MIAMI — While the business prowess of pleasure products industry professionals is often put on display at traditional trade shows, the XBIZ Retreat allowed many of them to showcase their other talents.
From singing to physical strength to creating a song andd dance within just a few minutes, XBIZ Retreat participants stunned their colleagues with a wide range of skills that would later become the talk of the show.
On Wednesday, attendees made their way to Ricky’s South Beach for cocktails, dinner and karaoke sponsored by Satisfyer Men. The crowd went wild seeing the likes of ElectricDistro’s Zach Goode, Clandestine Devices’ Kim Faubel, Hot Octopuss’ April Lampert, Adam & Eve Stores’ Ken Lassiter, Eldorado’s Dennis Jones, and even XBIZ’s Alec Helmy take lead vocals in front of a live band.
“I knew the industry was full of talented people but I had no idea that included so many great performers,” LSMT Regional Sales Manager Allison Brazier said. “That was by far the best karaoke session I've ever witnessed!”
“The karaoke was soooo awesome,” said Danielle Seerley of Shibari Wands. “I had no idea we had so many rock stars in our industry. Literally! I keep circling back to what a great group dynamic there was, but the events were truly such a good time.”
Goode, a professional singer, added, “I’m already excited for next year and once again, my live band karaoke game will be strong!”
Ricky’s offered specialty drinks created in honor of the event with names that included the XBIZ Retreat, Rocco Siffredi, Satisfyer and the Screaming Sara (in honor of XBIZ Associate Publisher Sara Ramirez.)
While the pizza, tacos, appetizers and drinks flowed, and colleagues showed off their singing skills, an artist drew caricatures on an iPad that was projected for all to see.
The next day, after a full schedule of one-on-one suite meetings, XBIZ Retreat participants gathered for the Beach Olympics. While there were some groans from the attendees leading up to the mandatory event, by the time the vendors and buyers were organized into groups, the uneasiness dissolved and enthusiastic teamwork prevailed.
“The karaoke was definitely an event dominated by the U.S. talent — pretty impressive,” said Helen Zeal from Ann Summers. “Beach Olympics I was nervous about, but it turned out to be super fun and quite competitive! But I was on the winning team, so happy with that!”
“I also really enjoyed the moments like karaoke and the Beach Olympics,” Welcomex’s Massimo Bonera said. “Everyone got involved and this helped to strengthen acquaintances beyond the relationships of work.”
The teams were given the task of coming up with not just a team name but also a song and dance performance. Among the silly team names were the Purple Nurples, the Go Nads, Gray Pride, and Off Constantly — “because you can’t beat Off Constantly,” said team member Eddie Romero from Vibratex.
“We all had so much fun at the Beach Olympics, and I’m not just saying that because we won gold (GO TEAM GRAY PRIDE!),” Goode said. “We got a chance to compete and be silly and sweaty with industry people we may never have met otherwise.”
Susanna Molina from Holiday Products added, “I loved the Beach Olympics. I was able to see my fellow industry peeps, both vendors and buyers, let loose, get competitive and have some fun in the sun.”
The teams were put through a variety of physical challenges that included dodge ball, tug-of-war and relay races.
“Being my fifth straight XBIZ Miami show, I can say they have all been amazing but I had the best time this year,” Adam & Eve’s Chad Jenny said. “I had an absolute blast, my team came in second in the Beach Olympics, an awesome event, and I may have had the best caricature ever made of me and a franchisee, just ask for the image!”
(XBIZ Retreat caricatures can be viewed here.)
“Beach Olympics were amazing, I think my favorite part was each teams kick-off cheer,” Seerley said. “It was nice to have a little time for some non-work, fun in the sun! Thank you to XBIZ for including us in your epic events!”
Alexandre Enumo from Hot Flowers added, “The Retreat was very well organized by the XBIZ team, mainly by Sara, Ariana and Arvin. This edition was amazing with the Beach Olympic games — time for fun and competition with our friends in a beautiful and sunny beach.”
“The Beach Olympics was a lot of fun and karaoke was an incredible idea,” Mystim’s Leigh Dedhar said. “The evening entertainment and food was top tier and it was great that we didn’t have to worry about bills as it was all inclusive.”
