LOS ANGELES — Last week, XBIZ Retreat hosted its first-ever virtual event. Presented by Satisfyer, the event gathered vendors and buyers from around the world for five days of productive one-on-one meetings hosted on an interactive meeting platform, and also offered other fun online activities for evening entertainment.
On Sunday, August 23, XBIZ Retreat attendees logged into the virtual trade show map for the Welcome Happy Hour sponsored by Satisfyer. The virtual map showed exactly where everyone else was — whether they were sitting around the central bar, the beach or other lounge areas. The map also showed branded rooms that could be entered by clicking on them. As attendees got comfortable with the platform, they would make their way to the bar or other locations to connect with fellow attendees. Also tied to the Welcome Happy Hour was a prize drawing for a $50 gift card, which Ruben Barrios of Wet Dreams PTY won.
The virtual XBIZ Retreat was full of surprise prizes and fun competitions for participants. To kick off the first official day of XBIZ Retreat, an Ice Breaker Speed Networking session sponsored by Satisfyer awarded Barnaby’s Coyote Amrich a $100 gift card, and Erin Sue from Pink Cherry a $50 gift card, simply for participating in the event and engaging with fellow attendees. In the virtual speed networking session, attendees were randomly paired with one another for short introductory conversations.
Nasstoys’ Kathryn Hartman said that participating in the industry’s first-ever virtual trade show seemed intimidating at first, thinking of the tech that would be involved, but she was motivated to give it a try. Upon exploring the virtual show floor, however, Hartman said she quickly became comfortable using the interactive platform.
“The XBIZ Virtual Retreat was amazing,” she said. “[Nasstoys’ international sales exec] Christina [Crespo] and I agree that the meetings were all well scheduled, and the Nasstoys itinerary was chock-full of quality buyers who all loved our new September releases, demonstrated enthusiastically from the Nasstoys virtual trade show booth.
“Our initial apprehension due to stage fright and minor technology issues soon dissipated and was replaced with great business and lots of laughs and excellent energy,” Hartman added. “This format will only get better and stimulates a new breed of creativity that is much needed in the world right now. Count us in for future virtual events!”
M.D. Science Labs VP of sales and marketing Briana Honz Watkins and senior sales rep Cheryl Flangel both agreed that the virtual meeting platform made it easy to find opportunities to instantly connect with other attendees when they appeared to be available for a spontaneous chat via text or video.
“It felt like the first time we were able to be with everyone [since the pandemic],” Flangel said. “We were chatting with people in between meetings just like a real trade show.”
Flangel said that, by using functions like sharing their screen, they were able to show buyers their products up-close, and orders were placed.
“This show was interactive and personable,” Watkins said. “It was the closest we could get to each other for now, and I am thankful for the platform created. Not only was it valuable for one-on-one time with the customer, it was great to be able to interact and mingle with other manufacturers. It was a great success and I look forward to partnering up with them on future virtual shows. Great job, XBIZ, and thanks for the valuable and successful experience!”
Satisfyer Sales Director (Americas) Ian Kulp credited XBIZ Retreat with being at the forefront of business, innovation, news, talent and technology.
“XBIZ creates today’s (and tomorrow’s) thought-redefining practices while disrupting and reshaping the systematic and publicly viewed perception of the adult market,” he said. “Its platform is thoughtfully curated, meticulously community-driven and personally programmed. It helped to foster driven, mutually beneficial and lasting relationships. XBIZ is a must for any brand or content creator within adult, education, novelties, production and sexual health and wellness.”
The first night of the virtual XBIZ Retreat concluded with a virtual karaoke party via Zoom, which was sponsored by Satisfyer, and brought out the creativity, confidence and humor in everyone that participated. Featuring a live guitar performance of a Five Finger Death Punch song, and sing-alongs to songs by Prince, Tina Turner and Tiffany, it was Nasstoys’ Kathryn Hartman’s performance (which included a kazoo) of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” and Tina Turner’s “Rollin’ On the River” that won her the night’s prize of a $150 gift card, which was a tie win with Maxine Lynn’s bold rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” OohLuluCherryBox owner Lulu Batista was the winner of the event's random prize drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.
