HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Massive lines snaked along Sunset Boulevard and around the historic Hollywood Palladium, stretching to the palm-dotted horizon. Eager fans waited to enter the resplendently decorated exhibition space to chat and pose with their favorite adult performers, try out new content delivery technologies, catch screenings of the latest offerings from the biggest studios and immerse themselves in X3, the world’s largest creator expo, which kicked off Friday, Jan. 13.

Iconic stars Dani Daniels, Maitland Ward, Angela White, Alexis Fawx, Scarlit Scandal and Kazumi assembled to ceremonially cut the scarlet X3 Expo ribbon. 

In a classy-yet-edgy ensemble of black dress, fishnets and studded rock star boots, Daniels seized the jumbo scissors, smiled mischievously and asked, “Is it in?” prompting Kazumi to offer an orgasmic cry confirming that it was, in fact, “in.” Events director Moe Helmy then counted down and Daniels sliced through the ribbon with glee, ushering in the grand opening. 

The venue quickly hit capacity as the crowd streamed inside. With colorful banners aloft in a massive display of visual grandeur, mega-cam site Chaturbate dominated as the centerpiece exhibit, its streaming-ready counters manned by famed models and newcomers alike. COO Shirley Lara took a moment to cast her appraising eyes about the fast-filling aisles of the Palladium, nodding approvingly. 

“The house is packed,” she said admiringly. “This is an amazing location and we couldn’t be happier with our sponsorship. It’s the truth.”

Nearby, petite Chaturbate broadcaster Rose Carter whirled about in a revealing bikini before her adoring fans as they watched from the ring light-enhanced lens capturing her live. “I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and making new friends!” she beamed. “The X3 convention has been amazing so far!”

Dirty Drizzy, displaying his muscled physique with affable charm, offered, “I’m excited to see all the influencers that you never get to see in person, and meet new talent. I’m definitely a fan of the venue and the location.”

After the ribbon cutting, Dani Daniels set up her own booth, where the serial entrepreneur had samples of her various merch and goods for fans to enjoy. “Everything’s been a great experience,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate to have a line of people here all day buying my Doom’s Whiskey, barrel-aged coffee and aphrodisiac bars.”

Later in the evening, she would partake in one of a series of X3 Icons interviews, with Keiran Lee taking charge as host. Lee welcomed the legendary Daniels to the stage, describing her as “the lady that brought back the bush.”

The award-winning star, who won XBIZ Female Performer of the Year in 2016, shared milestone highlights of her prolific career. She talked about sticking to her guns and not letting anyone pressure her into performing sex acts on camera that she didn’t personally enjoy, and testified to her love for creating branded products and independent content now that she no longer shoots for studios.

The green-and-black BranditScan booth offered creators the chance to learn more about the company’s suite of brand protection services. Top influencers slated to sign at the booth included Ana Foxxx, AstroDomina and Sofia Rose.

“We were hoping to connect with our community and also share what we do with new creators,” BranditScan’s Client Relations Rep Jessica Hookimaw told XBIZ. “Our aim was to educate, because piracy is not a very well-known topic among them.”

BranditScan organized a cash giveaway on the main stage, where ambassador Sabien DeMonia held a QR code that attendees could scan to get a promotional BranditScan test of their content to check for online piracy. Two lucky winners received $500 from the company.

“Our goal was to get as many people as possible to try our services with a free scan, and hopefully discover more about piracy,” Hookimaw explained. “I can say that participation was way more than we thought, and it was a very successful experience.”

Fellow Client Relations Rep Dale Wilson told XBIZ that although the company didn’t know what to expect in terms of traffic, they received plenty of visitors at the booth. 

“We spoke to a lot of potential end users, the content creators themselves, throughout the event,” Wilson said. “The point was to connect with our end users and everyone we wanted to bring on to try BranditScan and help them fight piracy. It surprised me how many content creators didn’t have an idea as to how piracy affects then, so it was a good opportunity to educate them and to show them how it affects them and how it affects their fans.”

Ana Foxxx, meanwhile, was signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans at the darkly decorated Model Media booth. Surrounded by merch from the studio’s Delphine, Jerkaoke and POV Adventures imprints, Foxxx enthused about working for the young company.

“I hump people for Model Media!” she exclaimed. “And they give me awesome scripts. It’s really cool to work with a new company and to see them grow and change.”

She also couldn’t contain her excitement about the talent on display at the expo.

“Glitter and ass, that’s all I came for,” she shouted. “I know boobies are great, but a nice ass is all I want to see!”

Encircled in a very large pink-and-white exhibit brimming with the warmth of home yet laced with high-tech sizzle, Elevated X ambassadors Jessica Ryan and Alana Evans shared their positive experiences building and managing official sites through the brand. Fans and fellow performers alike eagerly learned about the virtues of the service, which has grown rapidly, helping drive a boom in one-stop shop, self-owned indie paysites.

“Elevated X has been an amazing platform to join with,” said Ryan, tossing back her red mane. “Founder AJ Hall and I are very much cut from the same cloth and ever since I’ve partnered up with him to do my website, it’s been like working with family.”

Blonde firebrand and Adult Performance Artists Guild leader Evans agreed. “Elevated X has been absolutely amazing in giving us the opportunity to run our own websites ourselves and I am so excited for the future. Having all of my incredible content in one place that I control is so awesome and AJ is so great to work for, as a veteran from the industry back in the early 2000s. X3 has been great so far! We are having so much fun and the fans are fantastic.”

As for Hall, proudly overseeing his gleaming exhibit, he enthused, “This is the best show of the year! It’s so laid back you can actually talk to people and have a good time simultaneously without the chaos of other shows. The vibe and music are awesome and I can’t wait to do more of these shows as it grows.”

Over at the SexLikeReal booth, fans leaned back in chairs while attendants fitted them with VR rigs so they could experience the latest in virtual reality adult content. Performer Nathan Bronson was among those leading visitors through the experience.

“We’re showing everyone the virtual reality headsets, and giving everyone the opportunity to see what it’s like,” he said, marveling at the mass of bodies around him. “It’s a way bigger turnout than last year — more booths, a lot more people. I’m very excited!”

