Thanks to Covid, numerous adult conventions and expo’s across the globe have been cancelled and postponed since 2020. However, as things are starting to open back up we thought we’d provide you with some information on the best ones for sex workers, sex businesses and sex lovers.
Adult conventions typically in the media are depicted as one massive orgy which despite how fun it sounds on the surface isn't entirely true. While we’re sure that at an adult expo sexual acts will be going on for all to see, there are many other aspects to help the business side of things, especially for those looking to establish themselves in one of the biggest industries in the world.
If you are big enough within the adult world you might even get invited to these events free of charge. However, for smaller companies and models, flying across the globe can be costly so you want to ensure that it is worth your while. Thus, here are some of the benefits of attending adult conventions.
Arguably one of the most important aspects of these conventions is the ability to network. Although the rooftop parties and large award ceremonies seem to get all of the limelight, most expo’s will host networking events in various formats. Speed networking sessions offer a great opportunity to meet loads of people within the industry that might be able to help you on your journey. These events aren't exclusive to performers as website owners, studio representatives, make-up artists, marketing professionals and many more all come together to build relationships and share knowledge.
Of course, if your industry is camming for instance then you’ll likely want to meet other successful cammers. These networking events give you the unique opportunity to spend valuable one to one time with already established individuals and pick their brains. Meeting someone proficient in their craft can teach you about how to work efficiently and avoid making mistakes that they might have, in order to make your hustle a bit easier.
As some people who work in the adult world might understand, it can be difficult to get started if you’re surrounded by a circle of prudes. Having friends that share your struggles and understand your situation can be the little bit of therapy that we need sometimes. These conventions are a gathering of like-minded individuals which means it is the perfect place to find these friends with similar interests. Adult conventions strive to be a safe, comfortable and respectful environment where you can interact without the concern of judgement.
Finally, these networking events are the perfect place to do business itself. It’s not uncommon for up and comers to want to collaborate with other models and businesses to create something mutually beneficial. Models can get the opportunity to organise shoots with other adult performers as well as work on sponsorships and promotions for other websites.
For an independent performer, it can be difficult to market themselves and manage the entire business side of things; while still finding the time to engage in sexual activities for hours at a time. So event calendars usually pencil in various different seminars led by professionals to pass on valuable knowledge to make their lives easier. Independent models can learn about marketing techniques to get their work out there, studio owners can learn about and sign some of the upcoming talents… there's nothing to lose and everything to gain!
At the end of the day, sex work is a business so at the very least a basic understanding of how to run it and the ethics to develop are essential to turning over a profit.
New ideas are gold in the eyes of a content creator and in the adult industry, it’s no different. From porn, to stripping to femdom you can learn about what’s in and where the money is at. Besides networking events, there are usually main floors of the conventions where you can meet with successful models within the adult industry. Many will be representing their agency and can give a great insight as to what it’s like to work with them in that area.
For instance, a major porn company like Bang Bros might bring out some of their successful models to engage with fans. Capitalising on this opportunity as both a fan and aspiring colleague can favour your chances of success in the future.
Not everything is dedicated to pornography itself as there are plenty of stations promoting the latest sex toys, websites and equipment that could revolutionise the industry. So if you fancy yourself as more of a tycoon then adult conventions can provide you with some valuable business ideas and opportunities.
But of course, you didn’t fly for hours across the world to not make some enjoyable memories and these conventions are known for throwing great parties. If you are a paying registrant or invited along by the company hosting the event then it’s time to play hard. Everyone after an action-packed schedule is looking to unwind and rooftop parties with an open bar can be the perfect environment.
You probably don’t want to be labelled the stiff that cant let their hair down, therefore these parties make for the perfect opportunity to socialise in a more relaxed and less professional environment. So if partying is your thing then go crazy!
More often than not, adult conventions are held in capital cities where nightlife and entertainment are rife. So, if for some reason you aren’t feeling the vibe at the organised parties there is no shortage of places to go.
We should probably mention that these conventions are in no particular order, but hopefully, with the research going into this, there should be a little something for everyone regardless of your role in the adult industry. There is usually a stigma surrounding adult conventions that you simply buy a ticket, walk around and stare at boobs. However, we wanted to share a list of places that would be beneficial to your craft as a sex worker or presence in the adult industry in general.
Eroticon is a convention for sex writers, bloggers, artists to establish themselves in their craft and develop their skills. The convention is held once a year in London Camden where creatives talk and share experiences with others that work in the erotic space.
One of the main goals of the event is to encourage inclusivity and create a space to include people of all genders, races and backgrounds. They explain that this way they can keep up and explore the changing of sex culture. As you can probably imagine sex has changed a lot over the last few decades and it's diversifying exponentially so due to the merging of various different cultures and ideas.
So what actually goes down at Eroticon? Well, there are talks and workshops run by volunteering professionals in their field to discuss a variety of topics like legal lips for sex writers, taboo sex topics within fiction, sex toy activism and much more. They’re always open to having on new voices so if this tickles your fancy then end off a submission.
Eroticon also hosts kink demonstrations, yes this is as sexy as you’re imagining. Professional kink practitioners will demonstrate and guide you through different areas of kink play to broaden your sexual horizons. There is also the opportunity to try out some of the kinks like wax play and make your own whips or handcuffs!
Finally, they host professional development and networking sessions where everyone from volunteers to sponsors share important information on different areas of expertise like how to promote your adult websites and improve their visibility. What modern-day sex workers can gain from this is pretty big considering how popular subscribing to independent models websites are becoming.
