MIAMI — Over a thousand jostling attendees gathered for the biggest XBIZ Miami ever at the chic South Beach Mondrian hotel, kicking off the official opening day on May 28 for a weeklong event series presented by premier cam network Chaturbate.
Major players, ambitious entrepreneurs and enthusiastic newcomers from the camming, clips and webmaster community shared drinks at the lively circle bar, splashed into the aquamarine waters of the shimmering pool and filled the luxurious lobby as an out-the-door registration line bustled to get those coveted badges.
Dozens of guests had already arrived the day before, sunning their summer bods and organizing their business cards before the merry mayhem of the first activity-filled day.
As the chiming of elevators heralded each miniature posse of bright-eyed acquaintances and long-time friends, strong handshakes and bubbly introductions abounded in every direction.
Primed for maximum business and pleasure, XBIZ Miami set out to sustain and surpass its reputation as the largest industry-only tradeshow for the digital media game. Hundreds upon hundreds of gorgeous cam models, clip creators and award-winning adult stars soaked in the flashing cameras of happy photographers, not to mention the innumerable selfies and group shots snapped on smartphones aplenty.
A flood of tweets, Instagram posts, Snapchat stories, OnlyFans content and more quickly began to fill cyberspace with the #XBIZMiami hashtag, immortalizing pure joy and earnest laughter against a stunning backdrop of sunlit waves, radiant cityscapes and wake-spraying boats
Legions of sponsored banners, blimps (bearing Streamate’s brand, much like the massive bottom of the pool) and signs adorned with company logos populated the hotel, easily spotted in the deluge of social media pics that thrummed with vibrant life.
Here was the secret sauce of not only XBIZ Miami, but also the modern market itself … where talent are as much a part of the business-to-business equation as the companies courting them, where consumers are best reached through online traffic generated by celebrants able to relax in a safe and distraction-free environment ... and where millions tune in through the concentrated magnetism of unfettered power brokers, sexy stars and global brands.
Clip creator Lindsey Love, who rocked her Pornhub gear to proudly rep the platform where her clips with real-life partner Mike Love ultimately earned them an XBIZ Cam Award for Best Clip Artist Duo, echoed this sentiment.
She commented, “Ultimately, if I had to describe this convention, I’d say it’s a business vacation for models. There is a ton of networking opportunities, while offering something no other convention does: privacy. Absolutely no fans are allowed at XBIZ which makes for a safe and professional week where all models have to worry about is how much sunscreen they applied. I will definitely be coming back next year!”
As for Cams.com model Alana Evans, president of the Adult Performers Actors Guild (APAG), even the chaos of registration was manageable with readily available aid. Noting the ever-adept responsiveness of Moe Helmy, executive producer of XBIZ events, she said, “I have massive respect for Moe Helmy because every time someone had an issue, he was right there. The service he provided to the attendees was so personable. I’ve never seen someone in that position act so effectively, always with a smile on his face and he makes everyone feel completely welcome.”
Beyond the hubbub of hotel check-ins and the doling out of lanyards, multitudes clinked mojitos, beers and wine at the outdoor bar — when they weren’t cooling off at the indoor one.
Others headed to the valet courtyard at the entrance garbed in silky shirts, Cuban links, alluring bikinis, board shorts and flip-flops for the Warm-Up Volleyball Tourney. Steely-eyed, hulking security guards scanned their badges and kept a close eye on any potential freeloaders tempted to pester the exclusive conference. These sentinels proved themselves capable throughout the week at fostering a members-only atmosphere rife for uninterrupted dealmaking, topless poolside fun and worry-free venue explorations.
Soon, a caravan of Uber drivers lined up, whisking away over 50 spectators and competitors several miles nearby to the beach sands lining Ocean Drive. Swaying pristine nets awaited the giddy gladiators, who joined forces in swiftly forged teams before the clash of gravity-defying acrobatics batted volleyballs through the air with all the carnival madness of a hydra-limbed juggler.
A few of the athletes were quite seasoned at the sport, but most were unabashed amateurs clearly enjoying themselves with wild abandon. Bursts of whistles exploded from the referee who had been hired from a local cadre of pros for this very event. For over two hours, the smack of palms and arms clapped loudly, while more than a few curious onlookers stopped by on the outskirts gawking at the scintillating and fierce dance erupting on the sandy arena.
