AVN sponsors two educational seminars at ANME 2025's 30th anniversary show. Topics include AI in retail, age verification laws, and banking challenges. Featuring industry experts like Zondre Watson and Jeffrey Douglas.
AVN is stepping up to sponsor two educational seminars at the upcoming ANME Founders Show in Burbank, California, happening July 12–15, 2026. This year's event is a big one—it marks the 30th anniversary of this trade-only exhibition for the adult novelty industry. For three decades, ANME has been the go-to gathering for retailers, manufacturers, and industry pros to connect, learn, and do business.
### What the Seminars Cover
These sessions are hosted by an AVN Hall of Fame member and a longtime pleasure products expert. They're designed to tackle the real-world challenges retailers face today. You'll hear about customer engagement through product expertise, how artificial intelligence is changing retail operations, and the ongoing headaches around age verification laws and banking access. It's a packed agenda that gets straight to the point.
### Seminar 1: Retail Knowledge for Brick and Mortar Stores
The first seminar, “Increase Your Retail Knowledge for Brick and Mortar Stores,” is scheduled for the morning of July 13, just before the show floor opens. This one's all about practical, hands-on learning for store owners and staff.
Featured speakers include:
- **Zondre Watson** from Erotech, who'll talk about an AI tool built specifically to streamline store operations.
- **Javay Frye-Nekrasova**, known as “The Millennial Sexpert,” a sex educator with a fresh perspective.
- **Kim Airs**, an industry veteran with years of experience.
Together, they'll dive into three product categories that every retail employee should know inside and out: G-spot products, anal pleasure, and BDSM. These aren't just buzzwords—they're the foundation of a knowledgeable sales team.
### Seminar 2: The Legal Panel on Regulation and Finance
The second session, “AV and the Novelty Industry Legal Panel,” takes place on July 14. This one focuses on the regulatory and financial stuff that keeps many business owners up at night.
Key topics include:
- The changing landscape of age verification laws for online businesses.
- Banking and payment-processing challenges that hit retailers and manufacturers hard.
Panelists include:
- **Jeffrey Douglas**, a veteran attorney and former chair of the Free Speech Coalition Board of Directors.
- **Meghan Lyon**, Membership Director at the Free Speech Coalition, who works to expand industry education through FSC and the Sexual Wellness Professional Alliance (SWPA).
- **Lucy Luna Trim**, Senior Account Executive at GOAT Payments, offering insights on payment-processing hurdles.
David Eliason from Dick and Jane’s Naughty Spots will contribute to both seminars, sharing decades of retail experience and free speech advocacy.
### Why This Matters for Retailers
If you're in the adult retail space, these seminars are a must-attend. They're not just theoretical talks—they're designed to give you actionable takeaways. Whether you're struggling with staff training, worried about compliance, or just want to stay ahead of AI trends, there's something here for you. Plus, with the 30th anniversary vibe, the networking opportunities are huge.
### Quick Facts
- **Event**: ANME Founders Show
- **Dates**: July 12–15, 2026
- **Location**: Burbank, California
- **Seminars**: July 13 (retail knowledge) and July 14 (legal panel)
- **Cost**: Free with ANME registration
Don't miss out on this chance to level up your business knowledge and connect with industry leaders. Mark your calendar and get ready for two days of learning that could change how you run your store.