AVN Novelty Expo: That’s a Wrap

LAS VEGAS—After three successful days of VIBE meetings, show floor exhibitions and seminars, the AVN Novelty Expo came to a close. The B2B show, held at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, featured a number of events unique to ANE, including the ANE Media Event and the 8th Annual “O” Awards. “This was one of the best shows we’ve had,” said Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “We’ve had great attendance at every event. Attendees are telling us they’ve learned more about the industry than ever before in exhibitors, they have networked and made connections with retailers, manufacturers, members of the media, distributors and more. And exhibitors say they’ve written more orders at ANE than other recent shows. We are already planning to make next year even bigger and better at every level.” With a new exhibit space in Artist Hall at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, ANE welcomed a mix of first-time and returning exhibitors to the show floor, where buyers and more met to find the latest and greatest in the world of pleasure products. The exhibitors were many and varied. Some focused on products for men, such as Whizworx. As the variety and complexity of sex toys for men has continued to increase, one company has decided to keep it simple. Whizworx keeps it simple with its stroker for men that requires no cleanup, no batteries and no embarrassment if the toy is discovered by a partner. “After researching the market, I noticed there was no disposable option for a no-mess cleanup,” said David Bramo, creator of Whizworx’s Fifi stroker. Fifi offers consumers just that. Its single-use, sanitary disposable sleeves take away the need to clean up after use. Unlike most male sex toys on the market, Fifi can easily be mistaken for a cushion or other household item. “We’re the only male masturbator on the market that offers a recurring revenue model through customers rebuying our sleeves. Many customers buy 50 to 100 sleeves on their first order,” says Bramo. “We’re looking forward to meeting with our established distributors and cultivating new relationships,” Bramo said. “This is our first time with a booth at the AVN show, and we look forward to it.” Since launching with a basic model in several bright colors, Fifi has diversified with a “commando” model in camouflage and all-black model for BDSM play. Fans of the Fifi can also get the Hot Pocket, which warms up the Fifi prior to use. And the latest news is a upcoming partnership with Xhamster that features a Fifi with the cartoonish Xhamster mascot on the packaging. For more information, email [email protected]/* */ Another male-focused product was offered by CB-X Male Chastity, one of several returning exhibitors at the AVN Novelty Expo. Founded in 1999, CB-X has been the world leader of male chastity devices for more than 15 years. “CB-X Male Chastity has a line of comfortable, secure kits that are designed to customize your fit at home,” explained Nikki Yates, corporate director. “Each kit comes with different size rings and spacers so you can wear our CB-X device comfortably long term, or for a fun date night. We also offer devices for men with a Prince Albert piercing.” Company reps showed off the Gold CB-6000 and Gold CB-6000S, as well as several other versions, at ANE. “We are really looking forward to reconnecting and catching up with current customers and meeting future customers of our products,” Yates said. In addition to exhibiting at ANE in January, CB-X officials plan on expanding the line with a new innovation. “We are also strengthening our Brand Protection Department,” Yates said, referring to the company’s dedication to combat counterfeiting of its award-winning range of devices. To that end, the manufacturer has a video on its official YouTube channel to help consumers spot the difference between a counterfeit or bootleg product and an authentic CB-X Male Chastity device. For more, visit CB-X.com. Another returning exhibitor is XR Brands, a company that has grown from the makers of a few extreme niche bondage products to one of the biggest manufacturers and distributors in the pleasure products sector. XR showcased several new products and lines at ANE, including a new line called Tailz, which encompasses eight different butt plugs with faux animal tails. “We also are launching a line called Heat which includes self-warming silicone vibrators,” said Rebecca Weinberg, director of sales and marketing for XR Brands. “We will be debuting our new Saddle sex machine as well.” This marks one of the first times XR Brands will exhibit at ANE; the company joins the ranks of thousands of manufacturers, distributors and more who have launched their brands or products at the popular B2B show. “We are looking to expand brand awareness, strengthen our existing relationships and show off our latest and greatest products,” Weinberg said. “We will be focusing on market penetration with a focus on in store trainings and point of purchase offerings. 2017 will be the year for innovation for XR. We have many new and exciting items in the works for launch later this year. “Our company is stronger than ever and is coming off the heels of our best year ever,” she continued. “Our team is now complete and ready to continue making waves in this extremely competitive market.” For more, visit XRBrands.com. One of the pioneering companies in the pleasure product industry, Nasstoys returned to ANE this year. “I am excited to return to Vegas for the annual January AVN Show and participate in ANE. Nasstoys will be showing our latest top-selling items and collections in a booth designed to offer support to exhibiting distributors sales teams as well as market our products to everyone else,” said Elliot Schwartz, president of Nasstoys. Schwartz also is thrilled about his “O” Award win for Royal Eruption in the Outstanding Enhancement Product category, saying it is “exciting and an honor, and a great way to start the new year.” Nasstoys showcased the newly unveiled O-Zone Collection and the Surenda Enhanced Oral Vibe, among many other items. For more, visit Nasstoys.com.  Located near the door to the ANE show floor was another industry mainstay: Nalpac, an adult distribution company established in 1971.   “We currently stock close to 20,000 products in our 160,000 square-foot warehouse,” said Tracy Tinsley, retail coordinator for the Michigan-based company. “Our large warehouse facility allows us to stock the entire product lines of the major adult manufacturers as well as full lines from many smaller manufacturers. Our purchasing department prides themselves in a collaborative selection by choosing manufacturers that stand behind their product.” Nalpac had a number of products on display at ANE, representing all categories, including fetish and luxury items. “We have a well-trained and knowledgeable sales staff and we offer outstanding customer service,” Tinsley said. “We offer competitive pricing on shipping worldwide and provide simple solutions for drop-shipping and fulfillment services. Since we are located in metro Detroit, our Midwest location allows for most of our customers a one- to three-day day shipping time. Ninety-five percent of our orders are shipped within 24 hours to ensure that the customer will receive their orders fast.” The benefits they get from attending the show? “Seeing everyone, meeting new people and strengthening existing relationships as well as looking for new innovative product to pick up,” Tinsley said. “In 2017, we will continue to bring our customers the most innovative products and strive to deliver the best customer service in the industry.” For more, visit Nalpac.com. Still a relative newcomer to the pleasure products industry, Shibari Wands has been garnering attention since its debut in 2014 with the wireless and plug-in versions of its 2 Speed Massager. The company made connections with customers and potential future business partners at the AVN Novelty Expo. “Shibari started in 2014 as a wand and lubricant company. Our goal was to provide everyday bedroom essentials that were fun, exciting, and most importantly affordable,” said Danielle from Shibari Wands. “We specialize in wands that range in size from mini 3 inches to full-size wands with varying speeds, pulses, and patterns. We also offer a variety of small items, wand attachments, lubricants, luxury vibrators, men’s rings and delay sprays, Shibari condoms and bondage rope.” In addition to meeting with customers and developing new relationships at ANE, Shibari Wands showcased new items: Mega Wand 28 Speed Massager, Hello Sexy “Bling Bling” Mini Wand, Triton Max Spray 20% for Men, Triton Anal Lubricant for Men, and Shibari Condoms in three-, 12- and 36-count packages. “We are looking to continue the aggressive growth of the brand through current partners, but look forward to expanding into new markets,” Danielle said. “The Hello Sexy line was a huge hit for us, and we will continue to build on that as well as release products true to the company and its culture.” To learn more, visit ShibariWands.com.