The YourPaysitePartner booth featured logos and talent from all of the company’s successful partner sites, including AltErotic, Nympho, Swallowed, Gotfilled, PurgatoryX and VRHush. But the centerpiece was a faithful recreation of Ricky’s Room’s titular bedroom, with red and black satin sheets, hosted by performer-director-webmaster Ricky Johnson himself and featuring Jenna Foxx, Gia Derza, Kira Noir, Mona Azar, Ana Foxxx, Maddy May and many others.

“X3 is super fun! We have 13 girls signing and all the girls are having a good time,” Johnson told XBIZ. “It’s a vibe, it’s really a community. I want everyone to interact, and I want everyone to have a good time. We got a bed here, we got a couch here, I brought some games — but we didn’t even need the games: people were having a blast just hanging out here, being so entertained, taking pictures.”

YourPaySitePartner’s Kenny B. enthused about the “absolutely fantastic” recreation of Ricky’s Room anchoring all the other partner sites. “The girls love it, because they’re actually able to get the fans on the bed to take a great picture with them. We wanted this to be fan-centric, so the girls can meet their fans and vice versa, and actually be able to get close to them and not just sign across the table.”

Debuting this year with an X3 Expo booth, Kenny B. said he had “heard so many good things about the 2022 edition” and “just knew this was a show not to be missed this year.”

Once again, as in 2022, the Brazzers booth was a focal point for fans, talent and industry players, teeming with attendees vying for contact with the studio’s most recognizable stars. And, yes, one of the most notable sights on the show floor was, again, the throngs of fans hoping for a chance to exchange a moment with one-of-a-kind talent Angela White. Encircling the booth and snaking around other booths, the line waiting to kiss the hand of porn royalty prompted many inquiries of “What’s that?” leading to a knowing smile and the answer, “That’s the Angela line.”

Tables and couches occupied by other Brazzers talent such as Kendra Sunderland, Keiran Lee, Jordi ENP, Kylie Rocket, Alexis Fawx, Johnny Sins, Demi Sutra, Kayley Gunner, Joanna Angel, Scarlit Scandal and many others helped make the now-traditional Brazzers booth the veritable epicenter of the Palladium show floor. 

Commanding the Loyalfans presence at X3 — a balcony overlook armed by makeup and hair artists pampering talent high above the Palladium floor — executive Dariusz grinned broadly. 

“I think X3 is going great, because there are so many independent models with their own booths and I can say ‘hello’ without infringing on any companies they might represent, sharing the benefits of joining Loyalfans with them,” he said. “The models have also shared that the lounge we’re offering, as well as the free hair, makeup and touch-ups, is appreciated; I have three hair and makeup professionals working here.

“I hope even more talent joins Loyalfans,” he continued, “because we’re not hiding the fact or ashamed that we are an adult workers platform and we have 24/7 support along with access to the owners of the company. We know that adult workers will find a much better set of tools on our site and more quickly achieve things for their hard work.”

NMG, IsMyGirl and Hotline teamed up this year with an eye-catching booth entirely comprised of backdrops designed for maximum Instagram stickiness, allowing content creators and fans to create on-site content, which also promoted the brands.

“We wanted to provide a safe place for the models to do a bunch of SFW social content,” explained NMG’s Megan Stokes. “The goal was to make it incredibly easy for them, by providing backdrops and even photographers — plus coffee and candy! It was very successful in promoting NMG, IsMyGirl and Hotline. We combined forces to provide something much bigger, and we most definitely pulled it off.”

On the grand stage, in a finely upholstered living room setting, sat legendary Brazzers performer Keiran Lee, who called up Kazumi to be interviewed as part of the X3 Icons series, enabling the milling crowds to enjoy getting to know favorite creators. The fast-rising sensation, who went from indie great to Vixen contract girl, laughed and bantered contentedly with Lee, describing her brand as “multifaceted” and revealing her insatiable sex drive, her adoration of promiscuity and spontaneous encounters, and her goals for the future.

“I’m shy, surprisingly,” Kazumi said, coquettishly but sincerely.

Lee balked. “You. Shy?”

“I am!” she insisted, before admitting that she doesn’t let hesitation slow her down anymore, instead going after what she wants. 

Lee remarked that he had never seen someone rise so fast in the industry, and asked about her secrets to success.

“I came from a very secure and good place growing up, but the source of my success is hosting meets,” Kazumi explained. “Meets create a sense of community, and it’s not about how hot I am, it’s about creating discussion and engagement.”

“Also you’re very sexual,” Lee offered.

She concurred, noting that she began throwing sex parties when she was 19. “I was famous as a gangbang girl. I would go to these hotels and fuck tons of men. Men really turn me on! I love their dicks, watching them cum and I love making them horny.”

A paper cyclone of token credits spun through the air at the Stripchat booth, which had a glass tank in which creators could grab flying fan-blown sheets for a chance at sign-up credits. The company’s head of business development, Andra Chirnogeanu, was on hand, sharing, “This has been an incredible event for our performers, I’m very grateful for them joining us and getting to meet the fans and industry.”

This was the first year that X3 Expo offered the industry’s top agencies branded signing booths for their talent, and Motley Models’ Dave Rock waxed ecstatic about the opportunity.

“We walked in today and I was a little confused by all the action around the well-attended X3 Expo floor, until I saw the organizers had provided a beautiful backdrop with Motley’s logo,” Rock told XBIZ. “The classic black-and-red Motley logo, prominently featured — a ready-made step-and-repeat for the agency talent, right across from the super-popular Brazzers area. I couldn’t be more proud and thankful to X3 Expo and how they’re treating the Motley brand.”

Rock added that the attending Motley models — Charly Summer, Lily Larimar, Kylie Rocket, Haley Spades, Jewelz Blue, Sarah Taylor, Bella Blu, Kayley Gunner and many others — were thrilled by the opportunity and the foot traffic, which in many cases helped them to sell out their merch.

Also hanging out at the popular Motley Models booth was hotshot Aiden Ashley, in studded fingerless gloves, shiny thigh-high boots and a skirt, alongside Kenzie Taylor, in ripped black pants beneath a midriff-exposing, tie-dyed azure shirt, which accentuated her cleavage with cross-stitching.

Ashley chimed in, “It’s wonderful so far at X3. I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans and hanging out.” 

“It’s awesome,” Taylor agreed. “Due to prior engagements I wasn’t able to make it to last year’s convention, so I’m so excited to be here this weekend, meet new fans and see ones I’ve met before. I’m always grateful for every opportunity I get to see my fans in person.”

