LOS ANGELES — XBIZ announces an update to its official XBIZ Summit schedule, with the addition of a special session entitled “Bitcoin: The Next Big Thing?” which will teach attendees the ins and outs of the hottest topic in adult e-commerce today.

Presented by AWEmpire, the XBIZ Summit takes over the plush Coconut Grove, Fla., Mayfair Hotel & Spa, from May 14-17, for what is certain to become one of 2013’s most valuable events, with numerous networking, educational and deal-making opportunities at this annual gathering of porn professionals and adult entertainment industry insiders.

As with all XBIZ events, the Summit provides provocative presentations by experienced operators and adult business owners, many of whom are now asking, “Are bitcoins the next big thing in porn?” Attendees will find out at this timely session, which will look past the hype and into all the possibilities of using this anonymous and chargeback-free payment solution for consumers without (or unwilling to use) credit cards.

Featuring Avi Bitton from Wicked Pictures, Douglas Richter from AWEmpire, JuicyAds’ David Neawedde and BitPay co-founder and CEO Tony Galippi, the panel will look at the nature of bitcoin and its role in the economic ecosystem.

The discussion will include an overview of the mechanics of bitcoin, including the process of accepting bitcoin and getting “real” money in return, with a look from the perspective of merchants, consumers and “miners.”

“Bitcoin is an open source, distributed system with qualities of both a currency and a commodity,” Bitton told XBIZ. “Whether it’s the future of commerce or just a relatively temporary fad, this highly volatile asset is changing the game for giants [such as] Paypal who are taking the five-year-old disruptive technology seriously.”

“The growing Bitcoin market is evangelical about its use,” Bitton explains. “Our industry needs to know more about it.”

Other topics include the latest information about the size, value and evolution of the bitcoin market, as well as the potential impacts of fraud, security and volatility on the platform’s future. Also examined will be the possibility of refunds and chargebacks, as well as ways that merchants can begin accepting bitcoins right away.

“Bitcoin is one of the most talked about hot-button topics in adult entertainment today, but many questions still remain,” explains the panel’s moderator, XBIZ Senior Editor Stephen Yagielowicz. “Our highly requested session will explore this emerging financial technology and the opportunities it brings to paysite operators and other entrepreneurs, making this a must-attend seminar.”

Attendees can make the most of their XBIZ Summit experience by keeping up with the latest events and specials via the official show schedule; which details highlights such as the industry’s first gamified event, where XBIZ Summit attendees will vie for more than $10,000 in prizes — including a MacBook Pro, Macbook Air and an iPad — rounding out the technology boost that the XBIZ Summit can provide to your company.

Participants in this exclusive Bitcoin session will earn an additional 250 points towards their gamified event experience.

While rooms at the Mayfair Hotel are all sold out, XBIZ Summit attendees are encouraged to reserve rooms at the nearby Sonesta Bayfront Hotel, located a mere block away from the Mayfair Hotel & Spa, using the following discounted group code 0514XBIZIN.

XBIZ.net adult business network members and adult website operators may also still qualify for a free or discounted registration if they act fast to reserve their place at this trendsetting event.

For more information, visit www.xbizsummit.com.