Other evening special events included the Satisfyer-sponsored viewing of yacht rock band The Windbreakers’ recent live concert — during which Holly Berejikian from Sexy Suz won the random drawing for a $50 Visa gift card.
Nasstoys sponsored a Wigged Out Happy Hour that turned into a wild evening with more karaoke, full costumes and an appearance by Pipedream’s Heather McNeely’s pet baby goat Willie Nelson. McNeely undisputedly won the contest, winning a $150 gift card, while Fantasias’ Alejandra Preciado was awarded a $50 gift card in a random drawing at the event.
When XBIZ Retreat business meetings were back in session, the pandemic continued to be a hot topic of discussion, with High On Love owner Angela Mustone admitting that, while the pandemic has had some impact on production, she’s just going with the flow.
“We have had to adapt really quickly and make huge adjustments,” she said. She added, however, that on the plus side, “People aren’t going out so they’re spending money on small luxuries.”
Among High On Love’s most recent successes is that some of its products are now available from mainstream retailer Urban Outfitters.
Maia Toys is broadening its cannabis-inspired lineup with the addition of the Doobies — a set of butt plugs in three graduated sizes with cannabis-leaf-shaped bases. The company also introduced a rabbit vibe with a cannabis-leaf-shaped clit stimulator.
According to Maia Toys’ Zach Smith, the company will be partnering with the Tokeativity global feminist community for active cannabis culture to donate a portion of the sales of its cannabis-themed items to a cause of their choice.
As far as the pandemic goes, Smith says that the company has seen growth during this period of social distancing, and he predicts it will continue to grow.
“People that are experimenting now will continue to after the pandemic,” he said. Another upside of the pandemic is the new ways in which industry colleagues are keeping in touch. “This show is keeping our industry tight and in communication — even our private Facebook groups are strengthening people’s relationships.”
Within Pipedream Products’ virtual meeting room, Rob Phaneuf screen-shared an informational video detailing all of the bells and whistles of three new additions to the PDX Elite line of “guy gadgets.”
Among the new items are the Motorbator X, which features motorized thrusting; the Motor-Stroker, which is rechargeable and massages with rings that vibrate; and the Motor-Blower, which sucks and vibrates, as well as provides internal thrusting. Phaneuf said that the PDX Elite line offers a neutral option for penis stimulation with gender-neutral packaging.
Pipedream Products’ Heather McNeely was also on hand, noting that digital e-training videos are one form of support that the company offers to retailers — particularly in this time when some retailers have been affected by the pandemic.
“We’re supporting our retailers the best way we can, whether it’s virtually and over the phone and even some traveling when necessary,” she said, mentioning Pipedream’s new warehouse in Illinois and how it will benefit retailers with its centralized location.
“There have been some challenges and you have to be able to pivot and make decisions fast,” she said.
McNeely is optimistic about the future of adult retail business and predicts that consumers will continue to shop, using the money that they’re not spending on dates to purchase pleasure products.
Nasstoys’ Kathryn Hartman credits her team and pleasure products industry colleagues for quickly evolving, particularly by switching their focus to online retail.
“We were on a mission to update everything and focus on e-commerce,” she said. “Even chain stores moved online and suddenly got so busy. Everyone stepped up and got with the program and evolved. Our team is so proud of each other and ourselves — we kept our business thriving in what felt like end of the world. People are getting more creative.”
Thao Dipolito, marketing manager of Doc Johnson, stopped by XBIZ Retreat to talk new releases, which include several new molds of adult performers, including the popular cam couple Leo and Lulu. She also discussed offering retailers marketing support in hopes of propping up sales in a period following the closure of several stores.
“Anything our customers need, just give me a call — the team is here reach out to,” she said. “Reach out to a sales rep and we’ll help you take care of marketing, social media, and even training on demand. It’s all customized to what people need.”