In that moment, making her way over from the nearby Brazzers booth to the Motley Models area, Scarlit Scandal walked up. Decked out in dark lingerie, fishnets and a “Bad Girl” emblazoned bottom, exclaimed, “This is my first X3 expo and I’m having the best time ever! I couldn’t have asked for a better first X3!” 

Across the floor, at the ATMLA booth, a rep told XBIZ, “After last year’s huge inaugural X3 Expo, it was a an easy decision this year to participate with an ATMLA booth for our talent. This was the correct decision, something emphasized by a tremendous fan showing.

“The Palladium venue was rocking all night long,” the rep continued, noting signing appearances by the likes of Scarlet Skies, Alison Rey, Liv Revamped, Amari Anne, Leda Lotharia, Eliza Eves, Harley Haze, Kendra Cole, Natasha Nice and many others. 

One of the X3 Expo Icons herself, the inimitable Alexis Fawx, hosted one of the onstage highlights of Day One: a lively panel of “Breakout Creators” featuring some of the hottest up-and-coming talent in the industry.

XBIZ 2023 “Best New Performer” nominees Scarlet Skies, Haley Spades and Slimthick Vick were joined by promising newcomers Maddie Collins, Kitty Cam, Demi Morgan and Kimmy Kimm for a vivacious back-and-forth with MILF icon Fawx, always the all-around entertainer.

The seven stood proud on the Palladium stage — host to Frank Sinatra’s earliest Los Angeles performances and pretty much every single legendary musical act ever since — and passed the test with flying colors, as Fawx grilled them on why they had chosen to become adult entertainers, their hobbies and personas, and even their sexual predilections.

Fawx was impressed by the poise of her up-and-coming colleagues, and added that she “absolutely loved” her first day at X3 Expo. “I’m having the most amazing time meeting my fans,” she said. The X3 Icon was at times surrounded by hunky young male fans — some shirtless — who raved about her MILF prowess.

“Personally, what stood out for me about this weekend,” she added, “was cutting the red ribbon with my fellow Icons, and having a billboard in Los Angeles with my face on it for X3. That was such a dope honor.”

The slate of X3 Expo screenings, which gave fans a chance to watch some of the most awarded features along with Q&As by the filmmakers, kicked off with Wicked Pictures’ “Deranged,” directed by multi-hyphenate powerhouse Seth Gamble.

After a brief introduction, the enraptured crowd watched Gamble’s ambitious psychological thriller, co-starring his wife Kenzie Taylor and adult acting powerhouse Tommy Pistol. Taylor and fellow cast members Maddy May and Codey Steele also watched the projection, on dual screens, which emphasized the chiaroscuro photography filled with ominous close-ups.

After the screening, Gamble addressed the audience. “At the end of the day, we take real pride in what we do, and to do things we’re passionate about,” he said. “We’re trying to step forward and give people something closer to a moviemaking experience. I have a writing background, and I want to try to bring to adult the same elements that shows like ‘Euphoria’ are doing for mainstream.”

Pistol agreed, pointing out that “a lot of hard work goes into something like ‘Deranged,’ every time,” and revealed how his character of Joseph was crafted, and how extreme his transformation into such a twisted soul related to other roles he had played.

Finally, Taylor told the audience, “Tommy Pistol is the shit! I had always wanted to work with him. In my opinion, my husband and him are the best actors in our business and both of us got to be the lead in this film. It was my first time getting to do a psychological thriller, and each sex scene goes towards a different niche.”

Taylor added that she was proud of the creative team’s accomplishments in bringing Gamble’s elaborate scenario to life.

Immediately following the “Deranged” screening, multi-XBIZ-Award-winning director Ricky Greenwood introduced his new, Y2K-set skater drama, “Grinders,” starring Lucky Fate, Maya Woulfe, Nathan Bronson, Tommy Pistol, Charlotte Sins, Vanna Bardot, Lilly Bell and Robby Echo.

After the screening, Greenwood, Fate, Woulfe, Sins, Bell, Pistol and screenwriter Shawn Alff answered questions from the audience. Sins and Woulfe joked about the freezing-cold pool scene in what was supposed to be “heated” water.

Meanwhile Pistol, who in the film was made up to appear as Fate’s bald, paunchy biker dad, laughed about having to perform in a sex scene while the prosthetic makeup on his head literally melted.

The area in front of the stage — below the DJ who wowed the crowd by pumping an all-killer, no-filler sequence of hits from the 1970s to the present — boasted a star-studded lineup of decorated industry talent.

Reigning XBIZ Best New Performer Kenzie Anne, in a characteristically glam tight-fitting gold number, welcomed many fans excitedly making her IRL acquaintance. “First day of X3 Expo was so successful!” she enthused. “I laid out my Playboy, Penthouse and Hustler covers, and sold a ton of my newest jacket and hoodie drop.” For Kenzie Anne, the highlights were “meeting a lot new fans and taking a ton of photos with them.”

“For Sunday, I am going to bring some Polaroids and I’m so looking forward to seeing some new faces,” she added.

A few tables over, Buxom Aussie bombshell Savannah Bond declared herself “super excited to be at X3 Expo” and talked about how much fun she had meeting fans from LA. “They were all so, so sweet and made me feel so loved!” Besides DVDs and signed photos, Bond also offered her new 2023 calendar, featuring year-round sexy images for the discerning fan’s perusal. “I really look forward to doing this again next year,” she added.

Rising talent Charly Summer concurred. “The first day of X3 Expo was great,” she told XBIZ. “I love meeting my fans in person, and selling autographed Polaroids because it’s so fun taking them! I even had one fan come all the way from the U.K. to see me, which is wild!”

Blonde stunner Lilly Bell joined the consensus in being extremely impressed by the record turnout on Saturday. “Conventions are my jam,” she confessed, “so getting to chill and connect with new fans and also my dedicated ones is the whole reason why I came. Without them we wouldn’t be able to have dope events like this, so for that I’m super grateful.” Bell’s diverse array of merch included prints, Polaroids, DVDs, stickers, the opportunity to pose in a candid with her and even her very own blow-up sex doll. “I can’t wait to see everyone again tomorrow—and then, of course, for the XBIZ Awards show.”

