The 2020 LAL Expo, held this year in the Colombian city of Cali, is in full swing this week, and Day 2’s showing was just as compelling as Day 1’s.
First off, let me tell you about the weather. Historically, weather in Cali this time of year hovers around 30 degrees Celsius, or mid-80s Fahrenheit. Temps have been above average this February though, clocking in at 36C/97F and 34C/93F on Monday and Tuesday respectively. It’s also very humid.
You may think it’s trite to talk about the weather, but at a show that’s shaded yes but almost 100 percent outdoors, the weather is nothing to scoff at. And in the seminar rooms, which were air conditioned and always fully packed, the AC was helpful… but definitely working overtime. Just some things to keep in mind when you’re packing for LAL Expo next year!
Speaking of seminars, Tuesday’s seminars were on par with Monday’s – extremely well-attended and informative. There were also many moments that called attention to the very different places the Colombian and, for instance, US and Canadian industries are at.
For instance, there was a very research-based presentation titled “Your Majesty, Orgasm” led by sexologist and sex therapist Ezequiel López Peralta. In working to demystify some of the biology and psychology related to women’s orgasms specifically, López Peralta’s presentation also seemed to indicate a cultural temperature related to women’s sexuality in general. It’s amazing that the LAL Expo is providing this resource, and the cultural context in which members of the community in Colombia operate in is very important to consider.
In another seminar, “The Secret of Effective Payment Methods in Latin America” featuring Greg Anders of Processing Partners, Chris Youngs of Paxum, Aaron of CosmoPayment and Carlos Stenari of Directa24, the audience got downright hostile at points. The questions centered around issues related to difficulties getting paid that are specific to Colombia. The panel did their best to provide answers, but things essentially amounted to “This is how money transfer works, this is what’s required.” The entire seminar spoke to a highly significant, wider issue related to emerging markets connecting – and disconnecting – with larger global processes and is another example of relevant cultural context in which members of the Colombian community operate.
If you missed Day 1 coverage of the show, check it out here.
Taking a closer look at exhibitors on the show floor was also revealing.
There was a good showing of mainstream cam, clips and content spaces including Flirt4Free, ImLive, ManyVids, Streamate and more. There was also representation from Spain’s olecams.com – per Instagram, a “Brand new #camsite specialized in #Spanish and #Latinas girls” – which was interesting.
Studios are extremely significant in Colombia, another indicator of the wider economy, cultural acceptance and stigma and the general shape of cam in the country. For context, I was told by one studio rep that there are over 1,000 studios in the country. I have not verified that number, but the idea that that’s the figure being thrown around is very telling. Not surprisingly, there was a big studio showing at LAL Expo, both international and Colombia-based. These includes jhstudios.com.co, models1a.co, csstudio.co, Golden Premium Studio, alzatestudios.com, Jahlonlinestudio.com and many more.
There was a good assortment of payment options represented, including those previously mentioned as well as more local options like .Bantokens and CNW.co. There was also one extremely irresponsible and purposefully not named organization that had PayPal listed as an option on its printed signage. (Like, what the everloving fuck?!)
It was also interesting to note the one-off/few-off representatives of entire segments of the industry. There was one and only one lube company present – Wet – that was giving out soft serve samples and making clients for life. Pleasure products Svakom and Satisfyer were there, as well as Colombian retailers sexosentido.co, balisexstore.com and guiacereza.com.
There were also representatives from international tradeshows, legal services via juridicam.com and the very important ASOCEA.org. Per their mission statement, ASOCEA’s main objective is to unite all the different organizations operating under the adult industry umbrella in Latin America around the fight for a clear legislation and economic regulation – a very important group to support!
In sum, Day 2 at the 2020 LAL Expo was informative and enlightening. I cannot underscore enough the impact culture and economy have on the intersections occurring between this emerging market and wider global adult media.
The day featured a VIP lunch sponsored by ImLive and wrapped with a bus tour around Cali, dinners sponsored by Chaturbate and Cam4 and Chaturbate’s neon party, which lit things up late night.
Read YNOT Magazine’s coverage of the Colombian cam space here.
