Exotic Erotic Ball celebrates its 30th Anniversary this October. Founder Perry Mann, much more known for PR stunts and salacious hijinx than candid conversation, gave MetroWize a few frank moments. In this interview, he reflects on the past and he previews the upcoming milestone event, which he says will be “the show of shows”. (visit www.exoticeroticball.com to see what's in the works)

Thirty years, Perry – that’s a long time. Did you think you’d make it this far?

MANN: No, I did not. When I started the Ball, it was a small party in my apartment to raise money for my friend Louis who was running for President under the Nudist Party. I had no clue what it would become. Over time, I went through much personal travail, some of which could have resulted in my untimely end. I’m very grateful to be here to reach this milestone. We’re calling it “Our XXX Anniversary”.

Leave it to you to come up with a double entendre for the number 30!

MANN: Well, the 30th Wedding Anniversary is Pearl, so we were coming up with lame pearl necklace jokes, looking for that perfect marketing hook. As soon as we realized that the Roman Numeral of 30 was XXX, we knew that was it.

So many huge numbers are bandied about when the Ball is discussed – what are the honest, actual stats?

MANN: We are the largest and longest-running adult-themed party event in the world. Over two days, we draw in the neighborhood of 25,000 - although it would be cosmically appropriate if we reached 30,000 on our 30th Anniversary, wouldn’t it? During the Ball itself, 12,000 wonderful spirits circulate in the ether. The ratio of men to women is 55 to 45, which is awesome. The vast majority are in costumes or sexy outfits, which makes it visually unique. And although we’ve never commissioned a formal study, we bring between $2M and $3M of positive economic impact into the Bay each year.

The Ball has received so many accolades – and you must have had so many highs. Looking back, what makes you the most proud?

MANN: Unfortunately, some of those “highs” you mention have diminished my memory. (Laugh) The thing I am most proud about - and this is hard to explain in a few words – is that the Ball hasn’t lost its message or its edge despite the growth. I think we’ve kept a political consciousness without standing on a soapbox. A lot of people who attend every year see us in a twofold manner – as a giant sexy party, and as a celebration of personal freedom. I like that.

What about disappointments or regrets?

MANN: My biggest regret is easy – losing my partner Louis tragically in 1995. He would have loved to see this. As for my biggest disappointment – it was probably last year, when we tried moving to a new site, and ran into problems with shuttles. A sexy show and a skimpy outfit just don’t mix with a shuttle bus. We pride ourselves on a smooth operation, but for the first time our guests were put out.

People can be unforgiving. How did you handle that?

MANN: By staying humble and not passing the buck. We responded to every email we received and dealt with everyone personally. Truth is – the problems were not our fault and we are presently in litigation, so that’s all I can say. But our guests look to us, and so we must always be accountable to them for their experiences. That’s only fair since we’ve sure taken plenty of credit for all the positive stuff over the years.

So what can you tell us about the 30th Anniversary Exotic Erotic Ball?

MANN: I can tell you that I am pulling out all the stops. We’re thrilled to be back at the Cow Palace, and this will absolutely be the show to end all shows. The focus is partly on sexy groundbreaking stuff, and partly on bringing back the best acts from previous years. To find the best new stuff, we’ve already sent Paul Nathan to Europe, Asia, and South America. To pick the best returning acts, we’ve asked our email database to choose their favorites. We’re getting a huge response. I’ll be announcing some of it in a few weeks.

How do you see the future of the Exotic Erotic Ball?

MANN: I think we just move forward as we always have – stay true to our roots, don’t take ourselves too seriously, put on a great show, and remember to give back.

And what about the future of America and the world?

MANN: Does anyone really want my opinion? I can’t speak for the world. I’m also not the fearful type so I don’t worry about what I cannot control. As for America, I think that pure capitalism is having a rough time, and rightfully so. I like the guy we have in charge now, so let’s hope he has the answers. I’m just a guy who throws a big sexy party. And my next one is October 24th at the Cow Palace, and this is one party you do not want to miss!

For More Exotic Erotic Ball info:
EEB Website
Photos from previous EEB events