Petite rollercoaster Kiara Cole — in a shocking pink gymnastic one-piece that left little to the imagination — said she had “an amazing time signing at X3 Expo. It was great to see models and fans from all around the world come together to have fun and support sex workers.” Cole wanted to make sure she could express her gratitude to the fans who support her by coming to events like X3 to say hi and buy her prints, Polaroids and DVDs.

Veteran top Japanese-American performer Marica Hase — in a red-and-white ensemble with Japanese writing — said she truly appreciated how the organizers “took such good care of us by setting up a model lounge and other perks for attending talent.” Hase said that she is still bringing DVDs for her many loyal old-school fans, although she laughed that her newer fans “much prefer downloads!”

Over at the Spiegler Models booth, the stunning Maya Woulfe — wearing futuristic eye makeup — agreed with her colleagues about the palpable excitement at X3 Expo, and added that one of her personal highlights was attending the screening of her co-starring feature, Ricky Greenwood’s “Grinders,” and being a part of the Q&A.

Liv Revamped touted her booth placement, saying, “Maybe my opinion is a little biased, but I love the fact that I’m right next to the bar! I also love the fact that these events are kind of like porn family reunions. I love that I get to run into all my friends and everyone I get to work with.”

Vanna Bardot echoed that sentiment, noting that getting to see all her friends and her fans was her favorite part of the weekend.

Popular Twitch personality and adult creator Evelyn Claire was IRL-streaming throughout the show at the vibrant YourPaysitePartner booth.

“I’ve been streaming IRL on Twitch,” she said, “and it’s been really dangerous walking around while doing so, because there’s lots of sexy ladies that are distracting me from watching where I’m going! But it’s been worth it, because it’s fun.”

One such distraction was prolific tatted performer Maddy May, who bounded up and smiled brightly. “I love the energy here,” she said. “I love the community feeling. It feels like a family where we’re not separated into little compartments. Everyone has been kind and respectful. It’s been so nice to meet all the fans in LA.” She then took a big bite out of the pizza slice she had been munching on.

Back at the Brazzers booth, with its seemingly endless stream of fans eager to meet contract stars, acclaimed performers and XBIZ Awards co-hosts Small Hands and Joanna Angel were chatting it up with fans and taking group selfies. Hands glanced about and said, “This is going pretty damn good. It’s my first time being back in Hollywood since being in New York and I’m ready to party.” 

Beneath the grand stage, marquee stars and models held court at their tables, with lines of fans forming to meet favorite talent. One such model was ePlay streamer Quincy, who was live on Twitch, where she also has a massive following. Munching on a bit of Popeyes that her nearby friend and colleague Rose Isstar had graciously obtained, she said, “X3 has been awesome so far! I’m currently streaming at my booth with all my viewers watching me eat Popeyes. So I’ve got food and all these beautiful people to look at. It’s really amazing vibes.”

Taking a break at the model lounge, and suiting up for a stint at the neon-lit Sex Like Real virtual reality booth, was cyberpunk-ready Skye Blue. “I am looking forward to meeting all the fans of SexLikeReal,” she said, calling company honcho Telly “amazing” and “one my favorite people to work with.” She added, “The whole team is fantastic and they’re one of my favorites.”

Cindy Starfall continued on the theme of the event feeling like a reunion for performers.

“I haven’t seen all the girls, all my friends, in a long time,” she said. “I love the music and the atmosphere. It’s very intimate.”

Concluding the evening, CAM4’s Laura Desiree brought a coterie of the company’s brand ambassadors onstage, introducing Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce, Skyy Knox, Cole Connor and Jeff Uncutt before exclaiming, “I’m not gonna keep you guys from the party anymore!”

It was a fitting conclusion to Day One of the X3 Expo. The packed, enthusiastic crowd had melded seamlessly with the joyous contingent of industry stars and reps to bring off the first part of the weekend without a hitch — with Day Two promising more of the same.

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. — Williams Trading Co. has released its new 2023 Valentine’s Day Essentials catalog.

The wholesale digital guide now features over 30 pages of Valentine’s Day assortments.

“This year for Valentine’s Day we have made it easier for all of our wholesale customers to log into a custom digital flip snack catalog and shop for each Valentine’s Day item,” Sales & Marketing Director Scott D explained. “Each page is linked to a custom wholesale landing page for immediate order placement.”

VP of Sales Rich Pyne encouraged retailers to “stock up now as we anticipate a surge in sales during the Valentine’s sales season. Our hand-picked items encourage romance, massage, and couples’ intimate fun, and are great introductions to customers who are new to adult products.”

In support of retailers, Williams Trading has created a custom digital catalog that highlights popular gift items for the Valentine’s Day holiday, allowing retailers to shop each category.

For the complete catalog, click here; contact a sales representative at 800-423-8587 or visit WilliamsTradingCo for additional details.

LOS ANGELES — b-Vibe has added two new remote-controlled Vibrating Heart Plugs to its Jewels Collection of vibrators.

“Arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day gift-shopping, b-Vibe’s new Vibrating Heart Plugs will make the hearts of anal play lovers flutter with its dazzling jeweled base and sleek, seamless silicone texture in gorgeous pink and scarlet shades,” said a rep.

The plugs, available in S/M and M/L, feature 15 vibration patterns and six intensity levels. Each comes with a remote control and USB charger.

“The b-Vibe Jewels Collection has been a hit with consumers that love to do anal play in style — these plugs not only look good, but they feel good,” said CEO Alicia Sinclair Rosen. “The Vibrating Heart Plugs are a charming, light-hearted way to show off one’s love of anal, and they are going to make excellent Valentine’s Day gifts that recipients will never forget.”

For more information, visit b-Vibe online or email sales@bvibe.com.

LOS ANGELES — Vixen Media Group (VMG) has released the first episode of its new series, “Hotel Vixen.”

Directed by Julia Grandi, the 12-part limited series “follows the luxurious journey of several guests and the hotel staff who will go to any lengths to satisfy their deepest desires,” said a rep. 

The series features Jia Lissa, Liya Silver, Sonya Blaze, Lika Star, Little Dragon, Ginebra Bellucci, Angelika Grays, Zaawaadi, Kaisa Nord, Eveline Dellai, Angelina Robihood, Scarlett Jones, Honour May, Stefany Kyler, Alberto Blanco, Jack Rippher, Ralf Christian and Maximo Garcia.

