Seminar Topics Announced for Expanded ANE Educational Program

LOS ANGELES—The annual AVN Novelty Expo has made a name for itself as the place to find hot new items and attend top-notch educational seminars. AVN is taking that to heart this year, and dramatically expanding its seminars and workshops for the 2015 ANE, taking place at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Las Vegas. “Each and every year we do our best to hit topics that are important to all members of the pleasure products industry, from retailers to manufacturers and everyone in between,” said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “Now, by expanding the number of seminars and workshops we offer, we can delve deeper into several issues, and even offer a few new types of gatherings.” Seminars for the 2015 ANE Show will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. all three days of the show, which is slated for Jan. 21-23. The seminars—and all events and exhibits related to ANE—take place in the Paradise Tower, which has been designated solely for ANE. A complete seminar schedule will be posted on NoveltyExpo.com in the coming weeks. AVN will also release the topics and descriptions for the expanded seminar program for the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in the coming weeks. Seminars and their descriptions, which can also be found at NoveltyExpo.com, are as follows: Beware The Aisles of Merch Store owners know to rely on their distributors and manufacturers to guide them in how to stock their shelves with certain products, but is there anyone who can show you how to organize your entire store to ensure the best experience for your customers and maximize your profits? This seminar features successful retailers who have done just that in their brick-and-mortars.   Crowd Funding 101 Some people have had major success, while others have never even come close to the amounts they asked for. What makes for a successful crowdfunding campaign? Here, representatives from manufacturers who have done everything right—OK, maybe there was a hiccup here and there—and seen their dreams become a reality with other people’s money.   The Fifty Shades Frenzy It’s all been leading up to this: The release of the much anticipated mainstream movie Fifty Shades of Grey is only weeks away. But if your store isn’t prepared to capitalize on what could be the biggest thing to happen to the adult pleasure product industry in recent memory, then let our panel of retailers give you some tips get ready for the big day.   For Women Only Mainstream media is quick to write about the issues—both real and imaginary—facing female performers in the adult industry. But women who work in other areas of the industry—as store owners, buyers, manufacturers, sex educators, bloggers and more—face a host of issues, both personally and professionally. In this closed-door session, women can gather in a safe space and talk about anything. No topic is off limits.   Google Changed the Rules … Now What? Now that Google AdWords has begun lowering the boom on what they refer to as “sexually explicit content,” several adult sites—including those that sell pleasure products and adult novelties—have been affected. Here, panelists give tips on how to play by the rules and make sure your sites doesn’t get ignored.   The Importance of Sex Ed Most retailers know they need to take advantage of manufacturers and distributors sending reps to their store in order to educate their staff. But often overlooked is the importance of having a sex educator on staff, or at least offering seminars to customers and staff by qualified educators. Here, retailers and sex educators talk about the need for good sex ed at all levels.   I’ve Seen It All … Now Impress Me Every creator of a sex toy thinks they have the most unique, most original and most one-of-a-kind pleasure product. And they are not the first, or the last, people to think that. Here, buyers from major distributors tell us what they are looking for in a new item, and what has really caught their attention.   Legal Issues Facing the Industry In this seminar, top lawyers representing various aspects of the adult industry answer questions about everything from applying for patents to zoning issues and everything in between.   No Strings Attached There’s a major trend afoot: Vibrators are connecting people through vast distances thanks to app-controlled technology. In this seminar, manufacturers tell us the stories behind their creations, why they think the time for these types of toys has come and what’s in store for the future.   Return of the Superstar There was a time when much of the packaging for sex toys had porn stars plastered everywhere. With the advent of adult boutiques, much of that style fell by the wayside. But now, manufacturers are producing more and more items molded after adult performers and using their branding and imaging to sell products. Panelists discuss tips for selling these items and discuss what’s changed since the first go-around.   Yelp 101: See Your Store Through Your Customers’ Eyes The standard rule is never read the comments. But with the proliferation of review sites for businesses, and any number of social media sites where customers can sing your praises or tear you down, how much should you pay attention to what they have to say?   You Can’t Download A Dildo … Right? It’s been a catchphrase for some time on the novelty side of the industry. Piracy isn’t a problem because you can’t download a dildo. But now, pleasure product manufacturers are facing situations where foreign companies are manufacturing and selling knock-off versions of their popular products. This seminar address that issue and what can be done about it.   The new format for ANE creates the ability to market and sell products or services as well as new ways to network. It also creates a host of creative exhibit and sponsorship opportunities. For more information on these, contact Sara Harter at Sara.Harter@AVN.com. Early Bird egistration is now open for ANE, and details can be found at NoveltyExpo.com. Two registration packages are also available to attendees. The first is the AEE Plus Badge, for $120, which includes admission to all AVN Adult Entertainment Expo and ANE exhibits, admission to all seminars and workshops, and admission to the Keynote Presentation. The second pass—the All Access Pass, available for $200—includes all the benefits of the AEE Plus Badge as well as admission to all official parties. To register for either package, click here.  Hotel rooms start at $99 and the Paradise Tower is reserved exclusively for trade attendees. To book a room, click here.