The 2026 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE) and the 43rd Annual AVN Awards have officially set their schedule for early 2026. This major industry gathering remains the premier event for the adult entertainment sector, combining business networking, consumer technology showcases, and the most prestigious awards ceremony in the field.

The core events of the 2026 AVN week will take place from January 21 through January 24, 2026. The entire festivities, including the multi-day expo and the gala awards night, are hosted at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. For professionals, creators, and fans planning their travel, the week begins with early registration on January 20 and culminates in the awards ceremony on the night of January 24.

Core Event Information and Venue Details

The transition to Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in recent years has provided a centralized hub for all AVN-related activities. This venue hosts the main expo floors, the specialized boutique areas, and the theater for the major awards shows.

  • Host Hotel: Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 4455 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89169.
  • Official Dates: January 21 – 24, 2026.
  • Extended Dates for Exhibitors: January 20 (Setup) – January 25 (Move-out).
  • 43rd Annual AVN Awards: Saturday evening, January 24, 2026.

The event serves a dual purpose: it is a vital trade show for manufacturers, distributors, and content platforms, and a massive fan convention where creators engage with their audience.

Daily Breakdown of the 2026 AVN Schedule

The schedule is designed to facilitate different tiers of access, ranging from trade-only business sessions to general admission fan hours.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Early Preparation

While the expo floor is not yet open to the public, Tuesday is critical for industry participants to secure their credentials and for exhibitors to finalize their displays.

  • Registration (The Parlor): 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Picking up badges early is highly recommended to avoid the peak lines on Wednesday morning.
  • Exhibitor Setup: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Professional contractors and brand teams will be active in the Sage and Manor ballrooms.
  • Model Lounge (Hideaway): 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM. A dedicated space for talent to check in and receive their schedules.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Opening Day

The first official day focuses heavily on industry networking and the initial reveal of the expo floor.

  • Registration: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
  • AVN Business Lounge (Theater): 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. An exclusive area for badge holders looking for a quieter environment to conduct meetings.
  • AVN Expo Floor (Convention Center): 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The main hall opens, featuring major production houses and technology innovators.
  • ANE Boutique (The Manor): 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The Adult Novelty Expo (ANE) section showcases pleasure products and retail-ready innovations.
  • AVN Biz Kickoff Connect: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. An opening-day mixer for creators and brands.
  • Newbie Networking Hour: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Aimed at first-time attendees to learn how to navigate the show effectively.
  • The "O" Awards: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A specialized ceremony recognizing excellence in the pleasure products industry.
  • Hall of Fame Cocktail Party: 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM. An invite-only event celebrating the 2026 inductees at the Opal Penthouse.

Thursday, January 22, 2026: Seminars and Networking

The second day emphasizes education and professional development through the seminar series.

  • AVN Novelty Expo Floor (Sage): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Focused specifically on hardware, toys, and wellness products.
  • Seminar Series (Theater): 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Panels often cover legal trends, marketing strategies, and platform safety.
  • Coffee + Connections: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Informal networking for industry professionals.
  • Meet Market: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. A high-energy session for service providers and tech companies to pitch their solutions.
  • GayVN Awards Show: 9:30 PM. The dedicated ceremony for the gay adult entertainment industry, held in the main theater.

Friday, January 23, 2026: Peak Expo Hours

Friday typically sees the highest volume of fan attendance as the weekend approaches.

  • AVN Expo Floor: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
  • Business Lounge Happy Hour: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. A curated social for executives and decision-makers.
  • The White Party: 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM. The 11th annual edition of this signature social event, often cited as the premier networking party of the week.

Saturday, January 24, 2026: The Grand Finale

The final day of the expo transitions quickly into the industry's biggest night of the year.

  • Show Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Note the earlier closing time to allow for Awards Show preparations.
  • Exhibitor Move-out: Starts at 4:00 PM for certain areas.
  • The 43rd AVN Awards Ceremony: Doors typically open in the evening, with the red carpet preceding the main event. This is the official conclusion of the 2026 festivities.

The Different Components of the AVN Expo

Understanding the layout of the 2026 event is crucial for navigating the massive Virgin Hotels campus. The show is divided into several specialized sub-events.

AVN Adult Entertainment Expo (AEE)

This is the primary fan-facing and content-focused part of the show. It is located in the Convention Center area of the hotel. Here, attendees will find booths from major studios, independent creators, and streaming platforms. It is the hub for meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and live stage performances.

