AVN Announces New Networking Event For January 2014 ANE Show

LOS ANGELES—Everyone knows trade shows are all about networking and buyers, manufacturers and distributors getting some face time with one another. But who says all that business can’t be a little fun too? To bring the best of both worlds together, AVN will host a “Happy Hour” event the first evening of the AVN Novelty Expo. The Happy Hour, set for 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, affords buyers, media and trade attendees the chance to visit with exhibitors at ANE while enjoying cocktails and a more relaxed atmosphere. And what would Happy Hour be without specials? The two-hour time frame gives everyone a chance to meet with extra exhibitors who will set up on a limited scale for the two-hour event. “January is always a busy time for the industry, so this is a quick and fun way for buyers and manufacturers to get more business done in a unique way,” said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “It’s a great event for everyone attending ANE, since they can meet with people who might not have been at the show otherwise. And there will be special giveaways during the event, which will really add to the festive atmosphere.” Happy Hour takes place in and around Artist Hall in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The networking event is a lead-in for that evening’s “O” Awards, which honors the best of the best items and lines in the pleasure products industry. “Happy Hour is the perfect lead-in to the ‘O’ Awards, because buyers, exhibitors and trade attendees will get the chance to visit with each other, make connections and see the latest products before celebrating the best products from the previous year,” Shaulis said. In addition to the winners of the ‘O’ Awards being announced, winners of the Novelty division of the AVN Awards will also be announced that evening. “We know how important it is for manufacturers to thank and congratulate their peers, so we decided to give the pleasure products side of the industry a ‘sneak peek’ at the AVN Awards by announcing those winners a few days early,” said Theo Sapoutzis, CEO of AVN. The AVN Award winners will also be listed on the TV screens at the end of the AVN Awards, as is tradition. The AVN Novelty Expo takes place Jan. 15-17. It is one of four events—the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, the AVN Novelty Expo, AEE Fan Fest and the AVN Awards—hosted by AVN as part of the AVN Show. For 2014, all of the same education, networking and entertainment elements that went into making AVN Show 2013 such a successful and memorable series of event will remain in play, but the show organizers have also planned some very special additions to the schedule that are designed to add lasting value. Once again, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas will become ground central for this annual gathering of industry leaders, outstanding talent and the fans who adore them.  For Trade, badges are now on sale at early bird pricing and may be purchased here. Please note that the more expensive badge includes all the official parties! Expo Plus Badge: $100 Includes: *  All AEE & ANE exhibits *  Seminars *  Keynote Presentation All Access Pass: $185 Includes: *  All AEE & ANE exhibits *  Seminars *  Keynote Presentation *  All official parties Rooms at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas can also be booked now. Attendees can acquire rooms for the following rates by reserving them at https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=10610446.    * Weekday Rates (Sunday - Thursday) from $89/ night * Weekend Rates (Friday - Saturday) from $199/night For more information, visit NoveltyExpo.com. For sponsorship information, contact Sara Harter at Sara.Harter@AVN.com.