YNOT – For the first time in its nearly 30-year history, AVN’s Adult Entertainment Expo will offer a virtual component in 2012.

Virtual trade shows have met with varying degrees of success in other industries, but to date no one has mounted a successful endeavor for the adult entertainment industry. AVN Media Network hopes to change that and simultaneously broaden its market by offering a $19.99 “virtual ticket” that will allow holders to view and participate in many AEE activities from the privacy of their own homes, via the miracle of internet technology.

Portions of AEE’s virtual component will be delivered live from the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas in VirtualCast format. Hosted by Wicked Pictures contract performer jessica drake, Mr. Skin founder Jim McBride and Midwest radio personality Rover, the webcast will begin at 1 p.m. Jan. 20 and run until 1 a.m. Jan. 21. Coverage will feature exhibits throughout the venue, a private penthouse studio, after-hours parties, and winner’s circle news from the 29th annual AVN Awards.

According to AVN principal and AEE spokesperson Theo Sapoutzis, “Nearly every element of The AVN Adult Entertainment Expo will be streamed online, providing the public with a rare look behind the velvet ropes of the adult entertainment industry. On Saturday night, virtual ticket holders will see exclusive coverage of the pre-awards AVN Red Carpet and post-awards Winner’s Circle.

“Event technology now allows us to expand our unique environment to a worldwide audience that is otherwise unable to attend,” he added. “This social-network-driven setting for virtual attendees, as well as for our exhibitors, is in keeping with our leadership in this industry’s next evolution.”

The 2012 Virtual AEE will be produced by Virtual FanFests, a Chicago-based startup that facilitates fan conventions online within a pay-per-view environment. The Virtual AEE will include coverage from seven cameras spread throughout the Hard Rock Hotel; private, public and moderated chat; downloadable material and easy links for e-commerce from AEE exhibitors and booth sponsors.

“We are really just taking an event people want to see and making it possible for them not only to see it, but to interact with it,” said Virtual FanFests co-founder Bob Snyder. “And with the accessibility our cameras will have, sitting privately by a computer watching hours of exclusive online content only becomes an attractive way to take in the event.”

More information about Virtual AEE is available here. For information about the real-world show, visit AdultEntertainmentExpo.com.