In fact, so hotly contested was the tournament, that no single winner was ultimately determined, even as teams were winnowed down to would-be champions — for many broke even with a draw. Yet all felt uplifted, hailing rivals and teammates as they shook out their towels and prepared to Uber it back to the hotel.
“The volleyball game was amazing and so much fun!” enthused cam model and multi XBIZ Award-nominated Veronika Rose. “Got some blisters on my feet from the hot sun, but it was worth it!”
Also reflecting on the match was Lindsey Love, who said, “My experience at XBIZ has been an absolute blast. The day started with a volleyball tournament that I was not prepared for. Luckily, there were many models willing to practice before the game, so I made friends and got put on a team last minute!”
Leaning closely with that winning smile, the beautiful brunette confided, “If I have to give any amount of advice here I would say to make sure to bring sunscreen and tennis shoes! While we were playing on the beach, the heat of the sand was too much for my bare feet to handle. I definitely recommend wearing athletic shoes.”
As the champions returned to the Mondrian, the WIA “Booze ‘n Buns” Poolside Mixer was in full effect, replete with cocktails, hunky attendants and stress-free chats for the leading ladies of the biz, such as Ginger Banks — one of the official Show Ambassadors and winner of the Community Advocate Award last year. She remarked, “Parties like the WIA ‘Booze ’n Buns’ Poolside Mixer are a great place to have fun and network with your peers! I met a lot of amazing women I plan on collaborating with in the future.”
Blonde MILF babe Kit Mercer, who was crowned XBIZ Rising Clip Star later that week, said, “It’s exciting to watch the WIA events grow bigger. It's so helpful for those newer to the industry like me to meet and learn from the women who are established leaders in adult biz. And everyone was so welcoming!”
And the XBIZ Award-winning SureCakes, whose booty-full physique is second only to her blissful spirit, also enjoyed the festivities, stating, “XBIZ has done it again! The day has been filled with some of the best cam models in the business and a crazy 'Booze ‘n Buns' Mixer! After a few drinks, we all took it off to get in our bikinis. Looking forward to finishing off the night at the White Party and already can’t wait to do it again next year!”
Then, it was time for the Model Welcome Reception, led by ambassadors such as Ginger Banks, 2018 XBIZ Web Star of the Year and last year’s Cam Awards co-host Catjira, 2019 XBIZ Female Cam Model of the Year Emily Bloom, 2018 XBIZ Best European Cam Model and this year’s Cam Awards co-host Ella Silver, her co-host Elise Laurenne — who later won the 2019 XBIZ Cam Award for Best Cosplay Cam Model, 2018 XBIZ Best Female Cam Model Chronic Love and XBIZ Award-nominated Reya Sunshine.
The dazzling women sat upon their chairs like lionesses atop thrones in the Sunset Ballroom of the Mondrian, which would play host to many of the largest panels throughout the week. By now, the pool was absolutely filled with models, several bunches of which made their way to the reception to receive guidance, collect free swag and bask in the charismatic presences of the ambassadors.
Helmy thanked everyone for making this XBIZ Miami the grandest yet, providing a preview of the coming attractions ... like star-studded symposiums, the XBIZ Miami White Party, a private concert with a secret musical guest, a BongaCams bingo game, speed networking, a CAM4 workshop about private shows, a “House of Centro” shoot sponsored by ModelCentro, the bikini and mankini contests and the much-anticipated 2019 XBIZ Cam Awards, to name a few.
He and the models flanking him answered several questions from the audience and encouraged them to reach out anytime. Chaturbate maven Shirley Lara then came to the front, offering inspiring words to the assembled, before everyone came to the stage for a massive group photo. The sense of camaraderie was palpable in the room, positively glowing
Catjira, who later graced the XBIZ Cam Awards as the official Red Carpet Host, remembered the model welcome reception and ensuing events fondly. “This year is my third time attending XBIZ Miami and I have to say it was the best year yet. The growth in attendees was amazing and I met so many new people.”
