YNOT EUROPE – The 15th annual Venus exposition closed its doors Oct. 2 after a five-day run in Berlin’s expo pavilions beneath the radio tower. A total of 231 exhibitors from 34 countries showed up to present their latest novelties, mesmerizing both the public and adult industry professionals.

This year’s show saw a slight decrease in visitor numbers, with 24,100 consumers and 2,317 professionals from 47 countries signing in.

“Visitor figures fell just slightly short of our expectations,” Venus manager Peter Bübel said. “We believe the gorgeous Indian summer weather to be one of the major factors responsible for the drop in consumer attendance. This kind of weather will draw people outdoors rather than into an expo pavilion. Add to that the national holiday (Oct. 3rd) and the start of the fall recess in Berlin….”

Foreign professional visitors accounted for 67 percent of the show’s traffic this year. Media interest was higher than normal, too, Bübel noted, with 507 press representatives covering the show on-site. The press seemed fascinated with the celebrities who appeared, including the 2011 face of Venus, Micaela Schäfer. Also on hand were safe-sex ambassador Gina-Lisa Lohfink and adult stars like Dolly Buster, Annina Ucatis, Jana B. and Biggi Bardot.

One of this year’s major attractions — next to the sex toys, DVDs and lingerie — was the MyDirtyHobby Pavilion. The show’s Ladies Area was again a major point of attraction for female visitors.

The new Intimate area was a hit with professional visitors and trade press, Bübel said. The self-contained pleasure-brand exhibition provided a luxurious backdrop for high-end toy manufacturers presenting their products in a closed-off area. Given its enormous success this year, the concept will be further developed and expanded in 2012, Bübel noted.

Next year’s show, the 16th annual Venus, is scheduled to take place Oct. 18-21. For details, visit Venus-Berlin.com.