Las Vegas [Vegas Popular.com] – Porn princess Sunset Thomas is one of Vegas’ newest residents, and now hosts an Internet syndicated radio show from the Palomino Club here. In addition, she starred in the HBO TV series ‘Cathouse.’ Luxe Life asked her to tour the Adult Video Expo, act as our eyes and ears, and jot down her notes into a private diary. She took Luxe Life photographer Scott Doctor along for the convention day and here’s the full report from Sunset’s very own private diary:

In the 15 years I’ve worked in the adult industry, I can hardly remember missing an AVN convention. This year, however, marked the first time I represented the press and not the talent.

Seeing that I’m the youngest inductee in the AVN Hall of Fame, it was only fitting that the first person I bumped into was AVN President Paul Fishbein. The eternally, fresh-faced Fishbein was beaming as the convention hall was already bustling at 11AM.

Heading towards the Hustler booth I came upon my old friend Robin Byrd. The Robin Byrd Show has been airing on Manhattan Cable for 30 years! Anyone who’s anyone in the adult industry has sat topless with her on TV. Robin flipped the script and interviewed me for a segment that will air sometime in the future.

The flashbacks just kept coming as I found myself at Nina Hartley’s booth. Nina’s got a new book out, ‘Nina Hartley’s Guide to Total Sex,’ with an awesome cover by my favorite artist, Olivia. Nina was my mentor — the single woman in the industry whom I truly admired when I was coming up. And, well, sex with Nina is total satisfaction…

It was already feeling like a family reunion and then I hit the Vivid booth and, viola, there’s my niece — Sunrise Adams. I helped Sunrise get into the business a few years ago. She retired, but like her auntie, she couldn’t keep away from the lights, the cameras and the action. So Sunrise is back!

I had to meet someone new so I moseyed over to Smash Pictures where I caught up with some up and comers: Donna Doll and Jaime Elle (Donna, is a doll; a tanned, tall, buxom blonde. Yummy!) Smash is a mini version of Adam and Eve; much more than simply producing DVD’s, they’ve sell toys, apparel and video on demand too!

Over at Doghouse Digital, the frisky little French filly, Erika Heaven had folks wishing they could die and go to Heaven! Doghouse is Canada’s largest adult movie production company. Doghouse is the Gonzo line created by Mile High Video who has been distributing other people’s flicks since 1989.

From France it was off to the Orient as the Future Works booth had two stunning Asian bombshell’s: Jasmine Mai and Rosenna Song. Future Works shoots lots of ethnic titles — especially Asian and Black. Our industry is the most integrated of all. We have something for every shape, size and color…

Seeking some much deserved downtime, Scott Doctor (my sidekick and lensman) and I headed over to the Pink Visual encampment, which housed all my associates from KSEX radio. After a sit down with Wankus and Tyler Faith (two of KSEX’s most popular hosts) I found myself dancing on stage with the Pink Visual Vixens. Hey, I see a pole, I dance!

Poll dancing to bull riding, that’s a natural segue, right? At Paul Interlandi’s Arrow Head production booth, www.xxxdeepthroat.com he had a mechanical bull and I was on it (and off it rather quickly). Anyways, Paul’s company not only shoots their own titles, they distribute the classics (‘Deep Throat’ for example). Their inventory is the most extensive in the biz…

While the biggest of the big had booths in the front of the convention center (i.e. Hustler, Club Jenna, Wicked, Vivid), I found the gay contingent in the rear … hmmm. Leif Wauters, director of operations, for Hot House Video (who produce only big budget gay flicks) had me in the arms of some hunky beefcake. I’ve never felt so safe!

Not to be outdone by the boys from Hot House, the Naked Sword stallions quickly hoisted me for further photo ops. Jonathon Edward Foulk (director of marketing and promotions) explained that Naked Sword is the only streaming gay site in the world. They have thousands of titles to choose from and real live guys to ogle.

I may be an adult star but it doesn’t mean I’m not a fan. I simply had to go to Digital Playground and meet Jesse Jane. What a sweetie. Her newest release, Island Fever 4, is a huge hit and she’s a poster girl of class, sass and style. I just might consider shooting again, if I could make a movie with her!

Another classy chassis is Taylor Wane. This British bombshell’s booth was packed with adoring fans. Taylor is a “how to” example of branding. She has a huge product line and like me, she’s a Penthouse Pet and KSEX radio jock.

Wicked Girl, Julia Ann is an old chum and she looks better than ever! She’s still shooting (for Wicked) and appearing regularly on Playboy TV. In 2004 she received Best Actress award for her awesome performance in Beautiful. She’s appeared in mainstream movies and graced the covers of mainstream magazines. She is our businesses best ambassador!

While canvassing the convention floor I ran into Camille Teitelbaum (the owner of my all time favorite haute couture shop in Vegas–Nurielle). Camille was with her partner, the fabulously exotic Pattie Ocejo and my two-fav designers: Julian and Thomas. Everyone will be wearing their outfits at the Awards Show, but no two will be alike.

Larry Flynt and Jenna Jameson arriving to sign at the same time was akin to a concert with both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Larry rolled in early, but Jenna made the throngs wait, and they did! No one was let down when she finally arrived. Larry, of course, is the man responsible for my entry into the industry. I shot my first photo shoot ever for his magazine Chic. I joined him on the stage as he signed autographs for adoring fans and paparazzi alike. I can tell you this much, if I ever shoot another flick, it will be with Hustler and for the Godfather of Full Frontal, Larry Flynt!

As I made my way out of the convention I couldn’t help but think how far my fair industry has come. From those covert shoots in suburban hideaways, to the seedy theaters on the outskirts of town that would show our films. We are now merging with the mainstream. We are gaining a level of acceptance from the public as professionals. We are multi-generational, we are gay and straight and black and white, but we have never blanched and will never back down…