And Emily Bloom, who had made it just in time to lead the welcome wagon, expressed, “I arrived right before the welcome reception. Coming off the plane and immediately jumping in the pool surrounded by so many fun, beautiful people is for sure the best way to start your XBIZ Miami experience. Last year, it was my first-ever event in the industry and just seeing how much my confidence and social skills developed from then to now was great. Every one of the other ambassadors was nice and welcoming, and people in the room were excited for all the coming events.”
As for Kit Mercer, she noted, “The model reception and panel was fun, energetic and a great way to meet other talent and models!”
Clearing out of the ballroom, the sultry throng headed to the XBIZ.net Kick-Off Happy Hour, where business moguls and behind-the-scenes execs chittered and chuckled amongst themselves for several hours, laying on their charms with hopeful finesse. Buzzed and ready for the XBIZ Miami White Party cresting the moonlit horizon, they lost track of the time in wistful reveries and easy banter.
But before the yearly ivory-clad gala, a more solemn and reverent moment took place, when XBIZ held a memorial for Dave Slick, the first-ever XBIZ Best Male Cam Model winner who tragically passed away last year just as his career was truly taking off. Ever since his fateful win at the inaugural XBIZ Cam Awards in 2017, which took place in the iconic Versace Mansion, Slick became a beloved influencer in the biz, a confidante to many and an up-and-coming gay porn star working with notable brands like NakedSword and Falcon Studios. Plus, he was a respected Chaturbate cam model and JustFor.fans clip creator, who was at ease working with men and women of every stripe.
“XBIZ honoring Dave Slick was extremely touching,” said Ginger Banks. “He really loved XBIZ. It was another moment to hear how Dave Slick positively affected the lives of so many people.”
Leah Mahi, director of digital media marketing and advertising for XBIZ, shared, “It was a really meaningful event for an intimate group of models and industry people who were touched deeply by Dave Slick’s life and his sense of mission. We had a wonderful photo of him, and people spoke and we sent tea lights into the pool. We then all came together in a Circle of Life.
“When we first started XBIZ Miami, Dave reached out to me and wanted to be in the show,” she recalled. “He came to all of them. He was a top model, but he wanted to reach out and help all the models, all of them — men, women and trans. He was like a therapist for the whole community. He was part of the XBIZ family and he was also my friend.”
Johnny Stone, who won Best Male Clip Artist in 2018, was also in attendance. “Dave’s memorial was an experience I’m glad I got to share, it gave me and everyone else a sense of closure, but also a celebration of his life,” he stated. “Getting to hear the stories about him and how he has impacted our lives forever was another example of just how great a man he was. I was happy to honor his memory for the memorial and will continue to do so with all my involvement with XBIZ. In a sense, I want to carry the torch. XBIZ meant so much to him and I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for him and his lessons on those panels. His involvement with XBIZ and his hopes to contribute to the community were an inspiration!”
As Slick would have wanted following such a cathartic farewell, attendees donned their white apparel and headed to the hotel rooftop, which was by now brimming with bountiful energy as the XBIZ Miami White Party commenced. In every sapphire light splashing its glow on the columns, walls and floors, a flicker of his smile and kindly eyes beamed for those who fondly remembered him sharing drinks and jests the year before in that very same spot.
And what celestial fiesta would be complete, without the official XBIZ Miami White Party Angels? Unfurling their feathery wings, heavenly lingerie and haloed auras were the likes of Ana Foxxx, SureCakes, Mrs. Smith, London Bunz Bunny, Zoey Taylor and Lindsey Love, who had started getting snazzy after the beach tourney earlier.
Nearly unrecognizable in her transformation from sporty to elegant, Love enthused, "After volleyball I went back and got ready for the White Party! This year, the Angels were tasked with making our own outfits, with XBIZ supplying the wings, so I was very excited to see what everyone had come up with and to show off my own outfit."
Reminiscing, she said, "The party featured an open bar, DJ and photography backdrop. I spent a lot of time near the backdrop, where I met several businessmen and traded contact information with multiple photographers. It was a great night for networking as a model.”
The spritely Emily Bloom also found the annual revelry delightful, offering, “The White Party is always my personal favorite. It’s so fun and aesthetically pleasing, and it’s a good chance to get creative with your outfit. I prepared mine a few months in advance!”