“‘Hotel Vixen’ is the ultimate adult fantasy for viewers in need of a warm escape and proved to be a new creative challenge for our team,” said Grandi. “The storytelling, the incredible cast and the picturesque backdrop make this such a wonderfully unique series and we worked long days to ensure it all came together masterfully.”

The first episode is streaming on Vixen; additional episodes will release across VMG studio brands Vixen, Tushy and Blacked.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — AEBN has revealed its top-selling stars for the fourth quarter of the year, with Adriana Chechik landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Sir Peter heading up the gay ranking.

After Chechik, the straight list includes, in descending order, Kira Noir, Angela White, Natasha Nice, Abella Danger, Kenna James, Cory Chase, Sofie Marie, Coco Lovelock and Dee Williams.

The gay ranking below Peter includes Roman Todd, Dante Colle, Devin Franco, Austin Young, Michael Boston, Cade Maddox, Drew Sebastian, Devin Trez and Beau Butler.

Visit AEBN Trends for additional details.

LOS ANGELES — In the cheerfully illuminated ballroom of the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood, a who’s who of the adult industry’s greatest power players gathered, hailing from a diverse array of paysites, content platforms and payment processors. Even a dozen or so creators joined the once exec-exclusive cadre for newly introduced business categories recognizing their entrepreneurial prowess.

The time was nigh for the XBIZ Honors, a fusion of the traditional Exec Awards and several of the more company-specific web tech XBIZ Awards categories not allotted stage time at the Palladium this Sunday. Here, before a dashingly dressed audience of their peers, brand representatives could receive the proper acclaim for their hard-won achievements, with grateful speeches aplenty.

For nearly an hour, execs and creators hobnobbed, took photos on the red carpet, sipped drinks flowing freely from the bar and readied themselves at dinner tables where a delectable feast of steaks, fish, Brussels sprouts, chocolate cake and more filled happy bellies to the brim.

After a brief welcoming, events director Moe Helmy summoned the co-hosts to the stage. 

Gunner, an Exec Award winner famed for his Cams.com leadership, strode forth, filling out his velvety dark blue jacket with a hulking muscled frame. “Welcome everybody,” he boomed in his renowned bass voice.

Fleshlight biz dev veteran James, whose decade-plus in the industry spans many facets from camming to fan platforms, was equally resplendent in a richly purple form-fitting gown. “How’s everybody doing tonight?” she asked. After the crowd clapped in approval, she spread her hands and said, “Welcome to the 2023 XBIZ Honors awards. Everybody looks amazing tonight. Very sexy and posh, as does my co-host, Gunner.”

Adopting a serious expression, Gunner declared, “We want to thank XBIZ for doing such a wonderful job of selecting hosts. I don’t know if there’s an award for that, but there should be.”

Amid chortles in the audience, James said, “Absolutely.”

Gunner then continued, “Everybody, I want to welcome you to adult’s biggest night for executives and creators. It’s a really special night, because all the nominees for all the various categories are certainly deserving of their nominations.”

Nodding, James chimed in: “And we have some very special sponsors as well. So please give a special thanks to diamond sponsor Chaturbate and platinum sponsor JustFor.fans.”

Applause rang out.

“Without them,” noted Gunner, “we wouldn’t be able to fill all these tables.”

“And have free wine,” James added.

“I also want to say that I’ve been in this industry a damn long time by now … for decades,” Gunner reflected.

“What year was it you started?” asked James.

“1945,” Gunner deadpanned, eliciting laughter. “But no, in all seriousness, I’ve come to know so many of you as good business associates, even good friends. I’ve spent many nights drinking with you, attending special occasions. Some of you have even invited me into your homes and promptly regretted that decision.” Good-natured chuckling rippled in the crowd.

“But the fact of the matter is, this is a huge dysfunctional F-ing family,” Gunner stated to several guffaws. He then called the first presenter, Mitch Farber of Netbilling to the stage.

Farber, rocking a professional look with a blue jacket, came out and thanked the XBIZ crew for putting on a great show, which he opined “seems to get better and better each year.”

He then read the nominees for VOD Company of the Year. Throughout the night, awards in each category were preceded by a reading of all the nominees, ensuring many a clap and cheer for deserving folks whether or not they wound up winning.

The first girthy-and-golden “X”-capped trophy of the evening went to AEBN, with co-founder Jay Strowd accepting in a sharp blazer and shirt colorful enough to rival even Brad Mitchell of Mojohost.

“Thank you everybody at AEBN, you’ve all done such a wonderful job,” Jay said. “Thank you XBIZ for everything you do for the community, it does wonders for our morale. And the employees. Thank you all.”

Farber then presented the award for Dating Company of the Year to AdultFriendFinder. A pleasantly surprised Gunner headed to the stage and remarked, “Wow, it’s really heavy. I didn’t expect to win. Thank you very much on behalf of the whole team at AdultFriendFinder, a very hard-working group of people. Thanks again, appreciate it.”

Covering the hosting duties while Gunner attended to his glistening prize, James next introduced Vanessa Eve of Streamate to present the award for Account Exec of the Year.

The ever-dazzling and fashionable Eve sashayed onstage in a light azure dress with white feathers fluttering from her shoulders like heavenly wings, and after reading the nominees, announced Wendy Nelson of Netbilling as the victor.

Cutting down the aisle in blue jeans and a dark purple top, Nelson said, “Okay, I was absolutely not expecting this. So thank you XBIZ, so much. Thank you, I really appreciate it. And to Mitch, everyone at the team, I appreciate it very much.”

Gunner then returned to announce, “Here to present Marketing Exec of the Year, please welcome Andra… Chirno… I’m not even going to try. And she’s here wearing a sexy David Bowie-esque outfit.”

Andra Chirnogeanu, whose tricky last name is a crowd favorite to struggle with at the annual event, hefted two trophies suggestively. “Two thick things in each hand,” she said, glancing admiringly at them before grinning wolfishly. “This reminds me of last night!” The audience took a second to process the innuendo then began chuckling. “That was a sex joke. Hi. How’s everyone, how are you enjoying your steak? Nobody knows who David Bowie is, or is it just me? Anyways, this outfit is totally Prince.”

Waiting for the crowd to settle down, she proceeded. “The nominees for Marketing Exec of the Year — which I won in 2018! — are … well, I’m not going to read last names since people tend to butcher mine.”

As it turned out, the winner was revealed to be Jessica H. from BranditScan, whose name proved simple to pronounce.

