Sex Tech Mixers, Hackathons & Conferences [UPDATED]
An ongoing list of upcoming sex technology conventions, adult entertainment conferences, sex tech hackathons, sex robot conferences, and virtual hangouts.
Many adult industry and sex tech industry events are offered as virtual gatherings, but 2023 is seeing more in-person listings. Stay tuned as we update this page regularly.
Feature image source: SXSW
March 2023
Enlightenment (by Brain Waves XR) – March 1
Brain Waves XR is hosting an Enlightenment event on March 1, 2023, at Ohmydoll Edmonton, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Interested attendees should contact Brain Waves XR.
“In all likelihood, you've heard about studies mentioning the efficacy of therapies based on VR, how the use of VR reduces anxiety… etc. However, no one is getting to the essential aspect related to the process itself and why it occurs when researchers are conducting their studies…
“You will learn that controlling the VR outcome is possible and the different states of mind we can induce with the Flow technology process. This event is also intended to determine, as a community, the possible uses of the Flow technology to improve people’s lives.” (via the Brain Waves XR website)
FemTechnology University Series (King's College) – March 2
The FemTechnology University Series comes to London on March 2 with an event at King's College from 5:30-8:30 p.m. local time.
According to the FemTechnology website, this in-person event features:
“a panel, networking (and other fun surprises) to learn how to transition from research in #womenshealth to founding a #femtech startup.”
Interested attendees should RSVP via the Google Form.
On the form it states, “We are particularly interested in academics and researchers in women's health- but everyone is welcome to attend!”
International Sex Workers' Rights Day Meetup – March 3
Erobella Community Berlin is hosting a free event in Berlin, Germany, to honor International Sex Workers' Rights Day. The event takes place on Friday, March 3, from 18:30-21:30 CET.
“Join us for the free meet & greet Berlin event + panel session with industry professionals. Learn about the top topics noteworthy for the sex working community, represented by excellent industry speakers and sex workers.” (via Eventbrite)
SXSW 2023 – March 10-19
The 2023 SXSW Conference & Festivals is happening March 10-19 in Austin, Texas, USA. While not specifically a sex tech event, the conference features panels, brunches, summits, and more that will speculate on the future of sex.
Here are some of those sessions:
SXSW Book Reading and Signing with Samantha Cole – March 11
Motherboard editor Samantha Cole will be reading from her new book, “How Sex Changed the Internet, and the Internet Changed Sex” on March 11 from 11:30-12:30 CT at the Austin Convention Center. From 12:30-1 p.m. CT, directly after the reading, Cole will be signing copies of her book at the SXSW bookstore.
SXSW SexTech Brunch – March 12
Reimagine Sexuality is hosting “A SexTech Brunch: Building a Decentralized Future for SexTech with Web3” on March 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT.
“We are excited to bring together a community of professionals who are passionate about technology, innovations, investment, and sexual wellness. This is an informal gathering, a fun and relaxed way to connect while enjoying brunch as we delve into the latest advancements in sexual wellness technology.” (via the Eventbrite page)
SXSW Panel: The Future of Sex – March 14
Titled The Future of Sex, this panel features Sextech School founder Bryony Cole on March 14 at Hilton Austin Downtown from 11:30-12:30 CT. According to the schedule, this event will also be available online.
“This talk will dive into how we support, partner, and get businesses ready for early-stage ventures at the intersection of sex, technology, and wellbeing. If you have a sextech idea, or you’re just sex(tech) curious, this talk is for you. Together we’ll stimulate the sexual economy.” (via the SXSW schedule)
SXSW Presentation: Sex and Web3 – March 14
Lex Gillon, founder of sex tech research firm Modality Group, will present how sex tech and blockchain can combine to improve our day-to-day sexual wellness. Sex and Web3: Is the Future of Sex On-Chain? will be on March 14 from 11:30-12:30 CT at the Austin Convention Center.
“Blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies are the polarizing force driving the future of the internet. Of course people know about cryptocurrencies, but do they really understand the potential the tech has to shift our culture?” (via the SXSW schedule)
SXSW Panel: Sex in Space – March 14
Another panel on the agenda is titled Sex in Space: Sex & Reproduction Beyond Earth on March 14 at JW Marriott from 4-5 p.m. CT. It includes Dr. Simon Dubé, previously featured in our expert series.
“A panel to discuss the growing research fields of astrosexology/space sexology/space sexual health research, and the issues surrounding humanity's future efforts to reproduce in off-world environments.
“Topics covered will include past research/experiments on reproduction in space and their findings, barriers to expanding such research in national space programs, and the urgent need for future research in this area…” (via the SXSW schedule)
SXSW Modality SexTech Summit – March 15
“The first of three Modality SexTech Summits, the SXSW SexTech Summit will take place on March 15, 2023 in Austin, TX [USA].
“We will discuss themes including:
- Tackling the fundraising barriers
- Navigating advertising censorship
- Understanding market opportunities
This event is sponsored by Hablemos Sextech” (via Modality CEO Lex Gillon's post on LinkedIn)
FemTech betabreakfast – March 16
In honor of International Women's Day, betahaus in Berlin is hosting a FemTech-themed edition of their weekly betabreakfast series on March 16 from 10-11 CET.
“Join us for a panel discussion on hormonal health with some of Berlin's biggest FemTech startups. theblood, FEMNA Health, Fembites will take the breakfast stage to discuss innovations in women's health and awareness. Learn more.” (via the betahaus newsletter)
JustFor.fans 5th Anniversary Party – March 21-23
“JustFor.fans (JFF) has set plans in motion to celebrate the company's fifth anniversary with a three-day party in Palm Springs in March.
“The celebration will include a models-only party on March 21 and an underwear party on March 23. In between, the company is hosting its second-annual JFF Conference…
“For more information and to RSVP for the parties, visit JustFor.fans.” (via XBIZ)
New Museum of Sex Location Opening in Miami – Spring 2023
“The Museum of Sex is excited to open its doors in Miami spring 2023. Our Miami location will be our most ambitious undertaking yet and will feature our world-class exhibitions and… our thrilling immersive experience.” (via the Museum of Sex website)
According to SEXTECHGUIDE, this venue will also showcase “historical sextech products and a ‘sexy robot' art exhibition.”
“Portia Munson: The Pink Bedroom” at the Museum of Sex – Running Until July 26
Tickets and opening time are available on the Museum of Sex website.
“Satisfyer is sponsoring “Portia Munson: The Pink Bedroom,” a new exhibition at the Museum of Sex in New York, opening to the public on [Jan. 27].
“American visual artist Munson, a rep noted, “has created a world of pink that prompts reflection on the correlation between mass consumerism, constructions of femininity and sexual objectification.””
(via XBIZ)
April 2023
Porn Film Festival Vienna 2023 – April 12-16
“The festival's sixth edition will take place April 12-16, 2023 in various venues in Vienna. It will devote itself extensively to the daring question of what porn can be.”
“The festival offers a film and theory program that breaks the monotony of boring cheesy mainstream porn – to proudly present feminist, queer & alternative positions. The Porn Film Festival Vienna wants to create an open and welcoming space for reception, discussion, and reflection and to challenge and broaden horizons. Because porn can be: lustful, honest, friendly, and self-determined!” (via the Porn Film Festival Vienna page on FilmFreeway)
FemTechnology University Series (ETH Zurich) – April 25
The FemTechnology University Series is coming to ETH Zurich in Switzerland on April 25. Exact event details are still TBA, but interested attendees can RSVP via the Google Form.
From a recent Twitter thread: “Are you interested in how to transition from #womenshealth #research to launching a #femtech #startup in the space? In having your research featured at the event and fostering new collaborations?… Then please join us #femtechnology #University series: our work to build the pipeline of innovation in women’s health”
May 2023
FemTechnology University Series (Merantix AI Berlin) – May 2
The FemTechnology University Series is coming to Merantix AI in Berlin, Germany, on May 2. Exact event details are still TBA, but interested attendees can RSVP via the Google Form.
