LOS ANGELES — XBIZ Retail Retreat, the most exclusive B2B event for adult retail industry leaders, returns to the stylish Andaz Hotel on Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip Jan. 9-13, to host another edition of the highly anticipated biannual gathering.
As part of the XBIZ 2017 series of events, the all-inclusive, invite-only Retreat allows top vendors of adult goods to engage in private one-on-one meetings with qualified buyers from leading nationwide distributors and retailers. XBIZ Retreat attendees also have a host of additional opportunities to talk business over meals, seminars and special events.
The premier, luxury B2B event has been lauded as the most stimulating, intimate and valuable business event, listing a “who’s who” of the industry’s most revered movers and shakers that gather to hammer out deals and connect with colleagues and newcomers.
The upcoming winter edition of the XBIZ Retreat is slated to once again reach maximum capacity by offering participants an unmatched opportunity to present their products and services to interested buyers. Now in its fourth year, the XBIZ Retreat has consistently grown with each edition and continuously draws acclaim from participants
“Having attended every XBIZ event that XBIZ has ever held, including every Retreat, I have to say XBIZ outdid themselves,” Castle Megastore CEO Mark Franks said. “XBIZ Retreat has the most qualified vendors that I’ve seen at an event within the last 10 years. There were a lot of fresh faces. The XBIZ Retreat is a great event that has set the standard for industry events.”
“This is the show that we’ve done consistently since launching in the U.S.,” Exsens’ Krystal Medeiros said. “It seems like every year the show just gets bigger and bigger. The fact that it’s increasingly attracting more buyers shows what a good event it is. I attribute a lot of our success to XBIZ. ”
“It’s always a great event,” Devil’s Films Steve Volponi said. “I’m seeing buyers that I typically don't see at other events anymore are here now. It’s a great turnout of fresh faces.”
“The XBIZ Retreat is fantastic,” East Coast News Executive Vice President Brian Herbstman said. “The accommodations are great, the meetings have went very well and the entertainment is top notch. Although I attended 34 meetings in two days, I still felt like I was on vacation!”
“It’s an amazing show,” XR Brands’ Lynda Mort said. “It’s like we multiply our business with our one-on-one meetings and then spending the evening together. Rebecca [Weinberg] and I split up at the evening events and do double the business. It’s a great opportunity to bond and reconnect.”
“We love the relaxed atmosphere of this show,” Pound International’s Dana Puerto said. “It’s a great opportunity to say thank you to our customers. This is truly the only way to do a show. We get so much accomplished here.”
“The XBIZ Retreat is a great opportunity to connect with customers,” Pipedream Products’ Chris Armstrong said. “The intimate setting and one-on-one meetings allow you to really make a connection compared to other trade shows.”
“The XBIZ Retreat and the ‘speed dating’ format with 30 minute meetings is an excellent way to become informed, educated and sold on new and interesting adult products from both new and existing vendors,” Craton Entertainment’s Chaz Craton said. “The one-on-one quality time with the vendors present an excellent opportunity to focus on business without distraction and the 30-minute time frame created a sense of urgency that got us right to the point without boring presentations. And the vendors who participated come well prepared.
“The social networking and meeting new people in the industry — both fellow retailers and vendors — is invaluable. In one short meeting with a retailer, I got a new billboard design for my store that I would not have thought of without that interaction. Thanks to all the XBIZ staff for putting on a wonderful show!”
“I think this event offers an excellent opportunity to cultivate relationships,” Fleshlight’s Amanda Purcell said. “Everyone is so nice!”
Dame Products’ Alex Fine said, “This event is great. I’m new to the space so to be able to meet so many people is very valuable to me.”
“I love this event,” Paradise Marketing’s Michelle Liss said. “The one-on-one meetings allow me to get more done with no interruptions. It’s a great opportunity to have honest conversations with people.”
“This show had perfect timing for us to come promote all of our new stuff,” Pulse Distribution’s Joshua St. John said. “We have a lot of over-the-phone contact but face time is priceless.”
“Crave Channel Manager Jack Morocco said, “This atmosphere allows you to create personal relationships. The face time really makes them more human.”
Pulse Distribution’s Rob Plarski said that the XBIZ Retreat offers “the efficiency of getting to see our customers and companies from all over the country while meeting new customers.”
“This event was one of the most efficient, productive and well-organized to date,” Kaytel Media President Alain Elmaleh said. “First-class organization all the way! I will definitely attend the next ones, we would recommend to anyone who is still hesitant to participate, as a buyer as much as a vendor!”
The XBIZ 2017 show is set to run Jan. 9-13, with the perennially popular event once again completely taking over Hollywood’s stylish Andaz Hotel, where it will deliver an expanded program over four days, culminating on Thurs., Jan. 12, with the adult industry's biggest night, the 2017 XBIZ Awards show.