In a classy black dress, she gripped the trophy excitedly and said, “I dedicate this to my BranditScan team, I love you guys so much. To Gino, thank you for every opportunity you’ve given me.” Founder Gino Sciretta raised a glass, the diamond-shiny BranditScan logo he wears as a pendant catching the light in that moment.

“To everyone in this room who’s welcomed me with open arms,” Jessica continued, “you’ve shown me I never want to work in any other industry but this one. Thank you so much.”

James then summoned Liz Rekevics from Streamate to present the award for Creator Platform of the Year. Decked out in a black pantsuit, exec Rekevics listed the nominees before revealing that Loyalfans would take the crown this year.

The stylishly bespectacled Dariusz came up to accept in evening-gray dress pants and a light shirt cinched with dark tie. “It’s very nice to see everyone after the COVID years. I think we’re finally back-back now, yeah? Let’s hope we don’t get an epidemic shutdown ever again. It’s nice to see everyone and it pays to be… Loyal!” he exulted, lifting the trophy high.

Upon her return, Rekevics inquired, “Did you miss me?” before sharing the nominees for Payment Service of the Year — Merchant Services. The winner: MobiusPay.

Jonathan Corona, iridescent in a glittering suit, escorted MobiusPay founder and CEO Mia Hyun onto the stage, as she spryly took his hand and leapt up in her shimmer-dotted dress.

“She’s going to give the thank-you speech,” Corona said, before handing off the mic.

Hyun lifted the trophy up and down like a hand weight and said, “I’ve been doing Pilates for a year, can you tell? Thank you guys, it’s been a long time coming.”

Gunner then took the mic to inform the audience that the presenter for Brand Ambassador of the Year would be one of last year’s hosts, Austin Fiascone.

“It’s a fucking miracle they let me back on the stage after last year!” Fiascone confessed, in a nod to the faux controversy over his roast-heavy skit last year with co-host Leya Tanit of Pineapple Support. “Seriously. But I’m here to present Brand Ambassador of the Year.”

Then, demonstrating that the spirit of the roast was alive and well, Fiascone explained, “These are the people that collect all the business cards, go home saying, ‘I’ve got so much business,’ and then never follow up.”

Following some appreciative laughter, Fiascone then read out the nominees, before Chris Rodger from Payze was declared the winner.

Stepping up in a suit jacket and dress shirt, Rodger speculated, “I guess it’s because I’m getting old that they decided to give this to me. I love being a part of the XBIZ community, though; I’m an ambassador and I just love everybody over there on XBIZ.net. I really appreciate this, thank you.”

James then brought Mitch Platt of Vendo to the stage to present the Progressive Leadership Award. A smartly dressed Platt donned reading glasses, listed the nominees, and revealed AJ Hall of Elevated X as the winner.

Ascending the steps in a dark dress shirt and jeans, Hall proudly beamed, “Thank you … This, believe it or not, is my fifth XBIZ Award, but this is the first time I have ever been present to accept the award. It’s a big deal! Thank you to the Helmy brothers for putting together the best industry event.”

Hall then leaned back a bit and scanned the crowd.

“Most of the people in this room, I’ve worked with over the years. The joke is I’m like the Kevin Bacon of the industry, with six degrees of separation from everybody. Thank you to my employees, clients and business partners. We’re trying to do a lot. We’re trying to do good things. I appreciate you.”

Hall then descended the stairs, only to return moments later. “It’s deja vu,” he said with a grin. “I’m here again to present two awards.”

Traffic Services Company of the Year was up first, with JuicyAds triumphant. Head honcho Juicy Jay, in a gray dress shirt and black slacks, gratefully accepted the trophy and said, “Well, thank you. Is it just me or are all of you getting better looking after three years of not seeing you?” An audience member shouted, “You are!” to which Jay responded, “Aw thanks, way to make my social anxiety go through the roof.

“It’s always an honor, though, thank you,” he professed. “It’s nice to work with you for advertising, and now that I own Broker.xxx, I can work with the rest of you who don’t need advertising too. Thank you and keep it juicy.”

Hall came back to read the noms for Payment Services of the Year — IPSP, before announcing the winner: Segpay.

CEO Cathy Beardsley, in a dark silky dress seemingly aglow with patterns of luminous orbs, said, “Thank you, XBIZ. I love you. Thanks to all of our clients that are here and most importantly my team; I’d be lost without them. Thank you.”

Gunner then tidied the podium, which had become piled with envelopes, begging forgiveness for his OCD cleaning tendencies before welcoming “Brad ‘Big Daddy’ Mitchell” as the next presenter.

Radiant in a golden coat and flashy shirt tucked into black pants, Mitchell announced the nominees for Business Development Exec of the Year.

The winner? Yuval Kijel from Streamate. Christophe Peyras accepted on his behalf, first joking, “Thank you guys, I’m so happy, oh wait this isn’t for me? Sorry, thank you, ‘blah blah blah,’ whatever he would have said.”

Gunner brought up the next presenter, Steven Grooby, to announce Community Figure of the Year. “What were they thinking, putting me in front of all you wonderful people with a microphone?” Grooby mused. “But no, I promise to be good. Community figures are the people you see at all the shows, representing the best of us.”

Alison Boden, who heads the Free Speech Coalition, was declared winner. Garbed in a sparkly cream shirt and shade-hued pants, she said, “It was kind of my goal never to win an award, but I’m actually quite humbled. It’s one of the most difficult but best years of my life running the FSC, defending our rights. Thank you to everyone and thanks XBIZ.”

The next presenter was Dominic Ford, who announced the 2023 Web Services Company of the Year: Your Paysite Partner. This brought company honcho Kenny B. forward in a dapper combo of dark blue jeans, dress shirt and blazer.

“I’m thankful for my team,” he said. “I couldn’t do it without them and all of my amazing content partners. Thanks XBIZ and thank you all.”

A commercial break then provided a brief respite, as a Chaturbate ad featured top streamers from the platform putting on creative, often humorous shows.

James took charge again, calling Megan Stokes of NMG Management up to present the Senior Leadership Award.

“I’m just really hoping I don’t fall this time,” Stokes confided, recalling a past klutzy encounter. After reading out the nominees, she said, “And the winner is… come here, Cunt Coalition! Come here, Liz!”

