LOS ANGELES – CatalystCon, a conference created to inspire exceptional conversations about sexuality, will host its first Pleasure Products Symposium Sept. 15. The event is free and open to retailers, manufacturers, sex educators and therapists.

Schedule to take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the meeting will bring together leaders in the fields of retail, manufacturing, education and therapy to discuss ways to create conversations and network.

“Although we may work in different sectors as sexuality professionals, it’s imperative we begin to integrate and fuse our fields to grow and expand,” a spokesperson said. “Each symposium block will feature interactive discussions on ways to build bridges for each industry to reach out, work together and support each other.”

Three blocks compose the schedule. Jackie Strano will facilitate the morning’s session about retail. A manufacturer’s block facilitated by Alicia Sinclair will follow. The afternoon block, facilitated by Dr. Hernando Chaves, will cover issues of importance to sex educators and therapists.

The fundamental principle of CatalystCon is that knowledge is power and sharing knowledge is the first spark in igniting change in the ways society talks about and treats sexuality. As a whole, the event is designed as a forum for stimulating those who work in their communities.

“It is about stimulating the activist that is within all of us and sparking transformation in the way our friends, neighbors, children and even politicians discuss one of the most important aspects of humanity,” the spokesperson said. “This is a conference meant to energize, enlighten and exhilarate. It is a conference where everyone is welcome, everyone is respected, and everyone is encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences.

“As the struggle continues over issues relating to equal rights, access to health care, and sex education, it is more important than ever to come together and have these important conversations on all areas of sexuality.”

CatalystCon will take place Sept. 16-18 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport. For more information, visit CatalystCon.com.