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Family-friendly Rosemont hosts porn convention

Having lost its bids to land a casino, Rosemont has worked to promote itself as a family-friendly destination with events like comic book conventions, family movie nights at Muvico Theaters, a new professional softball team and plans for a youth sports academy.

And then there's next month's Exxxotica Expo 2011, or as its promoters call it, “adult circus,” billed as one of the biggest porn conventions in the country.

Organizers expect roughly 20,000 people will attend the three-day adult-themed event, July 8-10 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens doesn't see hosting the convention as clashing with the village's family-friendly image, nor as an endorsement of the porn industry.

“Expositions are put on by diverse groups and associations of people and may be faith-based, politically affiliated, trade oriented or sports and entertainment associated,” Stephens said in an emailed statement. “The shows at the convention center do not reflect the position or affiliation of the village of Rosemont.”

It's not the first time Rosemont has hosted a sex industry convention. Last year's Exxxtacy 2010, put on by New York-based Taboo Entertainment, brought to town more than 100 sex-themed vendors and dozens of adult film stars — including the mistresses of high-profile celebrities.

Stephens said decisions about which conventions are allowed are based on many factors including, fiscal impact, consumer demand, tastefulness and conduct.

“As with all conventions we work diligently to monitor promotion and marketing materials of the show, as well as the conduct of attendees and organizers,” Stephens said. “Any decisions about whether to hold this event in the future will be based upon those observations. We will conduct a thorough review of all of these matters, as well as the show's content to determine if it is consistent with the mission and values of the convention center.”

Rosemont has been most receptive of the event, which is not your typical porn convention, said organizer Victory Tradeshow Management director J. Handy.

“We cringe at the porn show image,” Handy said. “It really pigeonholes us. We've always called it a celebration of sexy. There is something in exotica for everyone.”

Victory Tradeshow Management has organized adult conventions since 2006 starting in Miami Beach, Fla., and later expanding to Los Angeles, New Jersey and now Rosemont.

“Rosemont is really more helpful than any other location we've done the show in,” Handy said.

Handy said the event offers sex seminars as well as 24 hours of live entertainment with rap music performances, bondage and burlesque entertainers, fire breathers, sword swallowers, midgets, as well as women performing on swings, poles, stages and trampolines.

“It's an adult circus,” Handy said. “The usual porn convention … it's like an adult flea market, whereas our event we aim and market specifically to women and couples.”

Attendees must be 18 years or older to get in, and at least 21 years old for VIP entry. Women enter for free on Friday. Ticket prices for the convention are $35 for general admission, and $70 for VIPs.