CHATSWORTH, Calif. – Good trade shows in any industry provide a variety of options for attendees to learn, pick up new ideas and make deals. One of the most pleasant aspects of shows always seems to be networking opportunities. The trick these days is to provide something a little different in order to spice up the atmosphere.

AVN’s annual Adult Novelty Expo, set to take place Jan. 15-17 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, has hit upon a networking schedule that may spark some imaginations.

On the first night of the expo, AVN itself will host a happy hour from 4-6 p.m. In addition to the usual cocktails, chatter and handshaking, select companies will exhibit their wares, giving participants a bit more face time with vendors they may not have a chance to visit on the show floor.

“January is always a busy time for the industry, so this is a quick and fun way for buyers and manufacturers to get more business done in a unique way,” explained Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of pleasure products for AVN. “It’s a great event for everyone attending ANE, since they can meet with people who might not have been at the show otherwise. And there will be special giveaways during the event, which will really add to the festive atmosphere.”

The AVN happy hour will take place in and around Artist Hall in the Hard Rock. The networking event was planned as a lead-in for that evening’s ‘O’ Awards, which honor the best items and lines in the pleasure products industry.

“Happy hour is the perfect lead-in to the ‘O’ Awards, because buyers, exhibitors and trade attendees will get the chance to visit with each other, make connections and see the latest products before celebrating the best products from the previous year,” Shaulis said.

The 2014 ‘O’ Awards ceremony will incorporate announcement of the winners in the Novelty Division of the AVN Awards.

“We know how important it is for manufacturers to thank and congratulate their peers, so we decided to give the pleasure products side of the industry a sneak peek at the AVN Awards by announcing those winners a few days early,” AVN Chief Executive Officer Theo Sapoutzis said.

ANE is one of four events comprising the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo. More information about all the events, including their educational components, is available here.