This is the largest adult event in the USA to celebrate sexy so you might want to sign up for this one. Exxxotica essentially covers all bases having the business and pleasure sides all in one place. There are education seminars slotted in on the action-packed schedule as well as countless stalls to meet some of your favourite stars. If we just take a look at last years line up there’s no doubt there's something for everyone. Stalls are scattered everywhere with over 150 exhibitions including sex toys, fan meets and of course seminars.
However, after a long day, you just want to watch something and unwind there is the main entertainment stage where burlesque, male revues and the Ms Exxxotica winner will be crowned. So let’s say you’re looking to explore your sexual deviancies, one popular show feature is the Exxxotica Dungeon where those brave enough to participate can experience BDSM and fetish play first-hand. Spank benches and suspensions rigs are included.
The event is hosted multiple times a year at various different locations around America such as Washington DC, Miami and Chicago IL. So if this is a city near you or you don’t mind the travel why not check it out.
Labelled the most transparent and equidistant event in the streaming industry BCAMS is a huge networking opportunity for independent models, cam studios, photographers and adult business owners alike.
Their goal is to create a friendly and judgement-free environment so that attendees can “learn, share knowledge, notice, be noticed and do business” which to me sounds like the first place I'm heading when my porn career gets started. They host seminars and meetings on the latest and most interesting up and coming topics within the adult streaming industry, so for a cam girl, this might be worth your while.
The event takes place in Bucharest Romania at the 5-star Grand Hotel. Registrants are well looked after and can contact organisers for a driver to be picked them up from the airport. So, two tickets to Romania, please!
For those that are ready to embrace their fetishes, Montreal Fetish Weekend is the place. Unlike most of the previous conventions, this is a more fun centred getaway as opposed to being business-oriented. But there's no doubt that you’re likely to run into fellow fetish advocates and performers here.
The fetish weekend, like the name states, is held in Montreal Canada set in the Village area. Said to be a beautiful street full of rainbows, restaurants, shops and friendly pedestrians. Most of the exclusive events will take place at the hotel where wild shows and even wilder afterparties will take place. For those willing there will be “Daring Public Happenings” which one can only assume will entail public fetish play among other attendees. But if there’s any place to do it, why not at the dedicated convention surrounded by some of the most friendly and accepting people?
The event caters to as many fetishes as possible and facilitates freedom of fetish expression. While at the venue you can live your fantasy dressing in everything you love; leather, sultry lingerie, cosplay and tight rubber for my rubber lovers. During the weekend you will get the chance to talk to and work with models and professional rope artists who are notoriously hard to come by.
As for guest safety, security and staff are always on standby to help. Formal consent is a must and can be revoked at any time so be responsible and play nice. Overall It’s described as a must-go social event to attend parties, educational workshops, dine and shop till you drop. If you’re ready to explore your fetish then I know you’ll find some friendly volunteers at this convention.
For 25 years VENUS has been the leading erotic lifestyle event in Europe. 2022’s upcoming event will be held in Berlin Germany the kinky capital of the country. From this convention, you can expect to see sexy toys, exciting new fashion & lingerie, webcam models, porn producers and erotic art. With over 250 exhibitors and 1000+ adult stars attending it’s safe to say we’re probably only scratching the surface.
The VENUS LGBTQAI+ area is also making a premiere, inviting many individuals from the scene to share some love and colour with the community.
There are an estimated 30,000 visitors at the VENUS event due to international media coverage, combined with the trade show and industry meetings, it’s the perfect place to promote your new adult ventures. As both a model or business owner you can benefit from the promotion and networking opportunities that occur when all these erotic forces combine.
For the guests and performers safety photography will not be permitted on main stages, demonstrations and exhibitor stands. So if you’ve always wanted to embrace your inner celebrity and state no pictures now would be the chance.
The AVN Awards, also known as the Oscars of porn had to make their way onto the list. Contrary to what they are advertised as there’s a lot more to AVN than just the award ceremony. Those in attendance are provided with educational seminars and talks much like the other conventions on our list. It’s quite fitting that the porn awards are held in sin city, Las Vegas, Nevada it’s just a bit ironic last year was hosted at the Virgin Hotels.
Luckily, tickets are open to the public. So, if you feel like learning from and watching the best in the business then head on down. Of course, there is always a myriad of restaurants, bars, clubs, shows and casinos to keep you entertained if you manage to get bored.
If you’re in the adult industry it’s more than likely that you’ve heard of XBIZ. They’re most popular for hosting the biggest award ceremony for adult performers but they also do a rockin’ adult convention. XBIZ awards and conventions are usually very close together and are hosted in many cities such as LA, Miami and Berlin.
The convention itself is sponsored by Manyvids so numerous invitations are sent out to the up and coming performers and businesses. Attending XBIZ conventions is hands down some of the most valuable opportunities sex workers can get as you’ll be rubbing shoulders and conversing with the best in the game.
The event schedule takes place over 2 days with an after-party to conclude each evening. On the agenda, there are networking events, educational seminars covering essential topics like marketing and production and even speed networking for those short on time. Last year's event held a meeting in the playboy headquarters complete with a tour and a chance to talk to the CEO of playboy himself. It’s clear that they take great pride in hosting such events and are passionate about giving new performers a chance to grow.
We did mention the list was in no particular order but we just had to save the best for last. In terms of what you can gain as a sex worker the XBIZ Show is a super valuable resource that if you’re lucky enough to be invited or get ahold of a ticket, you should definitely attend.
Everyone being cooped up for over two years has inspired an affinity towards getting all of your information online. But we have forgotten the powerful art of learning from successful and established individuals in person.
If you can’t make it to any of these big conventions then hop online and look for some local to you. Throw yourself out there and get involved!
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