Interview with John Green of Adult Online Europe
Adult Online Europe (AOE) is an event for webmasters to network within the European adult internet market. We had the opportunity to speak with John Green to learn a bit more about this expo.
Now, if you have never been to Prague, let me tell you a little bit about it. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Europe, with a vast political history and culture. It is also home to a very hopping, sinful nightlife, which can get so wild sometimes, it almost borders on illegal. There is a little green drink called Absinthe, which just happens to be banned in most of the world, except certain parts of Europe, which keeps the good times alive for party goers from around the globe. Last but not least, the women in the Czech Republic are amazing looking. The girls on the street, and in the bars, look like they just stepped off the cover of a magazine. And, you know what they say about Eastern Bloc women don’t you? Well, let’s just say that they are very “experienced” and that they do not have many inhibitions.
If I have not already convinced you that Prague is the ideal location to hold an adult Webmaster event, here is some more information on the event, straight from John Green of Adult Online Europe. I had a chance to ask him a few questions about the event and AOE. Here is what John had to say:
Muffy: What kind of turnout are you expecting at this years show?
John: We expect around 1000 visitors to be in Prague.
Muffy: Do you get many North American webmasters at the AOE events, and are you expecting many in Prague?
John: Weve had a number of US visitors and exhibitors at AOE in the past. At this show were expecting a similar percentage. We always like to see as many US & Canadian webmasters as possible. There are so many ways to make money through co-operation on both sides of the Atlantic that I see this as the way forward.
Muffy: Tell me a little bit more about AOE and the success of events that have happened in the past?
John: AOE is a relative newcomer to the international stage. However, were growing at an exponential rate. Our last show was in Amsterdam, and a great success. Anyone who has ever been to Amsterdam will know the pleasures that are on offer. Have a look at JFKs site FubarWebmasters to see some of the action. The canal boat party was talked up quite a bit on some of the boards. Of course the show was about slightly more than hedonistic pleasures - there was a lot of good business done and some serious discussion in the conference sessions. Well be returning to Amsterdam in April 2004 for what promises to be a spectacular event.
Muffy: What are the reasons that Prague was chosen as the location of this particular event?
John: We chose Prague for a couple of reasons. We like to vary the locations of our shows. Europe has so many cities with a great deal to offer that there is no reason to stay in one place. Prague falls comfortably into the category of great cities, recently being voted in polls over here in the UK as the second most popular city destination in Europe. We have also like to ensure that our exhibitors and attendees can enjoy the show in some considerable style - and in the Corinthia Towers weve found an ideal location in Prague. Many people that Ive spoken to about the show are very excited about the prospect of coming to Prague - and it looks set to be a great show.
Muffy: Who are some of the big sponsors, both European and North American?
John: Were very lucky to have a number of companies from both sides of the pond promoting with us. And I would like to thank - hope this doesnt sound like an Oscar winners speech :-) - AVN, our Exclusive Media Partner, everyone at Netpond, Inter 7, Surfpin and Profit Plantion. Also to Global Charge who are very kindly laying on 2 hours of free Czech beer for thirsty webmasters each night at the show and XXXProvider.net who are throwing a lavish party in the centre of Prague. We also have some very big European companies exhibiting, such as Sex.com, Netcollex, Goodthinxx and Mobile Services Network. Take a look at our site for a list of companies promoting there.
Muffy: Why would this AOE event be the perfect networking opportunity for webmasters both in North America and Europe?
John: AOE attracts visitors from not only North America and Europe, but the rest of the World as well. The reason is simply that we provide a relaxing but business like environment for attendees to meet future commercial partners. We have very helpful staff on hand to make sure that visitors are given all the information they need, and we have also provided different styles of networking events to cater for everyones needs - from beer & bowling, cocktail parties, 5 star lunches to champagne receptions. All these are designed so our delegates arrive back at work with, maybe a hangover, but certainly a pocket full of business cards.
Muffy: How does a European online adult trade show differ from the ones we attend in North America?
John: There is probably a slightly different focus at shows in Europe than in North America. One of the major differences is the billing solutions that are on offer. We have a number of companies who can provide dialer applications, and other ways of charging the end user apart from credit card. Obviously there are certain credit card issues that are causing webmasters concern at the moment, being able to link up with European partners who have years of experience in dialers and alternative billing could be one solution for them. Another burning topic at AOE will be Adult to mobile. Mobile phones, 2.5 and 3G, are becoming more or less an everyday item in Europe. The Adult Industry has traditionally been at the forefront of new technology and the delivery of adult content to mobile handsets is a potentially huge revenue stream. Of course Prague is also well known for its Content Producers. They will be well represented at AOE, and there is a great opportunity for webmasters to make contacts with producers of some of the hottest content on the net.
Muffy: Thanks John for speaking with me. Best of luck with the Prague show, I am sure it will be a blast, as well as an incredible networking opportunity.
