LOS ANGELES — XBIZ is pleased to announce Evil Angel founder John Stagliano as its visionary keynote address for the XBIZ 360° Adult Entertainment Conference, a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to performers, producers and studio heads slated for Jan. 10-11 at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles.
The conference will culminate with the industry’s awards event of the year, the 2013 XBIZ Awards, presented by Fleshlight.
Stagliano, a native of Chicago who founded the powerhouse adult film studio Evil Angel in 1989, has been world renowned as one of the pioneers of gonzo porn with his signature “Buttman” alter-ego and award-winning line of hardcore movies.
Not only is Stagliano a transcendent producer, director and business leader, he has also proven himself as a tireless crusader for freedom of speech on behalf of the adult industry. In 2010, Stagliano won one of the most high-profile legal battles in the history of porn when he overcame a federal obscenity prosecution that generated nationwide attention.
For his efforts, the UCLA graduate has earned numerous accolades along the way both for his contributions to adult filmmaking and his work as an executive. Those honors include being named the 2011 XBIZ Man of the Year and also being inducted into the Hustler Hollywood Walk of Fame this past Spring.
Still, the soft-spoken visionary is quick to downplay his achievements and stature within the business.
“I’m the guy who arguably reached his peak 10 years ago, selling tons of VHS and DVDs, who then blew half his fortune on a nightclub and dance show in Las Vegas, instead of jumping into the Internet,” Stagliano told XBIZ. “Somehow my company has survived. Maybe content is king.”
Indeed, content is the lifeblood of adult entertainment and how to maximize its monetization will be the focal point of the inaugural event that will cover every major facet of the rapidly changing business of adult content today.
Topics will include genre trends, such as the recent surge in couples-themed and all-girl porn; performer branding, such as establishing star power in today’s social-media driven world; and adult film production technology, including practical analysis of the latest technological solutions and advances.
In addition, the conference will address trends related to content distribution channels with executive insights about various delivery platforms such as VOD, IPTV, mobile and the still profitable DVD; the industry marketing/PR machine, including how to effectively navigate today’s media landscape to build buzz; and the future of adult film from the perspective of major studio heads.
“It’s an honor to present John Stagliano as our keynote address speaker,” said Alec Helmy, founder and president of XBIZ. “John is an industry leader in every sense of the word. His selfless contributions to the industry along with his incredible knack for creating compelling content have helped define the advancement of the modern-day adult film industry as we know it.”
Dan Miller, managing editor of XBIZ, added, "John Stagliano has had a profound influence on the growth and popularity of adult entertainment around the world while at the same time leading by example. His bold vision of hardcore combined with his commitment to excellence in everything he does are what make him so special."
In addition to the XBIZ 360 Adult Entertainment Conference, this breakthrough event series will feature related conferences individually devoted to the digital sector and the realm of retail — providing the industry’s most comprehensive showcase of trade event offerings that will catapult attendees into the fast lane for 2013.
Highlighting the event will be the star-studded 2013 XBIZ Awards, presented by Fleshlight and hosted by the incomparable adult film superstar Tera Patrick. The red-carpet gala will honor movers and shakers across more than 150 award categories — spotlighting the year’s best in Web & Technology, Movies & Production, Pleasure Products and Retail & Distribution market segments. For a complete list of award categories, visit XBIZAwards.com.