After a long hiatus, the PORN STARS ARE BACK! With a brand new location and a bevy of new talent, the 2023 AVN EXPO and AWARD SHOW were held in-person this past week at Resorts World Las Vegas.

Now in its 40th year, the AVN Awards and Expo are an integral part of the seductive fabric of Las Vegas. Known for its provocative vendors and wild after-parties, the annual AVNs always attracts huge crowds of curious fans. Despite a two-year disruption, an estimated 25,000 fans and industry-professionals came out to celebrate and recognize the top names in adult entertainment.

Tucked away in the second-level conference center, the layout of the expo was noticeably different from previous years. The spread-out floor plan made navigation challenging, but after a few laps from room to room, the fun and energy took over where the mild confusion left off.

Brand new in 2023 was the VIXEN Pop-up Shop. With appearances by all the hottest stars, this well-organized boutique was the anchor of the entire expo. For the first time ever, the public was able to purchase swag that was only previously available to the stars themselves. The line wrapped around the storefront as fans vied for a chance to get their hands on hats, hoodies, and sexy workout gear from VIXEN, BLACKED, and TUSHY.

It should come as no surprise that the VIXEN Pop-up was the place to be. On Friday afternoon, Vicky Chase, Riley Reid, and Maitland Ward affectionally greeted the throngs of fans who stood in line for over an hour just for a chance to greet porn royalty.

VIXEN is known for working with the top names in the industry and they killed it at the award show on Saturday night. Their wide-spread success is a testament to the passion and seriousness that they put into their brands and content. Multiple fans were overheard saying that they hoped the pop-up would be more than just a one-time thing!

In addition to the big-names, like VIXEN and BRAZZERS, there was plenty of representation from independent production companies like THE FLOURISH and SHINYBOUND. These high-impact, unaffiliated studios are an integral part of the adult entertainment industry. By employing thousands of models and maintaining round-the-calendar production schedules, it is studios like these that keep the industry churning.

THE FLOURISH is a first-rate example of an independent studio that manages all aspects of their own production. Their extensive database is a searchable platform where users can access all of their content and models in one central location. Visitors can easily navigate between TheFlourishAmateurs, TheFlourishFetish, and The FlourishXXX, without ever leaving THE FLOURISH platform.

Over the past five years, the AVN Expo has become much more involved in the promotion of webcam models. The pandemic sped this process up, encouraging performers to create their own content and market themselves independently online. Through sites like Twitter and OnlyFans, many adult entertainers have opted out of the traditional studio constraints. With massive followings and unique financial opportunities, camming is now seen as a legitimate go-to for newbies, starlets, and hall-of-famers alike.

Talking to the performers is always the best part. They are generally down-to-earth and thrilled to interact with their fans. Although I attend these events as a member of the press, it’s hard not to fan-girl over all the familiar faces (and asses). I just can’t help it!

The very first person I ran into was the sexy and sultry Adreena Winters. Although we were just passing one another on the escalator, I’d recognize her anywhere! After running the wrong way down the moving stairs, I was able to catch up with her to chat. Adreena Winters is just as beautiful in person and she was devilishly HOT on the red carpet! Red is DEFINITELY one of her power colors!

Networking within the industry is a huge part of AVN week. It’s a unique chance for performers, producers, studios, and big-wigs to meet up face to face, often for the first time. There is nothing better than connecting with people who are on your same wavelength.

Angel Long was one of those people with whom I instantly clicked. After seeing one another during a late-night Walgreen’s run, we ultimately met up in front of the Starbucks in the casino. After talking for just a few minutes, it was clear that Angel Long is a true badass with a superb intuition about the industry as a whole. I definitely hope that we get to see more of her in the future. These chance encounters are a prime example of how networking works at the AVNs.

My ultimate girl-crush is reserved for Swedish Bella. I’ve followed her online for several years and she is the definition of PERFECTION. believe it or not, she was even more spectacular in person. Highly-toned, with perfect curves and a beautiful smile, this statuesque goddess is an absolute showstopper.

It is always a blast to see BadKitty. She has the best smile and permanently looks like she is down to get wild. And THAT ASS!! The crowds part when BadKitty walks by! KA-BOOM! With her smoking hot ladies, Arabelle Raphael and Queenie Sateen, this was a trio that couldn’t be reckoned with.

Arabelle Raphael is a rowdy goddess with a wicked glint in her eye! With tons of beautiful tattoos and an animal-like energy, it is no wonder that she is at the top of her game!

Her sexy bestie, Queenie Sateen, is a fashion icon! Whether she was rocking the tiny DIOR bikini or the VIVIENNE WESTWOOD boulle bodysuit, her sexy vintage wardrobe was a show-stopper all week! With their epic curves and stunning outfits, these three ladies dominated the expo and caused sparks on the red carpet.

Speaking of the red carpet, let’s talk about the sizzling hot Jessica Starling! In a full-length red, mermaid-style gown, Jessica resembled a real-life Jessica Rabbit…only sweeter! She is even more striking in person!

Every time I passed Breanna Khalo, I had to stop and chat with her and her crew. They were so much fun! We originally ran into one another out in the casino, but her magnetic smile kept drawing me in all weekend. Breanna looked beautiful on the red carpet and wore a killer cut-out orange dress during the expo. It’s always awesome getting to meet my favorite online personalities IN PERSON!

RayRay was in the house! I was super bummed that I didn’t get to see RayRay in one of her epic costumes. Her outfits are always among my favorites. After seeing her dressed up as Starlight from The Boys last year, I was smitten. RayRay has big time “girl next door” energy, but if you’ve ever seen her on film, you’d know that she is anything but a good girl!

Speaking of “girl next door,” I don’t want to neglect my new favorite redhead, Emma Magnolia. Emma is the perfect blend of sweet and provocative. Her super fun personality shines in all of her work and it’s clear that she has a blast doing what she does.

As we all recover from the previous week, it is important to recognize the unique opportunity afforded by the AVNs. It is a chance for the adult entertainment community to come into the spotlight and shine like the stars that they truly are. Some of the most beautiful, hardworking people on the planet work in the adult industry and its time that they receive the recognition they deserve.