Brussels Porn Film Festival – May 4-7
“Brussels Porn Film Festival is a festival dedicated to alternative pornographies, sexual explicit representations that projects a diversity of fantasies, bodies and practices into the world. Born by the need to break with established norms, alternative pornography is a place where marginalized groups who are usually excluded from dominant representation find a powerful place of expression and reapropriation.
“Among those, sexwokers, pilars of the pornographic industry and long dated social parias, occupy a crucial place. That’s why it seemed logical for our second edition to join forces with SNAP!, a festival dedicated to sexworkers self representations.” (via the Brussels Porn Film Festival website)
XBIZ Retreat Miami – May 15-19
“XBIZ is pleased to announce that the annual summer edition of XBIZ Retreat will take place May 15-19, returning to the beachfront Grand Miami Beach Hotel for what is anticipated to be the event’s biggest gathering yet…
“Following the success of the winter edition of XBIZ Retreat in January, more than 100 brands have already signed on to participate in the upcoming summer installment — and with space limited, exhibitor suites are expected to sell out.” (via XBIZ)
Full schedule and information on how to participate is available on the XBIZ Miami website.
Porny Days ‘One Night Stand' Sweat & Glitter Spring Edition – May 19
“Our playful party series continues. This time with a confessional by Father Ernesto and Sister Agnes – and porn karaoke. The music line up will follow a little later. As always with kinky dress code as usual.” (via the event listing on the Porny Days website – translated from German)
The party is on Friday, May 19, at Kauz nightclub in Zürich, Switzerland. Doors open at 22:00 local time.
Hot Bits Baltimore Film Festival – May 19-20
Hot Bits announced the dates for their 2023 film festival. The Baltimore edition will take place on May 19th and 20th at Creative Alliance.
“Hot Bits is an annual immersive film and event series that utilizes pornography, curation, and placemaking as social practice to transform spaces into momentary universes and alternate dimensions of queer liberation for trans, BIPOC, kinky, sex-positive queer people and sex workers. We curate erotic film, performance, visual art, vending, workshops and after parties.
“We were started in Philadelphia and are organized by a collective with members based in Philly, Baltimore, and Boston.” (via the Hot Bits Mission)
Satyrs and Maenads: The Athens Porn Film Festival – Exact dates TBA
Festival details are available online in Greek and English.
“Submissions will be open till the end of February. We are aiming for a May festival date for 23 (more later). We aim to announce selections mid to late March 23.” (via the Athens Porn Film Festival website)
CineKink ‘Kinky Film Festival' – Exact dates TBA
“Hard to believe, we’re coming up on our 20th Anniversary in the kinky film festival realm! We’re still sorting out how exactly we’ll celebrate, but to start we’ll have a new edition of CineKink, happening in May/June 2023. Stay tuned!
“We’d love to include your sex-positive work in the CineKink 2023 season…check out our call for entries and send it along!” (via the CineKink website)
June 2023
PackCon FtM prosthetics expo – June 3
“PackCon is the first ever expo dedicated to showcasing FtM prosthetics, packing gear and educational resources for trans, nonbinary and gender nonconforming folks.
“We hope to welcome vendors from the US, UK, EU and Canada into our 7,000 sq. ft. venue in Dumbo, Brooklyn this summer.
“More info & brand new site releasing in March 2023.” (via the PackCon website)
Hot Bits Philly Film Festival – June 5-17
Hot Bits announced the dates for their 2023 film festival. The Philadelphia ‘Philly' edition will take place from June 5th to 17th at Ice Box Project Space.
“Hot Bits is an annual immersive film and event series that utilizes pornography, curation, and placemaking as social practice to transform spaces into momentary universes and alternate dimensions of queer liberation for trans, BIPOC, kinky, sex-positive queer people and sex workers. We curate erotic film, performance, visual art, vending, workshops and after parties.
“We were started in Philadelphia and are organized by a collective with members based in Philly, Baltimore, and Boston.” (via the Hot Bits Mission)
FemTechnology Summit – June 7
The 2023 FemTechnology Summit will take place in person on June 7 in Basel, Switzerland. Interested attendees can find more information and apply for a spot through the website.
