FSC Award Recipients Announced

Free Speech Coalition proudly announces the recipients of the 2015 FSC Awards, which recognizes industry professionals and businesses, for excellence in business and representing a pro-adult image through advocacy and actions.

A new award has been added this year to the roster of awards, in honor of late FSC Board member Christian Mann. Called the Christian Mann Courage and Leadership Award, it is given to a member of the adult entertainment or pleasure products community who has shown exemplary courage and leadership in standing up and fighting for the rights and image of the industry.

The award recipients are as follows:

Legacy Award – Phil Harvey

The Legacy Award is given to an individual who, though innovative ideas and successful business practices, has built a solid presence in the adult entertainment industry.  Furthermore, this individual has gone above and beyond to not only protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses within the industry, but also to improve the stature of the industry as a whole.  This award is called the Legacy Award rather than a lifetime achievement award because while the individual has done much to build an outstanding legacy, FSC knows that this individual’s great contributions are far from over.

Performer of the Year Award – Chanel Preston

The positive image award goes to industry performers who have gone out of their way to dispel the myths and misconceptions of the adult entertainment industry through advocacy and public awareness programs, and community service.

Man of the Year and Woman of the Year – Christian Mann, Lorelei Lee

The Man and woman of the Year awards go to individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities both within their own business, and throughout the industry. While the recipient of this award is clearly a successful business professional, the individual who is awarded FSC’s Man or Woman of the Year has made a significant positive contribution to the overall welfare of the adult entertainment industry.

Pleasure Products Company of the Year – Pipedreams

The Pleasure Products Company of the Year award goes to the pleasure products company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole. In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Retailer of the Year – Castle Megastore

The Retailer of the Year award goes to the retailer that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole.   In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Production Company of the Year – Wicked Pictures

The Production Company of the Year award goes to the production company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole.   In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Internet Company of the Year – Clips4sale

The Internet Company of the Year award goes to the Internet company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole.   In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Christian Mann Courage and Leadership Award – Peter Acworth

The Christian Mann Courage and Leadership Award is given to a member of the adult entertainment or pleasure products community who has shown exemplary courage and leadership in standing up and fighting for the rights and image of the industry. This award is not automatically given annually—only when warranted by great works—that would honor our great friend, Christian Mann.

Leadership Award – Streamate

FSC’s Leadership Award is presented to the adult entertainment industry business or individual that demonstrates excellence in the adult entertainment industry in leading by example. This award can be given for community service, activism, creating a positive and outstanding work environment, innovations and other qualities that lift the business or individual above the rest.

A presentation ceremony for the FSC Awards is scheduled on January 14, at 6pm, at the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, which also is the site of the FSC Summit and XBIZ 360 shows. If you would like more information on the FSC Awards, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com.

2015 FSC Summit to be Held Jan 14-15

The FSC Summit has been scheduled for January 14–15, to be held in conjunction with the XBIZ 360 show. Both events will take place at the Andaz Hotel, on the world-famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA.

“We are very grateful to XBIZ organizers for hosting us and creating this opportunity for FSC to connect with industry members,” said FSC Membership Director Joanne Cachapero. “So often the behind-the-scenes work that FSC does must go unacknowledged; this is a platform for FSC to update its membership on the latest legal and business topics, as well as a chance for FSC members to share their thoughts, interests and expertise with other industry professionals.”

The Summit will include informative panel and roundtable discussions (the full schedule of topics and speakers are to-be-announced), addressing the legal issues and business challenges that face adult businesses today. All active FSC members are invited to join and participate.

The FSC Awards also will be presented during the Summit. The awards honor industry leaders and innovators for demonstrating excellence in business and community citizenship.

If you have any questions about the FSC Summit, or are in need of any other information, please contact Joanne@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.

FSC Sponsors Membership Scavenger Hunt at ILS

Attendees at the upcoming International Lingerie Show can win a year’s free membership [valued up to $300] in Free Speech Coalition (FSC) when they participate in a promotional scavenger hunt that highlights FSC member businesses.

“We wanted to create an opportunity for buyers and other attendees to get familiar with FSC and our FSC member businesses at the show,” FSC Membership Director Joanne Cachapero said. “Attendees can come by the booth and get a card with a list of our FSC member exhibitors. If they go to the different booths listed and collect special stamps, once the card is complete, they bring it back to FSC and we give them a free year membership.”