Sharing the effects of the pandemic on his company, UP-24 CEO Bruno Riccelli said that in April, business had gone down by 50 percent but luckily went back to normal the following month. Now, he says, his mail-order business is two to three times better than usual.
Riccelli said that, as he’s meeting with wholesalers and distributors for new business, he’s “taking this time to develop new items during pandemic.”
Representing “the oldest domestic video company still growing strong,” Bizarre Video, along with other studios that are part of Joy Media Group, Bizarre VP of sales Dave Peskin noted the excitement of the Retreat’s participants.
“Considering what is going on with current conditions, everyone was really upbeat — just a great vibe all around,” Peskin said. “We sold DVDs from Bizarre Video and Joy Media Group with all the studios we exclusively represent. We sold our novelties like our Everything Bondage 12-piece kit, our floggers and Bizarre leather. In addition, we totally rocked it with our men’s sexual enhancement products. It was a highly successful show all around and we are so glad to have participated.”
Uberlube Brand Manager Cheryl Sloane also commended the high spirits of the participants at the virtual XBIZ Retreat.
“It’s really good to hear that everyone’s business is great,” she said. “We’re really happy to see our retailers back. Even though online business was good, we rely on retailers to train customers on our products.”
Wicked Sensual’s Cassie Pendleton said that the company has been “riding the wave” that is coping with the effects of the pandemic.
“Our goal was to support customers,” she said. “We’re like therapists to each other — everyone is just trying to deal. It was important for us to pivot to supporting online retail, which was something that we weren’t necessarily focused on previously.”
Lovely Planet said that the virtual XBIZ Retreat enabled the company to continue to adapt to the unprecedented conditions of a global pandemic.
“Our new reality is that we won’t be traveling by plane until at least February,” said Lovely Planet Sales Director Anne Meunier. “It’s interesting to see how we can adapt to something that we never thought could happen before.”
Rock’n Products returned to XBIZ Retreat with a selection of supplements boosting everything from sexual energy and testosterone to focus, relaxation and more. The company also re-introduced Rock Life Naturals, its CBD line that includes energy shots, full-spectrum gummies, joints, vape pens and tincture. In order to make it easier for retailers to sell Rock’n Products’ lineup, the company offers the Rock’n Rack display that includes shots, pills, joints and gummies.
“Our approach is that we really want to tailor a POS display especially for the adult retailer, in order to make it make the most sense and be more consumable,” Rock’n Products President Keith Caggiano said. “Point-of-purchase is a great way to expand into new categories and almost train their staff and customers on a new category.”
Interactive pleasure products were a prominent trend at the virtual XBIZ Retreat, with the participation of some of the leading brands in teledilonics, Kiiroo and Lovense, along with new brands venturing into the space such as Satisfyer, Hot Octopuss and Svakom.
Satisfyer’s Mario Castro showcased the seamless technology of the Satisfyer Connect app by allowing those on the other end of the video call to connect to a toy he had and control it from afar. Highlighting functions like ambient sound and music-activated stimulation, text and video chat, the app also offers live control that allows users to design individual patterns and rhythms with a stroke of the finger over the screen, while simultaneously communicating through the app.
“There’s nothing like it on the market with as many features,” Castro said. “It’s going to keep couples connected during self-isolation.”
Hot Octopuss’ April Lampert shared details of an upcoming interactive version of the company’s Pulse Duo penis toy, which will feature Kiiroo’s interactive device technology via its Feel Connect App. Meanwhile in non-tech company news, a new member of the Hot Octopuss team was introduced. Mae Vermy has officially joined the team as resident product expert and sales manager. Pointing out the irony of a “Mae” and “April” sales team, Hot Octopuss’ April Lampert said that the addition was “a long time coming,” adding that she could use the extra support.
Svakom unveiled the Connexion Series of five interactive pleasure products, four of which are upgraded versions of existing items, according to Svakom Sales Manager Alexandro Feynerol.
“There’s an item from each category, and they’re all bestsellers,” he said, adding that through the Feel Connect app, users are able to connect to multiple toys and text or video chat.
