Los Angeles- Attendees enjoyed the first day [Friday] of the fun-filled, educational and visually stunning entertainment convention, the 9th Annual Erotica LA (ELA) taking place in Los Angeles through June 12. A new format brought an influx of attendees, and preliminary numbers show that attendance is up by 15% over 2004 with an estimation of nearly 40,000 attendees. Famous for introducing sexy new products and concepts into the mainstream each year, ELA 2005 is THE place to be this weekend!

This year, ELA 2005 has taken over more than 250,000 square feet and is featuring more than 275 vendors, which is up over 65%. This expanded show features three interconnected marketplaces defined by genre or product.

“Our convention has grown significantly and the consumers have followed along with the trend,” stated Chad Beecher, Vice President of Operations & Marketing, Erotica LA. “This year, we really stepped up by separating the marketplaces into three genres: Romantic, X and Gay — and it has proved to entice even more consumers to check it out. Once again, we have reached our goal to expose even more people to our fun, educational and entertaining convention.”

Exhibitors are also pleased with the show’s new format, which has contributed to the amazing turnout. Their sales have increased significantly, and many exhibitors are planning ahead to next year.

“We are thrilled at the response we have gotten from show attendees,” said Dana Myers, Creator and President of Booty Parlor, a brand-new sexy lifestyle & accessories novelty company that targets women and the “romantic” side of pleasure. “By designing a booth shaped like a make-up counter, women were quite comfortable and willing to find out more about our company and special “toys.” This face-to-face interaction was the perfect way to introduce our new products and catalog of fun flirty things for women.”

ELA 2005 is also hosting more stage shows than ever before at two separate venues — one in the Romantic Marketplace and another in the X Marketplace. The Romantic Marketplace featured lingerie and sexy attire fashion shows, while the X Marketplace contains racier shows including fashion, exotic dancer revues and more. The Romantic Marketplace stage also features many fun shows including a Naughty School Girl Dance Performance, a Love, Latex and Leather Fashion Show, a Hollywood Men All Male Dance Review, The Dominatrix and her Muses Dance Performance, and a La Bare All Male Dance Revue. The X Marketplace will also hold a Hip Hop Showcase, a Musotica Fashion Show, a Semi Final Exotic Dancer Showdown, an Amateur Exotic Dancer Showcase and a Spice Fashion Show.

The convention has also launched an expanded educational program, doubling what was offered in 2004 and providing more topics, sessions and workshops to cover the broad spectrum of consumer interest. Seminars include “A Practical Guide to Striptease,” “Activate Your Pleasure Center,” “Passion 101: Keeping it Alive in your Relationship,” “The Power of Seduction,” “Understanding Sex Addiction,” “Tantric Journey: Awaken Your G-Spot,” “Safe Sex Tips 2005 with Dr. Mitch” and “The Art of Sensual Touch.”

Fans can also meet the beautiful actress and owner of the Club Jenna empire, Jenna Jameson, as well the sexy girls from Wicked Pictures — including jessica drake, Stormy and the newest Wicked girl, Keri Sable. The show also features some of the hottest exhibitors around including Spice Studios, Playboy Radio, Skin Industries, Romantix, Lifestyles, Red Light District and Real Doll. The show also boasts a satellite museum exhibit and a sampling of artwork from The Erotic Museum in Hollywood.

Erotica LA, now in its 9th consecutive year, and growing substantially each year, is world-renowned for introducing new products, services and concepts in the world of romantic, sensual and erotic entertainment. Over the past decade, sensuous entertainment has become more accessible to the public and the headlining industry has become the consistent subject of mainstream network and cable shows. Erotica LA is one of the first conventions to take this mainstream entertainment directly to the consumer. Erotica LA brings together merchants, exhibitors, talent, educators and consumers alike in the most newsworthy and entertaining event of the year!