FSC member businesses that are taking part in the scavenger hunt include ElDorado Trading Co., Paradise Marketing, Holiday Products, Honey’s Place, Vibratex, Pleasure Works, Evolved Novelties, Nalpac, BuildTheStore.com, and several others.

“We’re putting the ‘free’ in Free Speech Coalition,” Cachapero added. “So some folks will get to give FSC a try, as well as become acquainted with FSC businesses. This is all part of our campaign to introduce the Code of Ethics program, so make sure to look for vendors displaying the COE emblem at their booths.”

The FSC booth is No. 708, in the Pavilion area of the ILS show. Held twice yearly at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, the show is set to take place Sept 15-17.

For questions on the scavenger hunt or any other information, please contact joanne@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373.

 

FSC Summit This Week, Full Line-Up of Speakers

Free Speech Coalition will present its annual Summit, Jan 22-24, in conjunction with the XBIZ 360 conference, to be held at the W Hotel in West Hollywood, CA, next week. The FSC Summit will host seminars on challenges that affect adult businesses today, including product piracy, legal best practices, and the latest on issues affecting content production.

Attendence for the FSC Summit is free of charge, but you must register to attend. To register, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com or (818) 348-9373. Time is running out to reserve your spot for these informative seminars.

This year’s seminars include:

• Code of Ethics – Seal of Approval – Jan 22, 10am

A few years back, the Free Speech Coalition, with input from countless industry members, created a Code of Ethics for the pleasure products and adult entertainment industry. With increased scrutiny from the government, payment processors, banks insurance companies etc. it is important for adult businesses to be able to demonstrate good business practices and solid ethical standards. This seminar will review the industry code of ethics and reveal how your company can get the FSC Code of Ethics Seal of Approval to display in your company or store’s window and on your website.
Speakers:
Bob Christian, General Manager of Adam and Eve
Larry Garland, Founder and CEO of Eldorado
Diane Duke, CEO of Free Speech Coalition
Moderator – Jeffrey Douglas First Amendment Attorney and FSC Board Chair

• Hey! They Are Selling my Products on eBay! Anti-counterfeit Pilot Results – Jan 22nd, 11am

Because of the Internet, the pleasure products industry has been able to broaden its base of consumers. However, the internet has also broadened the amount and distribution of counterfeit pleasure products. Is there anything that can be done? Come and discuss the results of an FSC sponsored pilot with executives from Screaming O, Sportsheets and the company exploring ways to curb distribution of counterfeit pleasure products—Piracy Stops Here.
Speakers:
David ‘Hui’ Newnham, The Screaming O
Tom or Julie Stewart, Sportsheets
Peter Phinney, Stop Piracy Now
Vaughn Greenwalt, IP Consultant
Moderator – Diane Duke

• When The Cops Come Knocking – Jan 23rd, 10am

This seminar will focus on preparing members of the pleasure products and adult entertainment industry on proper techniques in responding to law enforcement and/or government officials. Law enforcement can strike at any moment and adult industry members need to understand how to not prejudice themselves or improperly supply any testimony or evidence to law enforcement. Year after year, there has been a steady increase in law enforcement activity in the adult industry from agencies such as the FBI, FTC, OSHA, local police, and DHS; this seminar will explore and educate participants on some simple steps that may save you from self-incrimination.
Panelists – Industry attorneys Corey Silverstein, Jeffrey Douglas, Karen Tynan
Moderator – Diane Duke

• 2014 Adult Content Production in California – Jan 24th, 11am

What is the current situation for filming in Los Angeles and California as a whole? Where are we with the Measure B lawsuit? Is it safe to film in LA? What is up with CalOSHA? Should we expect Assembly Member Hall’s mandatory barrier protection bill AB 640 to resurface in January? Filming in California is complicated to say the least. Get the scoop from those who are in the know about what to expect for 2014.
Speakers:
Paul Audley, CEO Film LA
Kevin Bland, Workplace Safety Attny and FSC’s CalOSHA Consultant
Paul Cambria, Measure B Attorney
Diane Duke
Moderator – Jeffrey Douglas

Discussion of Measure B to be Held at Tomorrow’s FSC Summit

Passage of Measure B on the Los Angeles County ballot has prompted Free Speech Coalition (FSC) to schedule a discussion of the latest developments at tomorrow’s FSC Summit, to be held at the Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood, CA.

In addition to the day-long program of Summit seminars, Measure B will be highlighted at a special session from noon-1:30pm.