In Kiiroo’s virtual showroom, Sales Director Frank Kok showcased a display featuring new items from the tech innovator and said that the company is very excited about introducing these new items soon.
Beyond Kiiroo's own branded toys, Kok also touted its new partnerships with Hot Octopuss and Svakom, as well as Ohmibod.
“Kiiroo is involved in all facets of the business — webcam, virtual reality — and we have a lot of licensing agreements,” he said. “It’s not just about selling toys for us.”
Predicting that Kiiroo will be partnering up with even more brands in the future, Kok said he attended the virtual XBIZ Retreat to show the company's support for distributors and retailers.
“It was a great virtual show with super-enthusiastic and motivated buyers visiting our virtual suite,” he said. “The platform worked great and although I had little time to ‘walk the show,’ I had some opportunities to catch up with some people who were not scheduled. While I am used to working in different time zones, it was very much appreciated that all our meetings were scheduled during CEST afternoon time.”
According to Feynerol, the virtual edition of XBIZ Retreat proved to be a windfall for his company.
“I have to admit that for Svakom, this might have been the most successful show in the U.S. ever,” he said. “Great selection of buyers, and I loved the different platform used to host the event. I’ll definitely come back to the next show.”
Liberator introduced a new travel-friendly throw blanket, made of a velvet material laminated with a waterproof barrier. According to Liberator’s Jay Scheinberg, the item should especially appeal to cam performers. Additionally, Liberator has new fitted sheets with what he describes as a “sensual surface” that feels pleasant against the skin and lets the user know that “it’s play time, not sleepy time.”
With an expansive and professionally-lit display of Liberator products set up all around him, Scheinberg revealed that he was hosting his virtual meetings from a studio that’s currently being used for presentations via Zoom. The standardized setup not only helps him to prepare better, but it will also be used to create five-to-10-minute educational videos for YouTube.
“That way, these trainings are available for retail staff that may come and go,” he said.
Stealth Shaft Support owner Nanci Smith introduced buyers to her invention: a carefully crafted penis support sling that was made based on a request Smith heard from a customer while working as a retail store salesperson. The item’s highlight is a strip that flexes and holds up a penis to allow its owner to succcessfully penetrate a partner.
“It’s not about confining men — it’s about letting them go,” Smith said, noting that the device is designed to offer maximum skin-to-skin contact and give the wearer the confidence to not be held back by insecurity. Stealth Shaft Support is slated to arrive in stores by the end of September.
Covering adult products suppliers of all varieties, XBIZ Retreat welcomed back Noir Handmade to showcase its expansive selection of club wear. As a newcomer to the U.S. market, Noir Handmade CEO Marcus Galka said he returned to XBIZ Retreat to continue to build relationships in the U.S.
“It’s not easy entering a new market as a non-recognizable name,” Galka said. “Within the U.S., everyone is close with each other and does business with each other. Many buyers are excited about European products but worried about the shipping and extra fees — but I’m convinced it will work out.”
Showcasing a wall of crops, whips and paddles in an array of colors and styles, Dragontailz President Randy Broadway, who’s been a leather smith for 20 years, told buyers about the selection of unique leathers that his products are made from, including kangaroo, elk and mule. He also shared his expertise with buyers regarding BDSM consumer trends, noting that fans of whips tend to purchase more than one when they realize the different sensations that more or fewer strands can create.
“We have four target audiences: bachelorette; introductory users that have tried it, liked it, bought a low-end item and are now willing to invest more; intermediate users who are just now starting their collection; and experienced lifestyle players,” he said.
In order to appeal to retailers, Broadway says, he has put together an introductory set of his bestsellers. He says that any retailer that has Dragontailz inventory for more than 180 days can exchange their products for others that will perform better.
All of Dragontailz’s items, which are made in the U.S., sell for under $200, and half retail for less than $100. “No other manufacturer could give you that softness in leather at the same price,” Broadway added.
