12. How many shows do you go to each year, and which ones other than internext are your favorite and why?
I go to alot of shows. Shows are really my bread & butter. I feel strongly that their is no replacement for face to face relationship building. People (especially in our sector) want to do business with a person, not just a company. That being said, I also think that there has to be a limit on the number of shows our industry can sustain - people should support the shows that translate into returns for their business.
Last year I attended about 15 shows - give or take.
My favorites have to be (excluding our shows):
Phoenix Forum - Great Business, Sherri and the whole CC Bill crew really put on a top notch event.
Webmaster Access Europe - How can you not love this show? For biz and fun.
Webmaster Access West - Hometown Favorite
Costa Rica Bash - Tropical fave
XBIZ Summer - Vegas, gambling, pool, good times.
I havent attended Quebec Expo, WYPD, Curacao - but I hear great things about all these. Hope to get to them as well!
13. What is your favorite story from one of the shows?
Wow. So many stories, and they all seem to blend together.
At the last Phoenix Forum I have two memorable stories.
Lori Z and I we're hanging out late one night and feeling a bit silly so we took all the furniture from the 4th floor lobby and set up a little "office" in the elevator. The office was complete with couch, plants, tables, etc. I think she may have evidence in her camera.
At the same show a couple of unnamed associates and I went to Jenna's Strip club with the very generous co-owner of the club. I've never seen more cash thrown around at a strip club + we had the company of the unforgettable Ariel who also takes strip clubs to next level. During this time I missed the unforgettable Silver Cash Albert shot incident (see his Ambush for this one - quite a story).
Nothing to crazy - I try to keep it proffesional at shows.
14. Why do you live in Southern California and would you move if the right job opportunity came up?
Born and raised in Socal. Most of my life I have lived walking distance from the beach. You can't really beat the Socal lifestyle - Beach, Snow (when you want it) and great weather. I have lived in other areas for short stints, but always seem to return home.
Move? Job Oppurtunity? Haven't really thought about it? I am extremely happy at AVN and love the team we have put together. I really have a dream job (for me at least) I get to travel, see all my friends regularly at shows - and I am passionate about our products which really deliver value for our clients.
How much are we talking???
15. What's your favorite drink and have you ever been shit faced at a show?
I tend to drink girly drinks. Kettle Madras (Vodka, Orange Cranberry and a little soda). I have been known on occasion to throw back a variety of spirits including Jager, Tequila, etc ..... but I tend to be a Vodka drinker. With the amount of "social drinking" drinking we do I like to play it a bit safe. I amaze myself sometimes - I can drink pretty much all day (tend to nurse drinks) and keep it proffesional and still have a good time.
Define shitfaced?
My first Internext Vegas / AEE with AVN I was hanging out with Tera Patrick and Evan at TAO - I drank what I think was a half a bottle of Patron. Felt great going down and at the club - but that turned into a rough night. Cold floors feel great when your in that sort of situation.... The funny part about this story is that I had taken a full glass of Patron back to the room. After I woke up from a wretched night of being ill - I reached for that glass thinking it was water - took a huge gulp. Ouch - not reccomended under any circumstance.