Sven Jacobsen (Orion Wholesaling) on eroFame 2011

“There’s no reason to change a concept that’s working so great.“

“Orion Wholesaling is going to be an exhibitor at eroFame in 2012. There are no plans whatsoever for participation at another event.“ Sven Jacobsen, Orion Wholesale

Orion Wholesaling was happy with eroFame 2011 in Hanover. The Flensburg-based company, that is also a member of the trade convention advisory board, considers the success of the event as a sign that the industry has accepted the concept and the new location. In our interview, Sven Jacobsen, the head of Orion Wholesaling, not only told us his opinion on eroFame 2011 in Hanover, but also did away with some curious rumours surrounding the event.

How happy are you and your company about eroFame 2011?

Sven Jacobsen: Very happy, definitely.

What expectations did you have going in to eroFame? Were they fulfilled?

Sven Jacobsen: After the success of the first eroFame in Potsdam last year, we had high expectations for the second eroFame, and even those were surpassed. We went back to Flensburg with great satisfaction.

What, in your opinion, were the biggest positives of eroFame 2011?

Sven Jacobsen: What comes to mind is the calm, focused atmosphere that was perfect for doing business, the number of exhibitors, and, of course, also the great work and commitment of the organisers.

How important was the quality of the exhibitors for the success of eroFame?

Sven Jacobsen: The quality and diversity is obviously the linchpin for a trade fair like eroFame. The exhibitors make these events attractive for the people from the trade and industry.

eroFame 2011 took place at a time of great turmoil in Europe (namely, the euro crisis). What role did this situation play at the trade convention?

Sven Jacobsen: Well, our industry is also affected by the current problems, and Orion, being an international company, is often confronted with the issues of our clients in Germany and abroad, with our partners in Southern Europe going through particularly tough times right now. As far as I’m concerned, the situation did not really have an effect on the trade fair, the problem took a back seat to the business.

“High quality and relevance“ – that’s how the statements of the exhibitors and visitors after the event could be summed up. Do you share this opinion?

Sven Jacobsen: Oh, absolutely! We could further many projects at eroFame and went back to Flensburg with lots of work.

The choice of the location for eroFame 2011 had caused some discussion. Did Hanover win over the skeptics?

Sven Jacobsen: I think so. Changes always result in discussion, but I believe that this is a good thing, because during these discussions, the organisers and the members of the advisory board learn about new ideas and suggestions.
Hanover is one of the biggest trade fair cities in the world, and therefore, it can offer great infrastructure for an event such as eroFame. And with the many, many fair halls on the fairgrounds, there is a lot of space for growth.

Hanover as a location raised expectations that more German trade members would visit the event. Did they? What was your impression?

Sven Jacobsen: Compared to last year, we did have more German shoppers a tour stand. But there is still a lot of potential.

The international character of eroFame is incontestable. Has eroFame already become an important event on the international erotic market within its two years of existence.

Sven Jacobsen: The number of international exhibitors and visitors more than hints at that, yes.

Would you agree that the eroFame Oktoberfest will go down in erotic trade show history?

Sven Jacobsen: I’d be surprised if it didn’t. The atmosphere was great, and the number of guests speaks for itself.

What can you tell us about the rumours that eroFame might merge with Venus again?

Sven Jacobsen: Those are just rumours. We’ve already had those after eroFame 2010, and there’s nothing to them. eroFame is a success for most exhibitors and visitors. There’s no reason to change a concept that’s working so great.

Other rumours say that your company will be back as an exhibitor at Venus trade fair next year. Is there any truth to that?

Sven Jacobsen: Another one of those rumours! Here’s the truth: Orion Wholesaling is going to be an exhibitor at eroFame in 2012. There are no plans whatsoever for participation at another event. I can only wonder who spreads these rumours.

Also, there is a debate about two big erotic trade shows for Europe being one too many. What is your stance on this topic?

Sven Jacobsen: As far as this question is concerned, opinions tend to differ sharply. The better concept will prevail. Personally, I doubt that a mash-up of a consumer trade show with the typical media coverage and a b2b event is still appropriate for the times. The industry members should focus on their core competence.

After the trade show is before the trade show. Can you already give us some information on the next eroFame? There will be no changes made to the successful b2b concept, I take it, but what about the location for the 2012 event, and what about other possible changes?

Sven Jacobsen: Well, the organiser and the advisory board will talk about all that, and of course, we will also listen to the suggestions from the exhibitors and visitors and take them to heart.