Stript Erotic Designs President and designer Maxine Lynn attended XBIZ Retreat for the first time, and beyond winning the top cash prize in the Zoom karaoke competition, she also came ready to do business with her revamped jewelry line.
“I restarted things and now all necklaces are made of stainless steel and retail for $29.95,” she said.
Featuring stylish statement pieces in the shape of a clitoris or a “V” shape symbolizing the vulva, Stript Erotic Designs also offers a selection of nipple clamps. Lynn said the line would be retail-ready by the end of September with packaging for her styles coming soon.
“Everyone was really friendly,” she said of the attendees at the virtual XBIZ Retreat. “The Zoom evening events were fun! I didn’t know what to expect and it turned out really nice. It was a nice perk — and kind of funny — to attend a party from my bed.”
Voodoo Toys, an XBIZ Retreat regular, once again participated in the exclusive B2B event for the adult retail industry. Danielle Seerley, Voodoo Toys’ senior brand evangelist, was on hand to discuss the company’s new Beso collection of air suction toys, along with freshly shot lifestyle photos.
The new photoshoot puts women of color front and center with a cool, retro theme. Seerley said that retailers will be able to use the images in their stores or on social media.
“This way, the product always feels new and fresh with imagery,” she said. “The look will always change.” She added that the company also offers a quarterly marketing kit with signage and display material.
Retail Roundtable
On day two of XBIZ Retreat, vendors, retailers and distributors gathered around a virtual roundtable for an update on how everyone is coping with the pandemic, and to discuss how to continue to forge ahead. The Zoom session was sponsored by Adam & Eve and, like many other Retreat special events, had a random drawing for a $50 Visa gift card, this time won by M.D. Science’s Briana Honz Watkins.
The session was expertly moderated by Adam & Eve’s Chad Jenny and featured as panelists Museum of Sex’s Kit Richardson, Voodoo Toys’ Danielle Seerley, Honey’s Place’s Bonnie Feingold, Doc Johnson’s Scott Watkins, Imbesharam’s Raj Armani, Deja Vu’s Megan Swartz and Pepper’s Parties, Too’s Kathi Pepper.
“COVID has turned the world upside down so it’s good for us to come together to review some of the things we’ve already gone over, are dealing with and what’s coming up,” Jenny started off the conversation, before inquiring about how the different participants were dealing with implementing the use of PPE and other safety guidelines.
“We don’t have shields [surrounding our register] but we do have hand sanitizer around and masks are strictly enforced,” Swartz said. “Our governor isn’t shutting down industries anymore; he’s shutting down individual businesses, so we make it pretty clear that we have to maintain the rules in order to keep our doors open.”
For New York’s Museum of Sex, it’s been anything but business as usual, having just re-opened its doors the same week as the virtual Retreat. Richardson said that the company has added air filtration, hand-sanitizing stations, masks, shields, temperature checks for staff and visitors and a limited capacity.
“We’re taking every precaution to protect our staff and clientele,” she said, adding that the company is minimizing the touching of products by attaching a QR code that customers can scan to obtain more information about the item they’re looking at.
At Doc Johnson, Watkins said that the company has adopted several methods for staying protected.
“[Our staff is] wearing smocks, face masks and face shields and we also take the temperature of every employee every single time they come on campus — they have to have their temperature taken,” he said. “We’re also doing random COVID testing. It keeps everyone honest and it lets our employees know that it’s important to us to be best-in-class when it comes to safety.”
Jenny asked panelists about how interaction between retail staff and customers has changed, with panelists maintaining that most guests want to feel as “normal as possible.”
“Lately what they really want to do is come in with their group of three,” Pepper said. “They want to shop; they want things to be normal and they’re spending anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour at the store.”
Panelists discussed the power of social media when it came to reaching consumers who were at home. Imbesharam’s Armani said that the company’s recent Indian Sex Survey provided content that proved to be popular online.
“We are proud to share the results of the Indian Sex Survey 2020 that we launched in the pandemic period,” he said. “After collecting responses to 80-plus questions from over 3,000 respondents all over India, this survey was concluded and a highlight video was released on Aug. 15, which is Indian Independence Day. It was viewed over 275,000 times and got over 1 million impressions.”