ANE: The Adult Novelty Expo

While content is a huge part of the week, the ANE focuses on the "hardware" side of the industry. It is a B2B-heavy section where manufacturers of pleasure products, lingerie, and sexual wellness items meet with retail buyers and distributors. In 2026, the ANE Boutique in The Manor and the larger ANE floor in the Sage Ballroom will be the primary locations for these displays.

The Seminar Series

For those attending with a trade badge, the seminar series provides educational value that justifies the trip. Topics for 2026 are expected to revolve around:

  1. AI and Content Creation: How artificial intelligence is changing production and distribution.
  2. Banking and Payment Processing: Navigating the complex financial landscape of the adult industry.
  3. Legal Compliance: Updates on age verification laws and international regulations.
  4. Social Media Strategy: Leveraging mainstream platforms for promotion without facing bans.

The 43rd Annual AVN Awards

Often referred to as the "Oscars of the industry," the AVN Awards ceremony on January 24, 2026, will recognize excellence across more than 100 categories. The ceremony honors everything from performance and directing to production design and technical innovation.

The 2026 ceremony will be co-hosted by industry figures Abigail Morris and Itslo. Attendees can expect a high-production-value event featuring live musical performances, celebrity presenters, and the annual "Hall of Fame" inductions.

Hall of Fame Class of 2026

One of the most significant moments of the awards night is the induction of industry veterans into the Hall of Fame. The 2026 class includes:

  • Video Branch: Michael Adam, Kianna Bradley, Nina DePonca, Ava Devine, Jazz Duro, Richard Mann, James Nono, Taylor Rain, Ric Rodney, Tina Russell, Jared Rutter, Bobbi Starr, Flower Tucci, Nikki Tyler, and Matt Zane.
  • Founders Branch: Paul & Tracy Allen, Steven Grooby, and Samantha Lewis & Joone.

Logistics for Exhibitors and Trade Attendees

For those managing booths or attending for business, the logistics of the 2026 show involve strict timelines to ensure the smooth operation of the Virgin Hotels facility.

Move-in and Shipping

Exhibitors can begin shipping materials to the advance warehouse starting December 15, 2025. The deadline for advance shipments to arrive is January 12, 2026. On-site setup at the Virgin Hotel begins on January 20, 2026.

Move-out Schedule

  • Saturday, Jan 24: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
  • Sunday, Jan 25: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM. All freight must be cleared from the facility by noon on Sunday, January 25, to make way for subsequent hotel events.

Official Service Contractor

LVE (Las Vegas Expo) is the designated service contractor for 2026. They handle material handling, furniture rentals, and booth labor. Exhibitors are encouraged to submit orders by the discount deadline of January 2, 2026, to manage costs effectively.

Travel and Accommodation for January 2026

January is a peak month for Las Vegas conventions. While the AVN events are centered at Virgin Hotels, the proximity to other major resorts makes it easy to stay nearby. However, staying at the host hotel provides the best experience for those wishing to attend the late-night parties (like the White Party or the Kickoff Party) without navigating off-strip traffic.

  • Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is only a few minutes from the venue.
  • Transportation: Ride-shares are highly efficient for getting between the Virgin Hotel and other major points like Resorts World or the Las Vegas Strip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the official dates for AVN 2026?

The expo runs from Wednesday, January 21, to Saturday, January 24, 2026. The AVN Awards take place on the evening of January 24.

Where is the AVN Expo 2026 being held?

The event is located at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, situated just off the main Las Vegas Strip.

Can fans attend the AVN Awards?

Yes, while some areas of the expo are trade-only, tickets for the AVN Awards ceremony are available to the general public, though they often sell out well in advance.

When does the 2026 Hall of Fame induction happen?

The formal induction occurs during the AVN Awards show on Saturday, January 24, but there is an exclusive cocktail celebration for the inductees on Wednesday, January 21.

Is there a dress code for the parties?

The "White Party" on Friday night requires all-white attire. The AVN Awards on Saturday night is a formal "black-tie optional" event, with many attendees opting for high-fashion and red-carpet-ready looks.

Summary of the 2026 AVN Week

The 2026 AVN schedule is a meticulously planned week that balances the needs of the multi-billion dollar adult industry with the enthusiasm of its global fan base. By starting with registration on January 20 and concluding with the 43rd Annual AVN Awards on January 24, the event provides four days of intensive networking, product discovery, and celebration. Whether you are an exhibitor managing logistics through LVE or a fan looking to meet your favorite creators at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, staying informed about these confirmed dates is the first step toward a successful 2026 experience.