“Coming off of the momentum of the campaign, we must press forward and come together pro-actively, to decide the next steps for adult industry,” FSC CEO Diane Duke said. “We strongly encourage all industry members in Los Angeles to attend the Summit tomorrow, if only for the special seminar on Measure B. This is a great opportunity for discussion and unity as we move to confront this challenge.”

Attendance for the Summit is free-of-charge, due to the generosity of our sponsors. Industry members can go to the FSC Summit webpage to register for the show online. On-site registration opens at 9am on Thursday.

Other topics slated for Summit program include World Markets, Sex & Politics, Diversification, the Legal Hot Seat and “If I Knew Then, What I Know Now.”

Immediately following the day’s sessions, the FSC Awards will be presented at a gala cocktail reception, to be held in the Stone Rose Lounge at the Sofitel.

For more information on the FSC Summit, please visit the event webpage, or contact FSC at (818) 348-9373.

Recipients of Free Speech Coalition Awards Announced

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2012 FSC Awards.

“This year’s FSC Awards recipients are a fine example of the industry’s best and brightest” FSC CEO Diane Duke said. “We are honored to recognize their important contributions and to celebrate the recipients among their colleagues and peers. Congratulations!”

Esteemed industry members named to receive awards are as follows:

Legacy Award – Susan Colvin, California Exotic Novelties

This award is given to an individual who, though innovative ideas and successful business practices, has built a solid presence in the adult entertainment industry.  Furthermore, this individual has gone above and beyond to not only protect the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses within the industry, but also to improve the stature of the industry as a whole. This award is called the Legacy Award rather than a lifetime achievement award because while the individual has done much to build an outstanding legacy, FSC knows that this individual’s great contributions are far from over.

Positive Image Awards – Performers Steven St. Croix and Jessica Drake

These awards go to industry performers who have gone out of their way to dispel the myths and misconceptions of the adult entertainment industry through advocacy and public awareness programs, and community service.

Man of the Year and Woman of the Year – Tim Valenti (AEBN, Naked Sword) and Theresa Flynt (Hustler Hollywood)

These awards go to individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership qualities both within their own business, and throughout the industry. While the recipient of this award is clearly a successful business professional, the individual who is awarded FSC’s Man or Woman of the Year has made a significant positive contribution to the overall welfare of the adult entertainment industry.

Novelty Company of the Year – Sportsheets

This award goes to the novelty company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole. In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Production Company of the Year – Vivid Entertainment

This award goes to the production company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole. In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Internet Company of the Year – Gamma Entertainment

This award goes to the Internet company that has demonstrated constant and unwavering innovation and excellence. The company’s success not only benefits their individual business but also the industry as a whole. In addition to their creative innovation, the company conducts business with high ethical standards and integrity.

Benefactor of the Year – Manwin

This award goes to the company that has demonstrated a consistent commitment to philanthropy and advocacy within the adult industry and throughout mainstream society. This award is given to a company that not only helps break the myths and misinformation about the adult industry through its contributions, but also assists in protecting the industry from legislative threats, industry-wide exploitation, business risks, and industry critics.

The FSC Awards will be presented at a special awards reception, immediately following the FSC Summit event. The one-day summit and awards presentation, produced by XBIZ Magazine, will take place on Thursday, Nov 8th at the Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood, Ca.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information about the FSC Summit and FSC Awards, visit the website or call (818) 348-9373.

 

First-Ever FSC Summit Brings Together Industry Veterans and Legal Eagles for Exciting Seminar Panels

The inaugural Free Speech Coalition Summit, a one-day event produced by XBIZ Magazine, will feature a slate of panels covering hot business topics, of interest to adult industry professionals, on the heels of a turbulent election season.

“We are so excited to be able to present this one-day show, and to address important business topics at this turbulent time for our business and the nation,” Free Speech Coalition (FSC) CEO Diane Duke. “We hear, everyday, from industry members that are looking for ideas and advice on what they need to do to stay in the game. This show has an unprecedented line-up of leaders that will speak from an historic perspective, as well as cover current issues relevant in today’s business environment.”

The Hot Seat Panel will deliver opinions on today’s legal issues from the perspective of leading industry attorneys, including Paul Cambria, Lou Sirkin, Michael Murray, and Marc Randazza, moderated by attorney and FSC Board Chair Jeffrey Douglas. With panelists that represent the biggest names in the adult industry and fight the good fight on important cases including 2257, piracy and obscenity, this discussion is sure to spark fireworks for Summit attendees.