Panelists mentioned that some of the bestselling products amid the pandemic ranged from penis pumps to lingerie and beyond. Watkins said that Doc Johnson is focused on filling orders and trying to stay on track for the fall season.
“Now that we’ve been through this, we have a lot more knowledge of how to be ready,” he said.
Feingold said that Honey’s Place had coincidentally already started keeping a larger stock since February.
“I’m carrying as much as possible — about six months worth of our bestsellers,” she said. “Everyone is doing the best they can [to maintain production] and everyone is doing a good job. I got lucky being ready in advance.”
Should products not be in stock, Feingold says, she is relying on other brands that may have items that could serve as substitutes.
Voodoo Toys has also benefited during the pandemic, finding new avenues for business.
“It feels terrible to say, but COVID has been really great and kind to us at Voodoo,” Seerley said. “I think we’ve really had a chance to increase our online presence, whether it’s through webinars or Facebook pages or other online platforms, and we’ve been able to connect with several new retailers that weren’t familiar with the brand. Our current business has seen a lot of surge as well and I think it’s all because of all the online work that we’ve done, such as our online academy where you can sign up and watch videos and it’s easy for new staff when changeover happens.”
Wrapping up the session, Jenny said that companies in the tight-knit adult retail industry shouldn’t feel bad about succeeding in this time of crisis.
“It’s a true testament to our industry because if anyone had a shortfall — even if it’s a competitor — we’re there for them; it’s kind of like us against the world,” he said. “We all reach out to each other. The camaraderie that this industry has is incredible. It’s a true testament to our success, and not a reason to feel guilty, but instead to feel proud to be in a unique industry where everyone wants to see each other succeed.”
Buyer Bliss
Alejandra Preciado, the buyer for Fantasias Boutique in Baja California, reflected on the past few months of COVID-19 lockdown, noting that the company had just re-opened a month ago. With three physical store locations, Preciado says that each location has several new guidelines to maintain social distancing. Only one sales person works in the shop at a time, and shoppers are also limited to one at a time unless a pair comes in together.
“It was a journey educating customers to shop online,” she said. “A lot of people don’t trust shipping — sometimes they don’t receive all of their items.”
At the virtual XBIZ Retreat, Preciado was on hand to check out new products to bring into Fantasias Boutique.
“The virtual XBIZ Retreat is the place to make really good business with vendors,” she said. “I’m happy to see new people and new brands.”
Dublin-based NSA Services Director James Naylor said he was in the process of opening a new store location before the pandemic forced it to shut down. Nevertheless, he said, “What was lost, on one hand, in store sales was gained on the other with a lot more orders processed through our mail order.”
Another benefit of the pandemic for Naylor is that it has allowed him to appreciate his surroundings more. “It’s more easy-paced,” he said. “Previously, I was running around a lot and it gave an opportunity to appreciate the surroundings [in the mountains.]”
The virtual XBIZ Retreat allowed Naylor the opportunity to have productive meetings with vendors, on a schedule that also allowed him to enjoy the rest of his day.
“I'm so glad I decided to participate in the first-ever adult biz virtual trade show,” he said. “It was a truly amazing experience. I'm really looking forward to working with all the vendors I spoke with.”
Deja Vu Love Boutique’s Megan Swartz also applauded the organization of the virtual XBIZ Retreat and the conversations that were facilitated by the platform.
“When it comes to trade shows, nobody plans and executes as well as XBIZ — and this virtual retreat was no different,” Swartz said. “Everything was so well-thought. The platform was so easy to navigate through. I would also like to include that it was very nice to see other buyers virtually. There are many faces that I miss, and so many buyers that I was very happy to see. And communication, as always, was above and beyond. I am super thankful to be invited to events like these.”
Honey’s Place Purchasing Director Kyle Tutino said she was also able to effectively establish and bolster business through the virtual platform.
