Helmy and XBIZ Senior Technology Editor Stephen Yagielowicz will present "Selling Free: The Porn Industry’s New Economy" on March 10 from 5-6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency.

The session at SXSW will focus on the evolution of the online adult entertainment industry, including the latest confluence of events that have shifted the prerecorded porn model to interactive adult entertainment as the industry's most robust market segment.

Other topics Helmy and Yagielowicz will discuss include coming technological advancements that may serve to further reshape the digital media landscape.

"Because of its unique nature, the adult entertainment business is a very fluid one, yet there are current market trends that tell us where the industry is likely headed," Helmy said. "We plan to discuss what's driving the fascinating world of online adult entertainment in the U.S. and beyond at SXSW."

“SXSW is a major technology event where we plan to share how the online adult entertainment industry is coping with the move to free forms of entertainment while figuring out which approaches work best in such a unique economy,” Yagielowicz said.

For more information about SXSW, click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

MyMember.site Integrates FSC's 'PrivateAV' Age Verification Solution

MyMember.site has integrated Free Speech Coalition's PrivateAV age verification tool into its website-building platform.

Pearl Industry Network Launches Creator Networking App Beta

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched beta testing for the PiN Member App, a networking and collaboration tool for content creators.

FSC: W.V. Age Verification Law Takes Effect June 12

The Free Speech Coalition has issued a reminder notice that West Virginia's age verification law takes effect on June 12, 2026.

Pineapple Support Taps Brad Mitchell, Jean-Micheal Veen for Senior Leadership Positions

Pineapple Support has named Brad Mitchell as its new board president and Jean-Micheal Veen as technology and development chair.

Polish Government Proposes AV Mandate for Adult Sites

Poland’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposed national law that would require sites and platforms to age-verify users to prevent minors from accessing adult content online.

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

FSC Launches 'Speak Out' Media Campaign for Creators

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the launch of FSC Speak Out, a media campaign for content creators to tell their stories.

Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host LGBTQ Support Group

Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group for LGBTQ+ individuals within the adult industry, titled "LGBTQ and Proud."

Pornhub Awards Fiesta: A Night of Music, Dancing and Camaraderie

The eighth annual Pornhub Awards transformed Los Candiles Night Club in Glassell Park into a celebration of glamour, glitter, fashion and fame Wednesday night, as performers, creators and industry insiders toasted the year’s winners and danced late into the night while Diplo and Midnight Mary kept the party pulsing from behind the decks.

Ukrainian Parliament Rejects Porn Decriminalization Bill

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, on Thursday voted against passage of a bill that would have decriminalized the creation and distribution of pornography in that country — an activity that currently carries a prison sentence of three to five years.

Show More