Erotica 2012 has been cancelled following an in-depth review of the market by the show organisers. The adult lifestyle consumer event will return in 2013 with a ‘new generation’ format, possibly in a different venue and at an earlier time of year.
“The decision to cancel Erotica 2012 was not taken lightly,” said Erotica’s Savvas Christodoulou. “And we are very much aware that we will disappoint our loyal exhibitors and the many thousands of visitors who attend each show – I can only apologise to them and promise that when we return in 2013 it will be with a significantly enhanced Erotica.”
The cost of a tenancy at London’s Olympia rises every year in line with the Retail Price Index and Christodoulou told ETO that it would have been difficult to run Erotica 2012 without either increasing the price of entry tickets or charging exhibitors significantly more than they had paid previously. Over 50 exhibitors had paid deposits for the 2012 event and these have been refunded in full, including any credit card surcharges.
Although this year’s show has been cancelled Erotica will still be active within the market. A new Erotica ‘Hub’ website will be launched in the summer. This new website, created in conjunction with Carnal Creative, will give consumers access to all aspects of the adult industry. The famous Erotica parties, which are staged by Torture Garden, will also continue and be expanded upon during the year.
Erotica is inviting its visitors and Facebook and Twitter followers to submit suggestions to help mould 2013’s new format event, including when and where it should take place.
Christodoulou concluded: “We very much want to hear the views of our visitors and of course our loyal exhibitors. We anticipate that the new show will still offer a shopping element for exciting fashion items and the more unique products that are hard to find on the High Street or Internet but there will also be a big emphasis on entertainment and the opportunity to meet like-minded people in a friendly, comfortable and safe environment.”
Erotica is one of the best-known consumer events in the UK, reportedly chalking up more visitors than the Ideal Home Show at its peak. It has been staged annually at London’s Olympia for the last 17 years and has traditionally acted as a curtain raiser on the Christmas season for many adult businesses. In addition to consumers it regularly attracts minor celebrities and receives significant coverage from mainstream broadcast and print media.
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