Page 13: Melbourne’s Sexpo boned after legal disputes

Sexpo has certainly had its share of climatic moments in its near 30-year history in Melbourne, but the 2024 edition will be a flop.

OnlyFans star Charlie Forde was a star attraction at Sexpo 2022.

Sexpo has been boned.

It’s gone down. A flop.

Court action has meant the party is finally over for the world’s largest and longest running adults only exhibition.

Performers, creators and exhibitors were this week sent a letter from the um, CMMN Team (the company that runs Sexpo), to inform them ongoing legal disputes between business partners meant the event, scheduled to be held in November at Melbourne’s Exhibition and Convention Centre had “significantly impacted our ability to operate as usual” and was now limp.

Sexpo punters enjoy an exotic dance from “Marty” in 2004. Picture: AAP

“The courts have imposed certain restrictions, including dual authorisation for financial transactions,” read the letter sent to stakeholders seen by Page 13.

“This situation is beyond the control of our CEO and leadership team. Despite our best efforts, we are unable to accept or process payments at this time. Due to this, and the position of the company, we are unable to progress with our Adelaide, Sydney or Melbourne shows for 2024 and will be postponing these shows.”

The team added they were extremely “frustrated” by the situation, sorry it’s just too easy, asking exhibitors for patience, adding for any payments to be paused with ticket holders to be contacted in due course.

“This legal process has had a significant financial impact on the company. Despite our CEO personally injecting substantial funds to keep the company afloat, the situation has escalated to a point where significant legal intervention is required for us to continue operating,” the letter continued.

As Sexpo grew, it shifted from an Albert Park hotel to Jeff’s Shed.

“As you can imagine, the impact on the company has been tremendously disruptive, and such decisions have not been made lightly.”

The 18+ only event has certainly had its climatic moments over its almost 30 year love story. Created as a way of bringing adult health, sexuality, and lifestyle products and services into a safe, secure, and mainstream setting, it was first held in 1996 at the Carlton Crest Hotel in Albert Park before moving to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, fondly known as Jeff’s Shed, in 1997 after swelling in size.

There have been many controversies and wow moments, think a stripper robot, yes a cyborg pole dancer, giant dildos, vibrating beds and star guest, who later turned jailed rape assaulter, porno star Ron Jeremy.

The party could be over for the world’s largest and longest running adults only exhibition.

In 2021 there was backlash against Dan Andrews’ government when a crucial coronavirus vaccination centre from the Department of Health and Royal Melbourne Hospital was forced to move to make way for the sex exhibition amid a statewide jab shortage.

But that hasn’t stopped another event from rising to the occasion.

The Adult Choice Awards, now in their fourth year, have expanded and will run on Thursday October 17 at Rod Laver Arena.

Celebrating the decriminalisation of sex laws recently announced in Victoria, the peer nominated and voted awards has well over 2000 nominees, many from the Only Fans content creating platform, with tickets currently on sale and, of course live streaming options available.