Last October, while many were still without electricity and driving miles to find gas after Hurricane Sandy, organizers behind the state's largest adult expo were scrambling to help New Jersey retain its sex appeal.

So to speak.

The New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison — where the annual Exxxotica adult expo has been held since 2008 — suffered severe water damage during the storm.

"Workers at the convention center were putting up Sheetrock up until the morning of the event," says Dan Davis, the event's spokesman.

But the expo went on as planned, starting on Nov. 9, and attracted more than 15,000 people during its three-day span.

Organizers expect an even bigger turnout at the 20th Exxxotica show this weekend — as attendees won't have to navigate a gas crisis, lack of electricity or severe weather to get to the show.

Billed as an event "dedicated to love and sex," Exxxotica will feature appearances by some of the biggest names in adult entertainment, including Jenna Jameson and Ron Jeremy.

Local celebrities such as Patricia Krentcil — New Jersey's infamous "Tanning Mom" — will also make an appearance. Guests will have the chance to meet these stars, as well as to see performances, purchase products and attend seminars.

There will be no nudity or sex at the event — but pole dancers and male strippers (they keep their undies on) will perform.

Davis, who has been a part of the expo since it launched in Miami in 2006, says he is still surprised by the stigma that hangs over Exxxotica — which is only evident, he says, in New Jersey.

"We do shows in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, outside of Chicago, and we've never had any issue other than in Secaucus, and in Edison, with former Mayor (Jun) Choi," he says.

In 2008, Exxxotica was banned from the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus just days before the scheduled event; town officials cited a law that forbids the sale of pornography and alcohol in the same location. Expo organizers then moved the trade show to Edison. (The town and landlord of the Meadowlands Expo Center would go on to settle a suit filed by organizers of Exxxotica.)

Davis, a native New Jerseyan who lives in Bergen County, was instrumental in securing the site more familiarly known as Raritan Center, which was chosen because of its size and central location to major roadways.

The expo didn't receive a warm welcome from Edison either, but local officials were unsuccessful in their efforts to block it. Since then, the event has run every year without township objections.

For all its controversy, Exxxotica brings a considerable amount of revenue to the Edison area. Davis estimates more than $3 million flow into the town thanks to the show. "We bring business to the hotels, ground transportation, malls and restaurants," he says.

Among the best-attended attractions at the show each year are the panels and seminars. Ten porn industry stars are slated for 45-minute discussions in which they will tackle any questions posed to them. (According to Davis, these have ranged from "What is your favorite book?" to more personal topics.) "The girls are very candid during these panels," Davis says.

The most popular seminar? The one on how to break in to the porn industry, Davis says.

While the event typically attracts more men than women, Davis insists this trend is changing. As an incentive for this year's Exxxotica, women can purchase tickets at half the cost — $20.

"It's becoming more of a 1-to-1 ratio," Davis says. "A lot of that is brought on, I think, by the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' phenomenon."

Event-goers range in age from 18 to about 65, he says. And while New Jerseyans typically account for 70 percent to 80 percent of the audience, there are some guests who travel from as far as the United Kingdom, and Central and South America.

There will be no musical act at this year's expo, but there will be a host of new events, including a pole dancing competition tonight — which Davis says will be no different than the type televised on "America's Got Talent." The expo also will host speed dating sessions for the first time this year.

The lineup of adult entertainment performers includes Evan Stone, Ron Jeremy, Manuel Ferrara, Ryan Driller and one of the most popular young stars, Seth Campbell. Fans can also expect to see Jenna Jameson, Stormy Daniels, Kelly Devine and Misty Stone.

Heading in to the event, Davis says, advance ticket sales are up 12 percent from last year, but the majority of sales are walk-up.

"The expo isn't your seedy neighborhood adult video store or erotic shop that has blacked-out windows," he says. "At the expo, you're around like-minded people."

"I think more and more people are becoming open to it," he adds. "Would anyone have thought Jenny McCarthy, who began her career as a Playboy model, would land on one of the most popular daytime talk shows?"

And he's equally optimistic Exxxotica has found a safe landing zone in Edison.

"We're very confident we're going to stay here," Davis says.

"You're always going to have your community watchdogs and Bible thumpers, and that's fine," he says. "Because the same way we're entitled to our free speech, so are they."

Exxxotica

Where: New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison

When: Today, from 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m.

How much: $20 for women, $40 for men, VIP upgrades available; (732) 417-1400

RELATED COVERAGE:

• N.J. Tanning Mom to appear at Edison Exxxotica Expo

• Secaucus settles lawsuit with organizer of erotic convention

• Inside Jersey: Love for Sale

FOLLOW STAR-LEDGER ENTERTAINMENT: TWITTER | FACEBOOK