TEMPE, Ariz. – Attendance at the Phoenix Forum jumped to a new record high, organizers reported Thursday: from 840 in 2012 to 1,100 in 2013. The increase represents a boost of 23.6 percent for the annual adult online industry conference, which took place April 4-7 at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel.
“This increase can be seen as an indicator of where of the online adult entertainment industry is today, with other numbers from the show reflecting a similar trend,” TPF Event Manager Kathi Stout.
By the numbers, the 2013 Phoenix Forum:
- Offered 14 seminar sessions featuring a total of 78 panelists who entertained and educated a total of 511 seminar attendees.
- Hosted 39 EU Forum exhibitors.
- Welcomed 56 sponsor meet market exhibitors.
- Enjoyed 60 total sponsors.
“Something that we always strive for is a strong focus on business with this show,” said Gary Jackson, managing vice president of sales and internet markets for TPF parent company CCBill. “Yes, there are terrific parties and events, but when you really look at the numbers of seminars, the amount of people that participate in face-to-face business meetings and the networking that goes on all throughout the three-day event, the patterns really start to become clear.”
Charity events also were an important part of the mix. The annual X2K charity golf tournament raised about $1,000 for the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection. Gay affiliate program Next Door Buddy Profits reported raising “roughly a couple thousand [dollars]” for HIV/AIDS organization Until There’s a Cure via auctions during social and hospitality events at the forum.
“The connectedness of this community is no doubt one of its strengths,” Stout said. “We are more than happy to offer opportunities for charity events to occur in conjunction with the show to help support and give back to this community that has supported TPF so well over the years.
“The Phoenix Forum would not be possible without all of the generous support of sponsors and participation by attendees,” she added. “Thank you to everyone that had a part in the 2013 event, and we look forward to the next Phoenix Forum, [to be] held March 27-29, 2014.”
