Attendees included Paul Botha of Models First, Adultmoda’s Sebastian Garel-Jones, UKash and PinpointX consultant Marc Jarret, Wister’s Leopold Plassart, Simonscans’ Simon and Ruth, Vince of eMerchantPay and AdultReview’s Thomas.
"This XBIZ event in London has been fantastic so far. It's the fourth one we've had,” Garel-Jones said. “ I am thoroughly enjoying it and having a great time. I'm looking forward to the next one."
Jarrett noted the lack of adult business networking in the U.K.
"We're having a great time here networking,” he said. “I think this event is something that was sorely missed in the U.K. and it's important to have a networking event that caters to the U.K. market."
Fellow attendee Thomas said he made new business connections.
"There are a lot of people that I have not seen before at all the other shows that I have been to,” he said. “I think it's a really good thing.”
XBIZ President and Publisher Alec Helmy also was in attendance.
“Judging by everyone's feedback and interaction with one another, it appears that XBIZ.net London Gathering is serving a real need in the U.K.,” Helmy said. “Small gatherings like this can be just as effective, if not more, for making new contacts, connecting with local professionals and exchanging ideas. Thanks to Brian Gray for putting on these fantastic networking events."
Brian Gray, head of research of Love Bytes Research, has served as event organizer of the past London Gathering events. With the goal of keeping the events simple, Gray holds the gatherings at the same venue, communicates event plans and tracks feedback through XBIZ.net.
Gray said he was once again happy with the event.
"Once more the Gathering represented an excellent opportunity for U.K. adult industry executives to congregate," he said, adding that although a disruption in London's subway system may have impacted the event's turnout, the London Gathering offered a cosmopolitan mix of industry folk and a vibe that's been the best so far.
"We're continuing to attract industry execs from other European countries. Denmark, France, Germany and Spain were all represented last night. I really enjoy meeting our international colleagues who have decided to join the party despite the weather.
"In order to obtain a snapshot of how the event is perceived and what is wanted in the future, attendees were invited to complete a short survey during the evening. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, providing a solid foundation on which to continue developing the Gatherings as events that are both valued and enjoyed by the industry in the U.K. and on the continent."
