With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Dispatch: AVN Adult Entertainment Expo, 1/8-1/11/09 (2/3)
()
Part of an ongoing series // See the view from the other side of the stage as more pornstars joined the action
Longtime Adult Entertainment Expo patrons such as Dan Kartz also noticed the decline in business, stating that "'My girlfriend is Czech, so I really like European women, and because it has become so expensive to fly internationally, you don't have nearly as many international women here... Before, you could fly women over from the Czech Republic, from Germany, England, Spain, but it has gotten so expensive that it's mostly an American crowd. There are a lot less foreigners, a lot less foreign companies, too... There used to be a lot more free DVDs and free publications, but they've gotten pretty stingy. There are not a lot of quality giveaways this year.'"
But AEE spokesman Sean Devlin emphasized that "'Given the economy, given where every other trade show is now, we feel pretty good... We did have a number of exhibitors who are here who took smaller booths and brought fewer people. Giveaways were down, but the exhibitors decided that they have to be here. The show still has value as a showcase for products and services, has value as a place to conduct networking, and has value as a place to reach out to your fan base.'"
Support for LAist comes from
And Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority spokesman Vince Alberta agreed that "'I think we would be the envy of any city to bring in not just the (AVN) but CES conventions, two major conventions, at the same time... This has been a very successful week for the city. There's a reason we've been the No. 1 convention destination in the world for the past 14 years. We have three of the 10 largest convention centers, with the Sands, Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas Convention Center, and have the hotel room inventory to accommodate everyone who wants to come here.'"
To be continued.
NOTE: Photo 16 and 20 are NSFW (topless action).
Pornstar Penny Flame arrived in a bathrobe and with megaphone. Video by XCritic (NSFW).
Special thanks to Roxy DeVille, Jesse Jane, Ashlynn Brooke, Tori Black, Jenny Hendrix, Audrey Bitoni, Randy Spears, Sunny Lane, Meggan Malone, Monique Alexander, Sasha Grey, Faith Leon, Sadie West, Tommy Gunn, Joanna Angel, Alexis Texas, Kayden Kross, Evan Stone, Stoya, Katsuni, Dana DeArmond, Nyomi Banxxx, Rebecca Linares, Memphis Monroe, Chayse Evans, Adrianna Nicole, Tony Batman, Spock Buckton, all of the participating companies -- especially Vivid Entertainment, Digital Playground, Evil Angel, Jules Jordan Video, and Hustler -- and AVN.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist