Glittering 2026 XBIZ Honors Spotlights Pleasure Industry

LOS ANGELES — The 2026 XBIZ Honors, presented by Svakom and Kaotik Labs, lit up Avalon Hollywood on Sunday night, turning the iconic venue into a dazzling celebration of pleasure-industry excellence.

Brand and retail executives arrived in full glam, transforming the historic venue into a runway of tailored suits, shimmering gowns and unapologetic high style as industry members gathered to celebrate their peers’ achievements.

XBIZ’s Alec Helmy offered an intro and words of encouragement for the community of professionals.

“In a time when the world is so divided, being part of the pleasure biz feels extra special,” he said. “Just look around: We are diverse like no other industry. We don’t care what you look like, where you’re from or how you identify. What matters is who you are, your character, your talent, your work ethic.” 

Beyond that, Helmy noted, what defines the sector is its culture.

“We are bold,” he affirmed. “We are defiant. We are bootstrapped go-getters. We can be pretty weird by mainstream standards! And of course, with that comes the occasional dysfunction. But we’re in this together, especially when the outside world makes us feel less than. 

“We show up for each other,” Helmy concluded. “We build, we push and we keep going no matter what — just like family does. And tonight is about our family: the risk takers, the movers and shakers, and those who make this a better space.”

The evening leaned fully into spectacle. Hosts Erik Vasquez of Sliquid and Brent Aldon of Aneros made a grand entrance, carried Cleopatra-style to the stage by trophy boys clad in Virtue jockstraps.

The show’s momentum surged right from the start with a choreographed dance performance set to Madonna’s “Vogue,” performed by by Aldon, Vasquez and the Virtue Trophy Crew, joined by a squad of industry pros: Sliquid’s Michelle Marcus, Aneros’ Robert Stevenson and Malay Vannouvong, Classic Brands’ Nicole McCree, Viben's Jade Buchan and Loretta Goodling of Honey’s Place, all of whom owned the stage with precision and attitude.

“This is what happens when executives are given creative control,” Aldon joked.

They quickly set a playful, over-the-top tone for a night dedicated to honoring creativity, leadership and success. Vasquez started off by warning the crowd of the roasting the hosts had planned for attendees.

“Just know: Tonight’s jokes were written with love, with respect and with absolutely no HR department,” he quipped.

The first presenters of the evening were Oh La La Cheri’s Tom Hassid, Screaming O’s Dan Holman and Nasstoys’ Sara Gaffoor.

Holman told the crowd, “Usually, being first means we’re the warmup act — but in this industry, we prefer to call it foreplay. So you can think of us as your emotional fluffers for the evening.”

The first category up was Retail Buyer of the Year.

Gaffoor explained, “They are the gatekeepers, the trendsetters, the people who decide what actually goes onto the shelves.”

The winner was Brenda Cox of San Diego’s CW Whitewater.

“I was not expecting this!” she said. “A lot of you know my boss, Steve Weiner. Thank you to all of my reps I work with.”

Next up was Best Fantasy Themed Sex Toy, which Hassid noted honors imaginative designs and strategic storytelling.

“Because let’s be honest,” Hassid said. “Sometimes regular biology just isn’t enough. So this is for the creators who are selling dragons, aliens and the kind of product that leaves TSA agents very, very confused.”

Tentacle Grinder by Evolved Novelties was named the winner.

Evolved’s Lucy Vonne and Steve Sav came up to accept the award.

“Thank you everyone who voted,” Vonne said. “This is a really fun toy. It actually sits on my desk because it’s pretty.”

Sav added, “It’s been really fun to sell too.”

Holman then presented the trophy for Distributor Account Exec of the Year.

“They run on trust, responsiveness and the ability to look the buyer in the eye and say, ‘Trust me, the Dragon Dong is going to be huge this quarter,’” he said.

National’s Eddie Santiago took the title and gushed, “All I can say is: Thanks to Scott Taylor for giving me the best chance in the world and all you guys for accepting me for who I am.” 

Sactacular’s Nicole Larkin, Nu Sensuelle’s Conde Aumann and Eline’s Sherri Shaulis then took the stage to present the next set of trophies.

Crave’s Cuffs in Black & 24kt Gold was named Best Accessory Product, and Director of Strategic Partnerships Rachel Johnston thanked the crowd for letting Crave “make things a little classy and sexy and dripping in 24-karat gold.”

The next category presented was Pleasure Product Account Exec of the Year.

Larkin said, “This award recognizes a sales professional who combines deep product knowledge with strong relationship-building skills, to help brands and retailers grow together.” 

