The educational seminars have been the backbone of the Annual Gentlemen’s Club 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! Here is the current lineup of EXPO 2025 seminars.
Monday, August 26
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Reinvention = Salvation? How a “hybrid” model might save your club We’ve heard it dozens of times recently: It’s getting harder and harder to attract ‘new’ customers. The old-school formula of ‘boobs and beer’ just isn’t enough, and for many clubs a reinvention might be their only salvation. This seminar will be presented by clubs who are more than just a ‘strip club’; some offer a ‘hybrid’ model, others offer ‘alternative’ entertainment (think comedians or live music). If your club needs to reinvent itself to attract a broader clientele, this is the seminar you can’t miss! |
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The “Other” Women: How women are impacting clubs beyond the manager position It’s not just female managers that are increasing in number — women now hold key positions and are becoming crucial components to a club’s success. These range from VIP hostesses to house moms, from social media/marketing managers to regional directors — even club security! This seminar will feature women who hold key positions outside of management, and yet their role is no less impactful.
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The EXPO Legal Panel: The Return of “Club Owner on Trial” One of our most well-attended — and entertaining — legal panel formats was introduced several years ago as a “club owner” faced an interrogation by opposing counsel. The purpose of this legal panel is to help club owners/operators when they find themselves in a deposition, or to better understand what types of legal issues might lead to legal action against the club. Our panel of First Amendment attorneys will produce a mock “trial” that will both entertain and enlighten EXPO attendees. |
Monday’s break-out seminars:
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And Now, the Feature Presentation! How clubs & entertainers can make the most out of feature bookings A successful feature booking means that everyone involved is happy — the feature entertainer, the club’s guests, the club’s owner, even the club’s staff and entertainers. There are several steps in the process of executing a successful feature booking, and missing any one of those steps could lead to disappointment for all involved. This seminar will present all of the keys to create successful bookings, and the advice will be provided by club executives and entertainers who have mastered the art of the successful feature booking. |
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Entertainers Only – Stripper 101: Tips and information all entertainers need to be successful! Whether you’re a “baby stripper” or someone who’s been dancing for a few years or more, it’s never a bad idea to review the basics of being a successful club entertainer. After all, there’s no training manual for exotic dancers! During this seminar, you’ll hear from veteran entertainers and female club managers who will offer their wealth of experience and industry expertise to help all entertainers gain a better understanding of what, exactly, “success” means and how they can achieve it. |
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Entertainers Only – Mental Health: How to maintain healthy relationships by respecting boundaries Leading her third consecutive EXPO panel, Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros presents a seminar for entertainers on how to maintain “healthy” relationships both inside and outside of the club. From club “regulars” to immediate family members, Dr. Monique will speak about the importance of setting personal, physical and mental boundaries, promoting self-care and acceptance so that any entertainer can continue to prosper and be successful in an industry that asks so much of them. |
Tuesday, August 26
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Food For Thought! Cost-effective and creative ways for clubs to provide dining options Your guests are hungry. And so are you — for bigger profits! Serving food in an adult club has changed in the post-COVID era, as many venues eliminated their lunch buffets. But does that mean that you shouldn’t bring food service back, or that you can’t make a profit from it? Of course not! This seminar will touch on the many different ways that clubs can serve food, everything from food trucks outside the club to full kitchens inside the club, and everything in between! |
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Are your entertainers secure? Steps your club can take TODAY to make your club safe for all entertainers When thousands of entertainers were polled about the number-one reason why they’d recommend one club over another — or why they’d leave one club for another —they offered a one-word answer: Security. If you want to attract and keep entertainers at your club, then it is in your best interest as a club owner/operator to offer a safe and secure environment to the entertainers. Nightlife Security Consultants’ Robert Smith will offer specific measures clubs can implement NOW to establish their club as a safe venue for all entertainers.. |
Keynote Address: Nesha Abarno of Maverick Theory
Tuesday, Aug 27, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
“Guest experience” is more important than ever before— are you ready and able to deliver?
In keeping with this year’s EXPO theme — “Entertain, Elevate, Experience” — our Keynote Speaker will address all aspects of the hospitality that will create a memorable experience for your guests and elevate your club’s overall presentation. “Hospitality” never goes out of style, but it might mean something different than it did 30-plus years ago when the idea of high-end service was first implemented in adult nightclubs.
With over 20 years of experience, Nesha Abarno is a dynamic leader in the hospitality industry. Renowned for managing top-tier restaurants and producing high-stakes events, she has expertly helmed iconic venues like La Esquina and Beauty & Essex NYC, both celebrated for their high-profile clientele and impeccable service standards.
“The more you make your customers feel welcome and special, that they’ve going to be paid attention to, the more likely you are to build a lasting relationship with them,” says Abarno. “Building relationships is one of the most important parts of hospitality, and whether that relationship lasts two seconds from a wave from the person at the door, or if it’s a lifelong relationship from a regular customer, it’s really important to nurture those human connections.”
In her recent role as Front-of-House Director at the prestigious Montauk Lake Club, Nesha was instrumental in creating a remarkable 200% revenue increase in 2019 while adeptly navigating the challenges of the pandemic and overseeing a comprehensive renovation of the club. Her consultancy at Midtown Manhattan’s famous Brass Monkey led to a profound transformation in the venue’s operations and work culture, resulting in a more efficient and motivated team.
Today, she’s a featured member of the “Operations & Management” team at Maverick Theory, one of the bar & restaurant industry’s leading consultant groups.
“The people that are stuck on that old-school mentality of what they think hospitality is don’t understand that there are ways to raise profits within their business,” says Abarno. “If they spend that time to take those extra steps, they’re going to see the return on investment tenfold.”
Tuesday’s break-out seminars:
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For entertainers only – From online to in the club: How online content can lead to more success on the mainstage Creating and maintaining a balance between your “work” life and your private life is critical for an entertainer’s mental health. Our mental health experts will discuss the ways that entertainers can ensure that they’re not bringing their “work” home with them, while also maintaining a positive frame of mind while in the club. Helming this important seminar will be Dr. Monique Martinez-Quiros of Key Rose LLC, a doctorate-level, dually licensed (NV & AZ) behavioral health professional with a specialty in integrated behavioral health. |
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For DJs Only – We do a lot more than push buttons! Proven tactics to improve microphone technique & performance The most important part about talking on a microphone is knowing how to take command of a room — knowing what to say and how to say it. From using your diaphragm properly to knowing how to color your sentences by utilizing inflection and proper annunciation, the difference between a novice DJ and a professional DJ is in the details. Michael DeSuno from Tootsies Cabaret, Miami and Chris Scarsi from Diamond Cabaret, Denver (aka DJ Platypus and DJ Butter) will teach a variety of microphone techniques from using cadences while announcing girls to stage to in house promos using proven tactics such as using inflection or putting a “smile” in your voice. |