BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Sex Expo New York drew record crowds for its opening day today with a record number of attendees lining up outside the Brooklyn Expo Center for the groundbreaking sexual wellness event, presented by Chaturbate.
As the event’s maiden run since its name change, its reinvention as Sex Expo proved to be successful judging by the vast diversity of exhibitors and attendees. From sex toys and lube to lingerie, webcamming and more, Sex Expo presented attendees with a wide selection of products and services to best embrace their sexual side.
Consumers lined up as early as 8:30 a.m. to get into the Brooklyn Expo Center and were greeted by Sex Expo emcee Reid Mihalko, who kept the crowd hyped leading up to the ribbon-cutting during which he was joined by Ramona Flour from Chaturbate and Krystal Silva from Doc Johnson, Sex Expo’s Diamond Sponsor. Attendees cheered them on until the ribbon was cut and they rushed through the doors to get to the show floor and get their hands on the goodie bags — which featured multiple vibrators, different lubricants, condoms and fun promo materials like dick pic magnets from Dicture.
Sara Rutkevitz, founder of Dicture and penis photographer, told XBIZ that she was inspired to launch Dicture after she received a photo of a man’s penis (dick pic) while she was on the dating scene.
“I got my first dick pic and I thought myself, a woman, can do this better,” she said.
Dicture now offers a variety of items, including pillows, mugs and T-shirts with her photos of penises dressed up in costumes as different personas.
“I realize that people like to buy things with dicks on them so I offer all kinds of novelty items,” Rutkevitz said.
Situated front and center, the Doc Johnson booth was among the first to welcome the throng of attendees that streamed in for the first few hours of the show. Attendees lined up at the Doc Johnson booth for the chance to spin the wheel and get a prize. Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase the company’s most popular items, including its Buzz Liquid Vibrator and the Tryst multipurpose massager.
While the free goodie bags and giveaways, sex-positive education and product showcases are favorite staples from the show formerly known as the Sexual Health Expo, Sex Expo added more fun, entertaining elements including hourly contests, raffles, games, performances and fashion shows.
Before running off to the Sex Expo stage to host her scheduled sex trivia quiz, Jopen’s Robin Stewart told XBIZ that this year’s Sex Expo N.Y. blew away her expectations.
“We love Sex Expo,” she said. “This is the best show for consumer awareness. People are so friendly and appreciative of our knowledge, products and simply for being here. This really is an irreplaceable opportunity.”
Sex Expo also offered opportunities for entrepreneurs that want to be a part of the sexual wellness community.
Adam & Eve is giving away a franchise during this weekend’s Sex Expo. Chad Jenny from Adam & Eve told XBIZ that the offer is a valuable opportunity to someone that is truly interested in opening a store. He noted that there are more than 70 Adam & Eve franchise store owners.
“Our annual event [held in April for franchise store owners] used to be a day-long event and now it’s a week-long,” he said. “Every year it’s just gotten bigger and bigger.”
In addition to bringing along eye candy for attendees, Chaturbate also presented Sex Expo attendees with a business opportunity as a cam model.
“There’s a cam girl here whose tuition was paid in full by fans,” Chaturbate’s Ramona Flour said. “And this is a common scenario among our models — there are a lot of students and mothers that are looking for good opportunity to change their lives.”
Flour says that while sometimes some people may be hesitant to inquire about opportunities with Chaturbate, she eventually sees them come back to sign up. “It’s interesting to see,” she said, “I recognize a lot of people when they come back.”
Leimomi Manley, director of sales for Migliori Products said that Sex Expo also offered B2B opportunities in addition to allowing the company to connect with consumers.
“It’s good for networking with other companies,” Manley said. “In this industry you have to partner with other companies — especially as a newbie — in order to last.”
At Sex Expo, Manley said she’s encountered several consumers — women in particular — that are sex educated and are savvy when it comes to ingredients and materials that they put in their bodies.”
Sexologist Michelle Hope attended Sex Expo to connect with fellow professionals and check out the latest products.
“My saying is ‘from the womb to the tomb, sex is a part of life,’” Hope said.
Abbi Ajayi is the host of the Nigerian radio show “Pillow Talk with Abbi” who attended Sex Expo to better serve her listeners.
“In South Africa sex is still very taboo but still so many people want to know about all things sex,” she said. “They talk about sex but always behind closed doors.”
Midway through today’s Sex Expo, the Tenga-sponsored press lounge hosted a media-only event attended by professionals from around the world that offered free drinks, snacks and product demos and samples.
Sexologist Dr. Chris Donaghue was on hand for interviews where he discussed male masturbation and Tenga’s recent annual United State(s) of masturbation study.
“When it comes to open conversations about masturbation for men there’s a big movement to make it more open and Chris is of that mindset,” said Eddie Marklew, Tenga’s marketing manager. “At Tenga we’re not about replicating sex — sex and masturbation don’t have to be related, and Chris is all about that. He’s in tune with what we have to say. When it comes to our survey, we have our data and he has the reach.”
Sex Expo continues tomorrow with more product showcases, workshops presented Sex Ed Sponsor The Pleasure Chest and more.
