Who says trade shows have to be dull?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/03/2014 (4554 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In spring, a young man’s fancy may turn to lust. This also applies to a young woman, an older man or woman, or even grandma and grandpa.

That, at least, is the assumption behind Taboo, an annual sex-themed show offering exhibits and seminars at the convention centre on everything from How to Striptease for Your Partner (courtesy of Winnipeg burlesque star Miss La Muse) to erotic body painting and a porn star meet-and-greet with adult film actress Alexis Texas.

Arriving in town just a couple of days after the official start to spring, it’s an event designed to bring the libido out of deep-freeze, says Sean Libin, vice-president of Canwest Productions, the largest independent trade-show producer in Western Canada, and the company behind Taboo.

“It’s a great excuse for people to come out and enjoy a little warmer mindset,” Libin says. “We do Taboo shows in seven markets, from Vancouver to Winnipeg.

“Couples can come to connect and learn,” he says, urging patrons to take advantage of educational resources ranging from sex counsellors to bondage experts.

Intricate knots

There’s even a new stage troupe called Shibari Theatre Company making its debut with a theatrical presentation involving models, rope and intricate knots.

“When 50 Shades of Grey came out, that got a lot of people interested in spicing things up in the bedroom,” Libin says of the kinky bestselling potboiler.

“We have a seminar called ‘Wax: Warm Your Lover’s Heart and Other Bits,'” he adds.

“There’s a lot of people who come for the education component, but a lot of other people come for the entertainment component. And a lot of people just come for the party. There’s not a lot of trade shows where you can get a drink and walk around and have some fun.”

randall.king@freepress.mb.ca