The first annual XBIZ Summer Forum is a summit designed to bring together adult professionals from around the world and offer attendees the chance to expand their contacts, ink deals, discuss new avenues for profit, and attend a host of educational seminars and events.

“The XBIZ Summer Forum will attempt to set a new standard in adult business events, providing industry-leading seminars and ample networking opportunities,” Stephen Yagielowicz, senior editor at XBIZ, said. “The participation of powerhouse players and industry insiders will ensure that this event will be well worthwhile for all of those in attendance.”

The festivities will kick off in Las Vegas on July 12 with a Happy Hour at the Circle Bar and Viva Las Vegas, two watering holes at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Later that evening, XBIZ will host a poolside welcoming event from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

To keep the party rolling and allow attendees a chance to mix business with pleasure, both bars will host a Happy Hour on July 13 as well.

The event will close on July 14 with a Champagne Brunch.

While the social calendar promises a wealth of fun, the emphasis will be on business, according XBIZ President Alec Helmy. “The Forum sets itself apart from other industry events by creating the perfect mix of business, networking and fun,” Helmy said. “Attendees will have the chance to learn about this year’s seminar topics as well as changes in the industry, while making contacts in a relaxed and stylish setting.”

XBIZ has locked in an initial room-rate agreement with the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for $159 per night for a standard room - plasma screen TV included - during the event. Deluxe and celebrity suites also are available. Registrants must mention group code “XBIZ” when making reservations.

Individuals interested in becoming panelists at the Forum should contact Stephen Yagielowicz at stephen@xbiz.com. Companies wishing to sponsor the Forum should contact sponsorships@xbiz.com.

This is one of many articles I’ll post for those of you interested in producing your own content. My focus will be more on working with the models and equipment, than dealing with the legal (2257) stuff.

I learned very early that if you provide models with feedback on what positions flatter them on camera, they do pay attention and try to deliver. All models have a genuine interest in looking their best, and appreciate receiving any pointers that help them make improvements.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to set down with the model and show him the photos you just shot. Identify what does and does not work, and explain why. You will be amazed at how quickly most models pickup on this and deliver a better shoot the next time you work together. With each shoot, the model gets better, and your job gets easier.

Something a photographer friend taught me is to position or more dressing mirrors, out of camera view, so the model can look at himself during the shoot. The model will quickly learn to use the mirrors as an aid in finding those flattering positions. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on these mirrors. I picked up three on sale for five dollars each at Wal-Mart. These same mirrors can be used in a shoot to capture reflections of the model, so its money well spent.

Lucas Entertainment announced late last week they have developed a new company logo. The studio reports that it has already begun integrating the new icon into “various aspects” of the company. Lucas Entertainment also encourages anyone promoting the studio’s products to begin using the new logo.

Studio spokesperson Heather Reznor said, “We think there are many basic reasons for the redesign - mainly that it’s very easy to work with this shape, and it’s a little bolder, which we like.”

The new logo incorporates the familiar symbol for “push to play”; a functional aspect of the design Lucas Entertainment is quick to point out. “By all means, put it everywhere you wish that someone would just push play”, says Reznor.