“Bringing together stakeholders across the whole ecosystem – the FemTechnology Summit offers up a platform to showcase the latest breakthroughs, best practices and patient needs in women's health. FemTechnology Summit brings together FemTech Startups, Chief Clinicians, Groundbreaking Researchers and University Students to provide a 360 degree perspective on innovation in women's health.” (via femtechnology.org)
Post Pxrn Film Festival Warsaw – June 13-18
“We find ourselves at a unique moment: human sexuality, in all its richness and diversity – thanks to new media, changing attitudes, technological and medical discoveries – reveals new façades that require new and yet undiscovered languages to experience and describe it…
The programme of the Post Pxrn Film Festival Warsaw will focus on presenting a wide range of artistic and visual strategies – often subversive or peripheral, but always inclusive and relevant, seen through the lens of contemporary post-pornography.” (via the Post Pxrn website)
August 2023
IASR Annual Meeting – Aug. 7-10
The International Academy of Sex Research (IASR) is hosting its 49th annual meeting in Montréal, Canada, from Aug. 7-10. The call for abstracts is currently open with the following deadlines: March 1 for brief communications and data blitzes and April 1 for poster presentations.
“Each year, the International Academy of Sex Research gathers for four days of scientific programming, social events, committee meetings, and more. We invite any and all sex researchers to join us for our 2023 conference in Montréal, Canada! Attendees do not need to be a member of the Academy to register or submit an abstract for presentation.” (via the event page on the IASR website)
San Francisco PornFilmFestival – Aug. 18-19
“The San Francisco PornFilmFestival is an annual festival celebrating the creativity and craft of films that push the genre of sexual cinema. Screenings and filmmaker talks are broadcast live from San Francisco, California to an international audience, powered by PinkLabel.TV.
“The next festival will take place at the Brava Theater in San Francisco on August 18th – 19th, 2023. It will broadcast live to viewers around the world.” (via the San Francisco PornFilmFestival website)
September 2023
IFA Berlin – Sept. 1-5
While not a sex-specific event, the IFA consumer electronics trade show in Berlin, Germany, features the latest innovations in electronics, home appliances, and very often sex tech.
The 2023 event will take place Sept. 1-5, 2023, at Messe Berlin. More information is available on the IFA website.
The Sex Down South Conference – Sept. 7-9
Date: Sept. 7-9
Location: The Sheraton Atlanta Hotel (Atlanta, GA, USA)
Theme: Body Love
Tickets: Available online
“Join us for our 9th annual conference!
“Located in Atlanta, GA, the Sex Down South Conference provides sexuality workshops taught by educated and amazing presenters from around the world. Enthusiasts join in the fun and learn from the best – all while doing it in an inclusive and loving environment. For more information, please check out Our Crew, our Guiding Principles, and our photos from previous years!” (via the Sex Down South website)
Arse Elektronika 2023: Sexponential – Sept. 7-10
monochrom's sex tech festival Arse Elektronika is back for its 10th iteration. The event scheduled for Sept. 7-10 at DH5 in Linz, Austria.
Those interested can join their Facebook group for festival insights. You can also read more about the festival in a recent post by curator Johannes Grenzfurthner.
October 2023
Securing Sexuality Conference – Oct. 19-20
The first iteration of the Securing Sexuality conference is happening on Oct. 19-20 in Detroit, MI, USA. Speakers are still TBA, but Internet of Dongs tweeted about tentatively presenting, adding, “So glad to see a conference talking about this stuff finally.”
From the conference website: “Securing Sexuality is the premier conference for people passionate about promoting sex positive, science based, and secure interpersonal relationships. Our attendees come from three worlds: [Creators, Connectors, Community].”
SxTech EU 2023 Conference and Events – Oct. 24-26
SxTech CEO VIP Dinner – Oct. 24
The SxTech CEO VIP Dinner is an official pre-opening event for the SxTech EU Conference in Berlin, Germany. It is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 20:00 CET. The location will be announced one month before.
