LAS VEGAS — The inaugural Altitude Intimates show is now underway at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, where the energy was palpable as attendees and exhibitors explored the event’s multiple show floors and busy schedule that includes seminars and fashion shows.
Described as a buyer-centric event, Altitude Intimates was announced in October by a then newly formed Lingerie Industry Association. While Altitude’s initial focus was on the lingerie business, several intimacy products manufacturers and distributors came onboard following the closing of the decades-old International Lingerie Show that was held biannually at the Rio Hotel and Casino.
The change of scenery appears to have reinvigorated the industry, as Altitude vendors and attendees expressed their excitement over the new show.
“The energy is phenomenal,” Sportsheets’ Kimberly Harding told XBIZ. “You can tell that there is a younger, newer mindset behind the event’s organization.”
Sportsheets founder Tom Stewart added, “It’s put on by people that are invested in the industry and they’ve got the support from the buyers. I love what they are doing.”
Stewart also discussed his recent participation at a spinal cord injury conference in New York, where he said he introduced participants to Sportsheets’ array of positioning gear that can be used to aid disabled or injured sexual partners. For years Stewart has brought his brainchild devices to organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and events like the Road to Recovery Conference, to showcase how the intimacy aids can be life changing, invaluable and healing to disabled and wounded war veterans. Among the most popular devices is Sportsheets Door Sling, Stewart said.
Among the pleasure products distributors exhibiting at Altitude is Williams Trading Co., which is promoting the launch of its Quick Ship service, which guarantees orders placed by 11 a.m. (EDT) will be shipped to customers that same day.
“We have seen good traffic [at Altitude] and have met several new potential accounts,” Williams Trading President and CEO Bob Pyne Jr. said. “We’re introducing attendees to our new Quick Ship program and letting them know that we are all about service and brand support.”
Eye of Love showcased its new Love in the Sun line of sunscreen and after-sun lotion. Love In the Sun features an SPF 30 sunscreen and skin-soothing, after-sun body lotion and are both infused with pheromones.
Eye of Love’s Jacqui Rubinoff told XBIZ that the sunscreen comes in the brand’s top-selling fragrances, Seduce and Fierce. Made with moisturizing shea butter and soothing aloe vera, the Love in the Sun pheromone sunscreen and sun lotion are made with natural ingredients with no preservatives.
According to Rubinoff, the company has been promoting its Love in the Sun offerings outside of the industry where it has received an overwhelming response from mainstream.
Inside the Entrenue booth, We-Vibe introduced new pleasure products for solo and couples play. We-Vibe’s Jennifer Brice told XBIZ that the Wish vibe features two Tango motors and is ergonomically designed.
We-Vibe also introduced two cock rings — the Pivot and Verge. Officially launching April 24, the rings also will be app-enabled. Brice said that another innovative update is coming to We-Vibe’s app, which will allow for simultaneous remote control of the Pivot or Verge and the Sync.
Impulse Novelties showcased its Closet Collection and Black Door line of pleasure products alongside the newly introduced AMIE line. According to Impulse Novelties Sales Director Sara Hentcy the new AMIE line offers high quality, compact, silicone toys with seven speeds that are reasonably priced.
New additions to the Closet Collection line included the multi-speed Loretta Wand and Isabella Bunny, and a new silicone sleeve for the Jill bullet vibe. The male focused, jet-black Black Door line debuted a new addition called No. 21, which is a silicone cock ring featuring a rechargeable bullet.
Electric Eel showcased its expansive range of brands, including Hustler Lingerie, Hustler Toys, Lux Fetish, Glas and more. Among the company’s latest releases are 14 new lingerie designs, including body stockings, teddies and bedroom costumes.
Zachary Goode, Electric’s national sales manager, told XBIZ that Altitude has successfully picked up where ILS left off and he is satisfied with the event’s turnout.
The Altitude Intimates show kicked off yesterday with an opening party and will continue through tomorrow with another slate of educational seminars, a fashion show and booth exhibits.
