Porn king and expo organiser Steve Crow [pictured] said he expected between 12,000 and 15,000 people to attend Wellington’s first expo, most of them locals.
The expo – which is also held in Auckland, Palmerston North and Christchurch – was a multi-million-dollar business, he said.
“The average spend at the expo in Auckland is $196 per person, on top of the door charge.”
He said he was unsure how much would be spent in the capital’s shops, hotels and restaurants.
Charles Finny, Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive, said he wasn’t aware of any buzz building around the expo.
“There hasn’t been one before … but if it’s bringing loads of people into the region, it’s going to be great. We’ll be watching it with interest. I do hope people who go on Saturday vote first.”
Restaurant Association Wellington Branch president Mike Egan said he had no idea if the expo would be a windfall for bars and restaurants.
“Wellington is full of events. Every weekend there is something on. But they [people attending the expo] might work up a mighty thirst.”
Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean said the event was an unknown quantity.
“We are aware it has drawn thousands of people in Auckland. It may provide extra income for hotels if people come from out of town, but we’ll see how it pans out.
“Some of the more earthy businesses in Wellington might get a benefit from it.”
John Frew, director of adult store chain Peaches and Cream, said the expo would boost sales.
Peaches and Cream had exhibited at previous expos and sales usually increased by 10 to 15 per cent. “It [the expo] also gives a lot more awareness. People read about it and come to the show and feel a bit more relaxed.”
Mr Crow said about 100 exhibitors would have space at the expo, including Wellington’s adult store D-vice.
Based on the experience of previous expos, just over half of the people attending the event would be women and three-quarters would be married, he said.
The expo will begin with the Boobs on Bikes parade on Friday afternoon.
Tickets to the erotica expo cost $20 or $50 for a three-day pass.