Do you need to build business relationships, buy or sell more product, or increase your brand’s visibility? You need a trade show – and you’re in luck, because here’s one coming right up…
One of 2023’s most unexpected arrivals was EroSpain, a brand-new B2B event for the adult sector and the first to be held in Spain. Its arrival was unexpected because the industry already had a hugely successful annual European trade show, EroFame in Germany, while fellow German show Venus, although predominantly a consumer event, also had a B2B sector.
But while EroFame and Venus have traditionally been staged in the dull, dank days of October, EroSpain boosted the industry’s collective vitamin D levels by throwing open its doors in April.
In addition to being held at a different time of year, thus avoiding clashing with the established events, EroSpain took place in the heart of the city of Barcelona. Google a street view of exhibition location Fira de Barcelona and behold the magnificent surroundings. From the imposing Torres Venecianes towers to the palatial National Museum of Art of Catalonia, the hall stands amidst some seriously ‘gram-friendly architecture.
That applies to the whole city, with the Sagrada Família church being a particular highlight: designed by architect Antoni Gaudi, it is set to be completed in 2026 (work started in 1882) to mark the centenary of Gaudi’s death. Culture vultures will also appreciate the Picasso Museum, Joan Miró Foundation, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), or the Gothic Quarter, with its medieval buildings and historic sites, while lovers of the beautiful game may wish to take a tour of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona’s iconic stadium.
Add in the Mediterranean Sea lapping at the city’s beaches (yes, plural) and the 250,000 sqm La Maquinista shopping centre, and it should come as no surprise that Barcelona is Spain’s most visited city, regularly rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paris, London, Athens, and Rome in ‘Top Ten European Tourist Destinations’ lists.
With the exhibition venue being connected to the city’s public transport network and having so many attractions away from the show floor, including a multitude of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants, visiting EroSpain gave attendees the opportunity to expand on their usual ‘airport-exhibition-hotel’ trade show routine. And in a further departure from the norm, the show was staged from Sunday to Tuesday.
When ETO asked Isaac Fargas, one of the organisers, if this was simply down to the availability of the venue or if it had been a strategic decision, he replied: “It’s a very strategic decision, actually. We’re aware that it’s very unorthodox but we believe it gives shop owners the chance to visit the show without having to close their shops too many days. We believe it maximises the chance of everybody being able to attend at least for one day. It also gives travellers from abroad the chance to combine a weekend of business and pleasure.”
Ah yes, combining business and pleasure. How many previously disinterested partners of attendees enquired about coming along for the ride for the first time, after they learned where this trade show was being held? This appeared to be another strategic decision by the organisers: “[Barcelona] was our first and only choice,” Fargas said. “It had to here and in the heart of the city. I think it makes it a very attractive show for all the possibilities that this city offers… I would absolutely recommend making a mini vacation of it. In fact, the show schedule is perfect for that: you can arrive on Friday and see the city the first two days and then visit the show and you’re back home on Wednesday.”
And you can do just that again this year, as the show runs from Sunday the 5th of May to Tuesday the 7th of May.
While the location had obvious appeal for pleasure pursuits, it still had to stand up as a business destination, and the first EroSpain did. It was sponsored by Shunga, Tenga, Satisfyer, and Svakom and had many other big names taking space in the exhibition hall. Furthermore, all space was completely sold out well in advance of the show’s opening date – which is pretty unusual for a debut event.
Lee Schofield and Jacinta Williams attended for ETO, tweeting and livestreaming from the show floor. “It was a strong location and there were no complaints about the number of visitors,” said Schofield. “It seemed steady throughout. The exhibitors we spoke to were almost all positive about the show, looking to return, and were complimentary about the organisers.”
With more companies wishing to come aboard, the EroSpain organisers announced that 2024’s event would be twice the size – and it still sold out six months in advance.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to all the exhibitors that have made this possible, making the show a huge success so many months in advance,” said a spokesperson. “EroSpain 2024 promises more exhibitors, more visitors, and more activities, making it even more unmissable than last year’s first edition.”
One of the key benefits of attending any trade event, as exhibitor or visitor, is the opportunity to network and there will be a Welcome cocktail party on Saturday 4th May and the EroSpain Awards Gala will be held on Monday 6th May.
While connecting digitally has become commonplace in this post-COVID world, face-to-face interactions tend to be more meaningful and memorable, and trade events provide the perfect platform for these. Just remember to pack comfy shoes and bring plenty of business cards.
EroSpain 2024 takes place at Fira de Barcelona, Montjuïc, Barcelona, Spain, from Sunday 5th May – Tuesday 7th May 2024, and its opening hours are 10:00 – 18:00. For more information, including a full exhibitor list, visit https://erospain.eu