Our Erotic Journey’s Scott Lipkin was applauded as the winner, though he was not on hand to accept.

To present award for Best Retail Education Program, Larkin, Aumann and Shaulis wore graduation caps and hummed “Pomp and Circumstance” as Aumann declared, “This category honors an education initiative that empowers retailers with the knowledge, confidence and tools needed to better serve their customers.” 

Shaulis put it succinctly: “Be smart, make money.”

Adam and Eve’s The Pleasure Tour 2025 was declared the winner. Jihan Phillips of Adam & Eve Franchise thanked all of the stores that participated in the pleasure tour, but singled out Jessica Drake for special praise.

“She was amazing,” Phillips marveled. “She is a legend, a living legend. She really brought pleasure to each and every town. Not only did she support our stores with training, but she supported the community. So it went above and beyond.”

Drake called the pleasure tour “an amazing experience.”

“The events we curated for each store were truly special,” she said. “Thank you to all of the retailers that had me in their stores, and to their staffs. They all did amazing jobs. And of course, as always, thank you to Wicked Sensual Care for supporting me in everything that I do.”

Barnaby’s Amy Carnegie, Holiday Products’ Chris Armstrong and Cyberskin rep Frank Tarulli presented the next trio of awards. The first, for Business Development Executive of the Year, went to Alexandro Feynerol of Svakom.

“I just want to thank every single one of my clients,” Feynerol said. “They are the ones who made me get here today. You know who you are — I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

In the category of Best Intimate Care Product, Anal Douche Kit by Future Method was declared the winner. Future Method’s Greg Lam thanked the crowd, as did Kathryn Byberg, who was named Marketing Executive of the Year.

“Thanks to the whole Little Leaf team,” Byberg said. “More importantly, thank you to all of the clients that we work with, who put their trust in us.”

Aldon and Vasquez returned to the stage for a segment in which they reviewed and rated social media comments about the news that they would host XBIZ Honors.

Vasquez said, “Some comments were supportive, some confused, some written entirely in all caps so they really let us know that they meant it.”

Robert Stevenson was roasted for his “too hyped” emoji usage.

“Robert, calm down, queen,” Vasquez said.

Nicole McCree’s comment asking for an autograph earned her a pair of oversized old headshots the hosts signed to “the Coochy Queen.”

Janra’s Megan Swartz, who previously hosted the event, asked on Facebook, “Where the fuck was my photo shoot?”

“You know what, Megan?” Vasquez said. “We were thinking the same thing. Easy fix!”

Vasquez then called out posing directions as Swartz was photographed for her moment. 

Timothy Ferencz from JO had joked online, “Two gays hosting. The award show will be eight hours long. There will be 8,756 costume changes.”

Ferencz was at the Golden Globe Awards, but his colleague JB Brown accepted a poster-sized “tally card” and marker on his behalf.

The next team of presenters, Michelle Marcus, Sliquid’s Colin Roy and Netflix personality Melanie Rose, awarded the Best Couples Sex Toy trophy to Kiiroo’s Luxus.

The brand’s Kate Kozlova thanked the crowd for allowing Kiiroo “the opportunity to deliver simultaneous orgasms all over the world.”

Next, the Community Figure of the Year title went to Adam & Eve franchisee Kate McGregor, who held back tears as she accepted the award.

“I don’t know what to say other than when I got here, y’all embraced me,” McGregor told the audience. “I’m doing what I do because I love what I do, and I love all of y’all. I hope to bring that back to the community. This is awesome.”

Wrapping up the block of categories that Marcus, Roy and Rose presented was Online Boutique of the Year, with BettysToyBox.com named the winner. Company execs Tracy and Carolyn Eagle shared their love of working together.

Carolyn Eagle said of her sister, “She’s my rock.”

Tracy Eagle thanked their industry partners and expressed her pride in all that her sister had started and achieved.

“I’ve been able to work alongside her all these years, kind of behind the scenes,” she said. “It’s a thrill to be here and recognized in this way.”

Alexandro Feynerol, Loretta Goodling and Rachel Johnston presented the next batch of categories, beginning with Brand Ambassador of the Year.

Goodline said, “This award goes to someone who has probably answered the same questions over and over but can still be authentic with their answers. They don’t just represent a brand; they are the brand, whether they’re on a show floor or on camera.” 

Winner Kate Kozlova, who was 2025’s Sexpert of the Year, said she was flattered and grateful to be accepting a second award in such a short time. 

“You are the coolest people in the world,” she said. “You are the coolest industry in the world. You are friends for life. Thank you for this recognition. It means the world to me.”

The Retailer of the Year title was awarded to TAF Distributing. Owner Kraig McGee marveled at the caliber of his fellow nominees.

“They’re the kind of people that I always aspired to be,” he said. “Seeing everyone I love in this audience is wonderful. I wish everybody could win an award. I really do. I thank my family and my friends in the industry for all that we have achieved.”

Kraig McGee III, seconded those sentiments, extending further congratulations to the sales associates, store managers, regional managers and operations team behind the scenes.

The Road Warrior of the Year title was bestowed upon none other than event co-host Brent Aldon, who returned to the stage to accept the trophy.

“As you guys know, being a road warrior is not about who travels the most — it’s about having resilience and really making sure that you have a balance of life,” he said. “Thank you to my husband, Andrew, for holding the fort at home with all of our doggies. It’s been a tough year for us because we lost two of our dogs a couple of months ago. So thank you so much for all your love and support.”

SOS Distribution’s Jorge Solarzano, Happy Mind’s Josh Whitaker and Fascinations’ Breanne Sanchez next took the stage, joined by Whitaker’s Happy Mind-branded robot dog, and presented the award for Best Powered Sex Toy to the Magic Wand Waterproof.

Magic Wand’s Eddie Romero thanked all of the retailers, distributors and consumers who love the brand.

“It’s been around since 1968,” he noted. “It is a legacy item. We’re here to stay a little bit longer!”

Next, LSMT’s Allison Brazier was named Team Manager of the Year. She told the crowd that she wanted to share the award with the team from LSMT.

“I have an amazing group of people to work with,” she said. “I’m only able to shine because they’re all superstars.”

Lovely Planet’s Glow LED Dildo was named the Best Non-Powered Sex Toy. Sonny Farnsworth accepted the trophy, thanking the crowd.

The In Memoriam segment followed, with the XBIZ Honors hosts leading a toast. 

Vasquez hailed “the visionaries we’ve lost: leaders whose passion, courage and creativity helped shape this industry into what it is today.” 

“Their legacy lives on in every room like this one,” he said.

Aldon then introduced burlesque dancer Mulan Alexander, who dazzled the crowd with a performance that culminated in Aldon and Vasquez showering Alexander with water as she danced in a giant champagne glass.

The hosts then paused to check in with JB Brown for an update on the costume count.

Vasquez joked, “Third outfit? Four, I don’t even know. JB, this is actually your job. Where are you?”

ECN’s Nathan Hammerle next made his way on stage, and recalled serving as trophy boy for last year’s show.

“I can see why they needed an upgrade,” he laughed.

Hammerle presented the award for Best Product Innovation to Spinel by Lovense. Director of Strategic Development Niall Hopkinson accepted the award, thanking his team, software engineers and Lovense’s retail and distribution partners.

Next, Hammerle presented the Sexpert of the Year trophy to COTR’s Alicia Sinclair, who reflected back on her career.

“I became a certified sex educator in 2015,” she said. “I’d been in the business for about 10 years on the sales side, and I just felt that there wasn’t enough information for the people who were developing and making products. It’s been an honor to embed sex education into our brands. Thank you for recognizing me for that.”

The WIA Woman of the Year was presented next, with XBIZ’s Associate Publisher Sara Ramirez paying tribute to winner Megan Swartz.

“For more than 20 years, our WIA Woman of the Year has helped shape this industry through leadership, innovation and heart,” Ramirez said. “She’s grown professionally and has built products and ideas that truly last. She’s loyal, steady and grounded in integrity.”

Accepting the honor, Swartz thanked a host of friends, family, mentors and collaborators.

“The first person that I want to thank, because he really helped me along the way, is Brian Herbstman,” she said. “He was the best in this industry. He was an innovator, forward-thinking, intelligent, just a brilliant mind. Part of who I am is who he is. 

“Kim Faubel, Austin, Loretta, Joey, Adam, Elan, Hamed, Steve Craig, Josh Ortiz,” Swartz continued. “These are all people I’ve learned from, mirrored and grown with. They’re not just friends; they’re my role models. I have always surrounded myself with like-minded people — I work hard as fuck, and so does everybody that I just named! I also want to thank my family. My sister, she’s here. My son’s here as well. I’ve built my career in a way that allows me to be fully present in their lives and that means everything to me.”

Greg Lam and Spectrum Boutique’s Zoe Ligon presented the next round of awards, beginning with the Retail Executive Leadership Award.

Ligon explained, “This award recognizes an executive whose vision, leadership and decision-making are shaping the future of pleasure retail.” 

Winner Sean Quinn of All Point Retail was absent, so Ligon moved on to the Pleasure Products Executive Leadership Award.

“This award celebrates an executive whose strategic vision drives pleasure, brand growth, innovation and market impact,” she said.

The winner, CalExotics’ Austin Ferdinand, thanked his company and his customers.

“But most of all: Thanks, Susan, for believing in me 20 years ago, and believing in me every day and trusting me,” Ferdinand said.

The 2026 Progressive Leadership Award went to Fleshlight’s David Ashley, who told his assembled peers that he felt honored to receive the award among so many distinguished colleagues.

“Thank you, Steve Shubin, for inventing Fleshlight,” Ashley said. “Thank you to my global team, who are actually working right now, making products back in Austin.”

Returning to the stage, Aldon and Vasquez introduced Oxballs’ Ryan Fraga Pena Suarez, Steve Sav and Sportsheets’ Kelly Sofferman as the next presenters. 

They presented the Business Person of the Year trophy to Sliquid’s Cynthia Elliott, who told the crowd that she felt deeply humbled and honored even to be on the same list as the rest of the evening’s nominees. 

“This is as much my team’s award as it is mine,” Elliott said. “I’m so blessed to have them and work together alongside them every day. And of course, thank you to Dean for laying the foundation for our vision and what has become our family. I know he is looking down bursting with pride tonight.”

Next, the Best New Pleasure Brand of the Year award went to Dr. Tush’s.

The brand’s Robert Christ accepted, saying, “First thing I’d like to do is thank my beautiful wife, who’s been with me through this whole thing. I know it’s only been a year, but we really appreciate it. It’s also odd, but I’d like to thank my mom and dad!”

To present the evening’s final batch of winners, for XBIZ Honors’ impact awards, Nicole McCree, Kheper Games’ Brian Pelham, Alicia Sinclair, Chris Von Huben and Nalpac’s Kelsey Harris took the stage.

The first impact award, the Brave Voice award, went to COTR’s Kim Faubel.

“It is a little ironic,” Faubel said. “I don’t feel like I deserve this, because I’m a white lady regurgitating shit that I’ve been listening to from people who know far better. But as an obnoxious white lady, I will amplify the message! 

“What I love about this industry is that it’s about pleasure,” she reflected. “Pleasure has always been political, because it’s all about autonomy — and autonomy is for every body. There are a lot of bodies right now that are under attack. Trans bodies, Black and brown bodies, disabled bodies, any body with a uterus, veterans’ bodies, elderly bodies, Palestinian bodies. So don’t you ever fucking forget it: Stand up, speak out, fuck ICE and fuck Donald Trump.”

Next, the Pulse of the People award was presented to Tori Titus McCrobie of Paradise, who told the crowd, “There are so many words. I’m not even going to try saying them right now because that’s a whole other episode. But everyone here is brilliant and amazing. I look forward to seeing what 2026 holds for everyone.” 

Self-professed “Coochy Queen” McCree next presented the Trusted Confidant award to Nalpac’s Phoebe Grott.

Accepting the trophy, Grott said, “I can’t imagine a life without getting up every day to work with the people that I care about and for a purpose I care for. Thank you to all of you here, all who are not here, my team and my family, who stood by me when my mom said, ‘Wait, what do I tell people you do for a living?’”

Sinclair next presented what she hailed as “such a sweet award.”

“With so many amazing people who have already won a lot of great awards, this one really speaks to me,” she said. “The Heart of Gold award celebrates individuals who exemplify kindness and compassion through meaningful actions that uplift and support those around them. And the winner is… Lynn Swanson!”

Swanson shared that she has been in the industry for most of her adult life. 

“I’ve always tried to be helpful to those coming behind me and supporting all my friends in the industry who have been so supportive to me,” she said. “Thanks for recognizing me. Let’s all be kind to one another and help each other as we come up.”

Harris presented the final trophy of the night: the Shining Spirit award.

“This category highlights individuals whose optimism, resilience and uplifting energy inspire everyone around them,” Harris said. “That applies to a lot of people here.”

The winner was Kheper Games’ Cathy Ziegler.

Thrilled, Kheper’s Brian Pellham praised Ziegler as “the most amazing person to ever happen to Kheper Games and this industry.” 

Ziegler responded, saying, “This is the best industry in the world. I’m so happy to be a part of it for all these years, to work for Brian and to know all of you.” 

Aldon and Vasquez returned to the stage to thank the evening’s sponsors. Attendees then made their way to the Bardot lounge right above the Avalon to dance the night away. Music, celebration and camaraderie filled the lounge well into the late hours — a joyous reminder that while the pleasure industry thrives on innovation and business savvy, its greatest strength lies in its cohesive community, united by mutual respect and a shared dedication to lifting one another up.