MELBOURNE – Sexpo, an adult trade show which has celebrated sexuality and erotic expression since its inception in 1996, had planned to make a triumphant return to the UK in 2018, but the show has run into a serious snag in the form of resistance from from ExCeL London, an exhibitions and international convention center in Custom House, London Borough of Newham
A statement released by Sexpo said the original London Sexpo, which was staged in November 2015, was hampered by a combination of local transportation issues and unforeseen events, including the coordinated terrorist attacks which occurred in Paris that month.
According to Sexpo, public transportation issues and the terrorist attacks combined to result in 40% of attendees who pre-purchased London Sexpo tickets being unable to attend. If not for these problems, show organizers estimate 40,000 people would have attended the event.
“We now hope to return to London in a large venue that can accommodate the sort of numbers we expect,” said Australian Founding Organizer David Ross. “Big numbers mean big business and require a
big venue.”
“We have always sort to use only purpose-built exhibition venues to reinforce the mainstream nature of our events,” continued Ross. “So, after approaching the ExCeL venue, we were disappointed by the arbitrary dismissal of our approach. Additionally, we sought membership at the London Chamber of Commerce, but they couldn’t help us, and our emails have gone unanswered. Clearly, the London Chamber of Commerce has no interest in sex at all.”
In response to the resistance from ExCel, Sexpo has started a Change.org petition which Londoners are encouraged to sign. Sexpo is also hoping to build followers for the show’s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts, to “demonstrate to all venues, and the London Chamber of Commerce, the level of public support for Sexpo.”
According to the show’s organizers, over 90 Sexpo events have been conducted around the world in the 21 years since the event first launched. The high expenses associated with operating the shows necessitates drawing thousands of attendees to cover costs. One of the cornerstones of Sexpo’s success, historically, has been its appeal to women, which Ross said is stronger and more pronounced than that of other adult industry events.
“There are various adult type exhibitions around the world, including some previously held in London, but none have used the focus on ‘lifestyle’ to successfully win over the media and public in the way Sexpo does,” Ross said. “This focus ensures our attendance numbers are far better than any competing event with more than 50% of attendees being female. We’re hoping this Change.org petition will change the tides in our favor and Londoners will demand the return of our show.”
Echoing Sexpo’s dismay over ExCeL’s resistance is Madison Missina, three-time winner of the award for Australian Porn Star of the Year.
“Don’t be put off by Sexpo being sexually explicit,” Missina said. “It’s about sexuality and how it can help you live your life, it’s not about objectification or exploitation.”
“It becomes a safe space for women to come and learn and express themselves,” Missina added. “I see women come in and they’re covered up and a bit shy. At the end of the show these women are running around having a great time, coming out of their shell.”
