Question: What actually goes on at the Adult Entertainment Expo in Vegas each year?

Answer: It is work, and the bottom line is money, and if you haven’t “guessed” by now, I wrote that question, you know, to throw myself a bone and to be able to continue the question and answer format that you’re (now) growing accustomed too (after a whole month of consistent blogging, wahoo!). Here’s the down low on the low down in Vegas from today until Sunday. I can only give you my perspective, and since I am typing from the press room of the show floor, all I can say  about today is it’s quiet. It’s the day before fans can get their flash cameras in front of the Joanna Angel’s and Jesse Jane’s of the adult industry. And even though the population feels like it’s been drastically reduced from last year, which was even smaller than the year before, etc. I’m feeling good vibes around being here this time.

Today is trade day. Possibly the best day to be on the floor, whether you’re a fan with benefits (meaning you get in today) or a part of the industry. Girls sit behind booths signing away their love and posing for pictures. Sex toy manufacturers unveil their latest gadgets. And last night, at Digital Playground’s media dinner (thanks Chris Thorne of XCritic) I learned the way to pose with a number one, two or 50,456 fan (thanks Penthouse Pet Ryan Keely). Place one hand on their shoulder and the other on their side and maintain a level of distance and personal space.

My time here is different from those who come here rather excited about the idea of touching a porn star, although last night I touched a porn stars boobs. They were fake, but felt so real (key is that she already had big boobs and got the smallest implant around). That porn star, the newest Digital Playground contract girl, Bebe, was not only adorable and 19, but she loved sex so much that it made me want to watch her do it even more.

Today will be about semi-flashy booths, products and pushing porn. There will be music, lights, reunions, business, the hope that the industry can somehow make its way back again, that piracy won’t destroy all the large studios and that there is a future here in the business of porn. That’s what actually goes on at the AEE.  Beyond the meetings, panels, talks, drinks and parties, it’s all about fostering a community and business that can make money and make people feel good. And even if there are some bad people making porn (there are bad people everywhere) that’s what keeps me coming back.