Love LA a Success; Definite Plans to Expand Next Year

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Organizers successfully pulled off the inaugural Love LA show, the first consumer expo to focus on sexual health, education and entertainment, and already are gearing up for the next one.

Ian and Alicia Denchasy, the husband-and-wife team behind Love LA and couples-friendly adult boutique Freddy and Eddy, told XBIZ they feel the show was a roaring success despite the sequence of snafus they encountered in the weeks leading up to the event.

"We set out to try something new and different and feel we succeeded beyond my wildest expectations," Ian Denchasy said. "Upon reflection, we feel we’ve done our part to start something wonderful."

Despite pouring rain, flooded streets and a misprinted address on the show tickets, Love LA drew almost 1,000 attendees, and Denchasy said that if the weather and address hadn't been factors, the show would have attracted at least double that.

"I had more compliments from the show from patrons who were just blown away with how upscale and sexy it was," Bonk Designs CEO Jordan Byrnes told XBIZ. "Everyone said they would come back for the next one and they were all asking when it would be."

Tantus Inc. President Metis Black and CEO Mike Smith both agreed that the show was especially successful because of its unique focus, which offered attendees something new that fit with their company's mission.

"The consumer was coming into the show knowing it was about high-quality products," Smith told XBIZ. "It was about sexual health and education, rather than just coming in to see a porn star. It was great to meet the consumer that wasn't just there to ogle over porn. I think that was key."

Though most of the vendors involved, including Babeland, Fun Factory and Screaming O, raved about the branding, selling and even business-to-business opportunities they encountered, Ian Denchasy said that not everyone involved are convinced of Love LA's success.

"Early indications are mixed," he said. "We’re disappointed we couldn’t get complete agreement on its success, but we can always try again."

And that is exactly what he, his wife and the majority of the show's vendors plan to do, possibly before the year is up. Tantus' Smith said that there are a handful of cities that could support this kind of event — Love Chicago, Love San Francisco, Love N.Y.

"Our main goal is to let other parts of the adult industry know that sexual health is important enough to carry its own show," Smith said. "[Novelty is] not the reality of our industry anymore — it still may be where most of the dollars are going, but I think that's changing. Five years ago you wouldn't have found enough vendors or enough support for a show like this."

Copyright © 2024 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

LELO Launches 'Masturbitter' Craft Beer to Promote Male Sex Talk

LELO has partnered with Great Beyond Brewing Company to launch Masturbitter, a craft beer, to encourage men to discuss sex.

Xgen Now Shipping ZOLO's 'Stroke Off' Collection

Xgen Products is now shipping the Stroke Off collection of 11 handheld strokers and four masturbators modeled after lifelike body parts.

Nobü Unveils 'Gyrä' Vibrating Grinding Pad

Nobü has introduced the new Gyrä vibrating grinding pad.

Orion Introduces New 3-Motor Vibrator From 'Sweet Smile' Line

Orion Wholesale has debuted the new three-motor RC G- & P-Spot Vibrator from its Sweet Smile line.

C1R Debuts 'Vers' Suction Dildo, Butt Plug

C1R has introduced its new Vers liquid silicone suction dildo and butt plug.

Blush Erotica, The Kinky Candle Company Partner for Branded Candle

Blush Erotica has partnered with The Kinky Candle Company for an official branded candle.

Violet Voss to Collaborate With IronTech Doll on Realistic Replica

Violet Voss has signed an exclusive deal with IronTech Doll to create a sex doll modeled after her.

Honey's Place Now Shipping 'Teacher's Pet' Collection From Xgen Products

Honey’s Place is now distributing the Teacher's Pet collection from Xgen Products.

Zini Releases Reimagined Version of 'Roae+' Toy

Zini is reintroducing its brand with the release of the latest reiteration of its Roae+ signature toy.

Hustler Hollywood, 'Shameless Sex' Team Up for Workshop Series

"Shameless Sex" podcast hosts Amy Baldwin and April Lampert have joined forces with Hustler Hollywood for a workshop series titled “Shameless Ways [for Couples] to Have More Pleasure.”

Show More