“I really enjoyed this new format,” she said. “Having a virtual location made it more engaging and you felt more connected with the people you were meeting and socializing with. It felt like you were in a video game. I really do miss the in-person connections with our industry colleagues but this is a great option.”
Charisse Headen, the divisional merchandising manager for PHE, Inc., said that she was apprehensive but optimistic about doing meetings virtually, and that in the end it turned out to be a positive experience.
“I think we all had to get accustomed to the technology, the XBIZ map and connecting to the meetings at first, but with anything, you get used to it and it becomes easy,” she said. “Overall, I thought it was a very productive and alternative way of doing business and communicating with vendors, colleagues and new friends. The XBIZ team did a phenomenal job with organizing the show and I would absolutely attend another one.”
Drew Haynes, the managing director of Chazzy Health and Wellness, credited participants for their dedication in taking the show seriously, noting that the platform also made it easy to navigate.
“The interface was easy to learn, and gave me a chance to interact with friends that we didn’t have scheduled meetings with, which was amazing,” he said. “I just want to thank XBIZ for offering an opportunity for us as buyers, and the companies, to meet again, albeit differently, but still be able to make connections, work deals, and just say hello and get back to some sense of normalcy in the chaotic world we are living in right now. The experience goes way beyond just doing business; it offered everyone a chance to feel normal, or more normal, than we have in months. Those few hours we had to escape, tune out the world, and meet with our friends and colleagues were an invaluable asset to the current business climate.”
Source Video Distributors General Manager Sarah Franson said that the XBIZ Virtual Retreat was an incredibly valuable event for her business.
“The opportunity to talk one-on-one with some major industry players was incredible,” she said. “Although I love the fun of mingling at shows, I have to say that the virtual retreat provided an excellent environment to capture the full attention of the person you were meeting with. Instead of the noise and interruptions at a booth! The evening events were a lot of fun and my schedule was really well-organized. Thank you for having me and I look forward to the next one!”
Imbesharam’s Raj Armani said that at first he was hesitant about how XBIZ Retreat’s usual private meetings would be recreated virtually.
“I immediately felt that XBIZ had found a great way of re-creating the experience in a digital format,” he said. “After the first meeting and a few tech learnings and hiccups, I was impressed. The game-board style of venue, the seating layout and user experience of knocking on a door, walking into a meeting, seeing familiar faces inside their comfort zones, the usual banter, jokes and insults, and being able to cheer with a mug of beer, the whole experience was in a real Jumanji world.
“Business relationships do what a tow does when gas runs out,” he added. “Still being a new kid on the block, we have built some great connections with people all over the world. Seeing the friends from business boosts my self-esteem and behind the scene of any great organization or company, it’s the relationships that hold the fort — be it with colleagues, employees, vendors or customers. We are grateful for all the industry veterans and folks who have extended a helping hand when we needed one, and we continue to build and grow the same in 2020 and beyond!”
Olivia Munsell, the buyer for D.B. Graphics, said that she attended XBIZ Retreat after overcoming a few pandemic-related hiccups and to pick up the latest, state-of-the-art toys.
“The virtual format was great,” she said. “I enjoyed how it was set up to look like a trade show and the meetings were all very successful and felt very similar to in-person meetings. As a company that regularly meets with our vendors and does in-person trainings, it's nice to be able to see friendly faces again and connect with new people so we can all continue building our businesses.”
Vinay Morker, the COO and co-founder of HUSH Canada, praised XBIZ Retreat event organizers for arranging an “outstanding” first-time virtual event.
“The platform was really easy to use once you got the hang of it,” Morker said. “Great meetings and good times at the events! Would definitely be a part of an event like this again. Cheers.”
XBIZ Retreat’s participants gathered for one last hurrah with a Friday afternoon Farewell Happy Hour sponsored by Satisfyer. Attendees reflected on the week of fun and eagerly anticipated the next virtual edition, which will be EU-focused and is set for Oct. 19-20. There was one final prizewinner with Sensually Yours’ Zondre Watson winning the final $50 gift card random drawing.
