(Note: This story appears in the February 2022 issue of SE Magazine)
Val Jones thrives behind the scenes ensuring tradeshows — notably ANME and the Altitude Intimates Show — go off without a hitch.
Val Jones has been working in the adult industry in some capacity since 1993. Bordering on three decades in the industry, Jones joined the ANME Founders Show in 2009, followed by the Altitude Intimates Show in 2018.
“I am a meticulous planner by nature and thrive on micro organizing all aspects of trade shows to ensure they unfold with as few unpredictable elements as possible,” says Jones.
SE Magazine spoke with Jones about her role as a “micro organizer” and how she ensures tradeshows run smoothly — even in the face of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.
SE: What do you take the most pride in coordinating ANME/Altitude?
JONES: I strive to offer stellar customer service for both shows. We work closely as a team to support both the vendors as well as the attendees. There are always unexpected problems that arise and we are there to provide fast solutions for anything.
SE: What’s the biggest challenge coordinating ANME/Altitude?
JONES: My biggest challenge these past two years has been being unable to predict last minute changes due to pandemic-related rules and regulations for trade shows. As they are multi-tiered large events, there is an enormous level of organizing details that range from the vendor to which drinks will be served to the venue, etc., which have to be synchronized in great detail even if the event is canceled or postponed.
“Honestly, there are so many aspects of organizing and executing a trade show that it is impossible to sum it up in a paragraph. I will say though, that it’s literally choreographed to the smallest detail.” — Val Jones
SE: How refreshing is it to host people after a virtual year off?
JONES: I think like most people I have been impatient to return to “normal,” I know that is super cliché but I miss the energy and buzz of tradeshows, and the authenticity of merging the consumers & vendors so that both are able to effectively meet their business objectives.
SE: Where do you derive your biggest thrill from the shows? When do you finally get to breathe a sigh of relief during/after the show?
JONES: The sigh of relief comes after the show is over as there are always snags and bumps along the way, but that’s also what makes these events fun and challenging.
SE: Talk about your role with the Altitude show. How would you define what you do, exactly?
JONES: Wow … do you have a few hours? Honestly, there are so many aspects of organizing and executing a tradeshow that it is impossible to sum it up in a paragraph. I will say though, that it’s literally choreographed to the smallest detail — organizing the vendors, the venue, the food and entertainment are just some of the main outlines but there is a vast amount of details within each.
SE: What can you say about the upcoming Altitude show — what can people expect?
JONES: We are super excited for the upcoming show as it has been two years since the last one. I feel people are tired of emails and Zoom calls, they just want to meet in person and have that sense of normalcy where conducting business used to be fun and real.
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