The last seminar of the day, entitled “If I Knew Then What I Know Now,” will highlight some of the first in industry innovation, including Video Secret’s Greg Clayman, AVN Founder Paul Fishbein, Cal-Exotic’s Sue Colvin, Wicked Pictures’ Steve Orenstein, XBIZ’s Alec Helmy, and Vivid Entertainment’s Steve Hirsch. Find out, from these esteemed professionals, what strategies and tactics have helped build success for their companies – as well as, what they would do over, if they had the chance.

“This show is scheduled for two days after the election; it will be a time when a lot of us will be anxious to look at the election results and how they will affect the industry,” Duke added. “It’s a great time for professionals from every industry segment to get together and talk about the short-term and long-reaching strategies.”

Attendance to the show is free, due to the generosity of show sponsors, including California Exotic Novelties, Manwin, CCBill, Wicked Pictures, Girlfriend Films, Adam & Eve, Video Secrets and The Screaming O.

The FSC Summit is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 8, beginning at 10am. The show will be located at the Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood, CA. For more information or to register, please visit the FSC Summit webpage or call (818) 348-9373.

FSC Announces FSC Summit Website is Launched

Free Speech Coalition is proud to announce the FSC Summit website has been launched. The FSC Summit, which will be hosted by adult industry trade publication XBIZ, is a first-ever, one-day event to be held on Thursday, Nov 8, at the Sofitel Hotel in West Hollywood, Calif. Sponsorships for the inaugural summit are available by contacting info@freespeechcoalition.com.

The day of seminars will be followed by a gala reception, where the FSC Awards will be presented. Awards will be given in the following categories: Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Internet Company of the Year, Novelty Company of the Year, Production Company of the Year, the Positive Image Awards, and the Legacy Award.

“We are so pleased and honored to highlight the political, legal and business issues that affect the industry in this first-ever event,” said FSC CEO Diane Duke. “As the adult industry trade association, FSC works on the frontlines of these issues and others, to promote the well-being and business interests of adult industry businesses and all the folks employed by the adult industry.

“Especially since this show will follow one of the most contentious elections in memory, there will be plenty to discuss,” Duke added. “We will be looking at the results of the election; especially the Los Angeles County condom ordinance, which will have been decided by voters.”

The FSC Summit seminars include:

• Strange Bedfellows – What You Need to Know About Sex & Politics
• Diversification – How to Expand Your Business with Multiple Revenue Streams & Cross-Promotion
• The New Internet – How it Will Affect your Brand
• Opening Up Brave New Markets and Revitalizing Established Markets
• Piracy, Politics and Patent Trolls
• Legal Mumbo Jumbo – Making Sense of Legal Trends and Litigation

For more information about sponsorship or the FSC Summit, please contact info@freespeechcoalition.com.

FSC Teams With XBIZ for First-Ever FSC Summit Conference and Awards

The Free Speech Coalition and XBIZ on Wednesday announced plans to join forces for the first-ever FSC Summit Conference and Awards Show on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Sofitel Hotel in Los Angeles.

The FSC Summit will be a one-day conference for industry executives, lobbyists, business and legal experts who will provide information and insights on topics and issues most pertinent to the initiatives of the industry trade association. Too read more…

(Courtesy of XBIZ)

FSC to Speak at Adult Entertainment Virtual Convention

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) Executive Director Diane Duke will “speak” on a virtual panel at the Adult Entertainment Virtual Convention. The panel will be held February 25 at 3pm PST. Industry attorney Greg Piccionelli will moderate the panel and ICM Registry’s Vaughn Lilley is scheduled to appear alongside Duke.

“My avatar is built and ready to rock,” said Duke. “This is a great way to reach out to industry members that are unable to physically attend adult B2B conferences. Even if you’re not tech-savvy, the interface for the convention is very simple. You can do virtually everything you can do at a traditional conference – and your avatar can have wings or animal-like features. It will be a lot of fun to ‘see’ everyone there.”

Despite the novel format of the convention, Duke will speak on a serious topic. The panel is titled “.XXX Domains and the future of the Adult Industry.” FSC also will have a virtual booth at the convention where Duke will be available on Friday the 24th.

The Adult Entertainment Virtual Convention is hosted by Red Light District. For more information on EVC or to sign up, visit the website.