ANE Kicks Off In New Home Space

LAS VEGAS—The latest installment of the AVN Novelty Expo kicked off Wednesday in its “new” home at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The three-day B2B show opened to exhibitors and buyers in the recently constructed addition to Artist Hall. With more space for booths and meetings, exhibitors marveled at the more elegant feel. “You have to be amazed,” said Carrie Smith of Wicked Sensual Care. “There are so many exhibitors, and the space looks and feels wonderful.” With seven aisles of booths, ANE featured some of the biggest names in the pleasure products industry alongside newcomers to the industry. As attendees entered the show floor, one of the first booths they encountered was Eldorado Trading’s, which had set up a memorial to the distributor’s founder, Larry Garland, who unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 15. A portrait photo of Garland was flanked by floral bouquets, and visitors to the booth were able to sign a guestbook for Garland’s family and employees. Show organizers paid tribute to Garland by holding a moment of silence before each novelty seminar. Seminar topics were varied on the first day of ANE, touching on everything from avoiding pitfalls when it comes to banking and financial issues for brick-and-mortar stores, to the benefits of white-labeling to the synergy between the cannabis and pleasure products industries. Back on the show floor, attendees participated in VIBE meetings and got up close and personal looks at some of the products that will be available in the coming months from a number of manufacturers. Combined, Shots and sister company Shots America represent one of the largest manufacturers of adult novelties in the world, and visitors to the AVN Novelty Expo got the chance to see firsthand the new and exciting collections Shots has to offer. Shots America reps showcased five new lines coming in 2017 from the manufacturer: HIKY, JIL, Retro, Mjuze and Ouch Reversible. “We want to wow our customers with our incredible range of product, to continue to grow at a triple-digit rate, to be the most unique and innovative company in the market, to improve every process and to provide the best customer service in the industry,” said a company rep. “We are the only major manufacturer to have major distribution operations in two continents with over 2,500 unique products. We are proud of our logistics, spacious offices and large showrooms.” With more than 20 years in the pleasure products industry and the product inventory to match such a history, Shots America is sure to have something to pique the interest of buyers at ANE. For more, visit ShotsAmerica.com. Another industry giant was also on the show floor: Topco Sales, a manufacturer with one of the longest histories in the pleasure product industry. But its focus is clearly on the future, and buyers can get the lowdown on all the exciting things coming in 2017. New Chief Operating Officer Autumn O’Brien came on board in June of 2016, and she has already accomplished a lot. In terms of staffing, Topco has brought on new account managers, a media production specialist and a web developer. And in even bigger news, the manufacturer broke ground on a state-of-the-art U.S.-based laboratory facility boasting 7,000 square feet and FDA 510(k) certification. “It’s been a while since Topco has been at the Vegas show and we welcome the change of pace and addition to our existing January trade show lineup,” said O’Bryan. “Supporting and taking part in ANE 2017 will give us an opportunity to expand and broaden our reach while reconnecting with customers and accounts that have always relied on AVN’s events for their networking and business needs. “We also will be showcasing the latest releases from the Penthouse collection, following the major licensing partnership Topco recently struck with the powerhouse brand,” O’Bryan continued. “ANE attendees will also have the opportunity to view these new items in fully merchandised displays to show how major brands like Penthouse can be effectively showcased on the store level.” Another veteran company on the floor is Spartacus Leathers, the company founded by the late “Big Al” Bedrosian, who is being inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame Pleasure Products Branch. Jessica Preston of Spartacus Enterprises is looking forward to a big ANE for the company.  “Spartacus Leathers will celebrate our 30-year anniversary in 2017. Spartacus will enjoy a successful 2017 AVN show, networking with our fellow adult product manufacturers and inspiring our buyers, new and established alike. At the 2017 AVN we will be introducing our brand-new Spartacus line of all-natural, water-based and silicone personal lubricants. We will also have the first leather-cleaner dedicated to the BDSM and leather-lovers market.” For more information about the manufacturer, see SpartacusLeathers.com. Check back daily for more stories on AVN Novelty Expo exhibitors. For more about the show, go to NoveltyExpo.com. Pictured from right: Spartacus booth, memorial to Eldorado's Larry Garland; Topco Sales booth. Photos by JFK/FUBARWebmasters.com.