opinion

Why Getting Back to In-Person Events Is Imperative for Pleasure Biz

Why Getting Back to In-Person Events Is Imperative for Pleasure Biz

Even before COVID-19, consumers were already increasingly shopping online. During the pandemic, that trend naturally skyrocketed, and many of us store owners and suppliers became accustomed to leaning back and managing nearly all of our business from behind a screen. Now, sitting here finagling the first quarter of 2024, I want to remind everyone in the adult vertical why showing up at industry events and trade shows is actually more important than ever. Let’s talk about the power of in-person interactions, because they are 100% critical for navigating our future.

Taking It Back to the Floor

The collaborative potential of industry gatherings is waiting for you, so get out there.

Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a shift toward digitalization in almost every industry, including pleasure products. Online shopping and virtual connections have taken center stage, and for a while it  seemed like in-person events would become relics of the past. But guess what? They’re making a comeback — and they are way more than just showcases for buyers.

In-person events provide a unique opportunity to convey the “why” behind your brand or service, and to make invaluable human connections. When you physically attend an industry event, you’re not just showcasing your products. You’re sharing your passion, values and the story behind your business, while also making friends and creating the space for mutually beneficial strategic conversations.

It’s Not Just for Buyers Anymore

Historically, industry events were viewed as the place for buyers to connect with suppliers, discover new products and negotiate deals. That’s all still true, and there’s definitely nothing like seeing someone’s wares in person. However, the landscape has evolved. It’s no longer just about buyers; it’s about everyone involved in the pleasure biz coming together to help keep our industry on solid footing.

One of businessman and author Gary Vaynerchuk’s most trenchant observations is: “It’s not about how many transactions you can close; it’s about how many relationships you can build.” This is especially relevant in our industry, which is set apart from many other retail verticals by a truly special tradition and community ethos of sharing and collaboration. In-person interactions and events help keep that spirit alive.

Elevating the Adult Ecosystem, Together

Industry trade shows and events foster and strengthen relationships among manufacturers, retailers, distributors and suppliers. These gatherings also offer the chance to catch up on and maybe even get out in front of the latest trends, issues, insights and tactics. The benefits go even deeper than that, however. Here’s how.

Iron sharpens iron: When you come to an industry event, you’re not just there to hawk your wares; you’re there to engage with peers, competitors and industry experts. It’s a melting pot of knowledge and from-the-trenches experience waiting to be tapped into. We engage in conversations, attend seminars, network with people from different corners of the adult world and share our successes and failures, all the while gathering fresh perspectives on shared challenges.

Wide-reaching networking opportunities: Our industry events offer a diverse and extensive network of industry professionals, including manufacturers, retailers, distributors and suppliers. This means you get to feel folks out for meaningful connections, potential collaborations and those unexpected conversations that so often become long-lasting relationships. Even better, you can check the credentials of any new, intriguing contacts in real time with people that you already know and trust.

Open exchange of ideas: Unlike some retail verticals, the pleasure industry promotes an open culture of sharing and community support. Our trade shows encourage the exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices, especially when it comes to sticky topics like regulations, compliance, marketing, privacy, staffing and staying ahead of changing cultural norms.

Human interaction in the digital age: In a world increasingly dominated by automation and AI, the value of a genuine human moment cannot be overstated. Face-to-face conversations, handshakes, hugs, war stories and “winning plays” all become shared experiences that create personal, meaningful and sometimes lifelong connections that online interactions just can’t deliver.

Unanticipated conversations: Some of the most valuable interactions at trade shows happen spontaneously, in the form of unexpected sidebar introductions during the event or informal discussions over cocktails. Kismet or karma, these unplanned encounters often lead to valuable insights, new product finds and unlikely yet powerful partnerships.

Experiencing products firsthand: While digital presentations and catalogs have their place, there’s nothing like seeing a supplier’s products in person. Our shows allow us to get a firsthand look at new products, people and services, which can be a game changer when making decisions in the midst of a rocky economy.

It’s Time to Show Up

In case you’re wondering why a tech company CEO is hitting this topic so hard, let me be clear. There are some things tech can’t replace, and when it comes to events, you’ve got to do it in 3D. We support and work closely with many of the top adult brands in North America, so we hear all about their highs, lows, challenges and opportunities. We also see what happens when they get together to commiserate, celebrate and collaborate — something we hope will happen on an even grander scale in 2024. The saying “A rising tide lifts all boats” is spot on in this case.

Don’t underestimate the power of in-person moments. The collaborative potential of industry gatherings is waiting for you, so get out there!

Sean Quinn is the CEO of All Point Retail, a retail technology company that offers managed retail commerce to retail businesses. He is a true veteran, both literally and figuratively. Bolstered by years of military experience in a variety of positions and commands, his strategic intelligence background laid the foundation for his passion for business intelligence through technology — especially in the retail arena.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

How Adult Retailers Can Enhance Sales With Supplements

The supplement industry is big business. In 2024, Future Market Insights estimated it to be valued at $74.3 billion, and other market research firms anticipate that number will grow to upwards of $170 billion in just 10 years.

Rick Magana ·
opinion

Why It's Time the Pleasure Industry Got Serious About IPX Waterproof Ratings

As someone who regularly communicates with manufacturers, retailers and consumers, I’ve seen how this ambiguity can do a disservice to both the customers who use these products and the businesses that sell them.

Alicia Sinclair Rosen ·
opinion

Tips for Sexual Wellness Brands to Win Over Gen Z This Summer

As summer rolls around, the excitement in the air is palpable, especially for one particular demographic: Gen Z. College and university classes are over, vacations are booked and it’s time to let loose.

Naima Karp ·
opinion

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Community With Inclusive Packaging Design

Pride Month is a time of visibility, joy and self-expression. In the pleasure industry, projecting that energy can start with something as simple as a box. Market research shows that 72% of U.S. consumers say product packaging influences their purchasing decisions.

Matthew Spindler ·
profile

WIA Profile: Pettus Ashley

Pettus Ashley brings her A game to the world of authentic adult branding, flitting between airports as the American face of U.K. brand Bathmate. As a company brand ambassador, Ashley personifies Bathmate’s dedication to the retail world, showering staff with equal amounts of appreciation and sales education.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Good Relations Fosters Sex Wellness, Positivity for 40+ Years

Melinda Myers, the founder and owner of Good Relations in Eureka, California, was still in college when she got invited to attend her first pleasure products home party.

Quinton Bellamie ·
opinion

Why It's Time for Pleasure Brands to Stop Ignoring B2C Marketing

For many B2B adult brands, marketing to consumers feels like a waste of time. I’ve heard it so many times: “We sell to retailers, not consumers. Why should we invest in B2C marketing?”

Hail Groo ·
opinion

The Midlife Movement Is Exploding; Is the Pleasure Industry Ready?

In marketing, there tends to be an emphasis on the younger generation — the trendsetters. The assumption is that appealing to the younger market has a halo effect on older consumers, who look to younger folks for what is on trend.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

Gender Play Gets Creative With Fantasy Toys

Sex toy manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of fantasy products, expanding their lines to include ever more diverse designs. What was once considered a niche market has proven to have broad appeal, demonstrating that people are eager to explore desires that extend beyond conventional human experiences.

Rin Musick ·
opinion

How Sex Toy Retailers Can Better Support Marginalized Communities

As someone who has been in the industry since 2003, I’ve seen countless trends, products and marketing strategies come and go. Yet one thing has remained consistent: a significant gap in how sex toy retailers serve marginalized communities.

Kimberly Scott Faubel ·
Show More