“We look forward to an exclusive SX VIP CEO 2023 dinner evening with meals we perceive as art, aperitivo among industry friends, and a meeting that is the highest form of combining elegance & banquet for the senses.
“This evening is a gathering of professionals from the entire industry whose primary goal is to celebrate the Sx Tech Eu 2023 conference's opening together.” (via Eventbrite)
SxTech EU Conference – Oct. 25
Date: October 25, 2023
Location: MONOPOL, Berlin, Germany
Tickets: Various in-person ticket options available for purchase
“Over the past five years, we have been trusted by over 120 global brands and over 100 international speakers; we have brought you closer to all areas of technology, from augmented reality, pleasure products, immersive entertainment, VR, sexual wellness, robots, AI, Augmentation and many more!
“The two significant drivers of growth are sexual wellness and sex tech. And you can meet them up at an upcoming event in 2023.
“What can you expect?
- 4 Floors jam-packed of making erotic intelligence
- Two stages: MAIN STAGE & STARTUP STAGE
- Augmented & Immersive Entertainment Area
- Alternative Fashion & Arts Area Access
- Pleasure Product EXPO – most innovative pleasure products of 2023
- SX TECH Adult Cinema
- Artist Program
- Startup Pitch
- Investors meetups
- Side events
- The Legendary SX TECH AFTER PARTY
- Over 50 speakers
(via Eventbrite)
SxTech Spa Mixer 2023 – Oct. 26
SxTech EU is hosting a Spa Mixer event on Oct. 26 from 17:30-21:00 CET to close the conference. Industry professionals only. The location is TBA.
“Thursday at Sx Tech eu Conference is a day for the spa – Rest, and your energy will be restored. Eat delicious food and have the unique chance to experience that moment with the best crew of industry professionals you met during your Sx Tech Eu 2023 journey.” (via Eventbrite)
Pornfilmfestival Berlin – Oct. 24-29
Festival details are available online in both English and German.
“The 18th edition of the Pornfilmfestival Berlin will take place from October 24th to 29st 2023.
“Submissions are possible from 1st January 2023. The festival accepts entries now and is open for all formats, genres, release years and durations. The entry deadline is April 30th 2023 – we need to receive your entry form and screener link by that date latest. For all submissions, the festival regulations apply.” (via the Pornfilmfestival Berlin website)
December 2023
SexTech n' Chill – Dec. 9
The 2023 SexTech n' Chill event will take place online on Saturday, Dec. 9. The lineup is still TBA, but you can RSVP on the website for exclusive announcements, early bird tickets, and more.
“Fueled by a shared passion for community, culture, and exploration, SexTech n’ Chill™ is an immersive, upscale Pleasure Con bringing fan-favorite performers, creators, sexperts and enthusiasts together under one roof for an intimate virtual experience unlike any other.” (via SexTech n' Chill website)
January 2024
CES 2024 – Jan. 9-12
“CES is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector.” (via the CES website)
Read our past coverage of sex toy news and sex tech brands at CES.
AVN Adult Entertainment Expo – Dates TBA
The annual AVN Adult Entertainment Expo returned to Las Vegas in 2023 after a multiple-year hiatus. The dates for the 2024 event haven't been announced yet, but it's rumored for the end of January.
Visit the AVN website and sign up for their newsletter to receive the latest announcements.
Regular sex tech gatherings and virtual reality events
SexTalkTuesday by Sssh.com – Tuesdays
A bimonthly Tuesday Twitter chat on sex and sex-positive topics hosted by Sssh.com.
Follow @SexTalkTuesday or #SexTalkTuesday to participate. More details are also available on the SexTalkTuesday website.
MetaMingle by Raspberry Dream Land – Wednesdays
“Join our weekly METAMINGLES to learn more about the platform and meet the community! Every Wednesday we meet and hanging out at the Central Plaza.
“First time at RD Land metaverse? Not sure where to start? Join via the link on your phone, computer or a VR headset. World hopping and tour around the platform available to newcomers.” (via rdland.io)
