The educational seminars have been the backbone of the Annual ED EXPO since the convention’s inception in 1993. Though the topics evolve as the industry evolves, one thing remains constant: The endeavor to educate and inform club owners and their staff on key areas of club operation.
In more recent years, the EXPO has also introduced more seminars geared specifically toward dancers, including touring feature entertainers and “club” entertainers. These seminars concentrate on important areas for dancers, including mental health, earning power, social media and career management.
No matter who you are, if you make your living in the adult nightclub industry, these seminars will help you become more successful and profitable!
The 2026 “In” siders seminar series: Are you in ?!
We’re going all “in” this year for the EXPO’s slate of seminars, panels and special guest presentations. On Monday, August 24, our Interactive Seminars will encourage audience participation and will involve hands-on demonstrations. On Tuesday, August 25, our In-Conversation Series will present one-on-one, informal conversations with compelling industry figures.
Monday, August 24
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The Publisher’s Presentation ED Publisher Dave Manack will directly address EXPO attendees at this convention first: The “Publisher’s Presentation.” With 28 years at ED, Manack finally feels it’s time to offer his view on the state of the industry at large. Says Manack, “Over the past few years, I’ve spoken to many of our industry’s leading figures, and many have the same questions: Why does the industry seem to be trending downward? Where are the innovations and new ideas that will propel the industry into the next 20-30 years? Does anyone have the answers? If |
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Keep it or Kill it ? In the first “interactive” session of EXPO 2026, we’re going to debate whether or not some old-school adult club ‘traditions’ should remain — or get the boot. Audience members will have a chance to share their votes as our seminar speakers ask themselves and convention attendees to assess the effectiveness of specific areas of club operation that have been the ‘standard’ for 20 or 30 years. As the saying goes, the worst reason to do something is because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
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Who’s Really on the “Hot Seat”? Hiring is one of the biggest headaches for employers in virtually every industry. As an owner or operator who interviews potential managers and club staff, do you know a “red flag” when you hear one? Are you confident that you’re asking the right questions during your interviews? Do you know the best places to find potential candidates? And if you’re someone who’s going to interview for positions in the future, what questions should you be asking your next potential employer? This seminar will provide specific tips on how to improve your interviewing and hiring processes. (Note: We’re NOT talking about recruiting.) |
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Legal Panel: Can I do that?! Avoiding legal issues is a primary concern for every adult club owner and manager. But sometimes, being overly cautious can actually hurt owners when dealing with very important operational issues. For example, is it legal to put violent or disruptive guests in handcuffs? Is it legal to search a guest and/or their belongings? What is the right way to remove an intoxicated guest? Will it jeopardize an entertainer’s contract to offer optional/voluntary tips and training? This legal panel will present real-life scenarios and will show owners/operators what they can or cannot do when faced with them. |
Monday’s break-out seminars:
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Entertainers-Only Mental Health Seminar: Preventing burnout and rebuilding collaboration Presented by Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros, this seminar will explore how burnout, competition and hospitality expectations shape collaboration among entertainers and influence overall club culture. As emotional fatigue builds, dancers often shift into survival mode, which weakens teamwork, trust and genuine connection. The session offers practical strategies to protect energy, rebuild collaboration and foster a healthier environment that benefits dancers, managers and the guest experience alike. As Dr. Monique explains, “Burnout isolates. Collaboration restores. When dancers and managers move together instead of against each other, the entire culture changes.” |
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Entertainers-Only Finance Seminar: The long-money hustle For entertainers, making a bag is only half the hustle — the real challenge is making it last. This seminar brings performers together for an honest, practical conversation about financial planning within the industry. Anchored by Miami-based entertainer and social media influencer Caitlyn White (@caitlynsometimescherry), the panel explores how dancers can take control of their finances beyond the stage. Attendees will gain insight into wealth management strategies, smart saving habits and ways to diversify income and investments. Designed by entertainers for entertainers, the session empowers performers with tools to build long-term financial stability and independence. |
Tuesday, August 25
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In Conversation Series: One-on-one conversations with intriguing guests At this year’s EXPO, we’re going one-on-one with compelling industry figures. Our “In Conversation” seminar series on Tuesday, August 25, will consist of two separate 20-25-minute conversations, conducted by the “host,” ED Publisher Dave Manack. Each conversation will be presented “talk-show” style, as the informal Q&A sessions will allow attendees to hear these guests share stories from their careers while also commenting on the state of the industry at large. |
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Reel to real: How to navigate a very restrictive environment on social media With Meta’s overly restrictive environment, showing skin — any skin at all — could put your accounts at risk. So how are clubs and entertainers supposed to promote themselves on Instagram, Tik-Tok, or Facebook? Our social media experts will help owners, operators, entertainers and social media managers maneuver the current restrictions. They’ll also touch on “AI” and how it may change the landscape for online promotion. |
Keynote Address: Team-building expert and motivational speaker, Nicoye Banks
Tuesday, Aug 27, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
“Guest experience” is more important than ever before— is your team ready and able to deliver?
A native of New Orleans, where hospitality and charm are in the air at every turn, Nicoye Banks started his restaurant career as a back waiter at Mr. B’s Bistro, one of the legendary New Orleans Brennan Family restaurants. It was here that Nicoye fell in love with the “art of service,” and it wasn’t long until his personality, work ethic and eagerness to learn fast-tracked him in this career path.
Nicoye later moved to New York City in pursuit of a professional acting career, which provided an opportunity to work in one of the meccas of hospitality. Starting in one of Bobby Flay’s restaurants – Mesa Grill – Nicoye quickly got recruited to work in Mesa City and then by a high-volume restaurant called Lola. Nicoye continued to develop his leadership and management skills and went on to assist with the opening of Commune Restaurant. It was at Commune where Nicoye was exposed to a diverse clientele, which further expanded his ability to understand the fine art of providing great hospitality.
After a decade of working in New York City, including a variety of well-known restaurants, like the Tribeca Grand Hotel and the Church Lounge, Nicoye moved back to New Orleans and has furthered his mastery of providing the highest level of hospitality and guest experience. He is also one of Maverick Theory’s most powerful speakers and mindset coaches.
Nicoye equates the service industry to acting or a ringmaster in a circus. As Nicoye states, “You are in control of the flow of things, you are the maestro of all parts of your venue to ultimately present the show to the guests, which essentially is your audience. The central and most important part of hospitality is that every guest must feel cared for.”
Tuesday’s break-out seminars:
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For entertainers only – The “Mystery” seminar What we’re unveiling remains under wraps — for now — but make no mistake: this hour-long discussion is urgent, timely and built for performers (feature entertainers and social media influencers interested in club bookings) who are serious about staying competitive in a rapidly shifting industry. The stakes are real and the insights shared here won’t be available anywhere else. Access is strictly limited to qualified entertainers, ensuring a focused, high-level conversation behind closed doors, in a safe space. Your “Entertainer” badge is your entry. No exceptions. |
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For DJs Only – Don’t Shoot the DJ! Proven tactics to improve microphone technique & performance This interactive and high-energy roundtable, helmed by DJ Platypus, brings together DJs from different backgrounds to break down the current state of music and the realities of today’s club scene. From open-format trends and must-have remixes to the art of reading the room, the conversation dives into tempo, vibe, playlists and the songs that should never make the cut. The panel also tackles bigger industry topics such as the disconnect between DJs and management, the role of hip-hop in clubs today and why AI-generated music like SUNO still isn’t ready for prime time. |
