The exhibitors at Erotica LA represented a wide variety of sectors in the adult entertainment industry: beauty and make-up; clothing, lingerie and swimwear; edible items; video and DVD; herbal enhancements; home parties; jewelry; magazines and books; novelties and toys; and websites. In other words, there was something for everyone.
Attendees also represented a cross-section of adult entertainment consumers. Not only were there the standard porn convention raincoaters, but Erotica LA attracted hordes of curiosity seeking couples and groups of women, who packed the novelty and sex toy booths, ostensibly looking for new gadgets and gizmos to spice things up in the bedroom.
A handful of adult video companies took its booths from the Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas and brought them to Erotica LA. These giant booths proved to be big attention grabbers and attracted scads of fans. It also didn’t hurt that many of these booths boasted bold-faced names. Wicked Pictures, Jules Jordan Video, Wanted List, Naughty America and Club Jenna all had spectacular presences.
Erotica LA was layed out in much the same way as AEE, but the tenor and attitude was quite different. The vibe at Erotica LA was less circus-like due to the smaller show floor, but also because, as an exclusively-fan focused show, exhibitors weren’t preoccupied with cutting business deals. The laid-back vibe was a welcome change of pace.
While the aisles became constricted with eager fans, especially around the ClubJenna booth when queen bee Jenna Jameson was signing, it wasn’t unbearably packed. Many of the booths were nicely spaced out and companies clearly put a lot of effort into their marketing materials and giveaways. Almost every booth offered the eager fan something to take home.
The Wicked Pictures booth teemed with megawatt adult stars all three days of the convention. Jessica Drake, Kirsten Price, Stormy Daniels, Kaylani Lei, Carmen Hart and Randy Spears all appeared to greet fans and sign autographs.
“I love coming to these shows to meet my fans,” Stormy Daniels told XBIZ. “It also gave me the opportunity to promote my newest big movie from Wicked Pictures, ‘Operation Desert Stormy.’”
ClubJenna boasted an impressive roster of signees. The spunky Joanna Angel, former contract girl Krystal Steal, and current exclusives Brea Bennett and Roxy Jezel along with newly minted CJ Girl Lela Star, attracted a lot of attention. Needless to say, Jameson was the star attraction of the entire convention.
“This is my first appearance as a ClubJenna Girl, so I’m super excited,” Star told XBIZ. “It’s really a dream come true.”
Not only could fans meet their favorite adult stars, there were numerous live shows and interactive exhibits for them to indulge their carnal desires. John Stagliano’s famous Las Vegas stage show “The Fashionistas,” Hustler’s Lingerie Fashion Show and a burlesque performance played to rapt audiences on Friday.
Saturday’s live shows attracted huge crowds as well. Highlights included a performance of “Zumanity,” a sensual show from Cirque du Soliel, the Screaming O contest hosted by Nikki Benz and Alektra Blue, and Tera Patrick’s Mistress Couture fashion show. Walking the runway were Sasha Grey, Savanna Samson, Patrick and newbies Naudio Nitro and Marlie Moore.
Director Jack Napier cut a smooth figure at the Vouyer Media booth. Napier, who directs the “It’s Big It’s Black It’s Jack” series for Vouyer, had his 1968 Chevy Impala parked on the convention floor to promote his “Ridin’ Dirty” series. Along with Napier was much talked-about starlet Alexis Texas.
“Being here at this convention is really something I’ll never forget,” Texas told XBIZ. “This is really the first opportunity for me to meet so many fans at once. At first, I was surprised so many people knew me because I’m new. Now, on the last day, I’ve made more fans too.”
Rockman Productions also had some impressive wheels on display. The company parked its Rockman-skinned RV on the floor and had starlets Kylee King, Hailey Young and Kayla Marie signing.
New production company Pulpo made a splash at Erotica LA. Lucky fans got to lay down on a plush couch while dangerously curvy starlet Gianna Michaels gave them a tantalizingly close dance while Reggaeton music blaring from the company’s speakers.
Ever-eubillent starlet Casey Parker, wearing a Shane’s World cutoff t-shirt and boy shorts at the Wanted List booth, was the perfect picture of perky prettiness.
“I’m a little disappointed I didn’t win Rookie Starlet of the Year at the F.A.M.E. Awards, but I’ve met so many wonderful people at Erotica LA; that’s definitely made up for it,” Parker told XBIZ. “I’m just so happy to be here and meet everyone. It still shocks me people know who I am and want to meet me. I like to make sure everyone who meets me goes away happy!”
Holding court in Jules Jordan Video’s Pornitentiary booth (styled like a jail cell) was Jordan, Erik Everhard, Travis Knight and Evil Angel director Joey Silvera along with cameraman Kevin Moore. Starlets signing for Jordan included Gina Lynn, Mia Rose, Sunny Lane and Jenna Haze.
“I’m here for the fans, of course,” Jordan told XBIZ. “Ever since I started Jules Jordan Video, they have been nothing but spectacular and loyal. This is a chance for me to show them thanks.”
Moore told XBIZ that he just got done shooting John Leslie’s first adult feature in more than 10 years. The project isn’t titled yet, but features Briana Love as a “bar rat” who seeks solace in the advice given to her by the bartender, played by Leslie. Also starring in the movie is Derrick Pierce, Christina Aguchi, Roxy DeVille, Daryl Hannah, John West, Mr. Pete, Mark Wood and Jon Jon. The movie is slated for a September release.
Moore shoots a lot of camera for Silvera and Leslie, but also directs for the Jekyll & Hyde label distributed by Pulse Distribution. He is slated to direct a fetish-tinged line for Smash Pictures and just wrapped the latest volume of “Asian Fever” for Hustler Video.
Red Light District brought some Old West flavor to Erotica LA, with a mechanical bull and bales of hay. Starlets Aubrey Addams, Alexis Love and Michelle Maylene completed the theme in cowboy boots and hats.