Adult industry B2B resource and media company XBIZ announced plans Wednesday for XBIZ Summer Forum, an annual summit designed to bring together adult professionals from around the world and offer attendees the chance to expand their contacts, ink deals and discuss new avenues for profit with their peers, as well as attend a host of educational seminars and exciting events.

To be held July 12-14 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, XBIZ Summer Forum will mark the latest enterprise by a company that has seen considerable expansion in the past year. Its annual XBIZ Awards show last year saw the largest draw in its history, and in early January, XBIZ launched the company's new XBiz Video publication, complementing and extending the coverage of its XBiz World property with news and information geared specifically toward retailers, distributors and production companies.

'We knew the time had come to host an event like this, when industry colleagues kept asking if we were planning one,' XBIZ President Alec Helmy said. 'From the initial conversations I have had with company owners and individual webmasters, I am thrilled to say that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It was about time for XBiz.'

Technology experts in the adult industry are scheduled to conduct several seminars throughout the event, during which they will highlight best practices in the industry, detail case studies and describe practical solutions for common issues in the adult

'The seminar program will not be the typical blend of familiar faces and newbie-centric information,' Stephen Yagielowicz, XBIZ senior editor, said. 'Rather, we'll seek to provide fresh, cutting-edge ideas targeting a more advanced audience, and in doing so reach out to attendees that might otherwise eschew the seminar program.'

According to Lake Denmann, vice president of corporate development for XBiz, each session is scheduled to set aside ample time for audience participation.

'Attendees will learn about new technologies and up-and-coming power players in the adult industry while basking in the stylish rock and roll atmosphere of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,' Denmann said. 'Coupled with lively, thought-provoking breakout sessions, XBIZ Summer Forum will explore marketplace concerns, cutting-edge

Denmann said XBIZ had locked in an initial room-rate agreement with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for $159 per night for a standard room - plasma screen TV included - during the event. Deluxe and celebrity suites also are available. Registrants must mention group code 'XBIZ' when making reservations, he said.

Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities can request information on the event

Denmann said the grounds of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino won't be limited strictly to bettering adult business, however, as the hotel also boasts a 12,000 square foot concert space, a rock star-designed night club, an award-winning Japanese restaurant and a beach style three and a half-acre pool replete with cabanas and palm trees.

'This event will really blend business and pleasure,' Denmann said. 'We're taking it very seriously, and we are going to make something that professionals will want to attend year after year, but we also plan to have a really good time.'