YNOT – It appears certain industry reports suggesting the demise of the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE) have been greatly exaggerated. Speculation had swirled around the 2010 event ever since its parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October to restructure its debt. Show organizers, however, are in full swing promoting the upcoming 2010 show, which will take place at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and now they have some good news to share with the industry.Organizers for the AEE show are reporting that the advance numbers for the 2010 show are up over advance numbers for the 2009 show at this same point last year. According to a recent announcement from show organizers, trade registration is up by 120%, fan registration is up by 222%, and more than 100 exhibitors are confirmed for participation in the event.
Those numbers are a good sign, especially the fan attendance numbers, and could be evidence that the recession won’t be hammering the adult industry as strongly in 2010 as it did in 2009.
“While AEE, and practically every other trade show, saw declines in attendance in 2009 due to the struggling economy, we are rebounding nicely for 2010,” declared show spokesperson Sean Devlin. “We’re all tired of bailouts, foreclosures, and layoffs. It’s time to party again.”
The size of the party may be decided somewhat by the mood of attendees of the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on the same days as AEE. The challenge this year for AEE will be making sure the CES crowds remember to stop by AEE too, since CES will not be centered at the Sands Expo in 2010 like it was in 2009.
AEE’s media contact Grace Lee told YNOT that she didn’t expect that to be a problem.
“CES has only been at the Sands Expo for a couple of years, so it’s not like we’ve always relied on them for traffic,” she said, adding that CES was not completely out of the Sands Expo, with some events still scheduled there for 2010. “We’re very confident they’ll come … the CES crowd is aware that we’re there.”
Paul Fishbein, President of AVN Media Network, also believes the Adult Entertainment Expo is firmly established with fans and also with adult businesses.
“The fan and trade loyalty to AEE is a testament to the remarkable programming that is unique to AEE,” said Fishbein. “The Expo showcases the largest collection of adult products and exhibitors, and offers a comprehensive selection of seminars designed purposely for our trade attendees. Additionally, the fans can come face-to-face with their favorite adult stars in the most exciting venue in the world. AEE thrives because it continues to deliver.”
AEE kicks off on Thursday, January 7th, and wraps up on Sunday, January 10th. For more information about the show, including information on exhibiting or attending, visit www.adultentertainmentexpo.com.