Veronika Rose was similarly content about the turnout. “This White Party is the bomb!” she cheered. “I finally have the chance to meet pretty much everyone I was looking forward to meeting!”
Amidst the pulse of musical beats and a mammoth line to the bar, the rooftop was packed beyond belief with incandescently luminous attire, with the exception of a few rebellious, metal-loving iconoclasts who had chosen to goth it up with black clothing (yours truly, among them). Hail to his infernal majesty.
Making the rounds at the soiree was exotic blonde stunner Quincy, who later won XBIZ Rising Cam Star at the third annual XBIZ Cam Awards. “I had a ‘faken good toime,’” she said, curling her lips and infusing her natural British/Colombian/Italian accent with an extra comical slur, as she uttered her signature turn of phrase that fans often echo. In fact, it even emblazons custom “I’m havin a faken good toime” t-shirts, should they wish to purchase her merch and proudly display their membership in the Quincy Gang (obtainable with a 2323 tip, as 23 is her lucky number).
“Gin and tonic, good-looking people,” she added, rattling the ice cubes in her favorite drink as she gazed about the White Party approvingly. That concoction is also a key part of her brand, as Quincy’s admirers know they can tip 400 tokens on MyFreeCams to watch her imbibe gin and tonic, when they aren’t snatching up her OnlyFans content and watching her play Division 2 on Twitch — where she was recently a contestant on the popular RajjPatel show, which sustains 25,000 live viewers and ends each episode with upwards of 2 million views overall.
The quadrilingual star wore many self-bedazzled fashion items that week, which ranged from a glimmering bikini to sparkling evening wear. The hours and hours she poured into placing every light-catching gem paid off in spades. For those curious to read about her equally colorful circus career before she joined adult, in an article she penned for the May issue of XBIZ World that adorned newsstands at the Mondrian, click here.
After the nightly mischief concluded, Quincy’s friend and fellow XBIZ trophy winner Kit Mercer enthused, “The White Party was a blast! Everyone looked so amazing in their white dresses, suits, outfits and lingerie! Especially the Angels! And it was so much fun reuniting and partying with all the friends I made at XBIZ L.A. again!”
The inclusive nature of the get-together was a standout for Alana Evans, who observed, “I always feel other industry ‘White Parties’ are too clique-y. You’re made to feel like you’re not welcome. XBIZ doesn’t make you feel that way — if you have a wristband, you get into everything! XBIZ makes it drama-free. There are no lists, nothing. I would go to XBIZ Miami forever.”
One of the sexiest scantily-clad personalities that evening was XBIZ Industry Crossover Star nominee Brenna Sparks, a respected “crypto cutie” in the biz who has served as an advisor for SpankChain when she isn’t making shrewd investments of her own, appearing in financial and adult publications, as well as slaying onscreen as a porn star and cam model. “I had an awesome time and made some new friends!” she shared. “The five-hour flight wedged between two sweaty bald guys who were wearing nearly matching Hawaiian shirts was well worth it!”
The Laotian star, who was featured in an article on evolving beyond Asian porn stereotypes (written by the lovely and literary Vanessa Eve of Streamate), later led a procession of celebrants to the official SpankChain-sponsored XBIZ White Party after party, at a “Crypto Castle” manse — which came replete with a swirling fire dancer and bubbly drinks.
With the constellations above bleeding their lightyears-away fire and the Miami nightscape aflame with winking portals in bedrooms and businesses miles off, the White Party Angels sashayed and their devilish admirers walked in (mostly) straight lines back to their hotel rooms, elsewise heading offsite for further shenanigans.
The buzz coursing through their veins was not entirely from the endless liquor-fueled stream of bacchanalian cavorting, for it sang with a humming chorus of good vibes from a day well-spent among dear friends, newly met lovers, warm acquaintances and more than a few on-and-off cam romances brewing.
When dawn next cracked the sky with gentle rays, the XBIZ Miami event series would begin in earnest with its “Day 1,” as panels, bikini/mankini contests and a secret musical guest awaited. Tune into XBIZ.com tomorrow, for the next roundup of randy and rowdy hijinks!
For more photos of the opening day, click here and here. Additional galleries are being added daily this week, so keep checking back here.
Several attendee quotes obtained by XBIZ News Editor Gustavo Turner.
