'Brexit' a Key Factor in ETO Show's Cancellation

'Brexit' a Key Factor in ETO Show's Cancellation

LONDON — Organizers of the ETO Show, put on by the publishers of the U.K.’s ETO magazine, have canceled the summer trade event.

ETO Publisher Lee Schofield, however, said yesterday that the show will come back in 2018.

One reason why organizers put the show on hold this year was the mounting anxiety with adult entertainment and sex toy distributors over “Brexit,” the coined term for the expected departure of the U.K. from the E.U.

“It appears that the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, and the impact it has had on currency rates, has resulted in some key exhibitors being reluctant to commit to any form of U.K. show this year,” said Jonathan Kirk, who acts as organizer for the show.

“Without their support it would be impossible to stage an event of which the industry could be proud.”

The ETO Show, or Erotic Trade Only Show, has been running at the NEC in Birmingham since 2005. It was set to be replaced by a “less show, more business” event for June 2017 at an alternative venue in the Midlands, organizers said.

The ETO Show also included the ETO Awards, which previously was a sit-down dinner drawing about 300 guests. It wasn't clear at post time whether the awards program will be presented this year.

“This is a very painful decision for us to make,” Kirk said. “We have many loyal exhibitors who have been with us since the show began but it would have been difficult to stage an event this year without the support of all the main U.K players."

Schofield said: “It is obviously very disappointing to cancel the U.K.’s only dedicated trade event with just a couple of months to go, and we are sorry to let down all those exhibitors who had booked space at this year’s show, as well as all the visitors who get so much from attending."

“We had to decide whether to continue with a 2017 show which would have been missing some key exhibitors, or take a sabbatical for a year and come back with a new proposition in 2018,” Schofield said. “After much discussion we have chosen the latter. We would rather have no show in 2017 than a lackluster one.”

  

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 News

We-Vibe Debuts 'Melt 2' Vibrator, Air Pulse Massager

We-Vibe has introduced its new Melt 2 vibrator/air pulse massager.

Full Circle Expands 'Savage Me' Line of Male Torsos

Full Circle has expanded its line of Savage Me male torsos.

Nalpac, Entrenue Sign Distro Deal With Like A Kitten

Nalpac/Entrenue has inked a deal to distribute Like A Kitten pleasure products.

XBIZ Retreat Reloads Amsterdam Edition, Set for Sept. 2-5

XBIZ Retreat is making its highly anticipated return to Amsterdam, set for Sept. 2–5 at the chic Park Centraal Hotel.

Fantasy Gifts NJ Unveils 'Shave Stix' With Product Launch Event

Sexual wellness retailer Fantasy Gifts NJ introduced its new Shave Stix during a special event at its Lumberton location on April 17.

Motorbunny Now Available on 'Throne' Gift Platform

Motorbunny pleasure products are now available on Throne gift platform.

Honey's Place Now Distributing Camtoyz

Honey's Place is now distributing Camtoyz pleasure products.

ToyChats Announces Reviewer Incentives

Recently launched pleasure product review site ToyChats has announced a giveaway program for reviewers.

Paradise Marketing Acquires CondomMan

Paradise Marketing has acquired distribution company CondomMan.

RIDMII Debuts New Sex Doll Collection

Pleasure brand RIDMII has introduced a new line of sex dolls.

Show More