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?’ I have some thoughts and productive suggestions that I’d like to share with the industry at large, and I look forward to this opportunity!” |
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Owners & Entertainers: Improving the vital relationship Few club operators would argue that entertainers are the most important component of any adult nightclub — after all, without entertainers, an adult club is just a neighborhood bar with expensive drinks. And yet, in many clubs across the country, the relationship between owners/operators and entertainers is strained at best and, at worst, outright adversarial. But that type of strained relationship is not in ANYONE’s best interest, which is precisely why this seminar is needed NOW. Three former entertainers — two of whom are current club managers, the other has previously managed a club — will offer advice for owners, operators, staff and entertainers alike on what can be done today to improve this vital relationship in ways that benefit everyone. Panelists include Tami Alana-Miller (Regional Director for Deja Vu), Bambi Wilde (GM of Mons Venus Tampa) and Justice (feature entertainer and former club manager).
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Keep it or Kill it ? In this “interactive” session, 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.” Should we keep these ‘traditions’ – or kill them for good?! Panelists will include Jerry Westlund, owner of the Pony Clubs chain, and Dave Peacock, GM of Platinum 84 in Denver. |
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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? This legal panel will present real-life scenarios and will show owners/operators what they can or cannot do when faced with them. Panelists will include Chuck Wilson of Strategic Club Consultants and leading industry attorney Jeffrey Kimmel. |
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 Seminar: Tax Strategies for Adult Entertainment During this entertainers-only seminar, attendees will separate fact from fiction as licensed tax attorney Nate Mallory, Esq. and certified public accountant Mia Lee debunk common myths surrounding tax filing, deductions and LLC formation for adult industry professionals. As co-founders of Floorplay Financial, a fully licensed tax, legal and investment firm dedicated to the adult industry, Mallory and Lee bring expertise tailored to the unique financial challenges entertainers and adult businesses face. At EXPO, they’ll provide practical guidance designed to help entertainers maximize deductions, protect their businesses and build a stronger financial future. |
Tuesday, August 25
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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. Panelists will include Macy John, Marketing Director for RCI, and Jeb Jarrell of the Pony Clubs chain. |
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In Conversation Series: One-on-one conversations with Ken DeGori and Matt Richards At this year’s EXPO, we’re going one-on-one with two compelling figures — Ken DeGori, industry veteran and Executive VP of Operations for BSC Hospitality, and Matt Richards, “professional club guest” and comedian. Their appearances will consist of two separate 20-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 and experiences while also commenting on the state of the industry at large. In Conversation: Ken DeGori Tuesday, 11:55 – 12:15 pm His career spans more than 25 years across New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami, shaping venues that became cultural landmarks. His fingerprints are on groundbreaking concepts including E11EVEN Miami, Stringfellows, Pure Platinum, Gold Rush and more, and now Ken DeGori has returned to BSC Hospitality to help expand and elevate the operations of this collection of clubs in the Pacific Northwest. Ken DeGori’s return to BSC is a homecoming with purpose. For DeGori, this moment represents something far bigger than a resume line. It’s about shaping the next era of an industry that can no longer afford to look backward. “This industry can’t find its future in its past,” DeGori says. “We have to build it.” At EXPO, the always-opinionated DeGori will be asked to define the industry’s future and how the lessons learned and victories earned throughout his career will help him in his new role at BSC’s Executive Vice President of Operations. In Conversation: Matt Richards Tuesday, 11:30 – 11:50 am At EXPO, the seminars regularly showcase experts on key industry-related subjects. But one area of club operation that has rarely — if ever — been addressed is the perspective of the club customer. That’s all going to change at this year’s show, as we’ll sit down with a “professional adult nightclub guest”: comedian and ED’s Awards Show host, Matt Richards. “Honestly, I feel at home in strip clubs,” says Richards. “Whenever I’m on the road, chances are I’m hitting a strip club on my night off. I’ll admit it, sometimes I even go by myself! I’ve probably been to clubs in almost every city I’ve worked. I’ve got my home-base clubs in New York where everybody knows me, but some of my favorites are down South.” At EXPO, Richards is going to be asked about his best and worst club experiences, what he looks for when he visits a club, and how he’s seen the industry change over the past few years.
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Keynote Address: Team-building expert and motivational speaker, Nicoye Banks
Tuesday, Aug 25, 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.”
Read our exclusive interview with Nicoye right here!
Tuesday’s break-out seminars:
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For entertainers only – The do’s and don’t’s of self-booking and social media marketing Today’s feature entertainers are more than performers; they’re entrepreneurs, and this seminar is designed for dancers who want greater control of their careers. The first half of the session, led by feature entertainer and show producer Janine Jericho, focuses on self-booking. If a club owner approaches you at Expo and asks, “Can I book you directly?” will you know what to say next? Learn how to confidently respond to booking inquiries, negotiate professionally and develop direct relationships with clubs. (Please note: This portion of the seminar is not intended to replace a booking agent but to supplement your ability to create additional booking opportunities.)
The second half, led by reigning Feature Entertainer of the Year Phoenix Phires, explores how social media is your most valuable business tool. Discover the dos and don’ts of online promotion, creating engaging content, growing your audience and building a consistent brand that attracts fans, clubs and new opportunities.
Whether you’re ready to book yourself, strengthen your online presence or both, this seminar will provide practical strategies to help grow your business and your career. 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. |
