“It’s an all-encompassing show because erotic doesn’t mean just video,” Expo production manager C. Brian Devinney told XBIZ. Understanding that what's erotic for some can be boring for others, Devinney said he plans to reach out across the whole gamut of what is sexy and erotic.
“If it’s different strokes for different folks, we have every stroke that we can get in there and at least one stroke that will get you off,” he said.
Lucas Entertainment founder Michael Lucas told XBIZ that these expos are a great way to interact with DVD buyers and fans.
“Since we are located on the East Coast," Lucas said, "the L.A. Expo is always a great chance to meet everyone out there. Of course, I will be at the one in New York. I've been doing the expos since the first one years ago. You know, it’s one of those casual events when you can just meet new fans, sign autographs and just have a good time.”
Though Lucas is unable to attend the show, his company is a show sponsor along with Helix Studios and online gay adult provider NakedSword.com.
Other production companies scheduled to appear include Pitbull Productions, Treasure Island Media, Oh Man Studios and Tipo Sesso.
Several publications also will have booths including Bottom Line Magazine, In Magazine Los Angeles, Frontiers Magazine and fetish publication Instigator Magazine.
The show also has expanded from previous years to include novelty manufacturers such as Tantus Silicone, which will be at the Expo showing a new men’s line.
“There are more straight-identified companies that are reaching out to their gay audience because they realize there is one there,” Devinney said.
Also for the first time, Adult Industry Medical Healthcare and Watt Healthcare Corporation will be doing onsite HIV screening with results available on a same-day basis.
Live entertainment on the expo’s center stage will be hosted by drag performer Jackie Beat with Channel 1 Releasing’s partner/director Chi Chi La Rue scheduled to make an appearance Saturday.
“Jackie Beat is hosting again and she’ll be as irreverent as ever — no holds barred — you gotta love her,” Devinney said. “And she’s bringing some additional talent with her with appearances from Punk Bunny, the Sir Heffington Dancers and Selene Luna who, as Jackie says, is a little person that does burlesque.”
The Expo has plans for future expansion and is actively pursuing relationships with events in other cities and from varied segments of the community. Representatives from the first New York Leather Weekend will be at the Expo promoting its event.
“There are many sub-sectors of the community and for someone who is interested but doesn’t know how to get involved, we would like to give them a way to reach out,” Devinney said.
Other show sponsors are RentBoy.com, Astroglide and ManHunt.net.
For more information and links to discount tickets, visit the Expo’s website.