Laughing at this inside joke about a fictional organization to which she, Stokes and several professional colleagues belong, Liz Rekevics ascended the stage once more. “Okay, that wasn’t expected. It’s an honor. Thank you XBIZ, thank you everyone,” she said.

Gunner then asked last year’s Chief Exec of the Year, Clement P. of Bang and ePlay fame, to pass the torch. Clement did so, crowning Brad Mitchell as this year’s winner after reading out the other illustrious nominees.

“That is a hell of a list of great people,” Mitchell said, taking the podium. “I’m thrilled and honored to win this award this evening. Maybe I’m not feeling like it’s so deserved. I’m just thankful to have the best customers in the world. Each and every day we’re working very hard and if it wasn’t for them, none of this would be possible, so thank you all so much for your business and your friendship. Thank you, and that’s good mojo.”

James then introduced the next presenter, attorney Corey Silverstein, as “everyone’s favorite New Jersey lawyer,” to which Silverstein replied emphatically, “I’m not from New Jersey. I don’t even fucking like New Jersey. I think I was only in New Jersey once to catch a connection to somewhere I actually wanted to be. I’m actually from Detroit, the Motor City.” 

Having appropriately mock-chastised XBIZ Honors co-host James, Silverstein proceeded to carry out his responsibilities. “Now, I didn’t win tonight, but I do get to present, so as far as I’m concerned, I’m winning. I’m here to present the Gay Cam Site of the Year.”

The win went to Chaturbate, with shot-caller Shirley Lara stepping up in tan pants and an elegantly patterned shirt. “You know, we’re so proud to be an inclusive community. We welcome men, women, couples … everyone in between. We welcome everyone. Thank you.”

Silverstein returned to present Premium Cam Site of the Year. After reading the list of domains, he asked if it was really necessary to list each nominee with a “.com,” to which Moe Helmy shouted from the back, “We’re making you work!”

The winner was revealed to be Streamate, sending Liz Rekevics back to the stage yet again, only this time flanked by Vanessa Eve and model recruiter Sammy, sporting a chic light brown sweater dress, as well as Christophe Peyras, who took the mic and said, “I don’t have anything clever to say, but when I look around the room, I see people I consider family and friends. A lot of people may want to see us as competition, but a lot of those sites deserve exactly the same award. Thank you to all our marketers, affiliates and performers. Thank you to XBIZ.” Rekevics piped up with a simple “Thank you!” as Eve and Sammy beamed.

Gunner then introduced the first of two new categories: Creator Ambassador of the Year. “Welcome to the stage Leya Tanit of Pineapple Support to present the nominees,” he said.

Tanit made her way up the stairs in a glittering, form-fitting dress. “Thank you for letting me announce the nominees for the first content creator category at the Exec Awards, because I think this is so important. Sex work is work and the content creators have come so fucking far.”

The winner of the inaugural award was alt-tatted performer Sabien Demonia, who gleamed in a sparkling gown as she basked in the applause.

“Well,” she began, “I have been nominated for XBIZ so many times, I don’t even know how many times. I’ve never won any actual awards as a creator so I guess I’m supposed to be an executive now! Thanks to Kink.com, my one and only, and obviously Hotline; thank you for crypto. I will not talk anymore now, because you know I won’t shut up the rest of the night.”

James then revealed the second new category: Creator Businessperson of the Year, presented by Shirley Lara.

“When XBIZ asked me to present an award, I blindly said sure, and it wasn’t until today that I found out the category. Now, I’m actually really honored by this category, because I believe content creators and broadcasters are the most intelligent, creative and innovative people. I really truly believe that in my heart, because I have experience on the back end where I see the stats. I log into the homepage and go, ‘Wow, I’m impressed by their chatrooms, lighting and camera equipment, this is no joke.’ So thank you XBIZ for allowing me to present this award.”

Sarah Passions of Zuzana Designs took the crown, wearing a black strappy dress.

“Are you guys sure about this?” she inquired rhetorically, yet with genuine humility as well. “I’ve had such the honor to work with so many site owners, platform owners, creators and models over the past 18-plus years making websites and I can’t imagine doing anything else with my life. I appreciate you for the opportunity to do that. Thank you XBIZ and if anyone needs a website, holler at me.”

Gunner introduced Matt Mund of MobiusPay, to present for Creator Platform Site. In a sable suit bearing his company logo emblazoned on the back of the jacket, he read the nominees before unveiling JustFor.fans as the winner.

Dominic Ford returned to the stage, this time as a champion. “Wow, thank you guys so much,” he said. “I have an amazing team that makes Just for Fans what it is. We are 100% staffed by sex workers. Everybody in our customer service team is a model on the website.”

Adopting a somber tone, he continued, “I wake up with anxiety every day with laws being passed against us and Twitter being crazy. There’s all these awful things, but my only solace is there are people smarter than me who are in this room who are thinking about these problems and there are people like Moe and Alec who are getting us all together in a room to solve this, so I appreciate you all very much. Thank you and goodnight.”

Mund then read the nominees for VOD Site of the Year, with Adult Empire claiming the prize. Colin Allerton, his crew in tow, stepped up and said, “Thank you XBIZ for putting on such a great evening. Thank you everyone at Adult Empire, everyone that we work with, like MobiusPay over here. Thank you and I appreciate it.”

James called Boden to the stage to present Businessperson of the Year.

“XBIZ, I’m not gonna say it was my advice,” Boden began, “but I will say I think it was a good move to go from a gendered businessperson for this category to a non-gendered one. And now, for the nominees, they are Kenny B., Cathy-motherfuckin’-Beardsley…” Laughter broke out, and she proceeded to list the rest of the names, culminating with Clement P. being revealed as the winner.

Keeping it short and sweet, he said, “Thank you all, you’re all amazing. I’m happy to win this award.”

WIA Woman of the Year was next, presented by XBIZ associate publisher Sara Ramirez, who was incandescent in a sparkling gown.

“Hi, I’m pleased to present the award for Woman of the Year,” she said. This category honors the outstanding contributions of women in our industry.” After reading the list of nominees, she exhorted, “Please join me in congratulating a woman who has consistently shown passion and resilience in all that she does: Cathy Beardsley!”

Accepting the honor graciously, Beardsley said, “Hi everyone, thank you so much, it was such an honor being nominated alongside all of these amazing ladies. It’s an honor being a part of this amazing industry I’ve been in for over 20 years. You’ve all become my family and friends.”

