National Distribution and In Bed With Kate have partnered to sponsor the "Sex Toys With the City" rooftop music event, scheduled for July 11 at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles. The event will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the ANME trade show.

The gathering at Jade Beverly Hills is intended to facilitate networking, music, and community among retailers, manufacturers, educators, content creators, and other industry professionals. A representative stated that the pleasure industry relies on relationships, and expressed gratitude for partners who value community, creativity, and human connection. The representative also noted that this support enables the creation of an experience for those attending in Los Angeles before ANME's 30th anniversary weekend.

Event Details and Sponsorship

The "Sex Toys With the City" event will take place on July 11 at 5 p.m. at Jade Beverly Hills in Los Angeles. This event precedes the 30th anniversary weekend of the ANME trade show. Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected]. Additional information and RSVP options are available.

Other recent industry news includes wellness brand Mila raising $2.5 million in pre-seed funding, and Our Erotic Journey planning to debut a new app and pleasure products at ANME. Blush has introduced the Twin Python from its Temptasia line, and Sportsheets has appointed Donavon Dartez as general manager. Motorbunny has updated its Fluffer app with new Gaming Mode features, and Williams Trading has named Lindy Court as a new sales representative. Full Circle Distribution has expanded its Be Savage lingerie line with 30 new styles, and Sportsheets will debut its Signature collection at ANME. JO has introduced its Bake Shoppe Collection of flavored lubricants, and Dollmora Wellness is now offering Our Erotic Journey's Cristal and Zodiac Collections.

The Evolution of Sex Toy Parties

Sex toy parties, a concept that began in the 1970s, gained increasing popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These gatherings, often exclusively for women, serve as a platform for participants to learn about and purchase sex toys. They operate as a type of party plan, similar to multi-level marketing (MLM) and Tupperware parties.

During these events, a sex toy representative, also known as a 'facilitator,' displays and discusses products. The parties may begin with an icebreaker game. While discussions are sexually explicit, euphemisms, such as 'button' for clitoris, are commonly used. Participants can examine and discuss the products, with the option to purchase them privately from the representative at the end of the party. Beyond sex toys, other merchandise like bath salts, aromatherapy, and body paints are frequently sold. Representatives earn commission based on sales generated at the party. Thousands of such representatives operate across the United States.

The marketing strategies employed by sex toy parties have been noted for encouraging alternative sexual practices. The popularity of these events has also been linked to themes of self-help and self-actualization. Research conducted by scientists including Debby Herbenick and Michael Reece of Indiana University indicates that sex toy representatives are often consulted for advice on sexual health. Many representatives have backgrounds in sex education, health, education, or sexuality.

An example of such an event occurred on a Sunday in Quakertown, where 10 women gathered at Dawn Frost’s townhome. Diane Schwartz, a sales representative for Slumber Parties, a national sex-toy party business based in Louisiana, presented adult toys with names such as Rabbit Pearl, Chubby G, and Glass Elegance. Schwartz described the event as "a Tupperware party of the new millennium," aimed at introducing or enhancing romance and intimacy. During the hour-long presentation, Schwartz showcased flavored lotions, sensitizing creams, body glitter, how-to books, battery-operated toys, and other "romance enhancers." She assured attendees that all products were FDA approved, while demonstrating edible body powder and nondairy vanilla whipped topping on their wrists.

Dana Barish, Slumber Parties' top saleswoman and Schwartz's sponsor, noted that "people don’t want to go to sex stores." Barish stated that her clientele includes "teachers, principals, lawyers and accountants," describing them as "upstanding citizens who have a reputation in the community." Sex toy parties are described as "girls night out with an NC-17 rating," generating millions of dollars for an industry that leverages the intimate and familiar setting of a home show to market adult toys to women.

Key Facts

  • The "Sex Toys With the City" rooftop music event is scheduled for July 11 at 5 p.m. in Los Angeles.
  • National Distribution and In Bed With Kate are sponsoring the event.
  • The event celebrates the 30th anniversary of the ANME trade show.
  • It will take place at Jade Beverly Hills.
  • Attendees will include retailers, manufacturers, educators, content creators, and other industry professionals.
  • Sponsorship inquiries can be directed to [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].