Melbourne, Australia: Since Sexpo announced on 23/09/24 that it was indefinitely postponing all future events and then went into liquidation, David Ross has been planning a new event to fill the void.

The new event, SexEx™ Adult Lifestyle Expo was to be held at the Melbourne Pavilion from September 12 to 14, 2025 but will now be staged at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) between February 6 and 8, 2026, the weekend before Valentine’s Day. Sydney 2026 event dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

David, SexEx™ CEO, says, “while I expected the public would be happy to embrace a new name, I was less sure how exhibitors and potential investors would feel about a new event after so many were left out-of-pocket as a result of Sexpo’s collapse.

“I need not have worried, as exhibitor demand has exceeded the space available at the Melbourne Pavilion, and after having recently secured a further AUD600k funding, valuing the SexEx™ start-up at AUD750k, we are pleased to announce that we have moved the event to the MCEC, an even larger venue which is able to accommodate the increased number of exhibitors.

“The venue change is necessary because of the unexpected demand from exhibitors and investors, and the resultant need for more space. I would like to thank the Melbourne Pavilion for its assistance in getting the event to this stage and highly recommend it to other event organisers.

“With the MCEC tenancy contract signed and paid for, and with no ability to further extend our floorspace, I urge interested parties to express any interest immediately as exhibitor space is available on a first come, first served basis.

“Any Exhibitor who have paid a deposit for the original event and are unable to make the new dates are welcome to a refund, or we can hold deposits for the new venue. As tickets have not yet been released, none have been sold to the public.

Just like Sexpo before it, SexEx™ is a three-day public event looking at all aspects of adult lifestyles and sexuality.

SexEx™ provides a safe space for open-minded adults, and those wanting to expand their horizon, to explore and embrace various products, services, and information essential for a fulfilling and healthy sex life. SexEx™ is an inclusive exhibition, a place for fun and celebration, and offers a comfortable and accessible venue where attendees can indulge in world-class entertainment alongside like-minded adults.

SexEx™ goes beyond just sex-related content. The diverse exhibitor list includes businesses from various sectors such as spa pool sales, glamour photography studios, fashion and accessories, beauty services, and more, catering to an adult audience seeking a holistic approach to lifestyle enhancement.

David, often referred to as Mr. Sexpo, conceived and launched Sexpo in Australia, in 1996, before exporting the event to South Africa in 2007, and then London in 2015. David has had no interest in Sexpo Australia since before the 2019 sale of the event to Australian Exhibition Group Pty. Ltd. and therefore played no part in the demise of the brand he launched 29 years ago.

David remains committed to providing a safe space for the exploration and celebration of healthy adult lifestyles, bringing much expertise and experience to SexEx™ that will see him continue his legacy of creating engaging and inclusive events.

“Exhibitors and visitors can be sure that my many years’ experience running the Sexpo events will see me produce SexEx™ in the same manor I did in the glory days of the Sexpo events when up to 68,000 people flocked to the MCEC to see the latest and greatest offerings from the adult entertainment industry and supporting businesses.

“Of course, SexEx™ will feature all the entertainment that has been so popular over the years, as well as exciting new exhibitors demonstrating the latest products and services. So, SexEx™ will be just like Sexpo, only better”, he said.