The Trans Site of the Year and Erotic Site of the Year awards were presented by Kenny B., who awarded the first trophy to a man he announced as “my good friend Steven Grooby, for Grooby Girls.” 

Taking the stage, the dapper Grooby said, “Thank you very much. The fact we actually have a trans category award for this is something to be celebrated. Trans people in this industry are still being discriminated against. There’s laws in this country that discriminate against trans people. For all these companies nominated alongside me, many have been working as long as I have. Grooby Girls team, thank you. Alec, thank you.”

Kenny then announced the Erotic Site of the Year: Lust Cinema. Erika Lust and her U.S-based director/performer Casey Calvert came to the stage, with Lust in a warm red dress and Calvert sporting a leather jacket and sleek pants ensemble.

“It’s always very great to win,” Lust said. “We want to say thank you. Thank you XBIZ, thank you everybody who’s working with us in Lust Cinema. It’s a great honor. We look forward to a wonderful future.”

Calvert added, “Thank you XBIZ, thank you Erika, thank you Pablo, thank you everyone at the office back in Spain. Thank you to every performer who shot with us, thank you. This is really cool.”

Gunner ascended to the podium to start wrapping things up. 

“Okay, I know it’s past bedtime for a few of you, but this is the last award of the night, The Legacy Award,” he explained. “I’d like to welcome to the stage, fresh off his tour with the band NSYNC, Mr. Mark Bauman.”

Taking the jest in stride, the snazzily dressed Bauman said, “I got to present the last award of the night because I’m the most entertaining when I’m drunk.” Then, after giving the audience a few clues about the winner, like how the man in question is known for his love of cigars — prompting one audience member to call out, “Steven Grooby” as a guess — and how the winner once doggedly insisted that a rained-out golfing excursion proceed as planned, playing the entirety of it in the torrential downpour, Bauman revealed Mitch Farber of Netbilling as the honored recipient.

Farber beamed as he basked in the applause. “Thanks, Mark. You summed it all up, bro. Thank you, everybody. We are 25 years in this industry now, since 1998, when we started Netbilling, and I know so many of you here by now. I appreciate this award. I guess when you stop dying your hair,” he said, motioning to his gray-hued and neatly coiffed hair, previously brunette in appearance, “they start giving out Legacy Awards.” Chuckles broke out. “So here we are. Thank you so much to XBIZ, Mark and everybody.” Applause ensued.

Gunner returned to the stage, saying, “Well, in case you didn’t get enough to drink yet, thanks to Mojohost and Broker.xxx, there’s going to be a wrap party right above us at the bar. Now, before we go, I’d like to thank the people who make all of this possible. Please give it up for XBIZ!” He pointed to the table in the corner where the XBIZ team was sitting, and the crowd gave a standing ovation.

Then, the suited-up power players made their way to the hotel bar topside, where many a glass was raised and back clapped in celebratory glee, as the second full day of the XBIZ LA trade show came to a close.

SAN FRANCISCO — Falcon/NakedSword has released its latest title, titled “In The Night,” from studio brand Hot House.

Directed by Ryan Brian, the title features studio exclusives Cade Maddox and Luca del Rey, along with with Jordan Starr, Grant Ducati, Chris White, Evan Knoxx, Des Irez, Quin Quire, Trevor Brooks and Jackson Bell. 

The action opens with del Rey and Starr “taking to the pool for a late-night bareback dip even though their neighbors are able to peer over and spot their throbbing, moonlit cocks at any given moment,” said a rep. “Nearby, Grant Ducati is walking in on roommate Chris White masturbating in the middle of their living room. While this isn’t the first time he’s caught him jacking off, this is the first time the unsuspecting twink has greeted his jerking roomie with an open mouth.”

Brian enthused about the shoot.

“Having worked with Hot House for a while now, it’s been a thrill getting to direct ‘In The Night’ by myself and see this nighttime concept through from beginning to end,” he said. “The entire cast really showed up and delivered five fan-fucking-tastic scenes for us.”

Falcon/NakedSword President Tim Valenti praised his director.

“Ryan Brian is a monster talent that we can’t wait to work with on even more projects,” he said.

The title is available for digital download and on DVD from the Falcon/NakedSword store.

LOS ANGELES — Jexxxica Blake stars with Pax Perry in the latest scene from TransAngels, “Horny Wife Gets Her Fix.”

Directed by Tom Moore, the scene opens with “voluptuous bombshell Jexxxica Blake as she returns home after a long day at the office,” said a rep. “She greets her husband, but her attention quickly turns to handsome plumber Pax Perry! As the blonde stud gets to work under the kitchen sink, Jexxxica seduces him by spanking her curvy booty and teasingly playing with her cock.”

“Horny Wife Gets Her Fix” premieres on TransAngels Jan. 20.

Follow Blake on Twitter.

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Peepshow Toys has added Sydney Screams as a brand influencer for the company.

“As an avid toy collector, Screams has become known as the go-to performer for toy recommendations,” said a rep. “After seeing the success of product reviews posted on PornHub and XVideos, Screams launched a YouTube channel to post safe-for-work reviews of their favorite toys.”

Screams enthused about the partnership. 

“The first thing I saw when looking into Peepshow Toys was that all of their products are body safe,” she said. “Partnering with a retailer whose ideals align so closely with mine just felt right.”

For more information, visit Peepshow Toys online. 

MONTREAL — Ariel Demure and Alexis Tae headline the third installment of TransSensual’s ‘TS Hot Wives’ series..

Directed by twice-crowned XBIZ “Trans Director of the Year” Ricky Greenwood, the title also features Foxxy, Eva Maxim, Crystal Thayer, Jade Venus, Steve Rickz, Tony Sting and Hazel Moore.

“Ricky Greenwood is in top form as he dials up the sexual energy in this newest installment of the popular series,” said Jon Blitt, VP of TransSensual parent company Mile High Media. “With an amazing cast led by gorgeous Ariel Demure and scene partner Alexis Tae, ‘TS Hot Wives 3’ is everything that fans love about TransSensual movies — great chemistry, intense action and sexy trans girls at their wildest.”

Click here for box art and additional information; visit TransSensual online.

Follow Demure and Tae on Twitter.

Direct sales inquiries to wilma@mile-high-media.com or call 800-363-0133.