by Steve Javors from Xbiz.com, read full story there
LAS VEGAS – Without a doubt, this year’s Adult Entertainment Expo disproved the theory that porn is recession proof. Fan attendance dropped precipitously from the previous year and there were fewer exhibitors as many companies collectively tightened their belts in order to withstand a slumping economy.
Attendance for the convention at the Sands Expo Center was markedly down with exhibitors we spoke to estimating anywhere from a 30 to 50 percent drop-off. One published report said that exhibitor participation was down 11 percent from 2008 (301 booths to 267).
The decline in fan attendance was immediately noticeable on Friday, the first day the expo was open to consumers after a typically low-key trade-only day on Thursday. The custom of barely being able to squeeze through aisles packed with people clamoring for a photo of their favorite star came only on Saturday, by far the Expo’s most well-attended day.
Though there were some noticeable absences from the show floor (Naughty America, Evasive Angles, Teravision, SexZ Pictures) and downscaled booths (Hustler) other companies like Zero Tolerance, Shane’s World, New Sensations and Vouyer Media opted for B2B suites downstairs to meet with buyers in a private setting…..